A Day in the Life...

Holy Smoke! What a Great Giveaway

2009-12-09T11:26:00.002-05:00

She's Becoming DoughMessTic is having a great giveaway...a PURTY RED KITCHENAID MIXER! and I want to win it. Thus, I am posting to my blog and this gives me an additional chance to win. You can enter too by clicking on the link above, going to the post and entering up to four times by following the directions. WOW! I really want this one. If you win, will you share with me?

We Do It All for Him and for him...

2009-12-03T12:10:00.005-05:00

The weeks leading up to a Carolina Mountain Christmas Spectacular are tiring with rehearsals, extra rehearsals and memorization.

We have about nine days straight of rehearsals and then 8 performances.

After being on my feet so much I'm aching all over.

However, it is all worth it.

The first night of CMCS is strictly a community outreach night when prisoners from Buncombe County, shelters, boys and girls homes, Buncombe County foster kids program, senior living complexes, etc. are brought to the church, fed a wonderful Christmas meal and then come to the performance.

It is always the most blessed of the performances with so many in attendance that need a relationship with the Savior.

Last year at the outreach night, a Buncombe County prisoner came. He made a life-changing commitment to Christ. Sometime in the last year, he was released from prison and reunited with his family of 6. Yesterday, he came to our worship leader and told him about his salvation experience and told him that this year he wants to bring his family to see CMCS so they can witness and understand the changes in his life. Carl gave him 7 tickets so he can bring his whole family. This is the whole purpose for doing CMCS, and for being so tired that we can hardly walk today. It is for him and for Him.

Last night, December 2 was this year's outreach night. What a blessing to be a part of 109+ people coming to know Christ as personal Savior. Who knows what the impact will be over the years of last night's outreach night. We will never know but that doesn't matter because we do it all for Him and for them and He blesses them through our efforts. Yes, we are tired but we are a good tired and will go at it again tonight, tomorrow night and through next Monday night because it's all about Him.

Photos by Steve Brady

It's a Wonderful Life and a Great Thanksgiving Day!

2009-11-27T07:43:00.003-05:00

Have You Ever Been to Gerton or seen a Black Mountain?

2009-11-22T21:34:00.009-05:00

Have you ever been to Gerton or seen a Black Mountain...that is Gerton, NC and Black Mountain, NC. Gerton is a little bitty spot in the road near Chimney Rock, NC. There's not much there except for a few farms, gift shops AND the Manual Woodworkers and Weavers Warehouse that is open to the public. I have gone there for several years and since our little mountain cabin get-away weekend was nearby, we of course, made an excursion to the warehouse again.

According to a website I found, "The Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, Inc. began as a small souvenir business in 1932 by Tom and Queenie Oates. Many of the wood items they sold were made by Tom himself on wood-working equipment powered by a water wheel. Queenie operated the store and bought handicrafts such as hooked and woven rugs from area artisans. In 1974 their son, Lemuel, and his wife, Sandra, started running the business, adding many more outside craftsmen. In the late 80's they changed the name of the business from Manual Woodworkers, Inc. to Manual Woodworkers and Weavers, Inc. so that the company name would better reflect what the company's main product line had become - beautifully woven afghans and accessories. This is also when Manual began to manufacture woven products rather than buying from outside sources. In the early 90's we began to put together our "one-stop-shop" product line. Our goal was to provide a product line so diverse that the independent store owner could shop at one location, for one minimum order and fill their store with great selling merchandise."

Only friendly people may park here.

Upon entering, you are met by some of the friendly people who work in the warehouse and by a huge room filled with everything from dishware to woven throws to jackets and baby blankets.

We left Gerton and made our way on over the mountain to Black Mountain, NC where we ate lunch at My Father's Pizza in Black Mountain and it was yum.

We ate on the patio since we had Abbie with us.

It was cold outside but as long as we were in the sun, it was fine. A gorgeous warm sun shone on our backs.

Tomorrow I'll try to write a post on the wonderful little town of Black Mountain, NC. I love it there.

It's an I Heart Faces Friday (again)

2009-11-20T10:07:00.004-05:00

As has been my trend in the last few weeks, again, I've not gotten around to posting anything this week until now. What's up with that? I do love doing I ♥ Faces Friday Fix-it Photos. So here's my fix (in more ways than one) for this week.

The photo that I♥Faces gave us to work on this week is a beauty. What a cutie pie this little girl is. Here's the original.

My first fix was to crop the photo and then I took leaves from other sections in the photo to cover the over-exposed area in front. I also used The Pioneer Woman's "Bring on the Eyes" action to work on cutie pie's eyes a little and used Unsharp Mask to sharpen the photo a bit.

I absolutely love this photo as it is now but decided to do a couple more things to it. I opened an orangey texture and changed it to Soft Light at 100%. I added a layer mask to soften the orange lights on cutie pie. I added a little burn around the edges and here it is.

What a fun project to work on. Thanks I♥Faces for the fun. To see links to more fixes that others did, go to http://www.iheartfaces.com/

I ♥ Faces Fix-it Friday

2009-11-13T09:43:00.004-05:00

It seems that I've gotten into the habit of only posting on Fridays when I ♥ Faces hosts it's Fix-it Fridays. I love taking someone else's photo and working Photoshop magic on it if for no other reason than to learn a little more about Photoshop.

This week the fix-it photo is of a sweet little boy with some beautiful bokeh in the background. This is the photo that I worked on before any fixes.

I first adjusted the curves balance and the exposure. Then I worked on his eyes a little and his "crusty" nose using the clone tool. Next, I added a light texture layer to that beautiful bokeh background. That is the extent of my fixes and I love the way this has turned out.

This next one I did a little tweeking of this cutie's complexion using a soft brush and voilà, he's finished. I ♥ photoshop.

Go to I ♥ Faces and take a look at the links to the other websites who participate in this fun Friday frivolity.

I ♥ Faces - Fix-it Friday

2009-11-06T08:56:00.004-05:00

What could be more beautiful than this little girl? I am thoroughly enjoying the i♥faces fix-it friday challenges and think I'm learning a lot and getting ever so slightly better at what I'm trying to learn.

The original image today is beautiful but slightly dark. This is what it looked like before I began

The first fix was a really quick fix by adjusting the curves in CS4 and very lightly "painting" over a couple of blemishes using a soft brush in her skin tone.

The next fix tweeked that peaches and cream complexion just a little more.

And a little more.

The next two images I used a texture over the one above. The texture is a soft pink and then used a fabric texture in green floral over that one (#5). Loved working on this gorgeous child. What fun fix-it Fridays are at I♥Faces.

I ♥ Faces Photo Challenge - Balloons

2009-11-02T09:04:00.004-05:00

Since I have been so enamored with photoshop lately and since I didn't have a photo with a family face with balloons in it, I decided to work my photoshop magic with one of Diana's photos and create a family balloon photo. I won't enter it into the challenge but it's a fun thing to do anyway. I took this photo of Diana's

Then I found an appropriate photo of Drew that I could "create" him on the big screen. This is what turned out

Is that neat or what? I wish I could send it in to the photo challenge but I won't because I cheated and to be honest a professional could tell. It was so fun to work on though. Loved doing it.

Fix-It Friday Fix

2009-10-30T09:06:00.005-04:00

I am beginning to thoroughly enjoy Fix-it Fridays at I♥Faces. This is the most fun website...something new everyday in the photography and/or photoshop world. As I said on facebook, photoshop is fast becoming one of my best friends. As I take more and more photos, I am realizing that you cannot take the perfect digital photo; every photo needs some tweeking in photoshop.

Today's Fix-it Friday photo is of a beautiful little fairy girl. Her eyes just grabbed me from the start. She looks as if she's been flitting about quite awkwardly or having so much fun flitting that she's not paying attention and running into things because she has some boo-boos on her legs. This is the original image from Fix-it Friday.

I pretty much knew what I wanted to do to it. I first repaired the bruises on her leg using a soft brush in skin tone. Then using Gaussian Blur, I blurred the background. After that, I layered a green texture with some lighting flair and set to screen at 75% opacity. I removed some of the texture from her face and clothing with a little extra taken off the eyes to make the pop. Next, I added the flair where there is more light in the upper left corner. Then I slightly rounded the corners giving it an ethereal look overall. I loved working on this fix. What a beautiful child.

On the Road Again...Jus' Can't Wait to Get on the Road Again - POSTPONED

2009-10-28T10:21:00.003-04:00

UPDATE: Because of my continuing sinus infection/headachy feeling, etc., we have decided that this trip will be taken a little later in November. I think I will enjoy it much more later.

We're headed out Friday afternoon to a beautiful spot in Flat Rock, NC for a weekend of relaxation and photo taking. This should be a peak weekend for the fall leaves in Flat Rock and we intend to have the photos to prove it.

I'll have my own photos to post next week but wanted to give this preview of photos from the website of the Flat Rock Inn Bed and Breakfast. What a beautiful house we'll be staying in.

This is the exterior of the house

The Balcony from our Room

The Front Porch

The Sunroom Common Area

The Living Room Common Area

Our Room - The Victorian

The Dining Room Where Breakfast is Served

A Quiet Place to Read and Have a Cup of Coffee

I am excited to get to be able to have this quiet weekend away and what a beautiful place to stay.

Photoshop Contemplations

2009-10-27T13:36:00.005-04:00

I have Photoshop CS4 at work and have been trying to decide if I want to buy it for home. I downloaded the 30 day free trial and am really enjoying having it at home. I've also been perusing the internet for tutorials, photography blogs and photoshop blogs and think I've learned a little.

A few years ago when Charlie was living in Oklahoma City, we went out to visit him and Carlos. One of the photos I took is at the OKC Memorial and is of Jesus weeping for the lost children. It also depicts through the use of 13 columns, Jesus coming to get the children who were killed that day. Today, I've worked on that photo a little in photoshop and wanted to post what I've done. Let me know what you think.

This is the original SOOC.

This is the first edit with some texture added.

This is the second edit with another layer of texture and some shadowing added.

So, what do you think? Should I buy Photoshop CS4 for use at home?

And oh, by the way, if you've never visited the Oklahoma City Memorial it is worth the trip. It is very awe-inspiring and almost makes you feel like you're in a sanctuary when you're there. You don't want to talk above a whisper.

It's Not Easy Being Queen

2009-10-26T14:34:00.004-04:00

This week's contest at I ♥ Faces is a halloween dress-up photo contest. I think Abbie always thinks she's the queen but in this photo, she looks like she's grown weary of the role.

It's Not Easy Being Queen

Autumn is the Crowning Glory of the Year

2009-10-25T16:10:00.002-04:00

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. ~Albert Camus

The foliage has been losing its freshness through the month of August, and here and there a yellow leaf shows itself like the first gray hair amidst the locks of a beauty who has seen one season too many. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter. ~Nova Bair

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
~George Cooper, "October's Party"

Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. ~Stanley Horowitz

Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence

Youth is like spring, an over praised season more remarkable for biting winds than genial breezes. Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits. ~Samuel Butler

The Gates of Charleston

2009-10-21T15:22:00.006-04:00

If you've ever been able to visit Charleston, you surely saw the gorgeous iron gates (also a few wooden ones). I have become enamored with these beauties and am about ready to make another trip to photograph some more. In the meantime, I thought I might share some of my gate photos with you so you can fall in love with them too.

My absolute favorite gate is this one at St. Phillips Episcopal Church.

This gate is at Waterfront Park in Charleston. We had to close this one to get the photo but we were nice and opened it back up.

Oh. My. Goodness. I love these gates and can only imagine the stories some of them would tell if they could talk.

I ♥ Faces

2009-10-16T11:32:00.014-04:00

I have been a fan of the photography website I ♥ Faces for a few weeks. Being the novice that I am in Photoshop, I have loved Fridays when they give a photo for us to "fix" in a photo editing program. I have Adobe Photoshop CS4 and am just scratching the surface learning what it will do; however, I want to learn and am voraciously studying everything I can get my hands on to learn to do what I know PS CS4 will do.

Today, I ♥ Faces gave us a darling photo of a toddler in a tutu which looks beautiful simply because the little girl is so beautiful.

Honestly, I didn't know where to start except for adjusting the contrast a little to get some of the shadow off the left side of her face. Then I remembered the textures tutorials I had seen recently and decided that I would go with trying that on this toddler's photo.

My first attempt is to add a texture with some beautiful sparkly bokeh. It turned out somewhat presentable. What do you think?

The next one is a striped leaf texture. I am not crazy about this one but wanted to show it because after all, I am learning :-).

The last one I've worked on is probably my favorite because I've always loved the sepia tones or black and white with a spot of color. This one has a brown leather texture over it. What do you think?

Until next Friday, when I ♥ Faces does it again, let me know what you think of these. I realize they aren't professional but at least I'm trying and I won't get professional without at least that much.

Flowers of Earth and Buds of Heaven

2009-09-29T11:01:00.004-04:00

For the beauty of the earth
For the beauty of the skyes

For the love which from our birth

Over and around us lies

Lord of all, to thee we raise

This our grateful hymn of praise. ~John Rutter

Photo Hunt: Twisted

2009-09-26T15:40:00.007-04:00

A fun photo hunt with a different theme takes place each week at tnchick.com. I decided to participate in the photo hunt this week since I had the perfect photo.

This was taken at Falls Park in the West End of Greenville, SC. If you've never been, it's definitely worth a visit. Gorgeous place! Yes, these are tree roots.

HELP!

2009-09-25T13:34:00.008-04:00

Do you remember these?

That within the hour became these?

These were all to go in Maggie's vacated bedroom with the new craigslist daybed that I'd planned to use blue/white toile on. The best laid plans don't always work out because along came this great buy on craigslist for bedding for the daybed...

So the dilemma is...do I leave the tables black or paint them oil rubbed bronze? Or do I paint them plain flat brown? Or do I paint another color? HELP!!!

It Wasn't the Best of Days...It Wasn't the Worst of Days

2009-09-19T17:14:00.006-04:00

First off, I have to say that today was fun, fun, fun. I took my daughter and 2 granddaughters with me yard saleing. Since they live in Brazil, it's not often that we get to spend 4 hours on a Saturday morning together so that made today even more special.

We were awakened to the sound of rain...well not just rain but monsoon rains this morning. I knew that it would not be a great yard sale day but we went anyway. But first off, we had to make a breakfast/coffee stop at Dunkin' Donuts for our morning fix. Neither do we get to do that often...fun!

We then made the rounds to several yard sales that were courageous enough to brave the weather. In Kate's (5 year old gd) estimation, it was a great day! Her birthday is coming up at the end of September. Just about forever (in her eyes) she has wanted a drum set. We certainly didn't think about looking for one and if her mom had not been with me, I wouldn't even have noticed this 3 piece child's drumset that was just what Kate needed. Now, this Mema, really got the tuck-n-run find of the day with this one. Kate's drumset retails on amazon.com for almost $200.00 and we got it in almost new condition for $25. Happy Birthday! Kate!!! Love those bargains.

With the makeover of Maggie's old room, I needed some twin bed sheets to fit the daybed and trundle. Found those this morning for $1 per sheet and .50 for the pillowcases and they are in really good (almost new) condition. I really don't know why someone wouldn't price them at $2.50 for the set instead of pricing them separately but that's how they were so bought them.

To satisfy my reading addiction, I went through several boxes of books and found 3 that I didn't have and picked them for $1 each. That was probably too much but I'm happy so that's all that matters.

I love yard sale-ing on Saturday morning and especially today with the family with me. Great WET Saturday morning.

Fun Friday

2009-09-11T13:00:00.014-04:00

What a great, fabulous, fun and all the other "great" adjectives" day I've had. Earlier in the week, I had seen a craigslist ad for a garage sale that began today. Well, normally I have to work on Friday but decided I'd take a day of vacation since a retired INTERIOR DESIGNER was having the sale. WOW! I couldn't miss this one. It was a great sale and I wish I'd been a little earlier and a little faster on grabbing things. I saw several things that I wanted that other people bought before I got my hands on them. However, I did score ok and wanted to post my fun Friday finds; who knows? I may go again tomorrow too :-).

This morning, I got 2 - insulated lunch bags - .50 & .25 each. Normally these wouldn't even have caught my eye but I've been trying to take lunch from home rather than eating out so much so I thought these would be really handy; and, you can't beat the price~

I love, love, love to read but have never listened to a whole audio book. This yard sale had lots of audio books and I thought I'd give it a try. I bought a Roasmund Pilcher Collection of 3 audio books (The White Birds (story), The Shell Seekers, Coming Home) for .50. If I don't like listening to a book, I'm not out very much $$. (Disregard the dogs butt in the pic; she lives here and obviously gets to sleep wherever she wants.)

