At the close of the pastor's message Sunday, he came down from the platform and picked up a Communion tray from the table in front of the pulpit. It seemed a little different, with no tray for the bread. Then I saw congregants receiving a tiny cup with what looked like a sealed cover which was being pulled open.
I was even more surprised when the neighbor in front of me showed me how to peel back the cover, to discover a small, white disk. The communion bread! Under that was the cup of the covenant! Tasting the paper-like disk, which dissolved quickly, I thought about the broken crackers that had served as bread forever in our churches past.
We followed the communion ritual, as the words of Jesus were being read, Then He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, "Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me."
I read a story of a young girl who was so excited about her First Communion. She was nervous as she sat by her father, awaiting the passing of the communion. Finally, her turn came, and her hands shook as she took the cup, only, to her horror, to drop it and spill it all over her special dress. Looking at her father, she didn't know what to expect. Then he passed his own communion cup to her, enabling his daughter to have her first communion. No doubt she felt God's love for her, even as her own father loved his daughter.
Monday, August 10, 2020
Saturday, August 1, 2020
Outdoor Pleasantries
We were having lunch yesterday at our favorite restaurant in historical downtown Jonesboro. Sitting outside under the protection of patio umbrellas, Howard and I had a perfect view of the street and passersby. Others were served in the bricked alley beside the eatery, courtesy of closed doors due to safety precautions.
Across the street was a historical building, a log cabin moved there many years ago and previously frequented by such illuminaries as Andrew Jackson and other dignitaries of the age. Anyway, the mortared logs and wood steps made a perfect place for picture-taking.
At first, we noticed random couples getting snapshots as they strolled by, then a veritable entourage floated down the slope to the cabin's lawn. Obviously, it was a wedding party, the bride and groom seated smilingly for photos in in their attire, the groom in dignified coat and tie, and the bride in her array.
I couldn't keep my eyes off the lovely frocks the dozen or so attendants were wearing, none of them the same, but all attractive and appropriate for on outside wedding. Ruffled tops, off-the-shoulder designs, long gowns or short skirts, pastel, summery long sleeves--all were eye-catching and fluttering with the soft breezes that had sprung up after an earlier rain.
And suddenly they were gone, in mass strolling up the hill where we had parked our car, near the church where the wedding obviously took place. We finished our lunch and climbed the hill ourselves, riding home with pleasant memories of a beautiful day.
Across the street was a historical building, a log cabin moved there many years ago and previously frequented by such illuminaries as Andrew Jackson and other dignitaries of the age. Anyway, the mortared logs and wood steps made a perfect place for picture-taking.
At first, we noticed random couples getting snapshots as they strolled by, then a veritable entourage floated down the slope to the cabin's lawn. Obviously, it was a wedding party, the bride and groom seated smilingly for photos in in their attire, the groom in dignified coat and tie, and the bride in her array.
I couldn't keep my eyes off the lovely frocks the dozen or so attendants were wearing, none of them the same, but all attractive and appropriate for on outside wedding. Ruffled tops, off-the-shoulder designs, long gowns or short skirts, pastel, summery long sleeves--all were eye-catching and fluttering with the soft breezes that had sprung up after an earlier rain.
And suddenly they were gone, in mass strolling up the hill where we had parked our car, near the church where the wedding obviously took place. We finished our lunch and climbed the hill ourselves, riding home with pleasant memories of a beautiful day.
Monday, July 13, 2020
Tiger by the Tail
Peanuts. That was the name of a large, friendly dog given to us many years ago. Her size, shape and color did look like a peanut with her tan, brindled coat. Peanuts was a pleasant enough bull dog, as she often lay on the porch under a shade, panting and drooling and keeping her eye on activities in the street. Her only enemy and foe was motorcycles! She hated the pop-pop noise when the newspaper boy swooped down our street on his motorcycle, tossing the paper to our porch.
Peanuts was big and pregnant, carrying a litter of little bulldogs. That didn't stop her from rising clumsily, baring her teeth and letting out a ferocious roar, as she chased and barked after the fleeing paper boy.
