To Market, To Market

We were getting low on some food items, so Howard and I set out to do some grocery shopping today. I definitely didn't want to go to Walmart, where there was likely to be many people, and where the store is so big and tiring.

We decided on a supermarket in the nearby town of Gray, Tennessee. As soon as we stepped in, we knew we had found the right place. Shelves were fully stocked, the produce looked wonderful, and best of all, it was not crowded. The people we encountered politely kept their distance, concentrating on their own necessities.

This store has the feature of offering a selection of five items in the meat case for $19.95, which we found to be a bargain! I especially wanted strawberries, finding theirs fresh and offering a sale price for three cartons of the beautiful berries. Our banana supply at home depleted,  we couldn't pass up a large, yellow bunch, one of which we shared on the way home!

Stopping for a burger at lunch time before we shopped helped us keep are grocery tab in check. Howard ordered a Big Mac and a regular burger for me. "I see they have a Little Mac, too!"  I pointed out.

"We didn't know you had a Little Mac," my driver said to the window clerk, to which she said, "Yes, we just made them today!" she smiled. So hubby switched the order to my specifications!

The beautiful drive up the curving, picturesque road and the immaculately mowed pastures and well-kept homes, whether large or small, made for a pleasant excursion in itself. The sky is full of fluffy clouds in the blue, and it will soon be April!  God is good!

Church!

Oh, no! I grumbled. Rain! It was thundering and pouring when I woke up early this morning. It would ruin our outside Drive-In service at church! The past several days had been gloriously filled with sunshine and balmy weather. Now this!

We went ahead with breakfast and began our routine of getting ready for church anyway.  Looking out awhile later, I was relieved to see that the rain was gone, clouds were scattered, and the air was pleasantly warm!

Hurriedly getting things prepared for lunch later, I filled my Instant Pot with a small roast, potatoes and carrots. I set the dial, and we left for church. Worried that we would be a little late, what with my lunch fixings, the smooth ride and beautiful drive soon calmed my mood. We drove into the church driveway only 5 minutes late!

What a pleasant scene we viewed of all the cars lined up in front of the church, folks sitting on tailgates, looking out car windows and people smilingly acknowledging us as we found a place to park. The music from the keyboard on the front patio and the inspiring worship leader made us welcome. The first joyful, inspirational selection was followed by two more  worshipful songs, enthusiastically received by faithful parishioners.

Soon the velvet offering bag was passed around by two youths, followed by appreciative remarks from our pastor before he gave  his message. What an inspiring atmosphere for the attentive congregation to enjoy! Everyone was thankful for the nice weather for the outside service, and it was obvious that all were enjoying this novel arrangement in automobiles.

Turns out that many other churches were having outside services, too!  As much as I enjoyed the internet services last Sunday, it was so refreshing to be there in person in the company of others of like precious faith. Makes me look forward to next Sunday!

Observations

Spring! It's busting out all over! Riding into town a little while ago, I was fascinated by the roadside scenery. Old broken down stumps were coming to life with feathery green fronds sprouting up from their depths!

I had seen red bud trees in cultivated yards before, but nothing like the beauty of those springing naturally and helter-skelter in the woods, their branches waving skyward with pink and purple blossoms, really a lavender shade of variegated buds!

All this with a backdrop of hills and valleys of a technicolor green that defies description! Black-and- white cows grazed peacefully on their dew-dampened treat and sustenance. An occasional calf was spotted nestling close to its mother to feed.

Our road was largely deserted, except for an occasional speeding vehicle that couldn't wait to get past us. We sailed along, enjoying the views and the swooping, up and down curves that straightened now and then for a short swath.

I again noticed a  beautiful country house that has been under construction since we moved here months ago. A smaller house was built right next to it, evidently a mother-in-law cottage or maybe a guest house.

Thinking of the old stump that sheltered new growth, the calf with its mother, and the carefully built and finished home, I noticed a comparison. Jesus can bring new life and vitality into a repentant soul, lifting one out of sin and degradation. The young believer can be guided and spiritually fed just as the mother shelters her calf.