A few months ago, Tim came home from a walk with a beautiful bird nest. We've had it in a plastic ziploc bag to kill any creepy crawlies that might have been living in it but it's been long enough now that we can bring it out, I think. I've kinda had my eye out for something to hold the birdnest and today I found it. A large vase with a metal base and a metal ring around the top for $3. The metal part was greenish metal so before I came home, I went to WM and bought some oiled bronze finish paint and painted the base and metal ring. It looks great. When I get the birds nest in it, I'll post another pic.

I have a beautiful stained glass piece that we bought in Brazil that hangs on the hallway wall outside our bedroom. It is fine there but I thought it needed "company" and had thought about wrought iron candleholders. Guess what I found for $1 each...you got it. Two wrought iron candleholders. Can't wait to get them hung.

I needed a spoon rest; found one for $1. I collect pottery pitchers; found one for $2. My laundry room needs organizing and I found some baskets to go on the shelves in the laundry room for $1 each. I'd wanted a PB style shelf to hang in the newly decorated "by the sea" bathroom and found one for $2. Found a little tiara for the granddaughter for .25.

After Maggie moved out, I'd bought a day bed to go in her room. That room is a project in process but I knew I wanted some small tables for lamps at each end of the bed. I found two small tables that may be plant stands that I've already given a coat of black spray paint and they look GREAT. I have some small crystal lamps that will be perfect on these little black jewels. Can't wait to finish that room up now.

And for the tuck and run find of the day...Forever and ever and ever, I've wanted a decorative birdcage. They are SOOOOOO expensive and couldn't ever see myself paying $75-$150 for one. As soon as I saw the birdcage, I knew I had to have it. Asked how much it was and got it for $10!!!!!!!!!!! I am sure it would be about $150 in a decorator's shop. YEA! I'm so excited.

Thanks to Raechel Myers for encouraging us to share our bargains with each other at Finding My Feet. She finds some great buys! Go check our Raechel's Saturday finds and then post yours too.

Kate's Storyboard

2009-09-10T13:25:00.009-04:00

The photos show up a little fuzzy on the blog. I tried printing and the storyboard printed great on my laser printer. Sent to Mpix to print so hope it's not fuzzy when they print it out.

Coming Soon to a Neighborhood Near You

2009-09-10T12:03:00.011-04:00

The Power of HIS Word

2009-09-03T11:27:00.006-04:00

Saturday Fun

2009-08-29T15:47:00.006-04:00

Got up at 6:15 a.m. today to head out to some yard sales. One in particular was in an area that we thought would be a really nice area of Greenville. Whoa! when we arrived, it was at a dumpy house and it appeared that they had saved every OLD piece of electronic equipment that they'd ever owned and had it out to try and sell. Old huge computer monitors, old old fax machine, old scanner, old telephones, boxes of electrical outlets, a few books, etc. It was sure a bunch of junk! Didn't buy anything...actually I think they'll end up having to pay somebody to haul that junk away to recycling.

On the way to that yard sale, I'd seen a sign for an Estate Sale on a street where a lady had lived that I worked with. I hoped that the sale was at Nancy's house and it turned out that it was. Her three sons are preparing to sell the house and are trying to clear out the contents before putting it on the market. I didn't see a much I needed but a Fontanini nativity in unopened boxes caught my eye. There were 19 pieces, retail value at almost $500. and we bought it for $20. Some of the pieces I already have and will probably sell them on craigslist or ebay and can make our money back on selling those pieces.

We also went to The Ham House for a good country breakfast and then this afternoon Kristy had a booksigning for her children's picture book, "Me With You."

So all in all it's been a good and fun day.

Wordless Wednesday - The Majesty and Glory of God

2009-08-26T08:06:00.004-04:00

To see more Wordless Wednesday participants.

MERRY MARTHA'S MIRACULOUS MORNING MERCHANDISE

2009-08-22T13:52:00.025-04:00

Thanks again to Raechel for encouraging us to share our yard sale finds each week. Check her blog at Finding My Feet and also check out the links at the bottom of her page for today where others link to their blog posts. It's so fun to compare our finds with everyone elses.

We hit the yard sale mother-lode today. A woman and her son had obviously bought almost everything that Linens and Things had left in their store when they closed and were selling it C-H-E-A-P!!! I hope they made some money because they were practically giving stuff away (YEA! for me).

A few weeks ago, Maggie had told me if I saw a simple Mr. Coffee coffeemaker at a yard sale to get it for her. Today, I found a new one, never been used for $5. Snatched that up right away. Also, I needed a new iron (not that I do THAT much ironing but Charlie does ;-0) so picked up a new Black and Decker iron. $3 for the iron. (Original price Mr. Coffee: $25; B&D Iron: $64.99)

A few months ago, I was in Belk when they were having a 1/2 price sale on their bed pillows. Pillows and I have a running battle because I can never find one to suit me. We have a king size bed but the particular pillow I wanted only came in double but I liked the pillow and ended up paying $45.00 for one pillow. Today at the yard sale, I found another like it for which I paid $3. Original price:$89.99 and I got it for $3. Am I happy? You bet!!! It has a suede-like cover on it and is made by Tempur-Pedic (pictured below with the cream-colored covering).

I also found two Serta-Perfect king pillows for son's bed along with 7 luxurious towels. Original price on the king pillows was $39. each and we got them for $5 each. Original price on the towels was $16.99 each and we got them for $1 each.

Hubby had said for a long time that we need a new toaster oven. We use our toaster oven EVERYDAY...gets a lot of use and our old one is getting pretty ratty! At the same sale, we got a Hamilton Beach Convection Toaster Oven, regular price $59.99 for $5. Mind you, all these things are new, still in the box; no dents, scratches, missing parts, etc. BRAND NEW!!!! Can't beat the price.

A few weeks ago, I purchased a daybed with trundle and two mattresses on CraigsList. Got a steal on it but thought I wanted to cover the mattresses with some kind of topper/mattress pad. Found a twin, 2" memory foam mattress cover, regular price $99.99 and paid $5 for it. Do you see a pattern here? Almost everything there was $3, $5, or $20.

For years, I have wanted a nice stainless steel trash can for my kitchen. All my appliances are stainless and wanted to match it up. I've looked at them once in Bed, Bath and Beyond and Linens and Things (pre-bankruptcy) but never felt like I could spend the kind of money they asked on a really good one. Have made do in the kitchen with just white plastic garbage cans from Wal-Mart. Guess what I got at the yard sale today? Yep, a SimpleHuman Stainless Steel can, original price $129.99 for $20. Still am not believing it! AMAZING!

The two things Maggie had asked me for were the Mr. Coffee and a toaster. Again, found a B&D toaster, original price $35 for $3.

Now, for the Tuck-N-Run finds of the day! We've been using a Keurig single serving coffeemaker at work for a couple of years that belonged to one of the professors. She no longer works at the university and when she left, so did her coffeemaker. So, we were thinking we would have to go out and purchase a Mr. Coffee and brew a pot everyday. There are only four of us in the department that drink coffee so we didn't really want to do that. Another good thing about a single serve is buying the pods in different flavors along with tea pods if someone preferred a cup of hot tea. Would you believe that the yard sale had several of the $169.99 PLATINUM model Keurig single serving coffeebrewers so not only did I buy one for work, I bought one for home too!!! I made off like a bandit for $20 each!

If you recall, last week, I helped my niece put items out for her yard sale and remarked that I could use and would buy two of the items she was selling if they didn't sell. I got a call from her late in the day Saturday afternoon telling me she wanted to GIVE me FREE of CHARGE the two items I had talked about. One is originally a china cabinet but I am going to paint it and do my painted glass mosaic on the glass doors and use it for a bookcase. Many of my books are stored in a storage building and I want to bring them home. I have the perfect spot for it and it will look great. I am anxious to get it painted and will post my pics when it is finished. Can't beat FREE!.

BOTTOM PIECE

TOP PIECE SITS ON THE PIECE ABOVE

Dumpster diving has become my husband's new hobby. Well, not really dumpster-dumpster but trash can haunting! While out riding his bike early one morning when we were at the beach recently, he spied something that he thought I would like. Not being able to carry it while riding his bike, he came back to the house, got the car, coming home with the neatest thing again FOR FREE from the trash. I have no idea why anyone would have thrown it out, but they did and we made a haul...love my new wicker plant stand! Don't you?

Wordless Wednesday - "and I Love You"

2009-08-19T14:46:00.003-04:00

Oh What a Beautiful Saturday Morning - $24.30

2009-08-15T10:10:00.011-04:00

Thanks to Raechel at "Finding My Feet" for encouraging us to post our yard sale finds each week. I love reading about yours and hope you enjoy mine. I had a ball today.

I was up this morning at 5:35 a.m. and out the door at 5:55 a.m. to help my niece, a cancer patient, with her yard sale. Actually, I just helped put the "goodies" out and then left and shopped several more yard sales. What a fun morning. Niece had country ham biscuits and hot coffee so we ate before we got to work.

Lisa had colon cancer, diagnosed last October and two subsequent surgeries, an infection and weeks in the hospital. She has had 13 chemo treatments and has amazed us all with her stamina. She is a single woman and her own sole means of support so this year has been particularly difficult. She was recently told that, although the colon is clear of cancer, she has more cancer in the thorax region. She will find out next week when she will have a biopsy on it so that she can have more treatments, either chemo, radiation or both. We are very hopeful of a complete cure. Several friends are helping her with the yard sale today so she is in good hands without my help for the actual sale.

Now to my bargains of the day: Nothing gets me going like a BIG cuppa coffee in the morning; and I do mean a BIG mug. One of my favorite finds of the day was a set of 4 coffee mugs that are big enough to suit my coffee needs. They also suited my budget at .25 each.

I have gotten to be a real sucker for picture frames and don't really have a plan but I can't resist the unusual frames and at such a great price! Two frames are PB plus they've never been used (not that that matters with a picture frame). One of the PB frames was $1 and the shadowbox with three picture spaces in the mat was $2. The remaining frames were $1 each.

Today, Tim went to yard sales with me and I'm glad because he went through a box of CDs at $1 each and found 10 that we probably would never buy at full price but love the music and will get way more enjoyment than $1 worth :-).

When we were at the beach last week, we searched and searched the beach for a sand dollar. Granddaughter Kate had seen one for sale in a shop for $1 and wanted it so badly. We thought we could find one but alas, nothing but broken ones were on the beach. Imagine my surprise when I found a little basket with about 20 sanddollars in it for .10 cents each. :-) Now Kate will have her sanddollar, already dried and bleached and ready for her...and at a bargain price. Can't wait to see her to give it to her!

And last but not least...the TUCK and RUN deal...As I've already said, I have become a real sucker for photo frames. As you know if you regularly read my blog, my husband recently bought me a new camera. I've been snapping photos like a mad woman and especially on our beach trip last week. Thus, I have lots of photos to frame.
This morning, my eye immediately went to three black framed photos, matted and ready to hang (except I'll put my own photos in). I have some photos that I got printed free just by registering at Walgreen's online so I'm set to go. I'll post my photos in the frames later but wanted to show my deal of the day.

Ruby Tuesday

2009-08-11T17:52:00.004-04:00

For more ruby posts please click HERE

Vacations 2009

2009-08-10T21:55:00.005-04:00

"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in." ~Marcelene Cox

What a blessing this summer has been. First, Tim and I spent a week in Destin, Florida in May. May is such a beautiful time to go to Destin. The weather was wonderful...hot enough but not too hot. We love Destin because of the beautiful white sugar sand and the aqua blue water and this year was no exception. Each year, we love Destin more. The Magnolia House at Destin Pointe is a great place to stay and again, May is the perfect time. Many of the snowbirds have left for their homes in the north and lots of the Pointe is deserted. It is quiet and so peaceful. It's a great place to read a couple of good books while soaking up some vitamin D (errr, uh, I mean slathering on the sunblock and sitting under an umbrella).

Last week, all the family with the exception of Maggie, traveled to Sunset Beach, NC. Again it was a wonderful week of relaxing, playing with the grandchildren, having scrabble and Wii bowling tournaments, and eating some great seafood at The Hut in Calabash and later eating David's chicken bog and Demps' Low Country boil. YUM! Drew, our fisherman extraordinaire, lived on the dock. Meg loved playing in the sand, often burying herself from the waist down while Duncan and Kate loved playing in the tide pools. As the week went on, they got braver and braver in the deeper water, much to my consternation. Krissy spent part of the week in Florence finishing up her summer job, then came down to spend time with us at the beach before heading off to Tigertown where she'll be a freshman in pre-med.

Drew on the dock... I spent some time rocking, some time reading, some time playing, and some time sleeping along with eating and being the official vacation photographer. I read a wonderful book, "June Bug" by Chris Fabry. It is one that I will want to read again and that's saying a lot for me because the Mitford series is the only series I've ever read twice.

All in all, I'd say that this has been a summer to remember. Now for some pics from the Summer of '09.

Duncan on the porch...

Mema and Kate...

Meg in the swing...

Beautiful beach...

Drew, David, Diana, Krissy... Meg, Kristy, Demps with Kate in his lap and Duncan...
Meg, Pepop and Kate...

Patty is Singing At Jesus' Feet

2009-07-30T16:45:00.013-04:00

On July 15, our Exalt Ministry Celebration Choir, experienced one of the most meaningful Spirit-filled times of our lives. Patty Foster, one of our choir members, was seemingly knocking on heaven's door with cancer. Patty's desire was to as she said, "sing with the choir one more time." Our worship leader, ever seeking to honor God and listening to the Spirit's leading, dismissed us at 7:30 p.m. from rehearsal to go to Patty's house and sing in her yard. Patty was able to be out on the porch with her family. We stood under the canopy of the trees and a weeping heaven and worshipped with Patty one last time. Patty died Tuesday, July 21 and is now in heaven's choir worshipping her Savior...until we're there with her to sing again.

See you soon, Patty.

Photos Coming Soon

2009-07-30T07:14:00.002-04:00

WOW! Last night I went to World Market and Tim asked if I'd drop him off at Best Buy to look around. Well, of course, I would cause I could spend some leisure time in World Market checking out all the CLEARANCE aisles without being rushed. I looked around in WM, checked out all the CLEARANCE, bought a couple of things and went back to the car. I moved the car to the lot in front of Best Buy and called his cell to let him know I was out there. As I sat, I realized that it was taking him an awful long time in Best Buy so after bout 30 minutes, I phoned again. He said 2-3 minutes more :-(. I moved the car in front of the store since it was almost closing time and there weren't many cars in the lot. After about 10 minutes, here comes Tim carrying a huge Best Buy bag. He has wanted a surround sound system so that was my first thought; however, it didn't look like one box...it looked like SEVERAL small boxes, not surround sound. He got in the car and I said, "what have you done?" He smiled the biggest smile and told me "happy anniversary" which is in November. He said, "what do you want most of all?" I still couldn't think and he said "Nikon!" I nearly went through the ceiling ecstatic. He'd bought a Nikon D60 camera, my dream camera. I've wanted one for years but never thought I could take the $$ to get one. WOW! I can't stop saying WOW! I am so excited. I'm sure my blog will be the recipient of the fruits of the Nikon, good or bad. WOW! I'm so excited. (can you tell I'm excited?)

WORDFUL Wednesday

2009-07-29T16:25:00.009-04:00

WORDLESS Wednesday

2009-07-29T10:20:00.009-04:00

Ruby Tuesday

2009-07-28T20:17:00.010-04:00

I'm trying to fervently get back into blogging so thought today I'd try this meme that is hosted each week on Mary's blog, "Work of the Poet." Each week she looks for photos with the color ruby. Since that's once of my favorite colors, I thought I'd do the same. I didn't find many with ruby but you can bet from here on out, I will be taking pics of anything ruby.

When we were in Brazil, we quickly developed a taste for açaí. Small berries harvested in the rainforests of Brazil, açaí tastes like a vibrant blend of berries and chocolate. Hidden within its royal purple pigment is the magic that makes it nature's perfect energy fruit. Açaí is packed full of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Although açaí may not be available in your local supermarket, you can find it in several health food (Earth Fare has it) and gourmet stores (often in juice form). A new product featuring the unsweetened pulp is now also available, and I highly recommend that you choose this form of açaí.