One day, Peanuts got her prey, sinking her teeth into the back wheel of the motorcycle, causing the paper boy to have a shredded tire! The poor guy shot out like a bullet to avoid Peanuts. The next day I was surprised to see the newspaper carrying the heading, "Local Newsboy has a Doggone, Deflated Day By Bull Dog." I was mortified!
Reflecting on this fuzzy memory, I recalled a picture of our then 3-year-old son, Mark, grinning and firmly holding a bulldog puppy of her litter. I found the photo in an album, baby Julie on a pallet with the puppy between them. Our dog may have looked like a peanut, but I think she could grab a tiger by the tail!
Peanuts was big and pregnant, carrying a litter of little bulldogs. That didn't stop her from rising clumsily, baring her teeth and letting out a ferocious roar, as she chased and barked after the fleeing paper boy.
One day, Peanuts got her prey, sinking her teeth into the back wheel of the motorcycle, causing the paper boy to have a shredded tire! The poor guy shot out like a bullet to avoid Peanuts. The next day I was surprised to see the newspaper carrying the heading, "Local Newsboy has a Doggone, Deflated Day By Bull Dog." I was mortified!
Reflecting on this fuzzy memory, I recalled a picture of our then 3-year-old son, Mark, grinning and firmly holding a bulldog puppy of her litter. I found the photo in an album, baby Julie on a pallet with the puppy between them. Our dog may have looked like a peanut, but I think she could grab a tiger by the tail!
Monday, July 6, 2020
Our Summer Adventure
"My money was not any good over there," my husband announced when we returned from visiting our four sons and families recently in Texas and Oklahoma. It was true! They wouldn't let us pay for a thing!
Our youngest son, Jamie and family were here for a few days after visiting the Biltmore mansion. We enjoyed them so much, lunching out, eating at Cracker Barrel, (where they bought Howard a Stetson hat), getting all 20-plus family members together for a Pizza Parlor feast, then they flew with us before we separated at Charlotte, NC.
Our son Mark appeared the moment we were collecting our luggage as we deplaned in Texas. Not only were we treated with home-cooked meals, but shopping in favorite stores for things they insisted we just couldn't do without!
A highlight of our visit there was traveling down the beautiful drive to Marble Falls, where we ate in an outside patio with beautiful wrought iron tables and chairs, chatting with other visitors sight seeing and enjoying the shade of a massive oak near the Colorado River. Sunday worship was amazing, in a gorgeous church and a great message from an elder statesman. Mark would preach the next Sunday.
Son Trevor and Jennifer's lovely home was next, which awaited us with slabs of barbecue prepared and enjoyed beside their pool. What a wonderful, fun evening sitting there reminiscing, laughing, and listening to the tale-spinners until dark.
Same scenario about shopping. These boys were brought up right! Selecting and picking out stuff and not letting us pay! A little excitement occurred when their beloved dog found and ate a pill dropped on the floor, necessitating an all-day stay at the vet, treatment and a large tab! No doubt worth every penny for a pet they've had for probably 14 years.
Finally, we reached our final destination: Ponca City, Oklahoma, where son Greg and family live. As Howard says, "Say it's good to be back home again." We had moved from there to Tennessee last summer, and it was great going to our former church, seeing old friends, and of course, shopping with family. It was my birthday, so Greg insisted I pick out something at a shop we don't have at home. He also generously got his dad something, too.
The flight home was smooth, except for the crowded local plane, but all was well, with granddaughter Bethany meeting our plane. So thankful for all of our family!
,
Our youngest son, Jamie and family were here for a few days after visiting the Biltmore mansion. We enjoyed them so much, lunching out, eating at Cracker Barrel, (where they bought Howard a Stetson hat), getting all 20-plus family members together for a Pizza Parlor feast, then they flew with us before we separated at Charlotte, NC.
Our son Mark appeared the moment we were collecting our luggage as we deplaned in Texas. Not only were we treated with home-cooked meals, but shopping in favorite stores for things they insisted we just couldn't do without!
A highlight of our visit there was traveling down the beautiful drive to Marble Falls, where we ate in an outside patio with beautiful wrought iron tables and chairs, chatting with other visitors sight seeing and enjoying the shade of a massive oak near the Colorado River. Sunday worship was amazing, in a gorgeous church and a great message from an elder statesman. Mark would preach the next Sunday.
