What a beautiful day to be outside! After the cold, bleak days of late, it felt so good to be in the sunshine today! Many other people felt that way, I could tell, as Walmart was quite busy. In fact, we met friends going in the door, and going out the door!
Kids and little tykes were everywhere! I couldn't keep my eyes off the little ones when we stopped at MacDonald's. They were so cute bundled in their wraps, a little over-sized but clumsily charming heading out the door with a harried mom.
Son Trevor told me on the phone last night that the day after March 15 marks the beginning of warm weather. Here's hoping! Grandson Reid, who travels with singer Jason Crabb and entourage, was in the Asheville, NC area a few days ago and related how beautiful it is over there.
They were performing at The Cove, a Billy Graham chapel and retreat center, where many television episodes of the Gaither program were held. Reid was excited to tell of meeting Will Graham, son of Franklin Graham and the late Billy Graham's grandson, who also portrayed his grandfather in the movie, Unbroken. (At Reid's next appointment, a new acquaintance was the governor of Mississippi!)
Our whole motive for going to Walmart was to buy a basketball! Son Greg had related a story to my husband about an older gentleman he met whose health and physique had declined, but after purchasing a basketball and bouncing it 1,000 times a day, he became strong and healthy again! I'm waiting to hear the ball bounce!
Friday, March 15, 2019
Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Heartthoughts: Country Gentleman
Since our dog, Jack, has become a little adventurous, like getting in the road or roaming too close to the horses in the neighboring pasture, we decided to get some kind of control collar. Of course, he has a collar with his tag on it, and as menacing as it looks with silver brads, it does nothing to interfere with his meandering.
So we visited the pet department of a farm supply store and was shown a collar called a pet trainer. It featured a shock button that would stop the dog if he got past a 100 yard boundary. We bought it, but unfortunately, we found that we would have to monitor Jack and push the button ourselves! We had thought it would be done automatically!
Now we are considering a step-up product featuring underground fence posts and wires that would send the warning electronically. That all depends on if we return the original set!
Meanwhile, Howard's attention is diverted by a shipment of 29 baby chicks that require care. Before our son, Greg, left for several weeks on a work assignment, he readied the cage, ordered the chicks, and bought chick feed. Since two of the babies have died, we wonder if they should be eating their medicated feed!
Not sure if they were getting enough water, since the water dispenser we had on hand was leaky, my concerned spouse purchased a new watering device yesterday. So far, we have lost no other chicks, so maybe it was the water issue.
It is a beautiful, sunshiny day here, with puffy, white clouds floating over head, evoking thoughts of a picnic. But with the 60 mph winds blowing, life in the country is no picnic!
So we visited the pet department of a farm supply store and was shown a collar called a pet trainer. It featured a shock button that would stop the dog if he got past a 100 yard boundary. We bought it, but unfortunately, we found that we would have to monitor Jack and push the button ourselves! We had thought it would be done automatically!
Now we are considering a step-up product featuring underground fence posts and wires that would send the warning electronically. That all depends on if we return the original set!
Meanwhile, Howard's attention is diverted by a shipment of 29 baby chicks that require care. Before our son, Greg, left for several weeks on a work assignment, he readied the cage, ordered the chicks, and bought chick feed. Since two of the babies have died, we wonder if they should be eating their medicated feed!
Not sure if they were getting enough water, since the water dispenser we had on hand was leaky, my concerned spouse purchased a new watering device yesterday. So far, we have lost no other chicks, so maybe it was the water issue.
It is a beautiful, sunshiny day here, with puffy, white clouds floating over head, evoking thoughts of a picnic. But with the 60 mph winds blowing, life in the country is no picnic!
Tuesday, March 12, 2019
Penny Wise
We had closed an account recently, and the next month we got a statement that we had an unpaid balance of one cent! Do we mail them a penny? Or write a check for 1 cent? Well, today Howard decided to pay it locally, so we headed to the store. On the way, I looked at the statement we had brought, and it looked as if they owed US a penny! Which I really think they did, for the amount was enclosed in parenthesis on the statement. Anyway, they accepted his penny, so all is well.
I got to thinking about the poor widow in the Bible who gave her last bit to the temple offering. Mark 12:41 tells us, "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
(42) And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make it a farthing. (43) And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
(44) For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
A farthing is a quarter of a penny as in an old English coin. Jesus mentions "farthing" in Matthew 10:29 when he says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father."
There are many sayings about this small coin, such as, "A penny saved is a penny earned." Or "A penny for your thoughts."
