When I get sleepy, it may feel like sand is in my eyes. I might say, "I'm going to see the sandman," and go to bed. Well now, I have a legitimate excuse for that. But let me back up a minute. It seems that during a phone conversation with our son in Oklahoma, Howard mentioned it being cold here in Tennessee, even getting cold at night (maybe because I pull the covers!)
Son Greg said he has a blanket made of sand that keeps him warm as toast! Then he said he was going to send us one, and we would never be cold again! Sure enough, yesterday a postal truck drove up, and carrying a box to our door, the delivery man said as he handed it to me, "It's got some weight to it!" Sure enough, when we opened the box I saw a folded blanket covered in small, stitched squares. The label said the "blanket" weighed 15 pounds!
I spread it on the bed, tried it out, and was surprised that it was quite comfortable, the weight distributed evenly and in place. So tonight I plan to sleep as warm and cozy as a bug in a rug (with no sand in my eyes).
A few nights ago, my husband was seemingly too sleepy and lethargic, even losing his balance and landing on the floor. A trip to the emergency room revealed that his sugar was too high, other tests were run, and medication brought everything under control. While he was waiting for results, warm blankets kept him comfortable on the hospital bed. As the hours passed, a warm blanket was brought to me, too, and nothing felt so delicious.
When my siblings and I were growing up, Mama put lots of covers on our beds, from quilts she had pieced and quilted, often out of heavy material such as denim and work clothes. Sometimes it felt like I couldn't move under their weight, which reminds me of the sand blanket I will sleep under tonight. Maybe I will dream of those long ago nights, warmed by the care of a loving, resourceful mother, who never would have thought of sand blankets!
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Friday, January 24, 2020
It Came in the Mail
"Don't throw that away!" my husband exclaimed as I was about to toss some junk mail. "It says I can get a free duffel bag!"
The Bible says in Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, 0 LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer." A good message to ponder!
I scoured the offer, and it sounded complicated, requiring more info from us. I had no idea what he needed with another piece of luggage to store away. Howard relented, although a little reluctantly.
I remembered stories my spouse has related about how as a boy he loved to send off for things and get them in the mail. He reminisced longingly how he would make the order, then sit on the porch for days waiting for the package to come in, whether it be a gadget or a highly touted object he couldn't live without.
Well, that is still his weakness, I guess, although I know his main interest these days is studying the Bible and reading inspirational books. The possibility of getting a mail order offer and actually profiting from the word of God is of no comparison.
Rather than send off for something and waiting for its delivery, we have the power of prayer that is carried instantaneously to its destination. Our prayers are answered by the will of God at exactly the right time!
Rather than send off for something and waiting for its delivery, we have the power of prayer that is carried instantaneously to its destination. Our prayers are answered by the will of God at exactly the right time!
Our mail carrier delivers an ever-increasing bundle of mail daily, most of which goes into the trash after it is carefully examined and pored over by my diligent hubby. Somehow much unwanted or unneeded communication has found its way to our rural mailbox.
The only letters that are beneficial and spirit lifting are the letters written in the Holy Bible by God's servants over the centuries. They carry truth, encouragement, warnings, prophecies, promises, hope and miracles, to name a few.
The only letters that are beneficial and spirit lifting are the letters written in the Holy Bible by God's servants over the centuries. They carry truth, encouragement, warnings, prophecies, promises, hope and miracles, to name a few.
The Bible says in Psalm 19:14, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, 0 LORD, my Strength and my Redeemer." A good message to ponder!
Thursday, January 23, 2020
Changes
"Mom, you're right. It's not Christmas any more, so it's time to take the tree down," said our three-year-old Great-grandson, Mason, yesterday. He had previously insisted that the forlorn tree should stay up, even though the glass balls had been removed and the branches were devoid of decoration.
Well, I took a cue from him today and reluctantly put away the last of the Christmas decor, which I had nurtured along, keeping little semblances of Christmas for a little while longer. Suddenly I was immersed in the notion of rearranging and setting out new groupings and center pieces, which were refreshing and inspiring!
How often we hang on to the past! Thinking those days were better than these days, thus depriving ourselves of the newness and opportunities of today! In reality, the good old days were not always so good, only amplified by memories and imagination.
My granddaughter's little boy was on the right track, as he was heard singing, then saying, "My spirit is singing!"
Ephesians 5: 18 admonishes us to "...be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
Another little Great-grandson, Kaden, almost 2 yo, has discovered a new joy and skill: finding a pencil and writing on walls! Not only on walls as high as his chubby little hands can reach, but on books, papers and toys!
Our youngest grandchild, Isaac, 6, was given some chores to keep him busy, and from pictures I could see he was sweeping in the garage. The last frame told the story of his efforts. Two short pieces of 2x4s were left abandoned and covered in bent nails crookedly sunk into the boards.
Children are our future, and under wholesome training and love they will grow into young adults to be proud of. Isaiah 54:13, promises, "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."
Well, I took a cue from him today and reluctantly put away the last of the Christmas decor, which I had nurtured along, keeping little semblances of Christmas for a little while longer. Suddenly I was immersed in the notion of rearranging and setting out new groupings and center pieces, which were refreshing and inspiring!