Son Trevor and Jennifer's lovely home was next, which awaited us with slabs of barbecue prepared and enjoyed beside their pool. What a wonderful, fun evening sitting there reminiscing, laughing, and listening to the tale-spinners until dark.
Same scenario about shopping. These boys were brought up right! Selecting and picking out stuff and not letting us pay! A little excitement occurred when their beloved dog found and ate a pill dropped on the floor, necessitating an all-day stay at the vet, treatment and a large tab! No doubt worth every penny for a pet they've had for probably 14 years.
Finally, we reached our final destination: Ponca City, Oklahoma, where son Greg and family live. As Howard says, "Say it's good to be back home again." We had moved from there to Tennessee last summer, and it was great going to our former church, seeing old friends, and of course, shopping with family. It was my birthday, so Greg insisted I pick out something at a shop we don't have at home. He also generously got his dad something, too.
The flight home was smooth, except for the crowded local plane, but all was well, with granddaughter Bethany meeting our plane. So thankful for all of our family!
,
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Protection
We needed a screen for our front door. Not a screen door, but one to hang from the top of the door. A granddaughter heard of this and immediately ordered one on line. The innovative mesh screen, divided in the middle, mesh curtains held together by magnets, is very useful in preventing flying insects. No longer does a bee, wasp, or housefly sail inside when a door is open.
I'm reminded of how we must screen out many things in life. Presentations on television or movies often must be prevented in being viewed. We scan books or magazines that are deemed improper and screen them out. Just as we don't want spiders, dirt, or insects intruding into our homes, neither should we allow unseemly thoughts, ideas, or actions enter our lives.
When our screen was delivered, Howard and I eagerly unwrapped the carton and examined all the pieces to install the screen. Things went okay until we realized that neither of us could reach high enough, nor stand on something safely enough to hang the screen. We put it aside for a few days.
Then the other day our grandson, Caleb, a tall young man, came over, looked at the material, and in the matter of a few minutes, our screen was in place! What a blessing it is! The fresh air floating inside is so refreshing.I can keep an eye on Howard as he sits at a table on the porch studying books or Bibles, or I can easily take him a glass of iced tea.
I can't help but think of another young man who lived on the earth until he was 33 years old, then bore all our sins and sorrows by giving His life on the cross. He is our ever help in time of need: Jesus! I can only imagine the mishaps, dangers, and frailties He screens for us!
I'm reminded of how we must screen out many things in life. Presentations on television or movies often must be prevented in being viewed. We scan books or magazines that are deemed improper and screen them out. Just as we don't want spiders, dirt, or insects intruding into our homes, neither should we allow unseemly thoughts, ideas, or actions enter our lives.
When our screen was delivered, Howard and I eagerly unwrapped the carton and examined all the pieces to install the screen. Things went okay until we realized that neither of us could reach high enough, nor stand on something safely enough to hang the screen. We put it aside for a few days.
Then the other day our grandson, Caleb, a tall young man, came over, looked at the material, and in the matter of a few minutes, our screen was in place! What a blessing it is! The fresh air floating inside is so refreshing.I can keep an eye on Howard as he sits at a table on the porch studying books or Bibles, or I can easily take him a glass of iced tea.
I can't help but think of another young man who lived on the earth until he was 33 years old, then bore all our sins and sorrows by giving His life on the cross. He is our ever help in time of need: Jesus! I can only imagine the mishaps, dangers, and frailties He screens for us!
Saturday, June 6, 2020
MASKED!
EVERYONE MUST WEAR A MASK, the sign on the window of the doctor's office stated. "Oh, no, Howard," I said, "We forgot our masks!" We explained to the receptionist at the window, and she silently handed us two masks.
They were a little tricky to put on, and a little lopsided as we were called in for his appointment. I couldn't wait to take them off in the car. Granddaughter Bethany was our driver, and our next decision was where to get lunch.
"How about Cracker Barrel?" I suggested, for which all agreed, since it was way past lunch time. I had received a Cracker Barrel gift card from son Mark, and this would be a good time to use it. While we were browsing around, waiting for our name to be called, my eyes fell on the perfect purchase!
