"I can't find my cane!" Howard announced. We searched high and low, but it was no where to be found. This wasn't the first one that had disappeared, and we were puzzled.
"Maybe you left it at Walmart," I ventured. "Why don't you call and see if it was found there."
He made the call, asking for Lost and Found, and my worried husband described the cane. "It is a wooden, highly polished cane," he explained. Truth be told, we had been missing his other cane, too, and it fit the description of one they had.
Sure enough, when we got to Customer Service, his favorite cane was found, but the attendant did not find the other one. We were so thankful that we had thought to call and locate this valued necessity! Considering the size of this super store and its many customers, it felt like a miracle that we retrieved the cane!
I couldn't help but think of the story in Matthew and Luke about the lost sheep, and the shepherd leaving the ninety and nine to rescue one sheep. I can just imagine the shepherd using the crook of his staff to perhaps lift the sheep from a ravine.
We have a "Story Stick" that was given to us by a minister many years ago. It's a heavy, wooden walking cane with carved images depicting Bible scenes covering the length of the cane in bas-relief. A bearded figure at the top must be Moses, under which are carvings of Noah's Ark, shocks of wheat, a harp, an empty tomb, a cross, a church, and other things, including a book-like shape which could represent the Ten Commandments, the Bible or the book of life.
When one of our granddaughters was little, she asked about the book, and I told her that names of people who loved the Lord were written in the book.
"Is my name there?" she asked. I led her in a simple prayer of salvation, which she repeated. Then I assured her that her name was written there. God's staff was there to redeem one of His little ones!
Saturday, November 23, 2019
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Autumn Reveries
The leaves on the trees look like brown, burnished leather. Gone are the colorful tones of red, yellow and russet from the forests and woods around the country side and mountain views, now a misty, grey silhouette against the sky.
The trees are resting now, their sap gone down until spring time comes and new life begins. I remember reading an account of scientists who wanted to make a miniature earth. They constructed a huge sphere inside a structure, even making ponds and other bodies of water. Trees were planted, but disappointingly they died.
Finally, the disillusioned team realized why the trees didn't grow. It was because inside their creation there was no wind. Trees will not thrive without wind, because the power of wind pushes, twists, and sways the trees and their limbs, causing the roots to grow deeper, hold tighter, and anchor the trees.
The same is true in our lives. Without the struggle and will to live, accomplish goals and benefit others, we have no reason for life. Every obstacle, every challenge that we encounter can make us stronger as our roots grow deeper into God's plan for our lives.
We have heard the expression of turning over a new leaf. In other words, beginning again, changing our ways or getting a new start. I like the expression, Leaves of Gold, from verses, collection of prayers, etc.
Pages of the Bible are like leaves of gold. Precious words of God's love, instructions on life, stories of the patriarchs, books of poetry, Psalms and so much more.
Some time ago, Howard ordered a Bible from Guideposts, called "The Jesus Bible." It was a little costly, but it was worth it. Then yesterday we got a free "Jesus Bible" from Guideposts in the mail! They are both worth their weight in gold!
The trees are resting now, their sap gone down until spring time comes and new life begins. I remember reading an account of scientists who wanted to make a miniature earth. They constructed a huge sphere inside a structure, even making ponds and other bodies of water. Trees were planted, but disappointingly they died.
Finally, the disillusioned team realized why the trees didn't grow. It was because inside their creation there was no wind. Trees will not thrive without wind, because the power of wind pushes, twists, and sways the trees and their limbs, causing the roots to grow deeper, hold tighter, and anchor the trees.
The same is true in our lives. Without the struggle and will to live, accomplish goals and benefit others, we have no reason for life. Every obstacle, every challenge that we encounter can make us stronger as our roots grow deeper into God's plan for our lives.
We have heard the expression of turning over a new leaf. In other words, beginning again, changing our ways or getting a new start. I like the expression, Leaves of Gold, from verses, collection of prayers, etc.
Pages of the Bible are like leaves of gold. Precious words of God's love, instructions on life, stories of the patriarchs, books of poetry, Psalms and so much more.
Some time ago, Howard ordered a Bible from Guideposts, called "The Jesus Bible." It was a little costly, but it was worth it. Then yesterday we got a free "Jesus Bible" from Guideposts in the mail! They are both worth their weight in gold!
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
A Day in the Life
"Howard, that looks like snow on the window!" I said as I woke up yesterday morning. Then I opened the door and looked out at a white landscape with flurries blowing and whirling all over!
Snow! The first one of the season! Thankfully we got out the day before and really stocked up on groceries! (The first time I remember spending over $100 on groceries! Supermarkets here in Tennessee are higher than in Oklahoma!)
Having been under the weather the day before, even missing church, it felt good to be out and about. We were trying to find a place to eat lunch in a somewhat unfamiliar area, and I thought I spotted one, but when I went in I found carpenters busy with remodeling.
