Sabbath

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!  Psalm 118:24

Grandparents!

We have recently witnessed several episodes of grandparent behavior, which we as the world's best grandparents would never think of doing!

One morning we were having breakfast at a neighborhood restaurant.  Sitting across from us was a toddler accompanied by her grandparents.  After each spoonful of food and every sip of milk the grandparents broke out in a round of praise and wild applause.  Every time! We wondered if they knew just what a spectacle they were making of themselves. 

Our neighbors live at the top of a large hill.  What a perfect place for their grandchildren to put to use their sleds on a recent snow day. The kids were having some difficulty in getting the sleds to move fast enough for them. So the industrious grandparents came upon the idea of pulling them with a four wheeler. Another problem developed. They kept falling off the sled.  Then another great idea came to them.  Let's pull them behind our SUV.  There was, as you can imagine a lot of commotion in our normally quite cove.  Until, that is a shaken voice erupted, "What are you dong??"  Undoubtedly, a parent had arrived to curtail all the fun. Suddenly, all was very quite again.

Then, there was the hide in seek game in the frozen food section at Kroger. A grandmother and her small grandchild were laughing hysterically as the child climbed in and out of the freezers. When the mom rounded the corner and saw what they were doing, she just stood there too shocked for words.  I hurried away to avoid the reckoning that was surely to come.

Well, I said we would never think of doing such things!

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children— Deuteronomy 4:9
English Standard Version

God Winked Today

One of our special friends, Lisa had surgery today.  She has survived breast cancer and was recently diagnosed with uterine cancer.  The woman of faith that she is, when asked what we could do for her, she asked if we would pray and fast with her.  I was impressed to include phones, computers and television to the fast. Yesterday was a day set aside for Lisa. It was a time to pray, read, and to be still and listen for God.  I picked up a book entitled, "When God Winks at You."  The book is compilation of true stories of how God has spoken through the power of seemingly coincidence. 

Lisa had mentioned that at her pre-op, the staff was cold to her.  My special prayer for her yesterday, that God would give her a wink of kindness.  Her sister reports that all went well. Each of her petitions had been answered. She said Lisa had spoken, rather cried to her over the phone. They were no doubt tears of thanksgiving and relief. Thank you God, for winking at Lisa and all her loved ones today!

"Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." Mark 5:34

Sabbath Day

Exodus 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."

Car Wash Blues

     After all of the dreary cold days we have had this winter, we are pumped to have a couple of days of sunshine. We were beginning to fear Mr. Sunshine has taken a permanent hiatus. I decided, along with the majority of the cities population, to take my vehicle through the car wash. The lines moved rather quickly. With the exception of one poor soul, in front of me of course, who had mistakenly turned into the long lines and had to be lead through the maze back to the street exit. Thankfully, it wasn't me!

       I selected the "Best" wash as opposed to the "Better" and "Spit" selection. The poor little thing deserved it after trudging through weeks of snow, ice and road salts. When I finally approached the entrance, the attendant handed me a blue lollipop. "Oh, what a nice young man and thank you." (Yes, I actually heard myself say this!) I quickly realized the psychology behind his gift. After driving rather clumsily onto the rack, he informs me the car must stay in neutral and I cannot touch the brakes or the steering wheel. Did I detect an evil smile? A mild panic set in. I had never realized how difficult it is to not grab the steering wheel or hit the brakes when your vehicle is moving. The loss of control was unnerving.

     Thankfully, I had my blue lollipop to maul until I finally got the green light. Thankfully, I held it together long enough to make it through with a shiny clean vehicle. Then I heard a whisper from heaven; "Why do you try to control things in your life? For I know the plans I have for you!"  You have to admit, that's better than a blue lollipop!

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."   Jermiah 29:11

"SIS"

Tonight is our monthly meeting of "SIS". Sisters in Survival. This year will mark the ninth year of cancer survival for me and several other sisters in our group. Recognizing there is more to coping with cancer than medicine, we banded together in our faith. This is how "SIS" came to be.