A mask!
Not the ordinary face mask, but a beautiful sleep mask! I had to have it! It was pink, edged in satin ruffles with a stretchy satin band to insure a comfy snooze. I loved the embroidered phrase,"Let's Sleep In" stitched on the front.
No more putting the pillow over my eyes when the bedroom window heralded morning so bright and early! My usual solution to daylight's arrival was to put my pillow at the foot of the bed where I could manage a few more winks.
I happily ate my lunch, knowing my mask, sleeping variety, was safe in my purse. When the waitress brought the check, I was amazed that a delicious, satisfying meal for the three of us was only 80 cents above the amount on Mark's card! Something to dream on!
They were a little tricky to put on, and a little lopsided as we were called in for his appointment. I couldn't wait to take them off in the car. Granddaughter Bethany was our driver, and our next decision was where to get lunch.
"How about Cracker Barrel?" I suggested, for which all agreed, since it was way past lunch time. I had received a Cracker Barrel gift card from son Mark, and this would be a good time to use it. While we were browsing around, waiting for our name to be called, my eyes fell on the perfect purchase!
A mask!
Not the ordinary face mask, but a beautiful sleep mask! I had to have it! It was pink, edged in satin ruffles with a stretchy satin band to insure a comfy snooze. I loved the embroidered phrase,"Let's Sleep In" stitched on the front.
No more putting the pillow over my eyes when the bedroom window heralded morning so bright and early! My usual solution to daylight's arrival was to put my pillow at the foot of the bed where I could manage a few more winks.
I happily ate my lunch, knowing my mask, sleeping variety, was safe in my purse. When the waitress brought the check, I was amazed that a delicious, satisfying meal for the three of us was only 80 cents above the amount on Mark's card! Something to dream on!
Saturday, May 30, 2020
June is Busting out all Over!
Wow! It will be June 1st in a couple of days! The month for celebration at our house! Howard's birthday is June 15, our 62nd wedding anniversary is June 20, and my birthday is June 27! What were we thinking!Well, as kids, who knows?
When we lived in New Orleans, many of Howard's customers celebrated June 19 as Juneteenth. I really never knew what that meant until I looked it up. It was held annually as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day when the United States celebrated the end of slavery. Abraham Lincoln's General order on June 19, 1865 in Texas, announced the freeing of slaves.
With all the social-distancing and rules in place these days, we were glad to finally go to Cracker Barrel for a meal. Our son, Mark, had sent me a Mother's Day card with a generous amount to be used at The Old Country Store, which had been swamped with customers waiting outside when we went there on Memorial Day. But we so enjoyed eating there yesterday in a spacious environment with our granddaughter, Bethany, our chauffeur!
A special treat is coming up in a few weeks as we plan to visit our kids in Texas and Oklahoma, airline courtesy of our children! Meanwhile, Howard has a new venture. He is planning a newsletter to be sent to friends and family, for which he has bought a printer. Besides his own contributions, he is collecting thoughts and articles from others who like to share.
Wishing all a beautiful day, Thelma June!
When we lived in New Orleans, many of Howard's customers celebrated June 19 as Juneteenth. I really never knew what that meant until I looked it up. It was held annually as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day when the United States celebrated the end of slavery. Abraham Lincoln's General order on June 19, 1865 in Texas, announced the freeing of slaves.
With all the social-distancing and rules in place these days, we were glad to finally go to Cracker Barrel for a meal. Our son, Mark, had sent me a Mother's Day card with a generous amount to be used at The Old Country Store, which had been swamped with customers waiting outside when we went there on Memorial Day. But we so enjoyed eating there yesterday in a spacious environment with our granddaughter, Bethany, our chauffeur!
A special treat is coming up in a few weeks as we plan to visit our kids in Texas and Oklahoma, airline courtesy of our children! Meanwhile, Howard has a new venture. He is planning a newsletter to be sent to friends and family, for which he has bought a printer. Besides his own contributions, he is collecting thoughts and articles from others who like to share.
Wishing all a beautiful day, Thelma June!
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