How often we hang on to the past! Thinking those days were better than these days, thus depriving ourselves of the newness and opportunities of today! In reality, the good old days were not always so good, only amplified by memories and imagination.
My granddaughter's little boy was on the right track, as he was heard singing, then saying, "My spirit is singing!"
Ephesians 5: 18 admonishes us to "...be filled with the Spirit; speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord."
Another little Great-grandson, Kaden, almost 2 yo, has discovered a new joy and skill: finding a pencil and writing on walls! Not only on walls as high as his chubby little hands can reach, but on books, papers and toys!
Our youngest grandchild, Isaac, 6, was given some chores to keep him busy, and from pictures I could see he was sweeping in the garage. The last frame told the story of his efforts. Two short pieces of 2x4s were left abandoned and covered in bent nails crookedly sunk into the boards.
Children are our future, and under wholesome training and love they will grow into young adults to be proud of. Isaiah 54:13, promises, "And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children."
Saturday, January 18, 2020
The Trip
I have the sweetest granddaughters! Today Bethany took us to where Tennessee meets Virginia, to "The Birthplace of Country Music" in Bristol. We really didn't know what to expect, but after the drive through the picturesque hills and valleys of southern Appalachia, we came upon the Country Music Museum.
A giant guitar stood in front, welcoming us into the studio where photographs of such luminaries as The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Tennessee Ernie Ford and more were on display. Other guitars bore autographs of the famous on their surfaces: Willie Nelson, George Jones, Marty Stuart and on and on.
Soon we found ourselves entering the facade of a country church, complete with pews and short films of singers earnestly praising God in their heart felt songs with guitar music. Other clips were of the primitive instruments and innovative ways of sharing music, such as having to sing into a horn, for amplification.
I was surprised to learn that The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, giving the history of the music heritage and the preservation of its history.
Getting hungry by this time, lunch sounded good, so Bethany took us to a place she knew where we had a delicious meal. (Her little boys with us loved drinking Root Beer out of a long-neck bottle.) We were offered dessert by the friendly waitress, but our granddaughter had something else in mind, a pastry shop she knew of.
Bethany dropped us off out of the rain while she and the kids found a place to park. We couldn't resist the welcoming fireplace, a wing-back chair on either side and a comfy sofa facing the warmth, where I sat while Howard took the chair. Nothing tasted better than the steaming cups of coffee and donuts (mine was chocolate-covered with cream filling).
Now we can't wait for someone from home to come see us so we can share the mountainous beauty and a trip to Bristol. It's too fun not to share!
A giant guitar stood in front, welcoming us into the studio where photographs of such luminaries as The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Tennessee Ernie Ford and more were on display. Other guitars bore autographs of the famous on their surfaces: Willie Nelson, George Jones, Marty Stuart and on and on.
Soon we found ourselves entering the facade of a country church, complete with pews and short films of singers earnestly praising God in their heart felt songs with guitar music. Other clips were of the primitive instruments and innovative ways of sharing music, such as having to sing into a horn, for amplification.
I was surprised to learn that The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution, giving the history of the music heritage and the preservation of its history.
Getting hungry by this time, lunch sounded good, so Bethany took us to a place she knew where we had a delicious meal. (Her little boys with us loved drinking Root Beer out of a long-neck bottle.) We were offered dessert by the friendly waitress, but our granddaughter had something else in mind, a pastry shop she knew of.
Bethany dropped us off out of the rain while she and the kids found a place to park. We couldn't resist the welcoming fireplace, a wing-back chair on either side and a comfy sofa facing the warmth, where I sat while Howard took the chair. Nothing tasted better than the steaming cups of coffee and donuts (mine was chocolate-covered with cream filling).
Now we can't wait for someone from home to come see us so we can share the mountainous beauty and a trip to Bristol. It's too fun not to share!
Wednesday, January 15, 2020
Light
Putting away Christmas decor is bitter sweet. The fragrant scent of the evergreen fronds I used to embellish arrangements is gone, the branches dead and needles falling. I eagerly collected them weeks ago and relished the piney scent. It is Christmas Past.
The "Merry Christmas" pillow from the sofa is stored away, as is the NOEL pillow from last year. I'm leaving up all my tiny white lights, though. They edge the tray in front of a mirror over an antiqued stand, glow brightly twined on white branches nestled in a tall urn, and highlight the display of beloved portraits and collections seen through the glass of yet another antique cabinet.
A Christmas memento that I cherish is a beautiful pitcher bought on a trip from Oklahoma to Georgia before we moved from the Sooner state. The pitcher with the graceful words, "Merry Christmas," scrolled across it also has a depiction of a red cardinal in one area and a poinsettia at the bottom of the pitcher. One reason I love it so much is that it reminds me of the cardinals that lit up the cold, winter days, perching on the rail fence of the farm or swooping through the branches of the leafless trees.