Next was a pizza place, but I found it was not an eat-in place. Finally we resorted to our destination, the food store. Veterans at the door were handing out poppies, since it was Veterans day. We remembered that there was a restaurant inside, and began to select a great lunch from their selection.
"Are you a veteran?" Howard was asked, to which he said he was. "Your meal is free!" the attendant announced. How nice, I thought. We went on to shop, up and down aisles, which were a little unfamiliar.
Finally, our cart was full, and as we were approaching the register, I said in alarm, "My purse! Where is my purse!" Frantically I pushed items aside in our cart, but it was not there! I didn't know if I left it in the restaurant area, or in the ladies' room, or if it was stolen in an unguarded moment! With a sick feeling I approached the manager's office, elevated in her position at the window.
"I think I lost my purse!" I exclaimed to her.
"What color is it?" she asked me. For a minute, I couldn't think, but I said "beige." Really it is a light, yellowish color with gold trim.
"Here you go," she said nonchalantly, handing me my purse! Praise the Lord! I had been so alarmed!
Thankfully we had all those groceries for our home-bound snow day! I made the best stew and corn bread, delicious on a cold day. All's well that ends well, and now the snow is melted on a beautiful day. We are invited out to eat and then to church with sweet grandkids!
Snow! The first one of the season! Thankfully we got out the day before and really stocked up on groceries! (The first time I remember spending over $100 on groceries! Supermarkets here in Tennessee are higher than in Oklahoma!)
Having been under the weather the day before, even missing church, it felt good to be out and about. We were trying to find a place to eat lunch in a somewhat unfamiliar area, and I thought I spotted one, but when I went in I found carpenters busy with remodeling.
Next was a pizza place, but I found it was not an eat-in place. Finally we resorted to our destination, the food store. Veterans at the door were handing out poppies, since it was Veterans day. We remembered that there was a restaurant inside, and began to select a great lunch from their selection.
"Are you a veteran?" Howard was asked, to which he said he was. "Your meal is free!" the attendant announced. How nice, I thought. We went on to shop, up and down aisles, which were a little unfamiliar.
Finally, our cart was full, and as we were approaching the register, I said in alarm, "My purse! Where is my purse!" Frantically I pushed items aside in our cart, but it was not there! I didn't know if I left it in the restaurant area, or in the ladies' room, or if it was stolen in an unguarded moment! With a sick feeling I approached the manager's office, elevated in her position at the window.
"I think I lost my purse!" I exclaimed to her.
"What color is it?" she asked me. For a minute, I couldn't think, but I said "beige." Really it is a light, yellowish color with gold trim.
"Here you go," she said nonchalantly, handing me my purse! Praise the Lord! I had been so alarmed!
Thankfully we had all those groceries for our home-bound snow day! I made the best stew and corn bread, delicious on a cold day. All's well that ends well, and now the snow is melted on a beautiful day. We are invited out to eat and then to church with sweet grandkids!
Tuesday, November 12, 2019
The Visit
"Oh, I hope they bring Kaden with them," I said after my daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Shannon, said they were coming from Georgia to see us. Their little grandson, 20 months, is growing so fast I couldn't wait to get hold of him!
Shy, with hair neatly combed and meticulously dressed, he came in on his Pa-Pa's arm, into my arms! Shyness disappeared with Kaden exploring every thing in the house. After they left, I saw the upturned waste-basket, the pulled-off sofa throw, the forgotten toy football (he called it "foo-bah"), his small box of miniature cookies, and a little toy truck lying on its side on the coffee table.
Glancing at the globe on a stand, I could just see him spinning that around, that is until he got tired of twanging on Howard's guitar in a partially open guitar case. They said he loves music!
Later, Kaden got to explore his cousins' play room, where he was entranced over a toy kitchen, rolling a tiny truck on the descending track of a curvy ride and whatever else caught his attention. In fact, he was so fascinated by the toys, he paid little attention to the other kids! The little girls were happy to kiss him, though.
Talking to Amy today, she had me click on some videos made when they got home. I saw the little adventurer grinning from a ride on a real motorcycle with a family friend! He loves sitting on the 4-wheeler, too. This boy loves action!
I can't imagine what K-K (as we call him) would do if he saw the snow we are favored with today! All boy that he is, he no doubt would touch and feel it, get cold and then come in for a warm hug in a warm house with a warm welcome from his Mimi!
Shy, with hair neatly combed and meticulously dressed, he came in on his Pa-Pa's arm, into my arms! Shyness disappeared with Kaden exploring every thing in the house. After they left, I saw the upturned waste-basket, the pulled-off sofa throw, the forgotten toy football (he called it "foo-bah"), his small box of miniature cookies, and a little toy truck lying on its side on the coffee table.