In Brazil, açaí is sold as a bowl of frozen smashed-up berries with sliced bananas and/or granola. It is yummy. After cultivating the taste in Brazil, we came home to find that açaí has become a food fad even being named as a Super Food.

Açaí pulp contains a remarkable concentration of antioxidants that help combat premature aging, with 10 times more antioxidants than red grapes and 10 to 30 times the anthocyanins of red wine. A synergy of monounsaturated (healthy) fats, dietary fiber and phytosterols to help promote cardiovascular and digestive health. An almost perfect essential amino acid complex in conjunction with valuable trace minerals, vital to proper muscle contraction and regeneration. The fatty acid content in açaí resembles that of olive oil, and is rich in monounsaturated oleic acid. Oleic acid is important for a number of reasons. It helps omega-3 fish oils penetrate the cell membrane; together they help make cell membranes more supple. By keeping the cell membrane supple, all hormones, neurotransmitter and insulin receptors function more efficiently. This is particularly important because high insulin levels create an inflammatory state, and we know, inflammation causes aging. (http://www.oprah.com/article/health/nutrition/life_acai)

Wow, who knew that something so YUMMY could be so good for you. As you can see, the grandchildren LOVE açaí. Totally appropriate Ruby Tuesday post :-).

Mosaic Monday: At the Beach

2009-07-27T14:28:00.010-04:00

Each Monday, Mary at her Little Red House blog hosts Mosaic Monday. This week's Mosaic Monday highlights summer vacation beach photos. Check it out at her blog. You'll love it each week. Be sure to create your own mosaic also. Mary's blog of July 17, gives instructions. It's lots of fun.

Best Wednesday of My Life

2009-07-24T14:18:00.003-04:00

Most of you will know that I work at a university. One of our professors, when asked "how are you" will often respond with "best Wednesday (or Monday, Tuesday, etc.) of my life." He's been going through some pretty bad stuff lately but this continues to be his response to the everyday "how are you's?"

Today as I was looking online for a quote to use for my status updates on facebook, I ran across one by Ralph Waldo Emerson; "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day of the year." Why is it that we look for our happiness in whatever lies ahead rather than looking at today and calling it "the best day of my life?" We often "can't wait for the weekend" or "look forward to vacation" or "when the holidays get here..." Who knows what that little change in attitude might do to brighten our day and our life. If we say that today is the best day of the year or of our life then it just might be. Wouldn't that be great!

Where Were You When...

2009-07-20T11:23:00.005-04:00

...Kennedy was assassinated? I was in a history class at SMHS with Mr. Mitchell. Someone came to the portable classroom we were meeting in to tell Mr. Mitchell to turn on the TV. Needless to say, all class was suspended as we sat wanted to hear news that it was not true. How could this happen in America? Surely, he wasn't dead; maybe he was just wounded. No, it was true and JFK was dead and Jackie was riding in the car in a pink suit and hat with red blood all over her and a look of horror on her face.

...July 20, 1969; the day of the first lunar landing? We were living in Lake City SC but had been to Travelers Rest for the weekend. As we traveled by the Air Force base in Sumter, we were passed by a tractor trailer truck. I was riding with Diana in my lap (I know...no lectures about how unsafe that was) and we were playing a pacifier game. As the truck passed, I grabbed her pacifier out of her mouth and pretended to throw it out the car window to the "BIG TRUCK." Of course, I still held it in my hand just in case of one of the temper tantrums she was prone to at two years old. She thought I'd thrown it to the truck though and she never took a pacifier again. By the time we arrived home in Lake City, Diana was asleep but I woke her so she could watch the moon walk. She was just slightly over two so she doesn't remember but I wanted her to be able to tell her grandchildren that she "saw" it on TV.

...Nixon resigned? We were living in Statesville NC and I was a stay-at-home mom. I spent my morning glued to the television. It was a sorrowful time for the Nixon family and also a sad time for our nation.

...911? I was working at Furman University when my mother called me to say a plane had hit one of the towers of the World Trade Center. We were talking about it, not knowing or even suspecting that terrorists had commandeered the plane. As we talked, the second plane hit and we then knew that these were not accidentals strikes. Lonita and I walked back to the Military Sciences offices so that we could watch on tv. We were there when the Pentagon was struck. It was good to watch with the military men that were later deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. They sat with tears in their eyes, as did I. At that time, we were all Americans first and foremost and we couldn't believe that someone/some people were able to do this in America.

Where were you when...?

True Story Tuesday

2009-07-14T17:12:00.005-04:00

I have no idea if I'll get to play along every week with True Story Tuesday sponsored by Rachel and Mr. Daddy. I've been thinking for sometime that I would blog about my most embarassing moment and I suppose joining up with True Story Tuesday is as good a time as any.

A few months ago, my daughter wanted to look for some Croc sandals so we went to a shoe store that I knew sold them. I love going to Houser Shoes in Greenville so took this opportunity to window shop...and I mean window shop. I walked and walked around the store. There was a sweet teenage girl stocking the bottom shelves of several of the rows so I walked around her as she sat on the floor stocking. As I think back on it, her face was right about at the height of my derriere. Oh, I walked and walked those aisles and loved every second of it. In the meantime, daughter found several pairs of shoes that she liked and after I finished my looking, daughter paid for her purchases and we left. After we got in the car, we called husband and he asked us to meet him at our favorite meat and three place for supper. We drove to the restaurant, parked and as we walked into the restaurant, daughter said, "MOM!!! WAIT WAIT." I stopped dead in my tracks and she came up behind me saying, "MOM YOU HAVE TOILET PAPER HANGING FROM THE BACK OF YOUR PANTS!!!" Yes, I had walked around the shoe store with my derriere at the height of the young clerk's face and had toilet paper hanging from my rear. How embarrassing. I haven't been back to Houser Shoes since and often wonder if the clerk ever went back again. This is my true story (Tuesday) and I'm sticking to it.

It's Been One of THOSE Days

2009-07-11T21:16:00.003-04:00

There are some days that I just plain don't feel good. I didn't want to get out of bed this morning because I didn't sleep well last night. Tim had a couple of yard sales he wanted to go check out and I just didn't want to get up and go. I had lots I wanted to get done today but didn't have the "umph" to get up and do it. Right now it's 9:20 p.m. and I could go to bed without any problem. This is coming from the world's top night owl. I hate to go to bed and never do until at least 11:30 p.m. But tonight, I could crawl in and go to sleep this early. What's up with all this? I'm feeling a little nauseated, tired, like allergies are about to get the better of me with burning, itchy eyes and drippy nose. I've had a little bit of a headache all day; in fact, I woke up with one this morning and at times during the day, I'd think it was going away but it has stuck all day long. Well, from this Pollyanna who believes that the glass is always half-full (never half-empty), I don't like feeling like this. It's a real downer day and I am hoping that tomorrow is MUCH better.

My Peace I Give to You

2009-07-09T11:19:00.031-04:00

"...his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." - Psalm 30:5

"My soul finds rest in God alone: My salvation comes from Him. the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning." - Lamentations 3:22-23

"He covers the sky with clouds; he supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills." Psalms 147:8

"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders. - Job 37:14

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." - Matthew 6:28-29

"The fruit of the spirit is love,joy and peace." - Galatians 5:22

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:27

"But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified. - Galatians 5:22-24 (The Message)

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn't want what it doesn't have.
Love doesn't strut,
Doesn't have a swelled head,
Doesn't force itself on others,
Isn't always "me first,"
Doesn't fly off the handle,
Doesn't keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn't revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end. - I Corinthians 14:3-8 (The Message)

Yard Sale-ing

2009-06-20T10:23:00.009-04:00

Well, it's been a long time since I blogged but have taken Raechel's challenge at "Finding My Feet" and decided to post this morning on my yard sale bargains. We went to a neighborhood where 25 families were having yard sales. We went to five or six to begin and found NOTHING. We were disappointed and wondered why in the world we'd gotten up at 6:30 a.m. for this. Then we struck pay dirt! and did we ever! Went to a house that was advertising "Moving Sale" and looked around outside where all we found was this pretty metal flower holder with pretty orange daisies in it for $2.00. Started to walk off and I heard someone ask if the sale was inside the house also. "YES" it was so in we went. Looked in the kitchen area and a lady told us to pick up a shopping bag and we could have everything we could get in the bag for $15. She didn't know that we are master "stuff-stuff-in-bags-baggers." We started picking up interesting looking stuff and this is what we got in our bag.It's a little difficult to see in the photos but in that $15 bag, I stuffed a used once Pampered Chef cookie sheet ($23 new), a slightly used muffin tin, 3 silver picture frames, a Pampered Chef bamboo bowl ($19 new), a leather photo frame shaped like a dog bone, 12 bottles of candy flavoring (never opened), a pepper grinder full of red pepper flakes (found on web for $30), a water bottle, a little ceramic heart-shaped jewelry keeper, three new Brazilian cilantro scented candles from Target ($8 for the large and $5 each for the two small) to use in my newly decorated with seafoam and brown bathroom, two white filigre candle holders (new price still on bottom ($8 each), a stainless steel omelet pan, two stainless steel canisters ($15) one full of coffee and one full of popcorn ready to pop, and a pack of "make your own bubbles" ready for the grandchildren who are coming home from Brazil next month. Then we found a stack of books and a CD that the man let us have all for $2. I was going to buy one of the books (My Sister's Keeper $16.00 new) for $1 and was looking at the CD (Martina MacBride Christmas new for $13.98) contemplating it for $1 when he told me I could have everything for $2. YEA. It was a great morning and I even came home with $7 out of the money I had allotted for the yard sale. I think I did ok. After that we had a wonderful waffle breakfast at Waffle House. YUM...their coffee is THE best. Now I'm ready for a nap.

Kristy's New Book to be Published

2009-03-15T21:57:00.003-04:00

"Me With You"--Without giving too much away (since it's not out yet), "Me With You" is beautiful. Kristy, my daughter, wrote the book originally as a poem for her husband, never intending to submit it for publication. Then decided to submit just to see where it would lead and of course, it sold. The artist, Christopher Denise did a fantastic job with the whole book using his spin of a child/grandfather relationship. However, the book applies to any special relationship in any of our lives, whether child/parent, spouse to spouse or friend to friend. It is a beautiful book and we are so excited! (see the trailer for the book on my side bar)

Little Things I Love

2009-01-30T21:21:00.036-05:00

Almost four years ago, we downsized to a much smaller house and got rid of lots of stuff that we didn't use and certainly didn't need. One of the pluses of downsizing is getting to keep only what I really love...things that are meaningful because of where they came from or because I love the person that gave the item to me. Today in my blog, I thought I share some of those things with you.

My Fiestaware Dishes. I first began collecting fiestware because I wanted the burgundy Cinnabar set. Red being my favorite color, I just fell for cinnabar. Then I decided I needed to add some color to my red kitchen and decided to collect several colors to go on the china hutch. Now, I'd love to have a place setting of each color that The Homer Laughlin China Company makes.

Our Kinkade Prints. I have never been one who wants original paintings or even prints of famous artists until Thomas Kinkade came along. We purchased our first, Blessings of Christmas and had it highlighted by a master highlighter. It is gorgeous with the art light so that it can be dimmed or brightened as the light changes. It actually looks like a bright sunny snow day or a snowy day when the sun is setting. Our second is a larger print of a scene in in the mountains, A Peaceful Retreat. We also had it highlighted; it makes the print come alive. The third is a Charleston scene of Rainbow Row at sunset and is appropriately called Charleston Rainbow at Sunset. Love, love, love it! The fourth and probably last one is Mountain Retreat and is a peaceful cabin scene with Mt. LeConte (Gatlinburg) in the background. We love our prints.

Our Fireplace. I don't think there is anything more calming than sitting by a roaring fire. The only thing better than a roaring wood fire is a set of gas logs. I can sit watching the flickering flames all day long.

My Angels. How it all began I don't remember, but somewhere along the line, someone gave me my first Willowtree angel. I was immediately hooked and have collected them since. My favorite Willowtree is the Nativity that my family gave me for Christmas several years ago. Along the way, the angel collection evolved to include Jim Shore angels also. Being a country girl at heart, I love the quilted look and colors of the Jim Shore angels.

Pure Shea Butter. I have written about pure shea before but I can't say enough about it. From childhood, I have the most horrible heels, rough, cracked, peeling and at times even bleeding and sore. At a street fair in Hendersonville, I bought my first pound of pure shea with the guarantee that it would heal my heels. At that point, after having spent tons of money on creams and even prescription drugs for my heels, I would have tried anything. But to have a GUARANTEE, I couldn't pass it up. My heels today are as soft as a baby's bottom. I will never be without my shea again.

Mosaic painted glass. When we were last in Brazil, Kristy took me to an art studio where various and sundry types of art are taught and sold. We were most interested in the painted glass mosaics. We bought one of my favorite pieces and since then I've been toying with learning the art. I've done several pieces and want to do lots more. This is the piece we bought in Brazil.

This is a piece I made.

My Tea Cabinets. Several years ago, Maggie gave me a little tea cabinet to hold tea bags. The small drawers are just tea bag size and are made from painted porcelain while the cabinet itself is wood. When she came to live with us, she brought hers with her, so now I have two on my cabinet. I love the designs and colors of the drawers and it adds so much to my kitchen.

Our Desert Rose China. When Tim's mother and aunt died, he inherited their Desert Rose by Fransican china set. For years, Aunt Flo had worked at a department store in Union and along the way she had bought many many of the serving pieces. Especially serving pieces that are odd or rare. We rarely use it but are so glad to have it because of whose it was and what it meant to them.

Antique Old English Candle Stand. My first husband's mother became friends with an antique dealer who gave her a candle stand that had been brought from England. I have no idea how old it is although it is definitely an antique. I would imagine it was made in the 1800s. Again, I love it because Azalee loved it and wanted me to have it.

If you know me well, you know that earthly treasures mean very little to me. I'd rather store my treasures where moth and rust can't decay; however, I love these treasures because of the love the person who gave it to me has/had for me or the precious memories I have of places visited.

Ram-Dumb Things Again

2009-01-18T16:19:00.003-05:00

Back in September, I posted 25 Ram-Dumb Things about myself on my blog (www.mvaughan408.blogspot.com). Recently I have been tagged on facebook to post 25 random (dumb?) things again and have now set-up RSS feed to my facebook so that what I post here will show up in notes. Thus, I am repeating the post of September so it will show up in facebook.

I love being by myself. Maybe that's because I rarely am!
I'd rather listen than talk.
My favorite color is red; my least favorite color is blue.
I love word games. OK, ok, you already knew that.
I always thought when we were growing up that I was adopted and my "real" mother lived in Hawaii and feared she would come to get me to live with her.
When I was a child, I dreamed (many times) that I was on a zip line of the power lines and being chased by flying witches. What in the world is the deep meaning of that dream?
My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury and loved "Sunset," the last book of the Baxter series.
I have gone the entire summer through 106 degree weather with no AC in my car AND the automatic window "roller-downer" on both sides is broken. Yep, I'm cooked well-done.
I love our church family.
I eat my bananas over-ripe.
I like Pepsi better than Coke...drink only Diet Pepsi...Love Diet Pepsi MAX...think Coke tastes like a medicine I had to take as a child.
In my mind I am organized. In reality, I am not.
I love summer because I love to wear sandals. Hasn't always been this way though. I once wouldn't wear sandals because I thought my toes were ugly. They still are ugly but I've gotten over it.
I would love to become a minimalist. I hate clutter. Tim on the other hand is a collector so we are totally opposite in this respect.
I can change a flat tire, change the oil on a car, change out electrical sockets, install light fixtures, and fix leaky faucets...all because I had to do it when Don couldn't see to do it.
I never drove in the mountains or drove in snow until I had to do it for the same reason.
If I'm shopping with someone else, I have to be the buggy pusher.
I collect angels, especially Willow Tree and Jim Shore.
I love fall mornings with the faint scent of woodsmoke in the air.
I get really really angry when window shopping.
This one will be long...for years and years and years, I have had hard, dry, cracked, drive-me-crazy heels. I have used every over-the-counter remedy and even a prescription (Keralac) that the dermatologist gave me, all to no avail. This spring we were at the flower festival in Hendersonville and a family from Stone Mtn, GA were there selling pure shea butter. Now, I've used shea products like lotion and cream before (they didn't work), but never pure shea butter. I'm here to tell you that it is a miracle product. I first went for a pedicure where Erin removed as much as she could of the dry dead skin. Then for about 2-3 weeks, morning and night, I would rub my feet with the shea butter. Now, I only use the butter at night and my feet are as soft as a baby's bottom. About every 2 weeks, I also use one of those sander things when I'm in the shower in the morning. Ah, blessed relief!
In my mind, I'm still 40 years old but my body is screaming otherwise.
Mama thought when I was a child, that I wouldn't live to adulthood. I was a puny, sickly child. She said that once when they drew blood from me that it looked like orange kool-aid.
The waist of my wedding dress in 1963 was 22"!
I hate grocery shopping. I hate putting groceries away when I get home more.
I'm really really grateful for a husband who does most of the grocery shopping.
I'd rather drive than ride.
I love long trips.

