The Journey!!!

I started a new page on Facebook called The Journey.  It is a page dedicated to those who are on a weight loss journey or a lifestyle change journey.  You hate to call it a diet now days.  I have struggled with weight for at least the last 20 years.  I would lose 30 lbs and gain 50 lbs back.  My weight was up and down when I went to the doctor.  One time I would have lost 10 lbs the next time I had gained 8 lbs.  Never consistant in my lifestyle of eating.  Being married to a pastor didn't help matters....churches love to eat.  Also, my Southern heritage was a problem...southerns fix every problem with food, every celebration with food, every milestone with food and  "Y'all come over and we'll cook something up good."

So I start Weight Watchers in June of 2011.  To date I have lost 40 lbs.  Not exactly flying off, but it slowly leaves...it didn't jump on all at once.  I am a work in progress, and I have down falls (like cheetos), but I do try to turn bad habits into good.  No more fried foods, lots of veggies and fruits and no more mindless calories (still working on the cheetos part) and I am trying hard to implement dairy into my diet.  I am happy with my weight loss even if another pound didn't come off, and some days I think it just might not. LOL  I feel a hundred times better....I can walk and not give out of breath.  I can bend and squat lots better.  Over all better feeling.

I tell people that I am no expert when it comes to maintaining a weight loss page, but I will cheer you to death.  I did find out early in our ministry that if I don't posses any other gift in the world, I am an encourager.  I am not an eloquent speaker or the best suited to teach, but I will make you feel special and let you know you can accomplish anything you set your mind too. 

The journey continues and will probably never end for me.  I struggle day to day just like everyone else.  I learned at Weight Watchers that when you do mess up you don't need to wait until tomorrow or next week to get back on track...get back on track with your next meal.

If you are on Facebook, and you are walking this journey along come and join our page...we would love to have you.

Wondering!!!!

Why is it that when someone doesn't like the church, they continue to use and abuse their generosity?   We don't like that church, but we will take anything they will give us.  As Christians they should want to give, and we will take all.  Sometimes this is not just the unchurched, but often times it is the very attenders of the church.

Why it is when people are anti Christian and bad mouth Christians, they are the first to ask one to pray for them or their situtation?  But as soon as the crisis is over the bad mouthing continues. God is not a band-aid to just to fix problems and be there only when you need something.

These are a few things I don't understand.  I know that we should give and pray for those who ask.  I am not talking about not giving or praying for them, but what makes people act like this.

Again, why do some Christian act like this?  They don't like this church or church member or pastor, but they will continue to take from them.  I don't understand.  Sounds hypocritical to me.  I am just trying to figure out motive or ideology behind their thinking.  To me if I didn't like someone, I sure wouldn't impose on their generous nature.  This has happened personally as well...I say personally.  My husband was a pastor, and you hear what people say about you, and then they call you wanting you to pray for them or go see someone...after they have talked about you in the most disrespectable fashion.  As a Christian and pastor you pray and go do what they ask...why?  Because you have a heart for people and God has called you to minister....you esssentially are better than they are, in the sense that you are not petty and don't care what people say.  In reality you do care, you are human and have feelings.  The old saying, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  That is a big old honking lie...words hurt, and their hurt at times can run deep. 

I know that Jesus was persucuted and we will be as well, but there are times I want to stand and shout, "I am not going to take this abuse anymore."  The church gives and gives and yet it is run down in the ground by some.  Don't people realize that talking about one church hurts the cause of Christ, we are not in competition,but all the body of Christ.  Okay, I am getting into a whole other subject, but it is just irking me right now.  Noone church is better than another.  Size doesn't matter, programs don't matter and the building doesn't matter....what matters is the message.  Jesus died to forgive us of our sins!!!  He came to give us life and give it more abundantly!!!

I guess in this world there will be givers and takers.  It just saddens me to see takers that I feel don't really understand the love of God or His people.

What Does It Mean????