Glancing at the globe on a stand, I could just see him spinning that around, that is until he got tired of twanging on Howard's guitar in a partially open guitar case. They said he loves music!
Later, Kaden got to explore his cousins' play room, where he was entranced over a toy kitchen, rolling a tiny truck on the descending track of a curvy ride and whatever else caught his attention. In fact, he was so fascinated by the toys, he paid little attention to the other kids! The little girls were happy to kiss him, though.
Talking to Amy today, she had me click on some videos made when they got home. I saw the little adventurer grinning from a ride on a real motorcycle with a family friend! He loves sitting on the 4-wheeler, too. This boy loves action!
I can't imagine what K-K (as we call him) would do if he saw the snow we are favored with today! All boy that he is, he no doubt would touch and feel it, get cold and then come in for a warm hug in a warm house with a warm welcome from his Mimi!
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Suds!
My daughter, Julie, gave me a present the other day. It was a product of her latest interest, one which she finds satisfying, fun and rewarding. She makes soap! The bar she gave me is heavenly, its raspberry tone, the heady fragrance and attractive shape molded like petals on a flower make it a joy to use! And besides that, it floats!
(That reminds me of the old slogan for Ivory soap: "It's so pure it floats!") Julie was surprised when I told her of my discovery. Since she prefers showers, she hadn't experienced the floating feature.
Julie is very exact when she shops for ingredients for her product. No distance is too far, no store too remote when she has soap-making on her mind! Craft stores yield tantalizing molds in artistic shapes and sizes. She has just added an addition to her hobby: Bath bombs that bubble and fizz in the bath. The powdered ingredients are molded in a plastic ball to harden. Currently the creative hobbyist is waiting for her bath bombs to dry.
Thinking about soap, I am reminded of references in the Bible to fullers soap. That is a term that is rarely used today, but it means a bleacher of cloth and finisher. Speaking of Jesus's transfiguration, Mark 9:3 says: "And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller on earth can white them."
Malachi 3:2, warns: "But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap."
As a teenager, I worked in a drug store and soda fountain. One day a man came in asking for fuller's soap. I had no idea what it was, but an old-timer who was employed there showed me where and what it was. On a bottom shelf in semi-darkness sat a bag of something like powered clay. I had no idea what it would be used for.
I love the scriptures in Psalms: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin," Psalm 51:2. "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
(That reminds me of the old slogan for Ivory soap: "It's so pure it floats!") Julie was surprised when I told her of my discovery. Since she prefers showers, she hadn't experienced the floating feature.
Julie is very exact when she shops for ingredients for her product. No distance is too far, no store too remote when she has soap-making on her mind! Craft stores yield tantalizing molds in artistic shapes and sizes. She has just added an addition to her hobby: Bath bombs that bubble and fizz in the bath. The powdered ingredients are molded in a plastic ball to harden. Currently the creative hobbyist is waiting for her bath bombs to dry.
Thinking about soap, I am reminded of references in the Bible to fullers soap. That is a term that is rarely used today, but it means a bleacher of cloth and finisher. Speaking of Jesus's transfiguration, Mark 9:3 says: "And his raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow, so as no fuller on earth can white them."
Malachi 3:2, warns: "But who may abide the day of his coming? And who shall stand when he appeareth? For he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap."
As a teenager, I worked in a drug store and soda fountain. One day a man came in asking for fuller's soap. I had no idea what it was, but an old-timer who was employed there showed me where and what it was. On a bottom shelf in semi-darkness sat a bag of something like powered clay. I had no idea what it would be used for.
I love the scriptures in Psalms: "Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin," Psalm 51:2. "Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Excursion
"Mom, Steve wants to take you and Dad to see some sights today," our daughter Julie announced. Well, that sounded like fun, especially since she and granddaughter Mackenzie were going, along with great-grandson, Mason, age three.
After getting everyone situated and seated in the van, we drove through town, with me thinking the various shops and businesses we passed were a little bit common place. Just then, we got off the beaten path and entered a magic forest of towering oaks and pines, the oaks cloaked in clouds of autumn leaves--yellow, golden and red, translucent in their glory!
We were at Mountain Home, a place for retired veterans to live in stately brick structures, a city in itself, with street signs with names like Heroes Drive.There was a Mountain Home Cemetery where the patriots were laid to rest. Some of the stones were so old they did not bear a name, while others stood in rows of white stones like the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
But that wasn't all! Next we found ourselves in the Cherokee National Forest, where tree tops looking like puffy patch-work quilts blanketed the landscape in a riot of color. Higher and higher we went, until my ears popped and the motor noise grew quiet. The altitude was over 6,000 feet.
Beside the road, a rushing stream tumbled over rocks, where an opening behind angled rocks was known to be the den of a bear! There was even a short wire-mesh fence down to the river for the brave or fool-hardy to explore!