Can it Really be True?

2008-11-14T06:00:00.002-05:00

Today, 18 years ago, I became a grandmother for the first time. It really is hard to believe that 18 years have FLOWN by. When I walked into Diana's hospital room and laid eyes for the first time on Kristin Elaine Wike, I cannot describe the joy that I felt. Seeing my child with her own child is pure indescribable joy. Krissy was the only grandchild for 4 years and she was our delight. Diana and David lived in Greenville/North Greenville and we got to see Krissy often. One of our greatest and sweetest memories is of the days that she stayed with Nannoo and Papa while Diana worked and David was a student at NGU. Papa and Krissy took an afternoon walk everyday and sometimes several times a day.

Krissy has grown into a beautiful young woman who loves the Lord, loves her friends, and has high ambitions for her life. And I can say unequivocally that she is a good girl. She is also a great student and her plans right now are to go to Clemson, majoring in pre-med. We are so proud of you Krissy, and hope that you have a wonderful 18th birthday. It still doesn't seem possible :).

Spiritual Recovery: A True/False Quiz

2008-11-05T12:53:00.003-05:00

My dear friend, Carolyn at Wings of Eagles posted this and gave me permission to use it on my blog. Her pastor gave it to the church family and I find it very fitting for today.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, Jesus will still be King.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our responsibilities as Christians will not have changed one iota.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the greatest agent for social change in America will still be winning the hearts and minds of men and women through the gospel, not legislation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my primary citizenship will still be in this order - (1) the Kingdom of God, (2) America, not vice-versa.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the tomb will still be empty.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, our children will still be more concerned with whether or not we spend time with them than with who is President.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my neighbor will still be my neighbor, and loving him/her will still be the second greatest commandment. (Do you know the first?)

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see abortion ultimately overturned will still be winning men and women to a high view of life through the gospel of Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, the only way to see gay marriage ultimately defeated will still be winning men and women to a biblical view of marriage through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, my retirement will still not match my treasure in Heaven.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, "Jesus Is Lord" will still be the greatest truth in the Universe.

True/False: The day after the election, regardless of who wins, we will still know that God is in control.

How did you score? Just remember who you are and who He is.

--------------------------------------------

GOD IS IN CONTROL

This is no time for fear

This is a time for faith and determination

Don't lose the vision here

Carried away by emotion

Hold on to all that you hide in your heart

There is one thing that has always been true

It holds the world together

God is in control

We believe that His children will not be forsaken

God is in control

We will choose to remember and never be shaken

There is no power above or beside Him, we know

God is in control, oh God is in control

History marches on

There is a bottom line drawn across the ages

Culture can make its plan

Oh, but the line never changes

No matter how the deception may fly

There is one thing that has always been true

It will be true forever

He has never let you down

Why start to worry now?

He is still the Lord of all we see

And He is still the loving Father

Watching over you and me

watching over you...watching over me..

watching over every things..watching over you..

watching over me..every little sparrow..every little things...

---Twila Paris

Me with You

2008-10-24T10:49:00.004-04:00

I dare say, I don't have too many grandpas who read my blog but I know I do have some grandmothers, soon-to-be grandmothers and mothers so listen up...If you are a grandparent, if you had a grandparent, if you know anybody who is a grandparent, or especially if you know children who have (or wish they had) a grandparent, then go to amazon.com and pre-order Kristy's (my daughter's) new children's book which will be out in May 2009. If you're not a grandparent and there is just someone in your life who "completes" you...that you just wouldn't be the person you are without them...then buy Me With You for him or her. The book flap reads:
"We're a pair beyond compare,
a rare and special two,
in all the ways that I am me
and you're completely you.

Here is a special twosome. From tea time to game time, in singing or swinging, in the good times and even the grumpy ones, too, this granddaughter knows her grandpa loves her. Indeed, they are a 'pair beyond compare.'

With simple rhymes and delightfully charming illustrations, Me with You celebrates the sure love that comes from a grandfather and grandchild who dare to be 'completely themselves' while knowing that together -- they are even more!"

Don't you just love the term "sure love?" I know I do and that's exactly what a grandparents love for a grandchild is...SURE HEART-MELTING LOVE. I've seen the illustrations for the whole book and they are absolutely exquisite. You will definitely want a copy of this book and several to give away to friends that have children (or those that don't). Pre-order now at amazon.com and let all your friends know to do the same.

(If you go to amazon to pre-order, author is listed as "Kristin Dempsey")

My Fall Front Porch

2008-10-20T11:47:00.003-04:00

Melissa @ The Inspired Room is hosting a "drive-by photo shoot" and I thought I'd share mine. For more inspiration for your fall/halloween/harvest decor, check out her blog.

Words

2008-10-18T07:00:00.005-04:00

My daughter, Kristy and I have always had a love of words; word games, i.e., scrabble, crossword puzzles, anagrams, etc., reading, poetry, lots of words in any form! Today is Kristy's birthday so I thought it would be appropriate to use words to describe her

When I was pregnant with Kristy, I was 3 weeks and 2 days OVERDUE; finally on a Friday evening, my water broke. We quickly made arrangements for Diana to go to a neighbor's house and I went to the hospital. When I got to the hospital, unbeknownst to me, the doctors could find NO HEARTBEAT. Don began to pray as I labored all night. All night the doctors and nurses were sure that our baby had died in utero. Don committed himself to God and also committed our unborn child, Kristy, to God. He vowed that if Kristy lived, he would do all within his power to bring her up in a Christian environment and give her every opportunity to become a Christian. He dedicated her to God and his service. At 7:30 a.m. on Saturday morning, Kristy was born; 9# 2 ozs, a head-full of black hair and a strong healthy heart. God spared our child and we fulfilled Don's vow to God. We gave Kristy back to God and Kristy has given herself in service to Him and strives to live her life before her children, her church family and those young college women whom she disciples in a way that they would look at her and see salvation through Jesus Christ.

Kris is a wonderful mother to Meg, Duncan and Kate. She is a wonderful wife to Demps. She is a great sister to Diana, Maggie and Charlie. She is a caring and loving daughter to Tim and me. Kris, I hope you have a great birthday and that this thirty-ninth year of your life is as wonderful as you are. We love you...HAPPY BIRTHDAY.

Is Anything More Beautiful

2008-10-10T19:10:00.001-04:00

Another Award

2008-10-02T11:26:00.005-04:00

Two dear friends, Marian and Ellen, whom I met on the mitfordbooks.com website many years ago have both award me with the BFF Award (blogging friends forever).

There are rules for this award

1. There are only five people allowed.

2. Four have to be dedicated followers of your blog. (Like Ellen, I have NO idea who regulary follows my blog or how "dedicated " they are to it.

3. One has to be a new follower of your blog, or live in another part of the world.

I am going to choose my recipients later; I'll be back

K-K-K-Kate, Beautiful Kate...Happy Birthday!

2008-09-27T07:00:00.009-04:00

Today is my "baby" granddaughter's 5th birthday. Kate is the last-born grandchild and will always be our "baby." Kate is the most loving little girl. She loves to give kisses and hugs, loves to sit on my lap and be loved on in return, and loves to have her back tickled! One of her joys is to hear a goodnight story that I sometimes tell her about her mother when she was a little girl.

This summer when we were at Surfside Beach with the whole family, Kate learned to swim. At first, she was fearful of my "letting go" but then as she realized that I would always be there to get her, she became braver and braver. Kate finally got to the point that she could swim the length of the little pool at our rental house. Before week's end, Kate was doing really well with her swimming.

Not long ago I was on the phone with Kristy when she noticed that someone had drawn with magic marker on the dining room and hallway walls. Kate readily admitted that it was her and that she just "wanted to make it look prettier." How can you scold too badly someone who just wants to make things prettier?

Kate is my very very favorite 5 year old. I love you Kate and hope you have a great birthday. I wish I could be in Belo Horizonte, Brazil to celebrate with you. Save me a piece of cake, ok. Happy birthday, Kate! I love you MORE MOST!

Nice Giveaway

2008-09-23T20:23:00.005-04:00

I met Kelly Maria at Beautiful Soul - Belle âme on the mitfordbooks.com bulletin board. She is celebrating her 50th blog post with a great autumn give away. Go leave a comment and you'll be registered to win an array of autumnal goodies. Go check it out.

Some Ram Dumb Things About Me

2008-09-19T09:27:00.005-04:00

Just saw on one of my favorite websites, http://www.mitfordbooks.com/, that somebody had begun a thread so people could list random things about themselves. It gave me an idea. Now most of you who read this are my kin and/or bosom buddies so I'm going to try to come up with things that you won't already know.

I love being by myself. Maybe that's because I rarely am!
I'd rather listen than talk.
My favorite color is red; my least favorite color is blue.
I love word games. OK, ok, you already knew that.
I always thought when we were growing up that I was adopted and my "real" mother lived in Hawaii and feared she would come to get me to live with her.
When I was a child, I dreamed (many times) that I was on a zip line of the power lines and being chased by flying witches. What in the world is the deep meaning of that dream?
My favorite author is Karen Kingsbury and I'm so excited about "Sunset" coming out next week. OK, you already knew that too.
I have gone the entire summer through 106 degree weather with no AC in my car AND the automatic window "roller-downer" on both sides is broken. Yep, I'm cooked well-done.
I love our church family.
I eat my bananas over-ripe.
I like Pepsi better than Coke...drink only Diet Pepsi...Love Diet Pepsi MAX...think Coke tastes like a medicine I had to take as a child.
In my mind I am organized. In reality, I am not.
I love summer because I love to wear sandals. Hasn't always been this way though. I once wouldn't wear sandals because I thought my toes were ugly. They still are ugly but I've gotten over it.
I would love to become a minimalist. I hate clutter.
I can change a flat tire, change the oil on a car, change out electrical sockets, install light fixtures, and fix leaky faucets...all because I had to do it when Don couldn't see to do it.
I never drove in the mountains or drove in snow until I had to do it for the same reason.
If I'm shopping with someone else, I have to be the buggy pusher.
I collect angels, especially Willow Tree and Jim Shore.
I love fall mornings with the faint scent of woodsmoke in the air.
I get really really angry when window shopping.
This one will be long...for years and years and years, I have had hard, dry, cracked, drive-me-crazy heels. I have used every over-the-counter remedy and even a prescription (Keralac) that the dermatologist gave me, all to no avail. This spring we were at the flower festival in Hendersonville and a family from Stone Mtn, GA were there selling pure shea butter. Now, I've used shea products like lotion and cream before (they didn't work), but never pure shea butter. I'm here to tell you that it is a miracle product. I first went for a pedicure where Erin removed as much as she could of the dry dead skin. Then for about 2-3 weeks, morning and night, I would rub my feet with the shea butter. Now, I only use the butter at night and my feet are as soft as a baby's bottom. About every 2 weeks, I also use one of those sander things when I'm in the shower in the morning. Ah, blessed relief!
In my mind, I'm still 40 years old but my body is screaming otherwise.
Mama thought when I was a child, that I wouldn't live to adulthood. I was a puny, sickly child. She said that once when they drew blood from me that it looked like orange kool-aid.
The waist of my wedding dress in 1963 was 22"!
I hate grocery shopping. I hate putting groceries away when I get home more.
I'm really really grateful for a husband who does most of the grocery shopping.
I'd rather drive than ride.
I love long trips.

That's all I can think of for now...if I come up with more, look for Ram Dumb Part II.

I'm Blown Away!

2008-09-18T09:14:00.005-04:00

Have you ever "met" someone online and you just knew from the start that you were kindred spirits? I "met" Schotzy whose blog is "Wings of Eagles," several years ago on mitfordbooks.com. Schotzy is one of those people that exemplifies I Peter 3: 15-17 15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. Always, on the Mitford porch and on her "Wings of Eagles" blog, Schotzy sifts everything she says through the Word of her Lord. I have come to love her and am addicted to her blog.

Yesterday Schotzy surprised me by awarding me and my blog the "Autumn Friends Award." I am shocked but that is so like her...such an encourager and pure blessing to me. Thank you, Carolyn.

In return, I am passing on the award and Carolyn's sweet words posted on "Wings of Eagles":

SO IF YOU ARE PASSING BY MY WAY
TODAY or WHENEVER,
KNOW THAT BECAUSE OF CHRIST JESUS
WE SHARE A COMMON BOND

WE ARE SISTERS( SIESTAs or SISTAH CHICKS)

and

THIS AWARD is TO RECOGNIZE YOU, THANK YOU

and I am passing the award on to:

Kathy at Kathy's Chronicles

Amy at The Hickman Happenings

Kristy at Reverie - Abstract Musings on a Hopeful Heart

Diana at Life as we Live It

Pamela at Treasures from My Heart

Sherry at "Ex" Marks the Spot

Missy at The Blessed Bryants

To each of you, some related by birth

but to all of you to whom I am related
through the shed blood of our Savior,
I pray that today and this autumn season

is one of blessing, peace, and thanksgiving for

who we are because of Him. I love you!

Bristol Palin Deserves Privacy, published 9/11/08, The Greenville News

2008-09-16T09:28:00.001-04:00

Ever since Sarah Palin announced that her 17-year-old daughter, Bristol, was pregnant, the news media have made this the topic of articles and reports any time Palin's name is mentioned.

May I ask and answer the question, what does Bristol's pregnancy have to do with whether Sarah will be a great vice president? Absolutely nothing. This teenager has enough on her shoulders without seeing her name, her boyfriend's name and the fact that a wedding is being planned every time she (and he) turns on the TV or picks up a newspaper.

I think it is disgusting for the networks and print media to continue to bring this into this campaign. Please stop! We know she is an unmarried, pregnant 17-year-old who is planning a wedding. We know her mother is a running mate to John McCain. Enough said! Every American, whether Republican or Democrat should be livid. ~Martha Vaughan

Snakes, Snails and Puppy Dog Tails, Happy Birthday, Duncan

2008-09-08T14:52:00.015-04:00

Today is Duncan’s 8th birthday! It’s hard for me to believe that it was 8 years ago that I sat in an airport in Newark, NJ on my way to Brazil and Tim told me that we already had another grandson.

What a joy Duncan has always been. He’s also scared the life out of me a time or two. One day when Kristy and Tim were training for their marathon and out on one of their long runs, Duncan and his sisters were staying with me on a Saturday morning. This is when he was about 4 years old. We’d just moved into our house and Duncan was exploring. I missed him and began calling his name; No answer. I called and called and looked all through the house; No answer. I went outside and called; walked down the street and called; No answer. I began to get a little panicked. I realized the golf course nearby was an enticing area for a little boy but how in the world would I find him if he had walked down to the golf course and was chasing a ball. Now I was frantic. I began to cry and Meg and Kate didn’t know what to think. They didn’t know where Duncan was either.

In our bathroom, is a tiny little-just-four-year-old-sized area with the commode in it. I went into the bathroom and that door was closed so I opened it and there sat Duncan, on the floor, just looking up at me with those beautiful eyes. He didn’t know he was lost; didn’t know I had been frantically calling him all over the neighborhood. He was fine…just playing.

Duncan loves anything army and says he wants to be an army guy when he grows up. He loves playing on the zip line at his Ma-ma and Pa-pa’s house. He is a good swimmer and his little tanned brown back is so precious. He is also a great karate student. We got to watch a karate class when we were in Brazil and it was so much fun to watch. He loves Brazilian fútbol, especially Atlético Galos(roosters), his favorite team in Belo Horizonte. Duncan is a good student and has lots of friends at his school.

We are so proud and happy to be Duncan’s mema and pe-pop. Happy birthday, Duncan; we love you.

Editor's Note: I know that Duncan's birthday is actually 9/9/08 and not today. I got this written and hit "publish" and so here it is. I'm acting older and older :(.

