Small World

"I heard there was someone who used to live in New Orleans who works here," my husband said to the hospital technician after his check up this morning.

"Oh, yes," the helpful specialist replied. "I'll show you to her office down the hall."

Ever since he heard that someone from New Orleans worked there, Howard had been obsessed with the idea of meeting a person from the city where he had worked for twenty years.  Each time we were at the doctor's office, he had inquired about this individual. I couldn't understand his obsession with this, but he was relentless.

"There she is," our guide directed us, pointing to the open office door, "but she is on the phone." I suggested we go on, but just then she hung up the phone.

"Are you from New Orleans?" my determined spouse asked the lady behind the desk, the hospital administrator.  Sure enough, she was, and an animated conversation ensued.  She explained that she had come here for a camping trip several years ago, fell in love with the area, and eventually her parents and other family members moved here.

Howard mentioned that we had gone to church there in Lakeview Church which is in Metairie.

"You mean Lakeview Christian Center?" she exclaimed. That was her church, but we had moved by then. Turns out she knew our beloved pastor, the late Alan Poldson, and many other church friends we remembered from the years we had spent there.

All that led to Howard's business experiences in New Orleans.  Our new acquaintance  even remembered the radio jingle advertising their business. I laughed when she sang out the ditty, "You can call me Ray, You can call me Hey, but call us at 822-0118!"

October Muse

"Mom," my daughter Julie spoke over the phone, "Would you and Dad like to go with us to Greenville today? It has lots of places to shop in a convenient smaller town."

Of course, we were up to the trip! She explained we would also stop for lunch, which sounded fine with us!  Our path led us through the charming town of Jonesborough, where we slowed periodically for an intermittent parade of runners, decked out in various costumes and imaginative dress.

"Before we get on the road, you've got to see the Senior Center here," we were told. We had heard about it, but were not sure of its location. Were we in for an eye-opening sight! I expected an ordinary space in a downtown location, but this was almost majestic! A huge, new, attractive brick edifice on a hill with colonial touches stood welcome-like in front of us!

They were having a craft sale that day, with many shoppers inside. We picked up the brochures of events, qualifications, and lists of activities and games (my favorite was Scrabble) and had much to ponder as we progressed toward Greenville.

Actually, our driver and brother-in-law Steve took us on the scenic route, and soon we were ooh-ing and awe-ing over the absolute beauty of God's creation. The steep mountain roads and the colorful fall foliage blazing with tones of red, gold, yellow and vermillion with a backdrop of over-lapping rows of blue-grey mountains were impressive, to say the least!

At last we approached our destination, but not before we viewed the historic Tusculum University, the oldest institute of higher education in Tennessee, founded in 1794. The husband of one of our granddaughters attended there.

Finally we reached our destination where the shops were new and fun and where we found gifts for the birthday girl whose one-year-old party was the next day. Of course, I also found things I liked. All in all, it was a most enjoyable trip! Thanks, Steve and Julie!

Seeds

All through the late summer and early fall,  a volunteer pumpkin plant has been spreading it's leaves and vines in sprawling growth outside our front porch. Actually, a good-size little pumpkin was picked for one of the grandchildren. Now another yellow-green orange orb is growing!  All this with no planting!

This reminded me of what Jesus spoke in Luke 8:5-8 in the parable of the sower:

"A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside;  and it was trampled down, and the birds of the air devoured it. "Some fell on rock; and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. "And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. "But others fell on good ground."

Evidently, our two small pumpkins fell on good ground! How like this parable is to people today!  They may hear the word, but  promptly forget it! Others don't want to give up their life-style, which may be anything but God-pleasing. Some start out to serve God, but worldly temptations win over!

The Bible says the seed that fell on good ground believed the Word and brought forth a crop! Our children can be likened to a crop. The Bible says to bring up a child the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6. What better advice for our little punkins?

Polished!

Early this summer, my husband and I attended the annual "Herb Festival," in Ponca City, Oklahoma. It is probably the biggest outdoor festival of  the area, and not only has plants and herbs, (thus the name), it is a huge display of crafts, homemade jelly, yard ornaments, outdoor furniture and any number of vendors with their goods.

We usually go just to stroll the walkways, enjoy the outing and perhaps meet friends and neighbors. I have bought many hanging ferns in the past, but nothing particularly spoke to me this time, until a cosmetic item caught my eye.  Some young women had a booth where they were featuring a unique product for finger nails!

I was interested, because I knew a granddaughter  in Tennessee had been marketing this novel article and had great results for her customers.  I decided to try it. I took the packet home, but wasn't sure I could properly apply the nails (of real nail polish), so I put the item, still in the bag, aside.

Who knew that by the end of August I would be moving to Tennessee?  I showed said granddaughter  the packet, and she agreed to help me apply the nails. By this time it was late October, and another of my granddaughters was getting married. Her wedding was the perfect time for my nails to look their best.

I was amazed! It worked! She almost effortlessly applied the nail strips, carefully molding them to my nails.  Although I was assured water wouldn't hurt them, I used protective gloves washing dishes that night. By the next morning, there was nothing for it but to get them wet in use, since we had to get ready for the trip to the wedding venue that day.