I see the term used so often today, "I am a follower of Christ."  Which to be honest disturbs me.  The reason this disturbs me so much, because most people that use this term don't fully believe the entire bible, disregards miracles in the bible and I have found generally interprets the bible to fit anything in their life at the moment....they also are not faithful to the church or the doctorine of the bible (this has been my observation on some) and some have never accepted the Lord as their Savior (let me just say this is based on some who I have talked to...not all)  It is like they are still searching for something.  Saying that I am a follower of Christ is like saying, "I am following Jennifer Aniston on Twitter or someone you don't know on Pinterest because you like "some" of their ideas."  You don't know Jennifer Aniston or this person on pinterest, but a few of their ideas or their life intrigues you.  Jesus didn't die for you to follow Him around and watch and learn at a distance.  He died to save us from our sins, to have a PERSONAL relationship with us.  I like the phrase that I am a Child Of God (it may sound old fashion to some), but He is my Heavenly Father.  And if someone is your Father, you are not His follower; but rather His child.  I am a Christian!! What is wrong with that phrase...I am a believer in Christ...still a little sketchy to me...I believe in a lot of things, but doesn't mean I have a personal realationship with them.  Myself and all those who have accepted Him as Lord and Savior have be bought with His blood that was shed for you and me.  The term follower is just too loose for me...you might as well say I am following the tides of the ocean or the green van in front of me.  It also sound noncommittle to me.  Like I am following Him and checking Him out to see if that is really the way I want to go.  In general, I am not impressed by the phrase nor does it make me think you more spiritual or closer to God than anyone else.  It does make me think that you use it in a general way as not to offend anyone on what you think about God.  If you have ever watched the Passion of Christ, then you have some idea of what Jesus went through for us.  Don't generalize your beliefs, lay them out in plain english and let people know what Christ did for us, so that we may have eternal life.   Take a bold stand!!! Generalizing where you stand with God is an insult to Him.  Let people know that you a Child of God purchased through the blood He shed for you on Calvary...not just a follower, who is looking to hop on the train at a convenient time (this is how it sounds to me). I am sure lots will disagree.   You will disagree with me and take a stand on why you like that term, and how I am so wrong about you.  But better yet, stand a strong firm stand in the eyes of the world, they are the ones who are living in darkness.  They need a beacon of light...that comes from that personal relationship with Jesus Christ, not someone who just says, "Yes, I am a follower of Christ."  Don't be ashame that you know God in an intimate way. 

Now this is my take on this blog....this writing is my opinion, and you can agree or disagree.  But here is why I shared.  I too try so hard not to offend people, but not anymore as far as where the Lord is concerned.  Time is short, and people are in need of a Savior and I am not doing my duty by tip toe around the situation and not mincing words, and trying so hard not to offend or make them feel uncomfortable.  The truth is sin is sin and you and disguise it, disregard it or ignore it...but it is still there.  The truth is Jesus died for your sins....all you have to do is call upon the name of the Lord and you shall be saved.  America and this whole world needs more Christians to call themselves what they really are...Christian, Children of God and a soul that has been purchased by the precious blood of the Lamb.  He's not ashamed of you, so don't you be ashamed of Him.

New Phone Mishaps!!!

I spent most of Friday afternoon with a wonderful employee of US Cellular named, Ruth Graham....no relation to Rev. Billy Graham or Rev. J. Billy Graham in Moore County (I asked).  I finally took the plunge and got a smart phone.  How ironic that a dummy got a smart phone.  Ruth took time and showed me how to use it, but my ADD/HD kicked in during instruction time....They have a plant that has lots of dead leaves on it and they are falling all over the carpet.  Okay, so that is why I don't know how to use my phone.  I did finally today learn how to answer it...they almost hung up before I figured out how to answer, and I can't promise that I can answer it again.  I can look on Facebook and take a picture with the camera.  It has more features than our van.  The one thing that I did master was the GPS....almost, just read the following story:

Okay, so I got this new phone..and don't know how to use anything but the GPS. Yesterday while at Carolina BBQ, I was showing my dad how it looked just like his Garmin. I popped in my home address to show him...I think he was impressed...I need to add that my knowledge of the GPS is limited. I put my phone in my purse and head to the restroom. To my horror in the restroom my phone starts yelling, "Recalculating, recalculating." Turn left in 200 ft." I have no idea how to stop it, and it keeps repeating. Then I just hear this big old cackle from another stall. At least I gave some a good laugh. I still don't know how to turn the GPS off. LOL

After pushing many buttons...I still don't know how to turn the GPS off, but it went off.  Mark finally asked me today, "Aren't you going to watch the DVD that came with the phone?"  I said yes, but I wanted to try and figure it out by myself first.  I am learning...I can use the camera, pull up WW restaurant guide to see how many points and play word search, but using it for it's intended purpose...to talk to people...not so much.

Fake Church Signs!!!!

As I hear things on the news and read the newspaper, I think to myself a lot...what in the world is going on???  I mean there are so many things that just don't shock me anymore.  They don't shock me, but still I wonder why??? Why people do the things that they do, and where do they get the time.  This really came into play when my husbands boyhood church made national news with their church sign this week.