"This is where the hill billies live," our driver quipped, as some makeshift homes and camps came into view. Still, it was beautiful. Who would not love to live in a place of nature's beauty and serenity, tucked away in privacy far from the city's bustle? To each his own, I guess, but for now, we'll go down the mountain!
After getting everyone situated and seated in the van, we drove through town, with me thinking the various shops and businesses we passed were a little bit common place. Just then, we got off the beaten path and entered a magic forest of towering oaks and pines, the oaks cloaked in clouds of autumn leaves--yellow, golden and red, translucent in their glory!
We were at Mountain Home, a place for retired veterans to live in stately brick structures, a city in itself, with street signs with names like Heroes Drive.There was a Mountain Home Cemetery where the patriots were laid to rest. Some of the stones were so old they did not bear a name, while others stood in rows of white stones like the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
But that wasn't all! Next we found ourselves in the Cherokee National Forest, where tree tops looking like puffy patch-work quilts blanketed the landscape in a riot of color. Higher and higher we went, until my ears popped and the motor noise grew quiet. The altitude was over 6,000 feet.
Beside the road, a rushing stream tumbled over rocks, where an opening behind angled rocks was known to be the den of a bear! There was even a short wire-mesh fence down to the river for the brave or fool-hardy to explore!
"This is where the hill billies live," our driver quipped, as some makeshift homes and camps came into view. Still, it was beautiful. Who would not love to live in a place of nature's beauty and serenity, tucked away in privacy far from the city's bustle? To each his own, I guess, but for now, we'll go down the mountain!
Saturday, November 2, 2019
Thank God for Doctors!
My husband had an appointment with the eye doctor yesterday. He was following up on the ophthalmologist's recommendation of an eye exam and procedure to correct inflammation and vision problems, especially in his right eye.
I waited with him as the technician tested his vision by identifying letters on a screen, then filling out paper work before we were escorted to the doctor's preparation room next door. Howard was briefed on required consent to have his eye medicated and injected with a scary needle to hopefully help him see better.
The first part of the procedure was having pictures taken of his eyes, which were enlarged to show the location of the damage. Later, we were shown magnified images of areas of concern, of which two were small aneurysms, really only pin-points, but visible when enlarged.
First they numbed his eye, then the doctor came in and explained everything to him and was soon injecting the required liquid into the corner of his right eye. Howard didn't feel anything, but the medication would shrink the aneurysms, lowering the possibility of rupture.
Everything lasted only a few minutes, it seemed, and soon Howard was thanking the team and doctor for their expertise and quick procedure. "There is God in you!" my relieved spouse exclaimed. The doctor said, "I preach in here every day!"
"He's a retired pastor," I said of Howard, to which the doctor said, "I should have said that about him!"
A helpful intern tidied up and walked us down the hall, chatting amiably with us in his distinctive voice. He said he was from New Jersey, prompting me to say that I knew he was not from Tennessee.
"My husband has a radio voice," I commented, to which he said, "I noticed that. Have you done radio?" he asked Howard.
"Yes," my spouse replied, "I had a radio program in Bristol, VA, and one in Gulfport, Mississippi."
We finished our day by eating lunch out and buying groceries. He was ready for the prescribed eye-drops when we got home, thankful for all that had transpired that day!
I waited with him as the technician tested his vision by identifying letters on a screen, then filling out paper work before we were escorted to the doctor's preparation room next door. Howard was briefed on required consent to have his eye medicated and injected with a scary needle to hopefully help him see better.
The first part of the procedure was having pictures taken of his eyes, which were enlarged to show the location of the damage. Later, we were shown magnified images of areas of concern, of which two were small aneurysms, really only pin-points, but visible when enlarged.
First they numbed his eye, then the doctor came in and explained everything to him and was soon injecting the required liquid into the corner of his right eye. Howard didn't feel anything, but the medication would shrink the aneurysms, lowering the possibility of rupture.
Everything lasted only a few minutes, it seemed, and soon Howard was thanking the team and doctor for their expertise and quick procedure. "There is God in you!" my relieved spouse exclaimed. The doctor said, "I preach in here every day!"
"He's a retired pastor," I said of Howard, to which the doctor said, "I should have said that about him!"
A helpful intern tidied up and walked us down the hall, chatting amiably with us in his distinctive voice. He said he was from New Jersey, prompting me to say that I knew he was not from Tennessee.
"My husband has a radio voice," I commented, to which he said, "I noticed that. Have you done radio?" he asked Howard.
"Yes," my spouse replied, "I had a radio program in Bristol, VA, and one in Gulfport, Mississippi."
We finished our day by eating lunch out and buying groceries. He was ready for the prescribed eye-drops when we got home, thankful for all that had transpired that day!
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