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!
Monday, March 30, 2020
Sunday, March 29, 2020
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!
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!
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!
Friday, March 27, 2020
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.
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.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
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!
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!
Monday, March 23, 2020
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!
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!
Sunday, March 22, 2020
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)