I Have Selective Memory

2008-09-04T13:11:00.006-04:00

A few months ago, I wrote a blog entry about worry and included the quote, “when I look back on these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.” Why can't I remember that? Why do I take back the same old worries, knowing in all probability that they aren't even going to happen.

Let me start at the very beginning of the story. Almost 4 years ago, Tim and I were empty-nesters and living in a way-too-big-for-two-people house. We began to look around for a smaller house. Well, we found what we wanted and moved. Surely it wouldn't take long with a booming housing market to sell the way-too-big-for-two-people house. In February of 2005, we moved and about the same time, the housing market began going south...way south. To make a long story short, our way-too-big-for-two-people house still has not sold and for almost 4 years, we have had two mortgages. Honestly, it's been tough; it's sometimes a struggle, but we've managed to muddle through.

About two weeks ago, we finally received an offer on the way-too-big-for-two-people house. Two sisters wanted to buy it, move in and bring their ailing, elderly parents to live with them. The ladies dad was bucking the idea of moving in with his daughters but finally made an offer and we accepted. Fast forward to last Friday when they were having home inspections done. The dad who didn't want to move in the first place, went under the crawl space WITH the termite inspector. (This is illegal, by the way). Well, dad used a FALSEFIED termite inspection report to renige on the contract. We were told that they found termites AND high moisture content in the wood. So, Monday we signed a "Release of Contract" form with the potential buyers and they received their earnest money back. Since then, I have been sick with worry...yep, that word again. Trying in my own mind to make things work out. What to do about the high moisture in the wood? What to do about the termites?

Fast forward again to yesterday when I had our pest control company come out to checkd the way-too-big-for-two-people house. The man crawled over every inch of the black plastic moisture barrier. He checked every joist; he inspected every inch for termites. There was NO TERMITE ACTIVITY FOUND AND there was WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS WOOD MOISTURE CONTENT. Verification that the report the buyers had done was falsefied. It is too late now to go back to the buyers and say wait a minute since we've signed the release of contract. We probably wouldn't want to do that anyway but we are angry, hurt and disappointed.

We've re-listed with the realtor at a GREATLY reduced price, hoping that some family needs a way-too-big-for-two-people house. If you know anybody looking in the rural Greenville area, please send them our way. We'd love to sell them a worth-way-more-than-we're-asking-way-too-big-for-two-people house.

This is the new listing: LESS THAN $61PSF AND LOWER THAN TAX VALUE! Yes, there still is a place that feels safe and a place that makes you happy to come home to...Large cozy home in a very nice country community in sought after Travelers Rest. Located not far from the mountains, this home features living room, separate den/sunroom, 3 bedrooms but can easily be 5 bedrooms if needed (there are 2 bonus/craft/hobby rooms). Privacy on back deck for parties and cookouts too. 3/4 acre lot gives you room to stretch out. Property line goes into woods in back. Deer and turkey spotted all around. LAND ACROSS FROM HOUSE WILL NEVER BE DEVELOPED DUE TO ENDANGERED SPECIES OF PLANT LIVING THERE. Dryer and stove hookups can be gas or elec. for your convenience. Do you need room for hobbies, play areas or crafts? This home is for you! Located not far from hwy 25, Travelers Rest town and only 15 minutes to Greenville, 25 Minutes to Hendersonville too. THIS HOME HAS JUST BEEN REDUCED TO SELL! This listing is brokered by: SUNSHINE HOMES & PROPERTIES Office (864)331-5620

"We're Just Friends" or otherwise titled Happy Birthday, Demps

2008-09-03T08:08:00.002-04:00

“But, Mom, we’re just friends.”

This is a quote I heard from my daughter, Kristy, for months and months about 17 years ago. And, it was true. Kristy and Demps had been friends, in the same youth group at church, went to high school together and went to youth camps together. They had, in fact, been friends and our families had been friends, since Kristy and Demps were about 10 or 11 years old. Never thinking they would even date, they were content just to “be friends.”

Then, as they saw each other more and more and they saw in each other, a heart for missions, Demps and Kristy gradually became more than friends. We (Don & Mary; Tim and I) couldn’t have been happier. We had loved Demps for a long time and then to have him as a part of our family was absolutely wonderful.

Demps (along with our other son-in-law) have become “other sons” to us. We are so proud of the ministry Demps has had such a huge part in developing in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. What a joy it is to see him interact with his staff, with his students and with members of their church plant. God is truly blessing Demps and his ministry there.

As if that weren’t enough, Demps (and Kris) have blessed us with three of our five grandchildren. Of course, we don’t get to see them as often as we would like because he has them living in Brazil with him.

Demps, we are proud of you and love having you as a son-in-law. We pray that God would bless you particularly today. Happy 40th birthday!

Just In Case...

2008-08-27T10:08:00.002-04:00

...some of you don't often read David's blog, take a look at the entry for Monday, August 25. He wrote a beautiful tribute to Diana. You'll love it. It's at http://davidwike.blogspot.com/.

One of Those Days

2008-08-26T09:40:00.008-04:00

Today is just one of those days. I don't have them often but today is just one of those days. Maybe it's because it's raining or maybe it's because I drove to Slater this morning. Maybe it's because I thought about the "whoa, whoa, whoas" this morning as I had to drive in the inside lane of Geer Highway since the outside lane was knee deep with water. Maybe it's because I glanced out Webster Street as I passed by but today is just one of those days.

Today, I miss my mama and daddy. It doesn't happen as often anymore but when the days come, they come hard. I wish I could drive to Slater before I come to work and take Daddy a gravy biscuit. I wish I could drop him off at the barber shop to get his haircut. I'd like just one more time to hear those "whoa, whoa, whoas" as I meet an oncoming car or drive in the outside lane. I wish I could go to Bi-lo and pick up Mama's groceries. I'd like to go on Saturday morning to roll her hair. I'd like just one more day of making salmon patties and mashed potatoes. I'd love to pick up the phone and call her just to talk.

I know that Mama and Daddy are in heaven...with whole bodies, not hurting...feasting around the table of the Lord. I know if they could choose, they wouldn't choose to be back here. And truth be known, I wouldn't want them to be back in their hurting earthly bodies. But, that doesn't help my missing them. I'll miss them everyday until I meet them again. But today, I miss them and little more deeply...plain and simple longing in my heart for just one more time talking about nothing and everything; that's how it was with us.

I don't know what brings on these feelings/longings. I think it's different for each person who has lost a parent. They just come out of the blue, with no warning. If you have experienced such emotions, you understand. If you haven't experienced such...pick up the phone, go by to take a gravy biscuit or roll her hair. Talk about everything...and nothing. No matter how busy you are...time is short.

Happy Birthday, David

2008-08-18T21:19:00.005-04:00

You know, as the world looks at people it ranks them usually according to their job or position within a company. One of the people I most admire (and love) in the world is my son-in-law, David. David had a great job as a computer programmer and was rapidly advancing within the company. He knew what he was doing and was being rewarded for a job well done.

THEN, David heard and answered God's call to ministry. Not only did he give up his job but also went back to school to complete his undergraduate degree; get a master's degree; and then complete a doctoral degree. In the beginning, David was a youth minister and to this day, his "kids" are serving God as ministers and lay leaders in churches and living out what David lived before them...a life of sacrifice for God.

In 2001, David was serving as a youth pastor . After the resignation of the senior pastor, David began serving as interim pastor. All the while the committee searched for God's man for the church, David was doing a fantastic job as interim. The pastor search committee followed God's leading and recommended that David be called as Senior Pastor. Under David's leadership, Ebenezer has grown and is now in the midst of a building program.

I am proud of David. He is a wonderful husband to my daughter, Diana; a great dad to Krissy and Drew and servant to Ebenezer BC.

David, I wish you a great birthday and want you to know I am proud to have you as my son-in-law. Happy Birthday!

Cinderella Is Still Dancing

2008-08-08T16:10:00.003-04:00

For months, I have prayed for and read every word of any print that pertained to Steven Curtis and Mary Beth Chapman and their family after the death of their precious adopted daughter, Maria Sue. What a wonderful blessing they have been to me but also what a testimony of God's amazing grace they are to a lost world. Today I have crying "hangover" from the tears shed last night watching Larry King Live. It was such a God-honoring and God-blessed interview. The Chapman's boldly proclaimed that without God, the interview would not be possible. Without God to sustain and hold them up these last months, it would not be possible to continue their music ministry. They admitted that their human side wants to shout out "why" but at the same time they have complete confidence that they will see Maria Sue again and that even now, she is dancing in praise to Jesus. It was quite obvious that Larry King "just doesn't get it." We all need to storm the gates of heaven for Larry King. He has had the saving gospel of Jesus Christ spoken many times on his show by James Dobson, Franklin Graham and now the Chapmans among others but He continues to wonder at how these families make it through after the heartache of the death of a child or other trials life may bring. He seemingly just doesn't get it.

If you didn't see the segment on the Chapmans Wednesday morning on GMA, you can view the YouTube video here. I will continue to pray for the Chapmans but will also remember to pray for those who don't know of the hope that sustains them.

It's all Behind Me

2008-08-05T09:43:00.002-04:00

Well, it's all behind me (pun intended) and there was no pollen.

Beginning Sunday at 3 p.m., I was prepping for a colonoscopy which I had yesterday morning at 7 a.m. If you've ever had a colonoscopy, you know that the prep is worse than the actual procedure. I ABSOLUTELY HATE the prep, as I'm sure most people do. I get so nauseated but cannot lie down because of the running back and forth to the potty. Oh my goodness, it's awful. I hope by the time my young readers (Kristy, Diana, Amy, Missy) get to be 50 years old, there is a new and improved way to screen for colon cancer. It ain't fun and is certainly no walk in the park.

Now for the good stuff...I didn't have any pollen (polyps) as Maggie told Diana on the phone. The previous colonoscopy (before yesterday) I did have a polyp removed and since I had it, I had to be screened again in 3 years. This time, because there were no polyps, I don't have to have another for 5 years. YEA!!! I am grateful...no, I'm overjoyed. Maybe the rapture will occur in the next five years and I won't ever have to have another.

This morning, I feel a little shaky and have a headache but thank goodness there's no pollen because my allergies would really be acting up and I'd be sneezing from you know where :). I'm grateful for small blessings and large ones too :).

I've BeenTagged

2008-07-31T19:01:00.004-04:00

Schotzy, a friend from Mitford bb, tagged me on her Wings of Eagles blog. I'm to write about five things I love most. Some of you might guess what these will be but I'll put it down in black and white anyway.

1. My salvation through the shed blood of my Savior, Jesus Christ. What a blessing He has given us to enter His throne room through praise of Him. I love singing to Him and about Him.

2. My family, including husband, children, grandchildren, sisters and their families. I love them with my whole heart and know that I can count on them the same way they can count on me. What a blessing it is to have a family who loves each other.

3. I love my church and church family. Having come from a horrible church situation several years ago, I fully understand and appreciate what we have in our church. Our first Sunday there, I walked in, sat down and just took a deep breath. I felt as if I were breathing the exhale of the Holy Spirit and to this day, I feel the same way. I can't imagine going to church anywhere else and won't unless God calls me to somewhere else.

4. I love flowers...I LOVE flowers. I love digging in the dirt and then seeing the flowers of my labor in a few weeks. What a gift God gave us in the beauty of a bloom.

5. I love Saturday morning breakfast at Tommy's Country Ham House in Greenville, SC. I don't know when we got in the habit of having breakfast out on Saturday morning but Tim knows I love it and yes, he spoils me, so I go to The Ham House almost every Saturday that we are in town. What a generous portion of grits... two homemade sausage patties...two scrambled eggs, whole wheat toast with blackberry preserves and a hot cup of coffee to wash it down. No breakfast anywhere compares to Tommy's Country Ham House.

Now I have to tag 5 people:

Diana, my daughter (maybe this will inspire her to REALLY blog)

Kathy, my sis

Amy, my niece

Missy, my niece

Sherry, a new friend

Happy blogging everyone. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do...Martha

A Great Time was Had by All!

2008-07-29T09:17:00.005-04:00

Well, the GREAT FAMILY VACATION 2008 was wonderful. We ate and swam and ate and played in the sand/sun and ate and shopped and ate and played Wii! What fun it was to all be together at Surfside.

At the last minute, Maggie decided to stay home and Charlie couldn't make the long trek from Oklahoma City so it was Diana and her family, Kristy and her family and Tim and I. We laughed until we cried and even shed a sad tear or two.

Kate, our 4 year-old extra extrovert was enamored with the 5 year old and 6 year old little girls staying next door to us. The first day there, she wanted to invite them over to swim with her. Made it to the second day and Kristy told Kate it would be fine if the girl's mom and dad said OK. They came over and the first words out of Kate's mouth were, "Look, I can roll my tongue" as she proceeded to show them her trick of rolling her tongue. I thought I would die laughing. Later, as you can see from the pic, Kristy showed us her trick also :).

Family is soooooooo fun to be with. I am so glad that we are a close family and that we enjoy each other's company. We are content to do our own thing and content to be together doing the same things. I love you, family, and hope it won't be long before we can do it again!

A Me-me for Today

2008-07-15T09:51:00.005-04:00

Outside My Window... outside our bedroom window, our crape myrtle has gone crazy this year. It is absolutely covered in the most beautiful pinkish purple blooms. Love it! It must really be a HOT and DRY tree. Also the front yard/porch flowers are doing their thing. Beautiful!
I am thinking... Yuck! Just scheduled my colonoscopy for August 4 at 7 a.m. and I DREAD IT already!
I am wearing... a hot pink shirt with black capris and black shoes.
I am going... to Surfside Beach, SC on Friday! YEA!
I am reading... my Bible...nothing else right now but may start something new next week at the beach.
I am hoping... that all goes well....(everybody won't know what this means but God and my sis know).
I am hearing... office sounds: a copier running, a dehumidifier running, my office mate talking on the phone.
Around the house...I will need to do laundry, pack and get ready for vacation.
One of my favorite things...My HE front-loader clothes washer.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...In addition to working today-Friday, I get a haircut tomorrow afternoon; church tomorrow night; dermatologist Thursday morning; laundry and packing Thursday and Friday; leaving Saturday a.m. for vacation.

Is this a beautiful child or what?

2008-07-12T21:13:00.004-04:00

You know, every once in a while a grandma just wants to brag. Isn't this the most precious picture and the most precious little girl? This is 4 year old Kate. I've had the wonderful opportunity of having Kate, her 7 year old brother, Duncan and Meg, 10 (going on 20)years old to stay with us since Wednesday afternoon until this evening. They live in Belo Horizonte, Brazil where their parents are Campus Outreach missionaries. We don't have the opportunity to have them stay with us much since they are so far away so this was a real treat. In addition to being a missionary, Kristy, my daughter, is a children's book author. Each year Highlights Foundation hosts a wonderful conference for children's authors in Pennsylvania. Kris was fortunate to be able to go this year, thus, we were fortunate to be able to keep the children. Tonight we pick Kris up at the airport at 10:45 p.m. so our time with the kids will come to an end. We do look forward to all being together next week at Surfside Beach, SC for a week and that will be loads of fun.

Meantime, I just wanted to "show-off" one precious little girl. Enjoy her pic while I get to love on her for a couple more weeks.

A Bunch of Randomness

2008-07-11T08:30:00.007-04:00

None of these things are connected but I thought I'd get my racing thoughts down on paper:

I really really don't like bad grammar or bad spelling. Please don't use their for they're; accept for except and vice-versa. Please do use I before E except after C. The plural of berry is not berry's; it's not even berrys...it's berries. That brings up another pet peeve. Don't use a plural apostrophe unless it is possessive. The plural of interest is interests not interest's. Don't use fill when you mean feel.

I love being a grandmother. I've had my grandchildren for a few days this week while parents are out of town and it's been great. We've had FUN. Having young ones in the house this week has "livened up" the place. We went to the community pool yesterday and it was fun to pretend to be young again.

I love days off work. I've enjoyed yesterday afternoon and today being home with the grandchildren. Not a planned vacation but a spur of the moment "I'm gonna stay home with the kids today."

My flowers are so pretty right now. The gerbera daisies, petunias, portulaca and lantana are all in full bloom. Thank you, God, for the gift of beautiful flowers.
I love playing scrabulous and scrabble; in fact, I love word games of every kind. I love to work crossword puzzles, play pathwords and text twirl. I have several friends and a sister who love it as much as I do and we have fun!