I read of a woman who always picked up a stray penny. When asked why she did that, she said, "Because it has God's name on it." And it does have the words, "In God We Trust" engraved on the copper coin!
Well, it didn't take our last penny to pay the account, but we paid it to the last penny!
I got to thinking about the poor widow in the Bible who gave her last bit to the temple offering. Mark 12:41 tells us, "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
(42) And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make it a farthing. (43) And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
(44) For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."
A farthing is a quarter of a penny as in an old English coin. Jesus mentions "farthing" in Matthew 10:29 when he says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father."
There are many sayings about this small coin, such as, "A penny saved is a penny earned." Or "A penny for your thoughts."
I read of a woman who always picked up a stray penny. When asked why she did that, she said, "Because it has God's name on it." And it does have the words, "In God We Trust" engraved on the copper coin!
Well, it didn't take our last penny to pay the account, but we paid it to the last penny!
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
Heartthoughts: Encounters
People can be so kind! Today in Walmart, a man smiled and thoughtfully stepped aside, letting my husband go first through the inner door with his handicap cart. After selecting the items we needed, Howard remembered he wanted to buy hash browns, which he loves for breakfast.
The store had recently re-arranged things, and I wasn't sure where they were. Then I saw a young woman without a shopping cart sweep into the frozen food aisle, grab something and turn to go.
"Do you work here?" I asked, to which she shook her head, then said, "What are you looking for? I know where things are and can help you find it."
"Hash browns," I said.
She rushed to the end of the aisle, pointed them out and said, "They were there where you were looking, but they've been moved down here!"
I thanked her, then thought about her kind gesture. Usually, shoppers are intent on their own mission, eyes averted and non-communicative. I find myself doing the same thing, not being naturally extroverted, contrary to my sociable husband.
My retired preacher spouse loves to hand out scripture cards with uplifting, encouraging verses, especially to those with whom he does business, even for the smallest purchase. "Read it, don't throw it away," he admonishes. They usually look at it, smile, and thank him, promising to read it. He often gets feed back that it helped them and they have kept the card.
Not long ago, we had parked next to a vehicle when an older man rode up in his handicap cart. Seeing my husband's cane, he offered the cart to him, getting appreciation from Howard, which led to a long conversation, Turns out he was a retired doctor, a Christian, and very friendly. They had the best talk (while I waited, standing on one foot, then the other).
The doctor told of an incident with a patient on the operating table that he had no idea how to keep alive. In his despair he prayed. He said then it seemed God took over and everything fell into place.
Shaking hands as we left, Howard gave him a scripture card, which he promised to read. Most people are good people!
The store had recently re-arranged things, and I wasn't sure where they were. Then I saw a young woman without a shopping cart sweep into the frozen food aisle, grab something and turn to go.
"Do you work here?" I asked, to which she shook her head, then said, "What are you looking for? I know where things are and can help you find it."
"Hash browns," I said.
She rushed to the end of the aisle, pointed them out and said, "They were there where you were looking, but they've been moved down here!"
I thanked her, then thought about her kind gesture. Usually, shoppers are intent on their own mission, eyes averted and non-communicative. I find myself doing the same thing, not being naturally extroverted, contrary to my sociable husband.
My retired preacher spouse loves to hand out scripture cards with uplifting, encouraging verses, especially to those with whom he does business, even for the smallest purchase. "Read it, don't throw it away," he admonishes. They usually look at it, smile, and thank him, promising to read it. He often gets feed back that it helped them and they have kept the card.
Not long ago, we had parked next to a vehicle when an older man rode up in his handicap cart. Seeing my husband's cane, he offered the cart to him, getting appreciation from Howard, which led to a long conversation, Turns out he was a retired doctor, a Christian, and very friendly. They had the best talk (while I waited, standing on one foot, then the other).
The doctor told of an incident with a patient on the operating table that he had no idea how to keep alive. In his despair he prayed. He said then it seemed God took over and everything fell into place.
Shaking hands as we left, Howard gave him a scripture card, which he promised to read. Most people are good people!
Monday, March 4, 2019
Psalm 68:6
I was feeling particularly lonely and blue the other day and really feeling sorry for myself, living so far away from most of my scattered family. Even though we get to see our six children's families periodically, distance is always a factor.
Several years ago, most of us lived in relative proximity to each other, then Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast where we were pastors of a church. Our church was badly damaged, but over the next couple of years it was restored, thankfully by many wonderful volunteers from all over the country. By this time, hurricane fatigue had set in and we passed the church on to another pastor.