Jesus said he is preparing a place for us. "In my Father's house are many mansions; If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2. No doubt a house unequaled by any on earth!

Under the Umbrella

"Where is the umbrella?" I asked in alarm! It all started when my hubby was sitting on our small deck yesterday, enjoying the beautiful weather and sunshine. But it was getting a little hot out there, although he was reluctant to come in.

Meanwhile, two of our granddaughters came by with their tots and decided to fix Paw-Paw a shade. They propped up our large umbrella and attached it to the porch railing. Nevertheless, the umbrella slid and slipped and wouldn't stay up. After their repeated attempts of using books and other things to steady it, I remembered the heavy book-ends I had, polished from heavy, varnished stones. That worked amazingly!

The kids went home, and I went inside to watch TV news.  Soon Howard came in to relax also.  Much later in the day, I stepped out on the porch to find my wonderful, favorite umbrella missing!

"What happened to my umbrella?" I demanded in front of the television program he was watching, to which he said, "It fell down." What? I had already looked all around for it, but it was no where to be found.

Then it occurred to  me to look in the side yard down the slope.  I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it, fully opened and stuck to the fence of a neighbor's pasture where the wind had taken it! I scrambled down, grabbed it and hiked back up to the porch, taking it inside to hang on a coat rack.  Now I could relax!

Today is a much better day. I saw two robins this morning, a true harbinger of spring! After checking the mail, we walked out to see the donkeys. I heard their trade mark  "Hee-haw," but they were hidden by the trees. Animals and wild life are so amazing. They are mostly self-sufficient, happy and free, but under God's umbrella of safety!

"Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them," Matthew 6:26.

Where There's a Will There's a Way!

Well, we are going to the Drive-In. Not done that since I was a child and Daddy took us to the drive-in movie. We had speakers on the car windows, and I still remember getting close to them and listening to the mellow voices right in my ear. Sometimes Daddy took us to the movie in the farm pick-up truck, and the kids all watched from seats in front of the projector room.

But this Sunday, our drive-in will be in the church parking lot! Something many innovative churches have decided to do in this social-distancing phase of protection we are in. Maybe we can at least wave to our friends and neighbors through the window! I wonder if there will be a song service?

We have been enjoying video chats, messages and words of encouragement from pastors and churches at home and from friends far away. Last Sunday, we worshiped in our living room during services via television.  Although it was a cozy, intimate setting, invoking the feeling of being in church, it wasn't like being with fellowship of  Christian brothers and sisters.

The last time I went to a drive-in movie was a few years ago in Ponca City, Oklahoma. We saw the film, "God's not Dead!" While Howard was walking to the refreshment stand for snacks and waiting for the movie to start, the driver of the car next to me struck up a conversation about the movie. When Howard got back, the conversation went on long and talkative.  The next day at church, there he was! I had never seen him before, or since, but evidently the movie left an impression on him.

The old outdoor theater was giving it's last performance, as it was to be demolished the next day. Afterwards, the film was shown at the historic theater in town, used only for events and special occasions. We saw the show again there, where it was packed. Evidently "God's not Dead" had quite an impact on the community!  The title is still true!

Shut-in with God

After a quiet and restful Sunday at home yesterday, a day in which we were favored with several sermons given on line by favorite pastors, we were feeling housebound and went for a drive.

It was a little late, but before dark, and we met very few cars on the road. Evidently, folks were staying home as prescribed by health experts. Never had we felt like we had the road to ourselves, sailing along on the picturesque curves, hills and valleys.

We saw no people outside, except for a man standing on his porch,  staring inscrutably at the road. A time of puzzlement for everyone.

Our chosen destination was Dunkin' Donuts for a cup of coffee, Howard's favorite hang-out, but only service from the drive-through window, now. Our route leading home through downtown Jonesborough revealed an empty street except for a couple of stragglers. We had so enjoyed exploring this historic place with son Greg and family when they were here for a few days last week.

