I Have Selective Memory

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

“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...

...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

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

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

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

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 :).