Keeping my priceless Christmas cards from far away family, especially the ones with photo groups and one newly-wed bride and groom at their ceremony, I find it hard to part with any. I think I will save one of the most beautiful, a sleigh in the glittering snow in a farm scene.
We love Christmas lights, remembering that Jesus is the Light of the world! John 1:7, says of John: "The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. (8)He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. (9)That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
John 8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
It is a cold, dark, rainy day, here, the second day of our new year, 2020, but we have the assurance of our Savior, Jesus, who is the Light of the World on any dark day!
The "Merry Christmas" pillow from the sofa is stored away, as is the NOEL pillow from last year. I'm leaving up all my tiny white lights, though. They edge the tray in front of a mirror over an antiqued stand, glow brightly twined on white branches nestled in a tall urn, and highlight the display of beloved portraits and collections seen through the glass of yet another antique cabinet.
A Christmas memento that I cherish is a beautiful pitcher bought on a trip from Oklahoma to Georgia before we moved from the Sooner state. The pitcher with the graceful words, "Merry Christmas," scrolled across it also has a depiction of a red cardinal in one area and a poinsettia at the bottom of the pitcher. One reason I love it so much is that it reminds me of the cardinals that lit up the cold, winter days, perching on the rail fence of the farm or swooping through the branches of the leafless trees.
Keeping my priceless Christmas cards from far away family, especially the ones with photo groups and one newly-wed bride and groom at their ceremony, I find it hard to part with any. I think I will save one of the most beautiful, a sleigh in the glittering snow in a farm scene.
We love Christmas lights, remembering that Jesus is the Light of the world! John 1:7, says of John: "The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. (8)He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. (9)That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world."
John 8:12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."
It is a cold, dark, rainy day, here, the second day of our new year, 2020, but we have the assurance of our Savior, Jesus, who is the Light of the World on any dark day!
Sunday, January 12, 2020
The Unexpected
My daughter, Julie, the crafts expert, made some beautiful, molded soaps for Christmas presents. She had given me some previously, but I had used them to the point of little pieces. This morning I decided to try out one of the pretty designer soaps she had created for me.
All was well, until a fizzy sound got my attention in the tub. Suddenly I was engulfed in mauve fizzes and bubbles as the water turned a colorful hue while the beautiful soap disintegrated into a miniature volcano spew!
Now I know what her little 4-year-old granddaughter experienced when she bathed and watched the soap spin around. It was delicious fun for her, until she screamed and tried to escape! Her innovative Mimi had enclosed a tiny toy inside the bath bomb! Not just any toy, but a tiny plastic frog that would jump when a tab was pressed! All her other grands thought their surprise toy was fun, but not this girl! She quickly sprang from the tub in terror!
Well, my experience wasn't that bad, just a little surprising. Actually, it was fun! How often does life surprise us! Our son, Trevor, has been getting a kick out of supplying us with coffee. He knows how much we enjoy it, and has sent us several packages lately.
Yesterday, though, he called and asked again if we had received the latest shipment of the tasty brew. No, I told him, but he insisted it should have been delivered days ago. After calling the shipping company, he was told they had delivered it at 10:30 a.m. three days ago! I was getting a little muddled about what came when, and went outside to look again for any package I had missed.
Nothing. But as I started back into the house, I noticed a box tucked in a corner, previously hidden by the air conditioner! I lost no time in calling Trevor and thanking him for the coffee, which is my husband's favorite brand.
Sometimes gifts take an unexpected turn and can be a little unpredictable. I was so relieved last night at a grandson's birthday party...he actually loved the presents we gave him! How thankful we are when God supplies our needs and desires, and sometimes even surprises us!
All was well, until a fizzy sound got my attention in the tub. Suddenly I was engulfed in mauve fizzes and bubbles as the water turned a colorful hue while the beautiful soap disintegrated into a miniature volcano spew!
Now I know what her little 4-year-old granddaughter experienced when she bathed and watched the soap spin around. It was delicious fun for her, until she screamed and tried to escape! Her innovative Mimi had enclosed a tiny toy inside the bath bomb! Not just any toy, but a tiny plastic frog that would jump when a tab was pressed! All her other grands thought their surprise toy was fun, but not this girl! She quickly sprang from the tub in terror!
Well, my experience wasn't that bad, just a little surprising. Actually, it was fun! How often does life surprise us! Our son, Trevor, has been getting a kick out of supplying us with coffee. He knows how much we enjoy it, and has sent us several packages lately.
Yesterday, though, he called and asked again if we had received the latest shipment of the tasty brew. No, I told him, but he insisted it should have been delivered days ago. After calling the shipping company, he was told they had delivered it at 10:30 a.m. three days ago! I was getting a little muddled about what came when, and went outside to look again for any package I had missed.
Nothing. But as I started back into the house, I noticed a box tucked in a corner, previously hidden by the air conditioner! I lost no time in calling Trevor and thanking him for the coffee, which is my husband's favorite brand.
Sometimes gifts take an unexpected turn and can be a little unpredictable. I was so relieved last night at a grandson's birthday party...he actually loved the presents we gave him! How thankful we are when God supplies our needs and desires, and sometimes even surprises us!
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