Being more or less confined to the house is very testing and trying for everyone these days, but these scriptures are comforting:

"Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God." Psalm 42:11.

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob  is our refuge." Psalm 46:10-11.

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. Beautiful in situation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King." Psalm 48:1-2.

Beats a cup of coffee anytime!

The Lord's Day

Well, today is Sunday, so of course, we went to church! I'm sure many others went to the same church we did--the living room! We were privileged to watch and enjoy the songs and sermon from Encourager Church in Houston, Texas, the church of our son Benjamin and family for many years.

We even took Communion after the pastor's exhortation and explanation of the Passover, where the children of Israel were spared after applying the blood to the door posts and of their safe escape from Egypt.

Thankfully, I had grape juice on hand, and of course, crackers, for an impromptu participation of Jesus's words, "This is my body, which is given for you: do this in remembrance of me."

Plans were that our local church would give an on-line service, but a glitz occurred, preventing the presentation. Diligently, we waited and looked forward to a service from PCA, our former church in Ponca City, Oklahoma, but evidently there were electronic problems there, too.

Some of our family are self-quarantined, and others locally are staying home, so we are having a relaxing, quiet afternoon as we wait for the culmination of our Instant Pot's delivery of a tasty meal.

Thankfully, the sun is shining today, after intermittent rain for several days. The first day of Spring was yesterday, I think, and the landscape is rising to the occasion! The grass is an emerald carpet, naked trees are now swathed in wedding gown-white blossoms, and tiny blue flowers cover the yard.

Even though we are in very troubled times, I can't help but think of the words of a poem:

"Morning's at seven, the grass is dew-pearled, God's in His heaven, All's right with the world."

If only!

Meandering

We splurged on groceries yesterday, stocking up for staying home. When an employee saw us examining our list, she offered to get the items for us so we wouldn't have to go through the store.  Since we needed more than what was on the list, we declined.

Granddaughters Bethany and Sarah had already made forays for us, picking up things from a list last week.  Although I had recently bought a huge bag of pinto beans, they brought home four bags of black beans! Among other things.

So on this rainy day of isolation, it seemed like the right time to cook a pot of the pintos. Well, I couldn't have beans without cornbread, so I stirred up a batter. Since our oven is having problems, I used my ingenuity, putting the cornbread mix in a skillet, stove-top! Flipping the giant pancake was a challenge, but it tasted delicious! Then I thought of the head of cabbage in the fridge, so coleslaw was a must. I will admit, everything tasted great (I hadn't cooked beans in months), including the sliver of lemon meringue pie resting in the fridge!

I had been concerned about a planned special service at our church on Sunday when a guest speaker was scheduled. It would be  the 25th anniversary there for our pastor and his wife. A dinner was to be prepared by the church ladies for everyone, and I was deliberating about what to bring, a little uneasy about even attending. Thankfully, everything was called off, in view of the virus situation!

It is pouring rain outside currently,  and the steady drumming on the window is getting on my nerves. A little while ago, I rode with Howard down to the mailbox, and thankfully, I carried an umbrella, as it had started sprinkling when we stepped out. By the time we got back, trying, but a little unsuccessfully to stay dry, we were glad to get inside.

Our visiting family is journeying home today, but they came by pre-dawn to share good-byes and hugs for the road. We miss them already, cherishing the fun times and praying for their safety all the way home.

Makin' the Best of It!

We had so looked forward to our son Greg's family visiting. We had planned for weeks of things to do when they came. At the top of our list was to take them to "The Birthplace of Country Music" in Bristol, Virginia. A couple of calls assured me they would be open. But when the date rolled around, like so many places, they were closed.

The kids arrived late one evening, and we enjoyed our visit so much, especially since we hadn't seen them since we'd moved from Oklahoma several months ago. They loved our digs, and we spent the evening reminiscing, even viewing a home movie from when everyone was little and even the grandparents were young.