Meanwhile, our daughter Amy's family moved from our Mississippi area to Georgia, her husband's former home, and daughter Julie's family re-located to Tennessee. Hurricane Rita had recently hit Louisiana where our son Greg's family lived. They moved to Oklahoma, where we eventually joined them. Our three other sons live scattered in Texas.
Anyway, I think God heard me and took my lamenting as a wordless prayer, for a few hours later, I got a phone call! It was my grandson, Reid, whom I never hear from in his busy life as a young adult. "Mimi," he said, "I'm going to be in Tulsa next week with Jason Crabb's tour, if you want to come and see me."
Would I! It was music (no pun intended) to my ears! I hadn't seen this grandson in nearly a year, since our 60th Anniversary celebration! My heart felt so light with the expectation! I thanked God for this blessing and opportunity! We had a wonderful evening and so enjoyed being with this kid grown into a mature young man, so handsome, personable and thoughtful to his Mimi and Pa Pa!
The concert was amazing as well!
Several years ago, most of us lived in relative proximity to each other, then Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf coast where we were pastors of a church. Our church was badly damaged, but over the next couple of years it was restored, thankfully by many wonderful volunteers from all over the country. By this time, hurricane fatigue had set in and we passed the church on to another pastor.
Meanwhile, our daughter Amy's family moved from our Mississippi area to Georgia, her husband's former home, and daughter Julie's family re-located to Tennessee. Hurricane Rita had recently hit Louisiana where our son Greg's family lived. They moved to Oklahoma, where we eventually joined them. Our three other sons live scattered in Texas.
Anyway, I think God heard me and took my lamenting as a wordless prayer, for a few hours later, I got a phone call! It was my grandson, Reid, whom I never hear from in his busy life as a young adult. "Mimi," he said, "I'm going to be in Tulsa next week with Jason Crabb's tour, if you want to come and see me."
Would I! It was music (no pun intended) to my ears! I hadn't seen this grandson in nearly a year, since our 60th Anniversary celebration! My heart felt so light with the expectation! I thanked God for this blessing and opportunity! We had a wonderful evening and so enjoyed being with this kid grown into a mature young man, so handsome, personable and thoughtful to his Mimi and Pa Pa!
The concert was amazing as well!
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Fourth Snow of the Season!
Woke up to snow this morning! Predictions were given for snow showers a few days ago, but nothing was forecast since! I questioned whether we could even make it to church, since the roads had not been sanded this far from town. (I learned later that many churches would not be open today.)
Besides that, my spouse had parked both vehicles near the house, and I wasn't at all certain he could get them up the steep terrain to the driveway. He was successful with our smaller car, but the Honda van could not make it up the slope.
Anyway, we did make it to our house of worship by cautiously creeping along until we saw some sand trucks doing their job, and traveling became easier. We were only a few minutes late for our Berean Sunday School class, which we thoroughly enjoy. Then Pastor preached a wonderful, illustrated message to the congregation, small though it may have been.
The wind was bitter cold when we scrambled from the car to have lunch at our favorite restaurant, and even worse when we came out! Thankfully, at least the roads were clear this time, and we were so glad to get back inside the warm house!
So much for Global Warming! Evidently we are in a weather pattern originating in deep, ocean currents, which we can do nothing about. Scriptures in the Bible tell of God's creation of which He is in charge:
"Oh Lord my God , You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.
He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire." Psalm 104:2-4.
Alexa has just informed us that snow showers are predicted for tonight. We will see what God decides!
Besides that, my spouse had parked both vehicles near the house, and I wasn't at all certain he could get them up the steep terrain to the driveway. He was successful with our smaller car, but the Honda van could not make it up the slope.
Anyway, we did make it to our house of worship by cautiously creeping along until we saw some sand trucks doing their job, and traveling became easier. We were only a few minutes late for our Berean Sunday School class, which we thoroughly enjoy. Then Pastor preached a wonderful, illustrated message to the congregation, small though it may have been.
The wind was bitter cold when we scrambled from the car to have lunch at our favorite restaurant, and even worse when we came out! Thankfully, at least the roads were clear this time, and we were so glad to get back inside the warm house!
So much for Global Warming! Evidently we are in a weather pattern originating in deep, ocean currents, which we can do nothing about. Scriptures in the Bible tell of God's creation of which He is in charge:
"Oh Lord my God , You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, Who cover yourself with light as with a garment, Who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.