Visiting with other wedding goers that afternoon as we waited for pictures to be taken, and enjoying the parade of beautiful bridesmaids and handsome groomsmen, I couldn't help noticing the hands of my neighbor sitting nearby. She had the same nail-do I had! Even the shade of color was the same! (And she was quite a distinguished looking lady!)

The wedding was gorgeous, and seeing loved ones made every thing perfect. It has been almost a week since then, the couple are on their honeymoon, and my nails are still on! I guess you could say I nailed it!

Wedding!

The rain beat down on the windshield relentlessly. We were headed to the wedding of our granddaughter, Corrin, and her bridegroom, David.  It would take more than two hours to get to the venue over a hundred miles away.

I know our beautiful bride was heart-broken when her plans for an outdoor wedding had to be revised. She had worried over it for days, but finally let it go and went on with a gorgeous indoor ceremony in the rustic, artistic, country venue named Ramble Creek.

We so much enjoyed seeing old friends and meeting new friends, who would become our granddaughter's family, too. Stories were told, including Corrin's dad telling recollections of funny things in his daughter's childhood. I couldn't tell, but I'm sure his eyes misted up a bit with the memories.

The wedding attendants were beautiful and handsome, but I only had eyes for our stunning granddaughter, Rachel, and grandson Reid, resplendent in his vesture.

My eyes misted up, too, as the couple took their vows, repeated their promises, and listened intently to wisdom from the officiant, the groom's minister father. Soon the vision of loveliness was sweeping down the aisle on the arm of her bridegroom, to our applaud and admiration.

What fun and joyful conversation was had at our table of eight family members while we welcomed the delicious dinner and wedding cake! All too soon, it was time to go, but not before the beautiful bride came to the tables with hugs and appreciation, followed by the Maid of Honor, her lovely sister, Rachel, hugging us, too.

The ride home in the cold, rainy dark was largely ignored as lighthearted conversation filled the car with warm memories of this special, unforgettable occasion!

Tennessee Trails

We thought we had pretty much seen the beauty of Tennessee, but yesterday our son-in-law took us on a tour that was majestic! Not that the mountains were glacier high, but they rose in rolling heights, neat-as-a-pin homes perched here and there. How did they find, build and live so far and high in these steep enclaves?

I was amazed at the bounty and beauty of perfectly maintained roads leading everywhere throughout the country side. Evidently, although many roads were narrow,  leading off on a narrow path to a residence tucked out of sight, they were clean and well kept.

Further and further we drove as our route crisscrossed over hills and valleys, our guide pointing out where bears were seen in deep hollows, even having been found in yards, cars, or inside a house opening a refrigerator!

"There's where a flock of turkeys blocked the road," driver Steve  pointed out.  Or, "A bunch of deer ran in front of me there the other day," he went on.  Then a majestic eagle floated overhead on gossamer wings lifted by the updrafts of air currents below.

"See that house over there?" our guide pointed out at a distant, mansion-looking residence on a hill. "Look back through the trees, and you can see where we live." Sure enough we could glimpse their roof on the other side of the valley. I had often noticed and wondered about the house on the hill separated by hills and mountains. Now I could see it for myself!

Our scenic view was endless, including dilapidated, weather-worn barns, old milk stalls, quirky collections of someone's desire, even a working water wheel beside a house and a metal box car at another.

Sheep and goats grazed and lolled on rounded hills, but we would have to wait for another excursion sometime, because sunset was upon us!

Heart Thoughts

There are many adjustments to relocating, including searching out new doctors, especially for Howard who has to have regular check ups since his heart surgery a few years ago.  Last week we  met with a cardiologist, and today we went to the office of a general practitioner.

A nurse practitioner was on duty, and we found her to be efficient and personable. At one point in amiable conversation, she mentioned that her daughter was in the process of choosing a college, and was considering Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. They had visited there and found the recruiter there to be very helpful.

"Our granddaughter works there as a recruiter!" my husband announced. "Her name is Corrin," he exclaimed to the practitioner.

"Well this young lady's name was Laura," she went on. "She was so helpful and beautiful."  She went on to talk of her long, black hair, her tiny waist, knowledgeable information and her soft, cultured voice. 

"That's Corrin!" we assured her. "Her name is Laura Corrin! She graduated this summer and has been  working in Chicago for a week in recruiting!"

"She's a recruiter?" the friendly lady questioned in surprise.  When we assured her that was our granddaughter, she was pleased and astounded that this coincidence had taken place!

Later, we went to pick up an item from the pharmacy at Walmart, and as we were checking out, we found that the checker was from Oklahoma!

"Where in Oklahoma?" I asked, to which he surprised me by saying, "Ponca City."

Ponca City! Where we had just moved from! Soon he and Howard were engrossed in conversation of shared familiar places and people.

Another coincidence? No, we believe it was God who orchestrated our movements today.

Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

Raindrops!