There are various denominations within our group, but common faith and cancer ties us all together. And as always, there is food and laughter! Faith is exercised in love, understanding and being available to those with need or final wishes. One terminally ill young mother was in need of provision for her young children during her treatment and after her passing. Another was granted her wish to visit the Grand Canyon with her family. Sometimes it is a simple as a card or movie pass.

 Large or small, the message is the same. You are not alone. We understand. Cancer does not define who you are. It does provide an unexpected opportunity to serve others. We are not just cancer survivors, we are over comers!

"My Sisters' Hands by "Sisters in Survival" My sisters' hands are fair and white, My sisters' hands are dark. My sisters' hands are touched with age, Or by the years unmarked. And often when I pray for strength to live as He commands, The Father sends me sustenance in my sisters' hands. "




When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. Isaiah 43:2
New Living Translation

Happy Birthday Dan!

Today is Dan's birthday. Someone asked if this was a milestone birthday. That would be YES, it's a birthday! We are just happy to still have them! Dan has been wearing a leather vest to ward off the cold. I commented that he had that new car leather smell. In typical "Danese" he responded, "Well, at least I still smell new." To all of you that have sent sweet messages of love and encouragement, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. To those that have given him "old dog" gifts, the joke is on you! We have actually put them to good use! Second to his kind heart, I think I love Dan's laugh the most. It is the greatest! Wishing for you, my love, many more years of love and laughter!

The Greatest is Love

Sunday February 14, 2010. Valentines Day. Today was a typical day of worship, CHOCOLATE, food, laughter, fellowship and varied expressions of love. A very special act of love came from the singles group; collecting supplies for Haitian children. A love gift on behalf of Him that loves the most! 1st Corinthians 13:13...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Hit and Run

Oh no!!! Hit and run! Someone call 911! Is there a doctor in the house? Did anyone get the license plate of the driver? AAAGH!

Never mind. He lost his head briefly, but managed to keep his cool. Whew! Close one!

A little fun in the Texas snow! Three of Nana and Papa Dan's favorite grandchildren; innocent until proven guilty!





"Have you entered the treasury of snow, Or have you seen the treasury of hail  Job 38:22
New King James Verson

Ugg Boots and Ugh, Boots!

Now, I like stylish, comfortable boots as much as the next person. Even our 18 month old Lily, sports a pair of tiny pink Ugg boots. to use for utility purposes, not so much. Enough of the winter snow boots. This is the sunny south correct?

My husband heard today, according to the Farmers Almanac we are to receive equal amounts of August fogs to winter snows. That being the case, we are due two more snows. Seven for seven. The Bible instructs us to be thankful in all things. Lord we thank you for the bounty of snow you have bestowed upon us this winter. However, being the charitable folks we are Lord, we pray you allow us to pass along this blessing to those in want. It they want snow, please Lord, give them all of ours. We are willing to make the sacrifice.

Seriously, when we see tragedies like the Haitians are experiencing, we become acutely aware and grateful for the Lord's provision. Unlike thousands, we have family, friends, shelter, food and protection. Lord help us always to be mindful and gracious to those in need. Grant us willing, open hearts to give until it helps.

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Psalm 107:1
English Standard Version

Set Together

I really enjoy watching the BBC Television series, "As Time Goes By." To those that are not familiar it is a story of a couple who were lovers younger in life and reunited a bit later. As they were discussing marriage they decided they were too set (in their ways). As Jean says, "Like a couple of old jellies, set."

Dan and I married a bit later in life. I will have to say he hangs onto my every word. Example: Sunday, I say, "I hear it's supposed to snow tonight. Do you think you will make your route?" Dan replies, "Okay." Monday morning I ask, "Did we get any snow?" Dan replies, "Snow? I haven't looked." He gets into his car to leave, opens the garage door, and immediately recloses it. As he re-enters the house he says, "Hey, we have a lot of snow. Routes won't be made today!" Who knew?!!!

Okay, so he doesn't quite tune into every word. But, we really are set. Set together like a couple of old jellies! What the heck, it's a snow day, let's have chocolate fudge cake. Nothin' says lovin' like somethin' chocolate from the oven!






Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. (NASB )

Banana Pancakes

When Michael and Misty were small I so looked forward to our Saturday morning breakfast. It was a time to chill without stress of having to rush anywhere and a brief relief from worries of having more week than money. My daughter preferred banana pancakes while my son found them disgusting. So I happily burned out two separate batches of plain and banana and ate what was, if anything left.

It's the simple things we remember and smile. They are both married with children of their own and making their own memories. It is a treat for my son and his kids when he makes pancakes, plain of course! My son in law has his special Sunday breakfast treat for their family as well.

That's what family is. Simple expressions of love, time together, moments to remember. As much joy as it is to have a curly haired, chubby faced grand child running towards you just delighted that you live and breath, there is a moment wishing there was just one more plain and banana pancake breakfast!


Remember not the sins of my youth and my rebellious ways; according to your love remember me, for you are good, O LORD. Psalm 25:7
New International Version

Cancer Sucks!

I will have to say the first time I heard this expression, I was less than pleased. Most assuredly not a word my mother would have approved of. Not with our staunch Southern Baptist upbringing. Today, yet another dear friend heard those dreaded words, "You have cancer."

My first personal experience with this disease was uterine cancer in my sister. She was quickly diagnosed and successfully treated. My father was not. He passed away from lymphoma at my tender age of 29. I was diagnosed March 2001 with breast cancer and recuperating from yet another procedure when my mother died on January 2002 from leukemia, followed by the death of my brother December 2002 from multiple myeloma. My parents went relatively quickly without a great deal of suffering. My brother did not. He waged a long and painful battle including bone marrow transplants.

So how does one cope with such an insidious disease? I was reminded of my mother in law's favorite verse, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Phil 4:13. She claimed this verse when she was waging her personal battle with breast cancer.

Surround yourself with friends and family that will lovingly support you. Take one day at a time. Trust God to give you strength and ability to make wise decisions. Stand your ground. Never stop believing in God or yourself!

In a sacrificial gesture, my husband shaved his head when I lost my hair from chemo. I was continuously covered by prayers and a continuous flow of food and offerings to clean my house. Be willing to accept all expressions of love however offered to you. This is my hope and prayer for you my dear friends.

Mom, I think even you would agree, CANCER SUCKS!



Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.  Nehemiah 8:10


King James Bible

High Tech, Low Tech and No Tech

I was sharing the blogging idea with Dan. Blank look, "What's a blog?" In the world of high technology I would have to rank myself low tech and my dear Dan, no tech if at all possible.

Sitting at a desk is sheer torture to him. First snow day, he logged 6 miles on the treadmill. Neil and Mary, his precious parents named him appropriately. He would be content living the life of Daniel Boone! He is definitely an outdoors kind of guy. Not sports, too boring. Yard work, building projects and the like and he is a happy camper. The man willingly shares anything to persons in need. However, if he shares his power tools, you are special indeed!

Dan tends to be a perfectionist with his projects. A case in point would be the cute little playhouse with all the trimmings constructed for "Camp GP" (When all the grandchildren come home to play with us.) It was intended to be only a weekend project. Not!

We spent most of the summer tweaking and adding. There is nothing but the best for the grand kids/Papa Dan. A snow day is okay. It gives us a chance to chill and enjoy a good fire and maybe a good book or movie. This is the day FIVE of snowy days! The thrill has long gone. I even find myself looking forward to a spring project! Just like Daniel Boone, wait'n for spring thaw to get into town for supplies!



And wherever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven has he given into your hand, and has made you ruler over them all. You are this head of gold. Daniel 2:38
American King James Version

"A Pair of Brown Shoes"

"Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a pair of brown shoes?" George Gobel

Almost a dozen years ago I was transplanted from big city life in Memphis, TN to Jonesboro, AR. One thing for sure, life can change on a dime either for the better or the worse. This change has been for the better. God has chosen to greatly bless our life together flawed humans as we are.

We have so many dear friends and family we would like to share our lives with. That is the purpose of this blog. Now, don't get excited! Don't expect clever and entertaining stories. We are after all, a pair of brown shoes!



Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.  James 4:10
King James Bible