He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters, Who makes the clouds His chariot, Who walks on the wings of the wind, Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire." Psalm 104:2-4.
Alexa has just informed us that snow showers are predicted for tonight. We will see what God decides!
Saturday, March 2, 2019
T-U-L-S-A, Straight Ahead:
Lights! Camera! Action! Well, not quite, but that's the way it seemed last night as we attended a Jason Crabb concert! We had been forewarned that the music might be a little loud, but we weren't prepared for the sweeping, colored lights that bathed the arena of thousands!
We had come to the concert at the invitation of our grandson, Reid, who is part of Jason's team. Since Reid lives in Nashville, we took the rare opportunity of getting to see him, as well as looking forward to hearing this nationally-acclaimed, Dove Award and Grammy Award winning Christian artist.
Turns out there was a Christian Women's Convention there, scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m. Jason's concert would close their meeting. This gave us time to enjoy a wonderful dinner only 9 minutes away from this imposing, 11,000 plus-seat, multi-purpose arena, The Mabee Center, on the campus of Oral Roberts University.
Reid met us at the entrance and soon settled us in our seats where we would be comfortable some distance from the platform. The music became quite loud as beams of light swept over the crowd in the elevated rows of seats, adding to the heart-pounding rhythm of the drummer and guitarists' beat. People stood and applauded all around us, but I was still trying to make out the lyrics!
Soon the music became more mellow, as it was toned down when Jason did more worshipful songs. Across the auditorium the crowd rose with hands lifted in praise, especially when the singer shared personal testimonies and experiences of his family.
At the close of the concert, our thoughtful host, Reid, took us to meet the star of the show. Swarms of fans stood in line to have CDs autographed by Jason. Not to worry, Reid put us at the head of the line to have his boss turn around so he could introduce his Mimi and Pa Pa and cousin Adam, who had driven us to the event.
We left with souvenir t-shirts, hats, and a complimentary CD, and memories of a wonderful night, even though we didn't get to bed until past 1:00 a.m. !
more mellow as Jason segued into familiar songs interspersed with friendly, down home patter about faith and family, closing with a spirit-lifting message and worshipful praise music.
As the concert closed, masses of people formed into a long line to have CDs or books autographed by Jason Crabb. Reid took us to the front of the line, where Jason would turn to meet us as Reid introduced his Mimi and Pa Pa, as well as our grandson, Adam, who had chaffeured us to the event.
We rode home in a warm glow of memories of a great evening, even if we didn't get to bed until past 1:00 a.m.!
We had come to the concert at the invitation of our grandson, Reid, who is part of Jason's team. Since Reid lives in Nashville, we took the rare opportunity of getting to see him, as well as looking forward to hearing this nationally-acclaimed, Dove Award and Grammy Award winning Christian artist.
Turns out there was a Christian Women's Convention there, scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m. Jason's concert would close their meeting. This gave us time to enjoy a wonderful dinner only 9 minutes away from this imposing, 11,000 plus-seat, multi-purpose arena, The Mabee Center, on the campus of Oral Roberts University.
Reid met us at the entrance and soon settled us in our seats where we would be comfortable some distance from the platform. The music became quite loud as beams of light swept over the crowd in the elevated rows of seats, adding to the heart-pounding rhythm of the drummer and guitarists' beat. People stood and applauded all around us, but I was still trying to make out the lyrics!
Soon the music became more mellow, as it was toned down when Jason did more worshipful songs. Across the auditorium the crowd rose with hands lifted in praise, especially when the singer shared personal testimonies and experiences of his family.
At the close of the concert, our thoughtful host, Reid, took us to meet the star of the show. Swarms of fans stood in line to have CDs autographed by Jason. Not to worry, Reid put us at the head of the line to have his boss turn around so he could introduce his Mimi and Pa Pa and cousin Adam, who had driven us to the event.
We left with souvenir t-shirts, hats, and a complimentary CD, and memories of a wonderful night, even though we didn't get to bed until past 1:00 a.m. !
more mellow as Jason segued into familiar songs interspersed with friendly, down home patter about faith and family, closing with a spirit-lifting message and worshipful praise music.
As the concert closed, masses of people formed into a long line to have CDs or books autographed by Jason Crabb. Reid took us to the front of the line, where Jason would turn to meet us as Reid introduced his Mimi and Pa Pa, as well as our grandson, Adam, who had chaffeured us to the event.
We rode home in a warm glow of memories of a great evening, even if we didn't get to bed until past 1:00 a.m.!
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