Rain! What a joyful surprise when I looked out the door last night and saw that it was raining! It has been unaccustomedly dry here in Tennessee for some time. Instead of the beautiful fall foliage we have been looking forward to, much of the the landscape is dotted with trees covered with dead leaves. Hopefully we will see some color yet!

It felt like the rain of the Holy Spirit in church yesterday. The song, "I will pray like David prayed" was enthusiastically sung by the congregation, then, "I will sing like David sang" then finally, "I will dance like David danced."

It was quite moving, and at the end of the song service, Pastor had the verse "I will dance like David danced," repeated and began to dance joyfully himself! On and on, in graceful worship, the minister moved. As we sang, the Holy Spirit was obviously present, and I felt my feet begin to sway and move under the presence of the Lord!  What a refreshing service!

I love the song, "It's Beginning to Rain" that we used to sing at a previous church. One of the stanzas was, "It's beginning to rain,  rain, rain, hear the voice of the Father, saying, "Whosoever will come drink of this water;  He's pouring His spirit out on your sons and your daughters; If you're thirsty and dry, Look up to the sky, It's beginning to rain."

Later, at a family worship service at home following the Sunday meal, the  great-grand children all joined in the singing and praising as the Holy Spirit was still evident among us. Welcome, rain!

Surprise Encounter

"Mimi, look!" our granddaughter Bethany motioned, "That car has a Pearl River license plate!"

"What?" I exclaimed, then I turned to look. Pearl River county, Mississippi, was where we had lived for 20 years just outside the town of Picayune.

I rushed over to the car that had been parked beside us at the Tennessee supermarket and had just backed out.  "Are you from Pearl River county?"  I asked the puzzled-looking driver. When he nodded in the affirmative, I asked if he was from Picayune.

"Carriere," he said. That was a small community down the road a bit from Picayune.

"Howard!" I called to my husband who was about to get in our car. "This man is from Pearl River county!" He was wide-eyed and lost no time in engaging the driver in conversation. Although the stranger didn't know any of our kids, his last name was well known from students they knew from school.

This reminded me of something that happened on a trip to see our daughter in Georgia several years ago. We were stuck in a traffic jam with travelers frustrated and some getting  out of cars, strolling down the highway to see the cause of the delay. Idly gazing out our car window, I spelled out the letters I could see on the license plate of a nearby car. P-E-A-R... I read, then "Pearl River!" I exclaimed, realizing the tag was from Pearl River County, Mississippi! Howard lost no time in visiting with the driver who had lived not far from the area where we raised our family.

We have moved so much, only recently from our home in Oklahoma to the mountains of Tennessee, that we have learned to appreciate the variety of God's creation. I like the scriptures in Acts17:24, 26, which say, "God made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is the Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands. (26) And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation."

No matter where we go, God knows where we are!

While You're Up

"Beulah, while you're up, would you warm up my coffee?" my dad was heard saying by a visiting relative.

"Beulah, while you're up..." Mama's nephew exclaimed, "I always wondered what your name was, now I know! "It's 'Beulah, while you're up!'"

(Beulah was Mama's name, a very beautiful name from the Bible, which means favored and blessed of the Lord).

I was thinking of that this morning at breakfast when I went for a forgotten item and my husband requested, "Thelma, while you're up, would you get me some more coffee?"

It reminded me of the story from the Bible about the widow and Elijah.  At  the Lord's command, Elijah had been hiding out from the wicked king, Ahab. at the brook, Cherith. There he was fed by ravens until the brook dried up, then God directed him to go to Zarepath where a widow woman would sustain him.

 I Kings 17:10-11, "So he arose and went to Zarepath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold the widow woman was there gathering of sticks: and he called to her, and said, Fetch me, I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

And as she was going to fetch it, he called to her, and said, Bring me, I pray thee, a morsel of bread in thine hand."

 Evidently, "While you're up," goes way back!

The Move

"Three moves are as bad as a burn-out!" I remember Mama saying when I was a child.  I've learned there is a lot of truth in that! We have moved several times in our 60-plus years of marriage. I have always had to pare down, give away or donate some of the goods and/or furnishings we had accumulated.

Not only that, some things would be damaged in transit or ruined from being stored. Sometimes I look at old pictures and see something familiar we left behind. "Oh, I remember that!" I think with a wistful twinge. Actually, I had forgotten about it, but the photo brought back memories.

I used to have a screened front porch with wicker furniture I had collected. We often ate breakfast or lunch there while the  cool breeze fluttered the checked table cloth. I miss it.

The hurdle of moving to Tennessee late this summer was eased with the generous help of family members who pitched in, loading the big van, doing the driving and getting us settled.

Our grands are grand about showing us around! Last week we discovered great outlet stores, a guitar center (for my spouse),  a Tuesday Morning, then off the beaten path where there is a country dairy which provides milk for several local supermarkets.

I'm not so nervous these days when Howard navigates the serpentine curves around the scenic countryside. The views are always enchanting (to a flat-lander), especially when I see a perfectly round mountain covered with green grass and cows dotting the hillside grazing contentedly along its heights.

Moves are trying, but I guess I'm not burnt out yet!