I don't like car air conditioners that won't work. Mine has been "broken" since last summer. The mechanic told me it would be $1200 to repair and my car isn't worth that much :) sooo.....I've been trying to survive without. It ain't fun.

Speaking of cars, I also don't like $4/gallon gas. What are we gonna do?

I love the smile of a little girl who just got out of bed :)...Kate! I don't like the cough she's had in the middle of the night.

I'm excited about vacation July 19-26. The whole family with the exception of Charlie who can't get off work, is going to the beach and staying here. We're gonna have FUN!

My sisters are my best friends. I'm so grateful that we are a close family. We love each other and would do anything for each other. I can't imagine life without either of them. I love you, Bibby and Kathy.

The hummingbirds at my feeders have been beautiful and abundant. I love watching them stop in mid-air to take a sip.
I don't like dirty dishes sitting in the sink. Maggie promised when she moved in with us that she would unload the dishwasher if I would load it. She's fallen down on her end of the bargain!

I really pray that all my spelling and grammar is correct in this post. It would really embarrass me if I've messed up after #1 above :).

New Lungs

2008-07-04T15:15:00.003-04:00

David Gaines, a minister at our church, Biltmore Baptist in Arden, NC, was diagnosed in January 2007 with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. The complete story is on David's caringbridge website. Over the months since his diagnosis, many people have prayed and asked God for intervention for David.

David is a wonderfully talented musician, playing several instruments; he is the director of our orchestra at church and arranger of LOTS of music that we use and that many churches across America uses. When you hear him play the piano, you know that he plays to an audience of One.

This week on Wednesday, I was sitting at my desk and decided to check my e-mail. The Exalt Ministry office at church had sent out an e-mail marked URGENT! As I read it, my tears came. New lungs were available for David!!! It is a wonderful feeling when you get such a visible answer to prayers that have been prayed for 18 months. When you read the caringbridge website, you can see from the guestbook that people all over the world have been lifting David to the Father. It is awesome to see God's hand at work in so many lives through what he has done for David and his family.

When David was first diagnosed, I sent a prayer request to Kristy (among others). Kristy forwarded it to other Campus Outreach staff in Brazil. It really is such a small world as another of the CO staff, Kent Bailey, recognized David's name as a friend he had grown up with in Nashville. Kent's dad was the pastor of the church where David and his family attended in Nashville and Kent and David were good friends. They had lost touch with each other over the years but have now reconnected because of Kristy sending out the prayer request.

I am continually amazed at what God desires to do in our life, whether it is through blessings or our dependence on Him through the trials of life. It is up to us to keep on singing and keep on trusting and keep on praising Him, just because He's God.

I Will Sing Praise

I will sing praise,

I will lift my voice,

I will sing praise,

I’ve made my choice.

I will sing praise in all I do.

I will sing praise to you.

No matter the storms that come my way,

No matter the trials I may face,

You promised that you would see me through.

So, I will trust in You.

Freedom

2008-07-03T20:20:00.006-04:00

What a blessing to live in the United States of America. For those of us who have traveled out of the country, we understand just how valuable our freedoms are. I think nothing of planning a week ahead knowing I will be in church on Sunday. I don't have to pass through any checkpoints to get there. I don't have to go in the dark of night so no one will see me. I am free to carry my Bible with me anywhere I want to. I am free to sing praises to my Heavenly Father and can sing them as loud as I want to. I heard once of a house church meeting in China and all they could do was whisper/sing their praise. God has truly blessed us as a nation and a people to have the freedoms we enjoy in America.

There is another freedom that God gave us that means even more and is more valuable than the freedoms we enjoy in our country. That is the freedom we have in Christ Himself to live our lives truly free. John 8:36 says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." Because of man's inherrent sinful state, we are slaves to sin. Christ came so that our freedom from this "sin slavery" could be bought through the shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can do to obtain this freedom; the price has already been paid on the cross. We can't be "good enough" to purchase our own freedom. We can't do enough good things to merit eternity with Him. The only way to be truly free is to acknowledge our sin, believe that Christ can save us and confess to Him our need and repent. What is repentence? It is a 180 turn-around. It simply is a u-turn away from our sin and toward a life lived for Him.

I like to use the analogy of a beautifully wrapped package. It is sitting on a table in my house and has my name on the gift tag. If I don't accept the gift, open it and use it, it isn't mine. Romans 6:23 "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Christ gave His life so that we might have eternal life. John 3:16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." All we need to do is accept the gift. If you don't know Him as your personal Savior, today would be a great day to begin a new life in Him. He's waiting on you. He stands ready to save you. Trust and believe. Your life will be eternally changed.

Happy Birthday, Diana

2008-06-27T21:16:00.004-04:00

Where do the years go? Only yesterday it seems, I went to St. Francis Hospital barely in labor but very pregnant. At that time, we didn't have ultrasounds so I had no idea if I were pregnant with a girl or a boy. I just knew I was very pregnant with a baby that had been due on June 16 and that I was still carrying around on June 27. I had felt bad all day but around midnight, I felt like we should go on to the hospital to be checked out. Pretty soon after I arrived at the hospital, I was given an injection that knocked me "out like a light." I obviously went right out and was in labor but knew nothing of it. Diana was born at around 4:30 a.m. after a relatively short time in labor. At 9:30 a.m. the next morning (June 28, 1967) I awakened to the sound of someone cleaning my room. I opened my eyes at the same time I reached down with my hands to feel my tummy. I looked at the custodian and said, "have I had my baby and was it a boy or a girl?" She said, "I don't know but I"ll go find out." She came back in shortly and told me that the nurse would be bringing my baby to me in a few minutes. Around 9:45 a.m. on June 28, 2008, I met the love of my life. I'd never before had a feeling like I had when I first saw my first child. She was beautiful; she was screaming; she was mine. What a feeling of love and wonder when I first saw her.

Diana couldn't take warm milk...always took a bottle right out of the fridge. She never drank formula...always drank whole milk. She didn't have hair until she was 2 years old and when it did come in it was so white blonde that you still couldn't tell she had hair on her bald head. She loved her passy...gave it up when she threw it out the car window to a "big truck" the day Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and never took one again. She loved going to the golf course with her daddy and being pulled around the course in her red wagon while Don played 9 holes. She loved swinging and playing in the sand box. She loved her friends, Anne Marie and Christine, Happy and Sherwood, and Chet and Leigh Ann. She loved swimming and learned to swim by the time she turned 3 years old.

It thrills me to look at her now, the wife and mother she has become and I hope it's not too prideful to say I am proud of her. She loves her husband and is so supportive of him in his ministry. She loves her children as is evidenced by the fact that she's ALWAYS sitting on the 3rd baseline cheering them on. It is such a joy to see the woman she has become. I am so proud of you, Diana...proud to have you as a daughter. May God continue to bless you as a wife of a pastor and as a mother of Krissy and Drew. I don't know anybody who could do it better. I love you and hope you have a great birthday weekend.

Where I'm From

2008-06-21T20:57:00.009-04:00

Where I'm From

by George Ella Lyons

I am from clothespins,

from Clorox and carbon-tetrachloride.

I am from the dirt under the black porch.

(Black, glistening it tasted like beets.)

I am from the forsythia bush,

the Dutch elmwhose long gone limbs I remember

as if they were my own.
I'm from fudge and eyeglasses,

from Imogene and Alafair.

I'm from the know-it-alls

and the pass-it-ons,

from perk up and pipe down.

I'm from He restoreth my soul

with a cottonball lamb

and ten verses I can say myself.
I'm from Artemus and Billie's Branch,

fried corn and strong coffee.

From the finger my grandfather lost

to the auger

the eye my father shut to keep his sight.

Under my bed was a dress box

spilling old pictures,

a sift of lost faces

to drift beneath my dreams.

I am from those moments-snapped

before I budded-leaf-fall from the family tree.

George Ella Lyons wrote the poem above called, "Where I’m From.” I read it and it made me start thinking about what I would write if I wrote something similar. Now, for sure, I’m no poet; Kristy would have to write it for it to be true poetry. But I do know ‘where I’m from’ and I think I can put it down on paper (computer) and make some sense of it. It’s fun…write you own.

Where I’m From
By Martha Vaughan

I am from Ebenezer community on Highway 276,
By the outhouse and catching my pants on fire in the burning grass.

I am from a butcher knife fanning the air

and being caught in Daddy's hand; thus, a crooked finger for life.

I'm from wringer washers, clothes flapping in the wind,

kerosene stoves, homemade with love quilts and days of no tv.
I am from sandy driveways in the Shiloh community

and bare feet and Mr. Foster’s country store

where we’d buy Pepsi’s, brown mules, and moon pies,

all put on our poor old mama’s “account”

while she was a slave to a sewing machine in a sewing hall.
I’m from black salve, castor oil, Creomulsion, Vicks Vaporub, asafetida and kerosene.

I'm from granuloma knots, blood that "looked like orange kool-aid" and being so skinny that Mama often said, "I'll never raise her."
I am from beagle rabbit hunting dogs

and rabbits as pets that became food on the table.
I am from poison oak so bad that Dr. Coleman

had to give me a shot everyday for two weeks;

I couldn’t go to school so I stayed with Granny while Mama worked

and got to watch "The Guiding Light" and "As the World Turns" and drink coffee!
I’m from carrying water when the well went dry;

and from watching Grandma wash clothes

in a black iron pot over a fire in the backyard.

I'm from riding my bicycle across the yard, not seeing

the clothes line and being "clothes-lined" in the neck.
I’m from trying to burn fiberglas in Grandma’s backyard

that wouldn’t burn because it really IS glass.
I’m from having a dog named Tippy that was deliberately run over

and killed by Larry Ledfort. (name changed to protect the guilty)
I’m from borrowing Grace Cox’s sewing machine, dropping and breaking it and how it hurt me as much to see her cry as it did to see the crack in the machine!
I hail from days spent barefoot, gathering clay from Mr. Burns creek bed with Tony

and then forming it into our “dishes” set out in the sun to dry.

I'm from skating on the concrete screened-in porch, falling

and cracking my tail-bone which hurts to this day as a reminder of "good times."

I’m from Slater-Marietta Elementary School and the teachers, Mrs. McKinney, Mrs. Kerns, Mrs. Cleveland and others who loved me as their own.
I’m from the Bible Society lady who came to school

and gave us a Bible if we’d memorized enough verses.
I’m from pulling Jane Forrest out of bus-line, telling her it was “against the law”

to get back in line, all so she would come home with me from school. She believed me and she did!
I’m from all the days spent waiting up, watching, talking and praying with Mama.
I’m from times spent on our bed with Mama’s prayers rising to heaven on our behalf.
I’m from fireflies, butterflies and honeybees in their hives in our own backyard.
I’m from best friend, Dona, two doors down

and another best friend, Pat, across the street,

who were like ‘other sisters’ when we were growing up.
I’m from a Christian mother who instilled in me

her love of God and made me grow-up to want to be like her.
I’m from getting married at 17 years old and working to help Don finish Clemson.
I’m from Slater-Marietta, Travelers Rest, Clemson, Lake City, Gastonia, Statesville, Elizabethton, Greenville…finally full-circle back to my roots and home.

I Gave Myself a Makeover

2008-06-20T13:00:00.008-04:00

Nope, I didn't get a facelift, liposuction or tummy tuck...but my blog got a makeover.

I'm the type person that if I know something CAN be done, I want to figure out how to do it. I frequently read a blog that was given a free makeover. Some of these blog makeovers by professionals cost around $100. As I looked at the new look for this blog, I thought...hmmmm, I'd love to learn to do that. SO...you are viewing my humble efforts. It's probably not as good as I'd like it to be nor as good as it could be nor as good as it's gonna be; however, it's as good as it's gonna get today. It's a start; a beginning. And I'll continue to tweek it until it's as good as I want it to be. It was fun; it's always fun for me to learn new computer programs and things my computer will do to make my life easier/better/prettier :). That's why I always jump at the chance to take a computer software class when FU offers one. That and the fact that I can take them free make it doubly good.

Let me know what you think about the new look. If you do like it or if there's anything that would be better/easier to read, etc. I'll keep on tweeking until it's as good as it gets.

Getting a Jump on Kathy

2008-06-12T20:20:00.004-04:00

I never blog twice in one day but today I feel as if I must...I have to get a jump on Kathy because if I don't 'fess up, I know she'll do it for me.

This morning after Tim left to go to work, I heard a cell phone ringing but it wasn't mine. I looked around and found Tim's phone ringing on the island in the kitchen. I answered it and it was Tim telling me he knew he'd left his phone at home and for me to take it to Furman with me and if he had time, he'd come to Furman to pick it up. I put it in my purse and forgot about it.

Later in the morning I remembered it was there and as I started out of the office to the bathroom, I decided I would call Tim to see if he were actually going to make it to pick up his phone. As I reached the office door, I heard a phone ringing and asked Lonita if it were hers. She said no...I hung up my cell and went back to answer Tim's just as it "beeped" with a missed call. I decided I would check to see who the missed call was from and lo and behold, IT WAS FROM ME. I got so tickled, I thought I would wet my pants before I got down to the bathroom. I've laughed at myself all day. "Blessed are those who can laugh at themselves; they will never cease to be amused." Today I am blessed beyond measure.

I do have lots of stories I can tell on Kathy but I'm glad I thought about getting the jump on her this time.

Digging in the Dirt

2008-06-11T10:48:00.004-04:00

I absolutely love digging in dirt. There is nothing more satisfying and therapeutic to me than planting and watching flowers grow. I love the smell of dirt and especially on a hot summer afternoon as the sprinkles of rain begin. What smells better?

I think I inherited my love of flowers from my mom. I don't remember her ever planting or growing flowers (except roses) when we were growing up but she loved flowers. After she sold her home and moved to the senior apartment complex, each spring I would dig in her dirt and plant some flowers in the beds outside the sliding glass door of her apartment. From where she sat in her lift chair, she looked right out that door and to her flower bed. Some days she called me at work to tell me how pretty it was that day. That was one of those things that she wanted to "pay" me for doing and one of those things that I had to say, "just say thanks." Her love of the flowers was all the "pay" I needed.

Since mom died 4 years ago, I've had only my flower bed to plant and I miss having two...but most of all I miss her and her love of the beauty of the petunias, mandevilla, and begonias that we chose for her flower bed. I like to continue to "dig in the dirt" because I love the feel of it as it runs through my fingers but most of all as a reminder of her and her love of the flowers.

For those of you who know my sister, Kathy, she has always loved to dig in dirt too...ask her about "digging" when she was a child. Maybe she'll post that on her blog sometime :).

You Know it's Hot When Your Eyeballs Sweat

2008-06-05T09:54:00.005-04:00

For the past 3 weeks, we haven't had any air conditioning at work. To top that off, we don't have windows in our office. The first week wasn't so bad...high temps outside of about 73 degrees made for pleasant days. Over the course of three weeks though, the temp has gradually risen to a high today expected to be around 95 degrees. It is miserable...I am miserable. I am sweating in places I didn't know I had places and certainly in places I can't reach :). Have your eyeballs/eyelids ever sweated? Yesterday mine did! I have a fan blowing on me but it is doing nothing but blowing hot air...much like most of the people in my office.

Lonita and I just walked across the yard to the portable office space we will be moving to in August. It is wonderful. We will all have our own office space. Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah!! AND it is ice cold in there. I can't wait! I'm ready to move now. We'll be out of the dust of construction; out of the heat; into an area where we have enough toilets!!! (that's another story). We're ready and sitting on go when FU says it's time to move. We'll have everything packed and it won't take us two seconds to be out of here and into the wonderful portable. AND then they will construct wonderful new space for us over in the PAC. YEA! August can't get here fast enough!

Life-lessons Learned from Abbie

2008-06-02T12:14:00.025-04:00

About 20 months ago, Maggie and Abbie came to to live with us; I had always said that I would NEVER have a dog in my house but when it became a "case of have-to," I bit the bullet and gave in. Never would I have thought that a 4# fur ball would give Tim and I so much joy. She loves us unconditionally and when she looks at us with those big brown eyes, you just have to give in to whatever it is she wants. She is a joy to have and yes, she lives IN MY HOUSE! I saw this list the other day and via my photos of the last 20 months knew that I had truly learned some lessons from Abbie.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

When it's in your best interest, practice obedience.

Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

Take naps and stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily. This photo was taken after a particularly "vigorous" swim and we thought she was gonna have a seizure. She got out of the pool, flopped over on her side and shook like a leaf.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not, however if you are The Princess, it's ok to wear the crown.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout .. run right back and make friends.

Delight in the simple joys of a long walk.

(from The Story Bin...Lists to Live By @ http://www.storybin.com/lists/list109.shtml)

This is NOT Mickey-Ds

2008-05-16T11:35:00.002-04:00

I work with folks who have a drive-thru mentality and they are driving me CRAZY!

I have a 42” plotter on which I print most of the posters posted around our building. I create the poster, click the print button, adjust to the desired size, then WAIT while the poster scrolls from my computer to the networked plotter sitting across the room. It sometimes takes 10-12 minutes for the scrolling to complete and the printer to actually begin to print. I have one particular professor who has a drive-thru mentality. He will stand in front of the plotter, doing a little “hurry-up” dance and watch the seconds count down on the screen. I reminded him the other day that we aren’t working at McDonald’s and this is not a drive-thru. He needed to learn to be patient.

Patience is so hard. Sometime back I saw on tv a study about marshmallows, children and delayed gratification. The children were given two marshmallows on the table in front of them. The researcher told them that he was leaving the room and if they didn’t eat their marshmallows while the researcher was gone, they would get two more marshmallows when he returned. Some of the children waited but several just couldn’t restrain themselves. They preferred instant gratification over the promise of the extra marshmallows. Researchers have found that children who can delay gratification by saving marshmallows until later, turn out to be happier and better adjusted later in life. The study says we “feel better when we are in control of our desires and, particularly, our behaviors.

In a devotion today, I read the following:

1. What do you want to have?
2. Can you wait?

Chances are, if you can answer yes to the second question, you will be
sure to find plenty of contentment and peace.

Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”

Random Acts of Kindness

2008-05-15T12:25:00.004-04:00

What is a Random Act of Kindness? Simply put, it is an intentional act of kindness that you can demonstrate towards another person where they encounter the love of Jesus Christ through you. (biltmorefamily.org)

A few years ago, I was on my way to work when the lure of Burger King called my name and I wheeled into the drive-thru. I order and pulled to the rear of a line of about 4-5 cars. After sitting in line a few minutes, I noticed that a friend from church was in the drive-thru ahead of me. We waved to each other and after she paid and was handed her breakfast, she drove on off toward her job at Kemet. I pulled up to the window and started to hand the cashier my money for breakfast, she said my breakfast had been paid for by my friend who was already headed to work. What a pleasant surprise that random act of kindness was!

Christmas of 1995, Maggie and Charlie had settled into our family and Charlie was attending Northwest Middle School. He rode the school bus through Travelers Rest and past a trailer park every morning. Most mornings and afternoons he saw a bed-ridden man lying in a hospital bed and being cared for by his elderly wife. Often, she would have the curtains pulled back so the man could watch the world pass by. As Christmas neared, Charlie wanted to do something for this lady who so patiently cared for her husband. We took a little basket, filled it with fruit and Charlie and Maggie took it to her door. She had no idea who they were but they hugged her, wished her a merry Christmas and got back in the car. We will probably never know what it meant to this elderly lady to have these two visit bearing a basket of fruit. The only thing I know is that we received the bigger blessing.

I want to live a life looking for random acts of kindness share with people. I think that sometimes my eyes and heart aren't sensitive enough to see. I hope that I will begin to see the needs around me and portray to others that there is something "different" about me.

Our church's website has a few random acts listed that might help me to open my eyes. These are:

Buy some fresh fruit and vegetables and place in a paper bag with a BBC (Biltmore Baptist Church)card. Find a neighbor at home and say you saw these, thought of them and give them the bag.

The next time you're at a restaurant leave an unexpectedly large tip with a BBC card.

Mow the grass for an elderly neighbor.

Bake cookies for someone.

You’re at the post office stamp machine. Buy more than you need, and turn around and give those stamps to the person behind you.

The next time you are at a fast food drive thru, pay for the person’s meal behind you and leave the clerk a BBC card.

Dining in at a restaurant, ask the waitress for the single-mom’s (across the room) ticket. Pay and leave the waitress a BBC card to give her.

Be creative and look for ways to show kindness toward one another. “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” - – Matthew 5:16

You are my Shield...

2008-05-12T14:35:00.004-04:00

One of my favorite worship songs that we sing at church is You Are My Shield. Digging back to my days of researching the names of God in preparation to create banners of significance to a name, I did that for the Names of God in this song. I hope these scriptures bless you as much as they do me.

You Are My Shield

I will bless the Lord forever,
And I will trust Him at all times.
He has delivered me from all things,
And He has set my feet upon the Rock.

I will not be moved, and I'll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.

Whom have I in heaven but You.
There's none aI desire beside You.

You have made me glad, and I'll say of the Lord:
You are my Shield, my Strength, my Portion, Deliverer,
My Shelter, Strong Tower, my very present help in time of need.

My very present help in time of need.
My very present help in time of need.

My Shield…

II Samuel 22

2 He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
3 my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
My Shield and the horn {Horn here symbolizes strength}
of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior-
from violent men you save me.
4 I call to the LORD , who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.

Psalm 3:3

But you are a Shield around me, O LORD ; you bestow glory on me and upon my head.

Psalm 7:10
My Shield is God Most High, who saves the upright in heart.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and My Shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

Psalm 84:11
For the Lord God is a sun and Shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 119:114
You are my refuge and my Shield; I have put my hope in your word.

Psalm 140:7
O Sovereign LORD , my strong deliverer, who Shields my head in the day of battle-

My Strength…

Exodus 15:2
The LORD is My Strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.

2 Samuel 22
32 For who is God besides the LORD ? And who is the Rock except our God?
33 It is God who arms me with Strength and makes my way perfect.
34 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he enables me to stand on the heights.

2 Samuel 22:40
You armed me with Strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.

Psalm 18:1
I love you, O LORD , My Strength.

Psalm 22:19
But you, O LORD , be not far off; O My Strength, come quickly to help me.

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is My Strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.

My Portion…

Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and My Portion forever.

Psalm 16:5
LORD , you have assigned me My Portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure

Psalm 119:57
You are My Portion, O LORD ; I have promised to obey your words.

Psalm 142:5
I cry to you, O LORD ; I say, "You are my refuge, My Portion in the land of the living."

Lamentations 3:24
I say to myself, "The LORD is My Portion; therefore I will wait for him."

Deliverer…

2 Samuel 22:2
He said: "The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my Deliverer;

Psalm 40:17
Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my Deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

Psalm 140:7
O Sovereign LORD , my strong Deliverer, who shields my head in the day of battle-

My Shelter…
Psalm 55
7 I would flee far away and stay in the desert; Selah 8 I would hurry to my place of Shelter, far from the tempest and storm." 9 Confuse the wicked, O Lord, confound their speech, for I see violence and strife in the city.

Strong Tower…

Psalm 61:3
For you have been my refuge, a Strong Tower against the foe.

Proverbs 18
10 The name of the LORD is a Strong Tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

My Very Present Help in Time of Need…

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Mother, Nannoo, Friend...

2008-05-09T12:49:00.003-04:00

Our Mother and Nannoo was one of the most loved and loving women I have ever known. She was Bibby’s, Kathy’s, and my mother, but she was also our best friend, just as she was to many. We spent hours with her and talked to her on the phone everyday. When we needed some of her wisdom, she was always there to give it. When we needed a shoulder to cry on, she was there to lend hers. When Curt or I needed the answer to 24 across in the daily crossword puzzle, we called mama and she always knew the answer!

From my earliest memories, our mama was the strength of our family. As all people do - Mama had trials, but the most remarkable thing was that with her, it never showed. She always seemed to rise serenely above the trials and carry on in the face of adversity. When we needed anything, ever, she was the one we went to. Mama worked long hard hours for many years in a sewing hall. Her income provided everything that our family needed. I remember that she would always take us shopping just before school started in the fall to buy 5 school dresses and a pair of shoes. If we had to go to the doctor or the hospital, her income paid the bills. Her income bought furniture, a car, even a roof over our heads. I once heard her talk of Kathy’s five-week stay in the hospital when Kathy was 11 years old. The hospital bill was only $1000 for the full five weeks but in that day, that was a huge sum of money for mama to pay. But, she did it. She told us that she never even told daddy the amount of the hospital bill. She did it all by herself.

Not only did mama give us everything we needed physically, but she gave us everything we needed emotionally. We always knew we were loved. She told us often, gave us hugs, kisses and other emotional support. There was never any doubt that after God, her family was first in her life. She would have done and did do anything in the world for us. Often, when I’d pick up some groceries or medicine for her, she’d try to repay me. I told her more than once that I could never do enough for her to repay her for what she’d done for me so just to say “thanks.” We’d laugh about it, she’d say thanks and then the next time, we’d go through it all again.

The most important thing that Mama gave us was not the physical nor emotional but she shared with us a love for her Lord and instilled in us a desire to serve Him. She taught us how to pray and honor God. When we were very small, she began to teach us about God and the importance of a Christian life. She answered all our questions. How thrilled she was when the three of us were saved and baptized. What a joy it was for her when her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren began to serve Him in full-time Christian service. Kathy and Billy served God in local churches and in Venezuela and with the International Mission Board. How supportive she was when my daughter, Kristy and her husband went to Brazil to serve as missionaries. What a joy to her when David and my daughter, Diana gave up a career in computer programming to follow the Lord’s call into the ministry. She was amazed that God would call another of her own when He called Jeff and Kathy’s daughter, Amy into the pastoral ministry. Then, Missy and Chad served on the mission field in Spain. Now a great granddaughter carries on her legacy of faith as Hali and David serve in a local church. What a blessing and a legacy to a Christian mother. The remainder of us who aren’t in full-time service are active in our own churches and day-to-day live our lives bearing witness of the love of our Savior. Only God knows how many others of the grandchildren or great-grandchildren will follow God’s call on their lives. Many people could bear testimony to the fact that Nannoo led them to the Lord or influenced them to live lives devoted to Him. Only God knows the number of spiritual children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren in Marietta, over SC, Georgia, Virginia, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Venezuela, Brazil, Spain, over the US and around the world that are a direct result of this godly mother’s life. I think the greatest thing that can be said about mama is that she loved her Lord and she shared that love with all of us. She was a model of her Savior in displaying forgiving, unconditional love.

As I remember Mama on the eve of this Mother's Day, I think of love...her love for us, our love for her and her love of her God. She is a role-model for me and for all who knew her. I thank God for the blessing of precious memories!

A New Lease...

2008-05-07T13:40:00.004-04:00

When Kristy first called to ask if I thought we could come to Brazil, my initial reaction was, "NO WAY." I didn't see how in the world it could work out. The more we talked, the more excited I got and then the next thing I knew, we were planning a trip to Brazil!

Ever since Maggie moved in with us, I've had a "sitting on the edge of my seat" mentality. I kept waiting for the next shoe to drop, so to speak. It seems that I never truly relaxed; never laughed or found anything funny; never had fun; never did anything much except work, eat, sleep, work, eat, sleep. Going to Brazil has renewed my spirit. I know that wasn't the sole reason for the trip but it is truly an added bonus as I feel like I have "a new lease on life".

Laughing with and at Maggie; playing with the grandchildren; truly vacationing; being with Kristy and Demps all have combined to help me see the grass as a little greener, the sky a little bluer and help me to think "it's worth it." I'm hoping that all this will combine to help me get in the mindset to lose some weight and to continue to maintain my lease for years to come.

Twenty-one things I've loved about my second week in Brazil

2008-05-04T19:49:00.004-04:00

1) Pao de Queijo for breakfast
2) Rice and Beans
3) Going to the hippie fair
4) Going to Meg's English class to talk to the children in English. They understood a lot.
5) Another massage
6) Josie's wonderful cooking
7) Josie's wonderful cleaning
8) Josie's wonderful clean laundry
9) Going to Central Market
10) Seeing the man again who sells the linens
11) Seeing the excitement of Meg, Duncan and Kate as they got their first-ever dog, "Camo"
12) Having Kate's smiling face greet me every morning as I woke up
13) Learning to cut glass, paint glass and make mosaics
14) Visiting the art school
15) Not having a flat tire (Demps loved that one too)
16) Going to the mall
17) Going to Tiradentes
18) Seeing Duncan and Kate's face as the train passed by ... they were thrilled to get to ride it
19) Seeing pewter made
20) Riding to the airport like clowns stuffed in a volkswagen
21) Hearing that Kate said, "I'm gonna miss those people"

Happy Birthday, Drew!

2008-05-04T17:42:00.004-04:00

May 5, 2008 It's hard to believe that the Drew Wike we know now was that tiny little baby born in New Orleans and that Maggie and I got to go spend a week with after he was born. How time has flown.

When I think of Drew, I think of someone who loves life to the fullest. Drew is always active...playing baseball, basketball, skateboarding, swimming, playing Jinga, making up other games with Jinga blocks, playing at the dinner table with his daddy with a piece of folded paper like it is a football and loving his Wii and video games.

Drew also loves his church youth group and just recently returned from a week of hard work in New Orleans. He shared the compassion and love of Jesus with those less fortunate than we are and I am so proud of him for that.

Drew loves loves loves spending a week at our house in the summer and attending basketball camp at Furman and we love love love having him here. He is always polite, loving and kind. He is very out-going and makes friends easily. On top of all that, Drew is very intelligent. I am so proud of him and am proud to be his grandmother.

Happy Birthday, Drew! We love you!

Twenty-one Things I've Loved about My First Week in Brazil

2008-04-25T21:12:00.005-04:00

1) Being with Kristy, Demps, Duncan, Meg and Kate
2) Hearing Kate ask God's blessing on our food
3) Açai with bananas and granola
4) Guarana
5) Black beans, rice and vinegrette
6) Pinto beans, rice and vinegrette
7) Josie and watching Maggie try to talk to her
8) Riding with Kristy while she drives like she is in a race at LeMans
9) Having Meg sit on my lap
10) Watching Duncan do his homework.
11) Being within "walking distance"
12) Seeing the grandchildren in their school uniforms
13) Going to the flower fair

14) Pao de Queijo
15) Being with other Campus Outreach staff
16) Seeing Tim relax
17) The internet phone so I can keep in touch with home
18) Massages, pedicures, manicures and haircuts
19) Did I happen to mention beans, rice and vinegrette
20) The gorgeous weather
21) Rio de Janeiro

Massages and Broken Hearts

2008-04-23T16:57:00.003-04:00

Today began as a great day! A few weeks ago, I fell in my office at Furman and hurt both knees but the worst pain has been in my back where as my mama always said, "I stove it up." I think sleeping in the plane and also sleeping on a different mattress along with the fall, has had me saying, "oh, my aching back." AND I've meant it literally. Kris and Demps had told me about a therapeutic masseuse who charges only $20/hour. Oh, did I need this! Demps called, made me an appointment and I went this morning at 8:30 a.m. Isis worked on me until a little after 10 a.m. (for the same $20) and did it ever feel good. My back has felt so much better today.

As we were leaving the masseuse salon, there was a police car out front. Kris said, "look, Mom, they have a little boy." I looked and there was a little boy in the back seat of the car with huge crocodile tears rolling down his cheeks. My heart broke then and all afternoon he has come to my mind and I have prayed that whatever his circumstances, that God would be with him, comfort his little boy heart and put somebody in his path who will love him and take care of him. It would be so hard for me to be here all the time and see the hurt on the faces of the children. I'd want to bring them all home with me and love on them, hoping love would overcome their pain. I do know that for every one that is helped, there are millions more who need a hug and someone to love them. But for today, I do pray for the one who had trouble with the police today. Pray for him with me.

James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

You Tube Slide Show of Homeless Children in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Our Lil' Girly-girl

2008-04-19T20:10:00.000-04:00

It's hard for me to believe that our Meg was born 10 years ago. One of the joys of seeing your children grow up is seeing them with their own children. What a precious moment it is to walk into a hospital room and see your child holding her own child. There is no feeling in the world like it.

Meg is a very special little girl. She is as beautiful inside as out. She is very tender-hearted. She loves me and Pe-pop along with her Mama and Papa Dempsey dearly and is loved back just as dearly. Meg gives the "bestest and tightest" hugs in the world. She loves to sit on your lap and loves loves loves to hear stories about her parents when they were children her age.

I hope Meg has a wonderful birthday and by the way, we're celebrating with her in Rio! Who would have ever thought it!