Meeting for lunch the next day, we found our favorite place open, and thankfully not many diners were there, due to the virus scare. Taking in the sights of Jonesborough, Tennessee's oldest town, kept us busy until they invited us to see their AIRBNB where they were staying. Their accommodations were beautiful and luxurious! Everything was spacious and spotless and very tastefully decorated!

 Visiting the next day, we enjoyed Granddaughter Allison's  tasty lunch of chicken 'n' noodles with diced cantaloupe and green grapes. With the local great-grands out of school, they added to the chatter and camaraderie, even taking a walk where photos were snapped and admired. Pizza and conversation followed, Howard woke up from his nap, and soon we were on the way home, stopping for Dunkin' Donuts to sustain us until the next adventure tomorrow!

Home Movie

I can't stop looking at a home movie that I had never seen! It was taken some 48 years ago when Howard and I were in our early thirties! The movie was no doubt made by my sister-in-law, Karolyn, who was concentrating on her little girl, Jennifer, featured in most of the shots and responsible for sharing this treasure!

I was amazed to see family members, bursting with youth, and my parents in good health and vigor! Daddy was energetically throwing snow balls like a kid, handsome and youthful looking, and the very picture of our own son, Mark,who is now in middle age!

Memories fade, and it was a while before I realized I was looking at my own children, the head of curly red hair unmistakingly on winsome little Trevor, sitting with handsome big brother Gregory! Then I noticed myself, holding a baby, then not realizing until I started to dress her, that it was my own baby daughter, Amy!

Seeing Mama in her kitchen wearing her apron brought back so many memories! Standing beside her at the kitchen sink was my beautiful, oldest sister, Christine, so young and vibrant. Sitting at the table was undoubtedly big sis Pauline, having a piece of pie, looking so youthful I at first didn't recognize her.

Astounding was how young and handsome and beautiful everyone looked! My brothers, Johnny, Jimmy and Bobby were there in the youth of life. I could easily recognize Howard, sitting on the sofa and dapper as usual. then a quick glimpse of young Mark wrestling around on the floor with cousins.

I just couldn't get over seeing so many loved ones, and others that I haven't even mentioned. I can't help but think of the glad reunions we will have in Heaven! No doubt everyone will be young and perfect then, including the precious ones who have passed away since the years of the home movie.

Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing! 

Hee-Haw!

I finally went with Howard out into the country to see some raved-about donkeys. I was immediately smitten! Two young donkeys, looking like toy stuffed animals, stood beside the fence. A wide, white band encircled each of their muzzles against their dark brown coats, making them even more appealing.

This made me think of a verse in a cantata  that my husband and I participated in one Christmas many years ago. I remember some of the words, which were something like this:

"The little donkey's feet so small went down the narrow road, so filled with people every where, they noticed not his load."

Of course, it referred to Mary, who was with child, traveling to abide with her cousin, Elizabeth, whose husband was the priest, Zacharias. No doubt the little donkey was tired, but steadfast, as it stepped carefully and purposely over the sharp, protruding rocks or slippery stones on the narrow road.

Donkeys must have been the main mode of transportation then, as even Jesus rode on the foal of a donkey in his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. He had previously directed two of his disciples
where to find a colt with its mother to bring to him, fulfilling  the prophecy in Matthew 21:5, of the King, meek and sitting on a donkey, when the multitudes cried out, "Hosanna to the son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord; Hosanna in the highest."

A story in Numbers 22-33 tells of a donkey that recognized an angel carrying a sword which would have killed his master had the animal not protected him.

Obviously, donkeys have their place in the world, and my husband wants a couple of them to have a place close by!

Repeat Performance

What? Again? My spouse looked at  me in alarm and said, "My car keys are gone!" How could that be?  This time, it wasn't his spare key, but those with other important keys on them!

Though frustrated, I began the search. Clothes hamper, nothing. Under and around bed. Not there. Remove sofa cushions from where we had sat watching TV the night before. Useless. Not only once did I do that, but later went through the routine again!