BELO...HERE WE COME!!!

2008-04-18T08:00:00.002-04:00

When we mention to people that Kris and Demps live in Belo Horizonte, many people have never even heard of it. BUT, did you know that Belo is the 4th largest city coming after Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador. It is a huge, modern city of ~2.15 MILLION people!! It is never quiet; it never sleeps; people and traffic are everywhere and it is BEAUTIFUL.

I cannot begin to tell you how grateful we are to get to go again. It's been 4 years (when Kate was born) when I last went and Tim hasn't been since 1999. Maggie has never been and in fact, she hasn't even flown since we brought her and Charlie to America from Venezuela in 1991. It is going to be such a treat to see her on the plane and what a joy for all of us to visit Kris, Demps, Meg, Duncan and Kate. I'll try to keep my blog updated while there so you all can keep up with what we're doing and the sights we're seeing. I'm sorry I can't stick you all in my pocket and take you with me.

One of the things that we love to do while in Brazil is visit the hippie fair, a market where individuals set up tents, the streets are blocked and the downtown area becomes a "flea market." Some of the things sold are typical flea market type items and some of the things are very nice. I've bought some gorgeous baby clothes, leather items, jewelry, etc. at the hippie fair. I worry about taking Maggie there though because those of you who know her, know her penchant for shopping. She is going to think she's died and gone to shopping heaven.

I found the following on the web for those of you who are interested in Belo. I'll think about you all here working away while I'm vacationing (NOT).

Belo Horizonte (pop. Approx. 2.7 million), the first modern Brazilian city to spring from an architect's drawing board, was expressly designed for its role as the capital of the state of Minas Gerais. Its wide, landscaped avenues and carefully planned residential suburbs have, however, suffered the impact of the country's high rate of urbanization. Belo Horizonte is the distribution and processing center of a rich agricultural and mining region and the nucleus of a burgeoning industrial complex. Its chief manufacturing is steel, steel products, automobiles, and textiles. Gold, manganese, and gem stones of the surrounding region are processed in the city. Belo Horizonte is also a leading cultural center, with three universities, a historical museum, numerous libraries, and sports stadiums. Because of its altitude (850m) the climate is refreshing and cool. (http://www.brazils-hotels.com/cities.htm)

Doubly Thankful!

2008-04-17T09:44:00.004-04:00

To Al: Philippians 1:3 "Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart."
Well, if you know us, you know why we are so thankful today:

Three years ago, we downsized and moved to a cottage-style home. The housing market was booming and we knew it would not take long to sell our old 3600 sq ft. house. To make a long, long story short, to this date, it has not sold. We nor our realtors can figure out why. It is a great "family" home. The master is on the ground floor with two bedrooms and two bonus rooms upstairs. The bonus rooms are great playroom/tv rooms/billiard/game rooms for a family with children. OR one bonus could be used as a bedroom with the other a playroom. In addition to those two rooms, there is a 24' X 24' family room with a fireplace. It is in the country on a circular street with no main streets entering into the neighborhood. Children can ride their bicycles and skate or skateboard with no fear of traffic.

All that was said to say this: for almost 4 years, we have had two mortgages and therefore, all our "play" money has been going toward these mortgages. We didn't know when we would ever get to go to Brazil again to visit Kris and Demps.

Fast forward to about 6 weeks ago when Kristy called me and asked if she were able to get Friends and Family passes for us to fly, would there be any possibility we could come. My first response was, "no, I don't think so." Then the more we talked, the more excited I got and we thought "well, we might be able to work this out." Fast forward again to today...WE ARE GOING tomorrow. We are meeting Kris and Demps in Rio, spending a couple of days there and then driving on to Belo.

I am thankful for Kris' friend who is always so generous (this is the second time we've flown on a pass).

I am thankful for the opportunity to take Maggie.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be with Meg on her 10th birthday.

I am thankful for the opportunity to see, up close and personal, "Christ the Redeemer" statue in Rio.

I am thankful for 2 weeks with family.

I am thankful that Tim could get vacation time.

Today I am just PLAIN THANKFUL.

The Check's (oops...VISA's) in the Mail

2008-04-14T14:13:00.008-04:00

Hallelujah!!! Hallelujah!!! Maggie's VISA came today so all is a go for blast off to Brazil on Friday. How exciting it will be to see and hear (I'm sure we'll hear) her fly again. She was only 9 years old when we brought her to America from Venezuela and doesn't remember a lot about the flight. She will be so fun on the flight to Brazil.

We went yesterday and stocked up on necessities for travel. Travel sizes of toiletries that we can carry in our carry-on. Wet wipes for the overnight flight there. Snacks because you never get enough (ha) to eat. Reading material in case of insomnia. What fun it's going to be.

Say a prayer for us that the rest of our week goes smoothly and for traveling mercies for a safe flight with no delays or cancellations. Remember us while we're gone and we'll think about you all.

Thankful Thursdays!

2008-04-11T11:05:00.005-04:00

Although I'm a day late this week, I am going to try to start doing "Thankful Thursdays" on my blog and will do them each Thursday.

You know when we have to stop and think of the things that we thank God for, it makes us all the more thankful for what we have and what He's given us. I am also going to include a different scripture with each Thankful Thursday posting.

Psalm 69:30 (NIV) 30 "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."

1) I am thankful for salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

2) I am thankful for my Bible and the freedom to read it. I am thankful that the answers to life lie between the covers.

3) I am thankful for music.

4) I am thankful for my precious family and their love for me.

5) I am thankful for spring and that I am able to get out and work in my yard.

6) I am thankful for Al and the tickets to Brazil :).

Sunrise Sunset

2008-04-10T10:44:00.014-04:00

When I was a little girl, Mama would call us outside to see a beautiful sunset (or sometimes sunrise). I guess we all love to see them but I think she had a special affinity for the beauty of the sunset and I'm glad I "inherited" her love of sunrises and sunsets.

Once when we were campers, we camped at Hunting Island State Park. I got up early one morning and went to the beach, taking a shot about every two-three minutes for the 30 minutes or so that it took the sun to rise. I have a series of these photos and they are beautiful. To people who admire these photos, I say, "how can you mess up a beautiful sunrise."

Some of the most beautiful sunrises I see are in the lives of my children. Who would have thought that the 7# 11oz. baby I held on June 27, 1967 would be the beautiful Diana/wife/mother/cheerleader for her children that we love today. Did I even dream that Charlie would have grown into the fine Christian man that he is? Did I hope that my 9# 2 oz. Kristy would be the wonderful wife, mother and missionary that she is? Did I dare to wish for Maggie to be my friend and love me so much? I probably couldn't have planned my children's lives to turn out any more satisfying than they have. In them, God created His most precious (to me) sunrises.

Is this the little girl I carried?
Is this the little boy at play?

I don't remember growing older
When did they?

When did she get to be a beauty?When did he get to be so tall?

Wasn't it yesterday
When they were small?

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset

Swiftly flow the days
Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers
Blossoming even as we gaze

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears

Fours

2008-04-07T14:27:00.005-04:00

Four jobs I have had in my life:
1. Administrative Assistant
2. Secretary
3. SAHM
4. Physician's Receptionist

Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. Sound of Music
2. The Christmas Story
3. Gone With the Wind
4. The Wizard of Oz

Four places I've lived:
1. SC
2. NC - Gastonia
3. NC - Statesville
4. Tennessee

Four TV shows I watch:
1. American Idol
2. Extreme Makeover
3. Prison Break
4. HGTV

Four places I have been:
1. Caracas, VZ
2. Sao Paulo, BR
3. Rio de Janeiro, BR
4. Puerto Rico

Four favorite foods:
1. Italian
2. Veggies
3. anything chocolate!
4. flavored coffee

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. somewhere warm and sunny
2. somewhere sunny and warm
3. snowed in anywhere
4. home

Four things I'm looking forward to this year:
1. family vacation
2. trip to Brazil
3. Bele Chere
4. CMCS

Four places I love to shop:
1. Target
2. Coldwater Creek
3. Dress Barn
4. Bed, Bath and Beyond

Test Your Typing Speed

2008-04-07T13:04:00.000-04:00

This is kinda fun...see how fast you are!

75 words

Speedtest

Pass the Kudzu, please.

2008-04-04T10:57:00.004-04:00

I've been thinking a lot lately about how blessed I am to have grown up with and to still have the two sisters I have. They are my best friends and always have been. Before you get the idea that we were perfect children, let me tell you that I got the worst beatings (and scars) at the hands of my sisters. However, best friends we were, are and always will be. It's scary sometimes when I know what they are thinking or can complete their sentences.

Growing up with them was interesting to say the least. Bibby was the "mama" in the family. She is 7 years older than me and 10 years older than Kathy. She loves to tell the story of giving me a birthday party when Mama was in the hospital giving birth to Kathy. When I say a party, I mean a PARTY complete with cake and ice cream and the neighbor kids. Because she was older and the pseudo-mama, she's always been the boss. She thinks she still is :). As we got older, she watched us for mama to work and I guess that did give her the right to "boss us around" although we still didn't like it.

Once Bibby was in the backyard burning leaves and grass. At the same time, she was supposed to be watching me while Mama washed her hair. I was, of course, helping rake the leaves. The fire spread quickly and caught the leg of my overalls on fire. Mama heard me screaming, came outside with soapy, wet hair and jumped to the ground from a 12 foot porch. She "slapped" at my firey pants leg putting the fire out. Thank goodness her wet hands kept the fire from burning her.

Kathy and I were cohorts in crime. Looking back on some of the things we did, it is small wonder that we ever survived childhood. One of our favorite things to do was play house. We stripped the leafy part off kudzu leaves, leaving the stemmy part that runs through the middle of the leaf. With DOUBLE EDGE RAZOR BLADES, we would cut that stem up into little pieces, pretending it was bologna we were slicing.

Once, Daddy was supposed to be keeping Kathy and I but he had the chance to go rabbit hunting, leaving us home alone. I am unsure how old we were but we moved from the house we were living in when I was 9 years old so I think we were too young to be left alone. Kathy and I seized the opportunity to get into mischief again...we loved sugar and butter sandwiches...just white bread spread with butter and about 1/4 cup of sugar made into a sandwich. That day while we were home alone, Kathy and I ate 5 lbs. of sugar!

When we lived "in the country," (mind you, country is not the opposite of city, in this instance) Daddy had built a storage shed over the well. The well house became our playhouse. It had a gable roof and we would climb up the ladder into the "attic" space of the well house to play. We thought Daddy had built it just for us :).

Speaking of wells, I remember a season of drought when our well went dry. All three of us girls would carry 5 gallon buckets to Daddy's cousin's house across the road, fill the buckets and carry water. I can't remember how long, but this went on for a while.

I won't go into details here, but if you know Kathy, ask her about strings and using the bathroom out in the yard. She and I both have a tale to tell about that.

I'll admit to having a thing with chalk and the outhouse. Just ask.

My sisters and I didn't have a lot of "things" growing up, thus, playing with razor blades, broken pieces of glass, chalk and spools from Carolina Blouse; however, we had love for each other and we knew we were loved. To this day, all I would have to do is pick up the phone, say "I need you" and either of my sisters would be with me as soon as they could drive to me. I love and appreciate them more than they ever could know and I hope I show it to them everyday. (Yep, we talk EVERYDAY!) Love you Bibby and Kathy.

"Virtues are what's good about us."... Janis, age 6

2008-04-01T11:58:00.002-04:00

The Virtues Project Educator's Guide: Simple Ways to Create a Culture of Character

assertiveness; caring; cleanliness; commitment; compassion; confidence; consideration; cooperation; courage; courtesy; creativity; detachment; determination; diligence; enthusiasm; excellence; flexibility; forgiveness; friendliness; generosity; gentleness; helpfulness; honesty; honor; humility; idealism; integrity; joyfulness; justice; kindness; love; loyalty; moderation; modesty; orderliness; patience; peacefulness; perseverance; purposefulness; reliability; respect; responsibility; self-discipline; service; tact; thankfulness;
tolerance; trust; trustworthiness; truthfulness; understanding; unity...

I recently read on my favorite online bulletin board, (mitfordbooks.com) the question, “What is the most overrated virtue?” I sat a minute just contemplating the meaning of the question. I honestly couldn’t think of an overrated virtue. I looked online and found the list that I’ve copied and pasted above. In looking it over, I now KNOW that there are NO overrated virtues. I can think of a lot of underrated virtues … underrated by society in 2008 but as for me as a Christian, none of the virtue listed can be overrated.

Living a Christian life and seeking to serve Christ with my life so that others can see Him through me, I want to have and stand for the virtues listed above. However, I especially want to exhibit those virtues found in Galatians 5:22-23 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”

Living my life for Jesus Christ and striving to be more like Him everyday, is and will be my ultimate goal in this life and that certainly can't be overrated.

I Looked Like a Bag Lady...maybe Hubba Hubba

2008-04-01T09:00:00.002-04:00

I went yesterday to have a passport photo made so we could send for our Brazilian Visas. First, the girl gave me no warning that she was about to snap the photo. I backed up to the white panel behind me and she snapped. Gave me no warning; no "say cheese"; no "smile" or anything; just SNAP! I was hesitant to even send it in to the consulate fearing that they would compare my passport photo taken in 1999 with the photo taken yesterday and say, "No way this is the same person! We're not issuing this homeless bag lady a visa." When I have my picture taken, I try to raise my eyebrows so it'll lift some of the saggy baggy skin hanging around my eyes; I try to smile with my mouth open to show my teeth so my cockeyed smile won't show. Secondly, it was after 4 p.m. and I'd just gotten off work. My hair had significantly flattened so that I looked like a man with a bad comb-over. Maybe that is the way I'd looked all day but nobody told me that I looked like Donald Trump with gray hair.

Just so you know, I'm putting the one photo in the mail today and then I'm setting fire to the other. Nope, you'll never lay eyes on the "Donald of TR". If I thought I looked that way every day, all day long, I'd stay home curled up in a fetal position in my bed. Can you tell how bad it was? I hope the people at the consulate get a good laugh out of this one.

"What don't you love, Kavanagh?"

2008-03-28T12:28:00.006-04:00

In one of my favoritest (is that a word?) fiction series, Father Timothy Kavanagh asks his wife, Cynthia Coppersmith Kavanagh, “Kavanagh, what don’t you love?” Cynthia then proceeds to give him a list of her "don't loves."

I often say, “I love something”, like Moose Tracks ice cream when I don’t actually mean “I LOVE it” but actually that I like to eat it. In thinking about Father Tim’s question of Cynthia, I thought I would make a list of my “loves.” You do the same and if you want, e-mail me your list. I’d love to read it.

I guess I’ll begin with the Mitford books by Jan Karon, the inspiration for these “loves.”

I love good bye and hello kisses.

I love 2 p.m. phone calls.

I love Karen Kingsbury and all her books but especially the “Redemption” series; “Firstborn” series which continues the Baxter family stories; and “Sunrise” series which will conclude the story of the Baxter family.

I love sunrises over Paris Mountain and sunsets toward Pickens.

I love Biltmore Baptist Church and the ride there every Sunday and Wednesday.

I love my job and working with Lonita.

I love being “Mema.”

I love memories.

I love Italian food especially Portofino’s and their garlic butter rolls.

I love playing Scrabulous with my sister.

I love Maggie’s good mornings and good nights.

I love Abbie’s jumps into Tim’s lap when Maggie is trying to get her to go to bed.

I love suppers from Country Ham House and breakfasts from Cracker Barrel.

I love lazy weekends and shopping in Pigeon Forge.

I love early spring when the crocus and forsythia bloom; late spring when my gerbera daisies begin to bloom; hot summer when my yard is so beautiful; fall when the leaves turn to golden yellows, reds and browns; winter when the purity of a snowfall blankets the earth and everything is so quiet and still outside.

I love sitting with a fire in the fireplace and reading a good Karen Kingsbury book.

I love picking up the phone and somebody on the other end saying, “Mom?”

I love a pedicure!!!

I love “for nothing” gifts. All gifts are nice but when I get one “just because,” it is especially nice.

I love a car that starts when I turn the key and I would love one that has air conditioning and that the electric windows will go down (mine doesn’t and won’t right now).

I love our bed.

I love sandals.

The real love of my life is loving the Lord with all my heart, soul and mind. And I like to think I love others more than myself. This is one of God's greatest commandments to us.

1 Corinthians 13:13 "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

And oh yeah, I really really do love Moose Tracks ice cream.