Re-checking pants pockets was futile. By this time, I had worked myself into a frenzy and was exhausted. Finally I gave up and collapsed on the sofa. Just then Howard came in with an incomprehensible look on his face. What now, I wondered.

"My keys were in my jeans pocket!" he announced flatly. The ones he was wearing!

Exasperated, I exclaimed, "How could that happen?" He explained they were in the bottom of the pocket under a packet of cards he carried.

"Would you like to go out to eat?" Howard offered as a consolation. No, I already had supper planned, and if we ate at home we could make it in time for church tonight.

We rarely get out after dark on the curvy roads, but the daylight was lasting a little longer now, so we got to church just in time. We were so glad we came, leaving refreshed and thoughtful of the pastor's message as well enjoying seeing friends.

The solar-powered light on our porch flashed on in greeting as Howard inserted the key in the door!                                                                                                 

Fortuitous Find!

Today Howard finally got to go see the donkeys! I stayed home and caught up on some chores, including doing laundry.  One load in the dryer kept making a metallic noise that thumped every few minutes. A metal button on a pair of my husband's jeans, I figured. Finally tired of the racket, I went to remove the offending noise-maker.

Then a thought struck me. Could it be? No, probably just a hopeful wish. Quickly I pulled out the contents of the dryer, though, and there it was! The lost car key! The one we'd been searching for for days! Apparently it was in the pocket of a pair of jeans!

It looked like the other key, but it had a metal tab snapped on it. Howard's key was like that, I remembered,  except for a short cloth tab. I lost no time in calling my spouse, who was obviously at the coffee and do-nut shop by now, judging from his muffled response.

"Do you have your car key with you?" I questioned, since he was riding with Steve, our son-in-law. I wanted to make sure the one from the dryer wasn't his regular key.

"Yes, why?" he answered over his do-nut.

"Because I think I found your lost car key in the dryer!" I exclaimed.

He about choked, then. He couldn't believe his ears! He laughed and thanked me over and over! Even exclaiming that he would bring me a do-nut!  Seriously, though, a replacement key would have been quite expensive, and we had searched for it for several days, calling lost and found at Walmart, checking with our local manager at our neighborhood store, and going through every pocket in the house. (Except for one at the bottom of the laundry hamper!)

"I prayed for that this morning!" my relived husband exclaimed when he got home. Yes, we had prayed for it many times, searching between the car seats, in door pockets and all over the car. Thank you, God, for the lost is found!

The Road not Taken

Feeling under the weather yesterday, I missed church, much as I wanted to go. I went back to bed, and later, my hubby made lunch! He made grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. (He never cooks!)

Still feeling wobbly, I lay down after lunch and went to sleep for a long nap, only to be awakened by my spouse saying, "Get up! We're going to see the donkeys!"

Somewhat reluctantly, but feeling better by this time, I got ready for the ride. Usually, my wanna-be farmer husband goes out to this magnificent farm he raves about with our son-in-law, Steve, but he was not available. It seems the  owner has two little donkeys he wants to give away, and Howard wanted to show them to me.

The ride on this beautiful afternoon was refreshing, as along the route we saw children going out to play on swing sets, throw balls, or just meander around in the March 1st sunshine! Mesmerized by the scenery, I was enjoying the outing, but getting a little tired.

The roads on this mountainous, Tennessee terrain are as winding as a snake and never ending, only to lead to other winding roads. Unfortunately, we were obviously on the wrong road (s)! After at least two hours of endless curves and adjoining roads, we finally came upon a residence with people getting out of a car.  At last, maybe someone would give us directions! By this time, we only wanted to know how to get home, which we finally did!

I was reminded of the poem, "The Road Not Taken," by Robert Frost:

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood, And be one traveler, long I  stood; Looked down on one to where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, though just as fair, and having perhaps the better claim, because it was grassy and wanted wear. Though as for the passing there, had worn them really about the same. And both that passing equally lay in leaves no step had trodden black. Oh I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back.

Well, since Steve took Howard  to see the donkeys today, I doubt if he will ever come back!