Someone photo shopped their sign to read as the following:

I am talking about a church that is not on the main road and even though I know where it is located, I still have to follow the signs to get there.  It is a country church!!! Why in the world would someone do this???  Not enough activities to fill their time?  For laughs? Publicity?  There have been many speculations as to why, but it comes down to common decency and respect for God's property (which this world seems to have none).  This is what their sign really read:

Pastor Barbery stands beside the real message that Beulah Hill Baptist Church is sending. The sign is locked and everything.  If you examine the two signs closely, you will notice the fonts are different.  Now this pastor has to spend a lot of his time defending his church and members. On a good side, their church has been packed since this has happened, and maybe a golden opportunity to share the gospel while he is being interviewed by so many.  What satan meant for evil, God turns it around for good.

Publicity has not been a problem.  Just mention a church, pastor or the word Christian and the media comes running.  Papers, such as the Moore County paper, The Pilot, has ran this story.  As well as, The Fayetteville Observer, not to mention a host of websites, and a snippet on Fox News.  This all started with TMZ running this photo shopped picture.  Not just the fact that a church was used, but a person and their baby was mentioned with such disregard to the new life that was just born (and I don't care that it was a celebrities baby, they have feelings and emotions as well).  America is so far down in a pit of filth it is not even funny.  Why say this about an innocent baby plus use God's house to say it?? 

This started out to inform everyone about a fake church sign, but I think the real story here is just how far America has sunk into an abyss of no morals, ethics, conscience or regard to human decency anymore.

Real Food V/S Fake Food!!!

I am watching the 700 Club the other week (I love watching Skinny Wednesday's) when they show this skinny blonde chick on their talking about her latest book.  It is called, "Skinny Chicks Eat Real Food."



Naturally after watching the show, and hearing all these great things that certain foods can do, I bought the book.  I understand where she is coming from in the book, but get real.  The book is basically about processed foods and how harmful they can be.  I understand that, but we are talking about canned food, frozen foods and even meats.  I don't have time or the money to run around and look for grain fed and organic food....I don't have kids, so imagine a mom of 4 trying to fit this into her time frame of all that leisure time that she has. LOL

I make a spinach, grilled chicken pizza, that I think is healthy...only 6 Weight Watcher points in a slice...that is a big slice.  But according to this chick the only thing good on my pizza is the spinach (and only then if is organic).  I buy the grilled chicken already cooked...a no no.  I buy the whole wheat pizza dough....a no no.  Not to mention the canned tomato sauce and the cheese....BIG no no's.

So, according to this book...I should be letting the yeast rise and making my own dough with some kind of flour that I have never heard of....buying fresh tomatoes and making my own tomato sauce.  Plus, getting some organic, free range chicken and grilling it myself to get the full benefits of eating "real food".  WHO HAS THAT KIND OF TIME??????? 

I say give me Sandra Lee with some semi homemade ideas any day.  I want my short cuts to preparing meals.  I want it to look like I have slaved away in the kitchen all day, but it reality I had time to read, go for a swim and still present a fabulous meal.

I am not saying this book isn't right on target, there are lots of extra things in our food at the grocery store.  I am just saying that I would have to become a professional chef to prepare our meals.   I would stay in the kitchen all day prepping for meals, because you can't buy those short cut veggies and fruits that are already cut for you....that is a no no. There are a few things that after reading what goes into them during processing I will give up.  But for now, I will probably be eating more "fake food" than "real food".

Christmas Cheer!! Bah!! Humbug!!!

Mark and I decided to do a little Christmas shopping.  After a nice lunch, we set out to have a great time buying some little gifts for each other.  With my list in my hand, I am humming along with the 12 Days of Christmas and just full of Christmas cheer.  First of all, a lady jumps in front of me and grabbed the buggy I was reaching for....there were lots of others.  Then a lady just about runs me over to reach the dollar bin....which has about nothing in it....ooh, big bargain...NOT!!!  Two people stepped on my foot with no apologizes (we won't even mention the parking lot).  I finally got my gifts and checked out.  I decided to go to the snack bar for a drink and wait for Mark.  One lady almost pushed me out of the way to get in front of me in line....that made her number 2 in line...it wasn't like it was a long line.  Then she pushed the lady in front of her, who turned and they had words.  All this was happening while Christmas carols were playing in the background.  The whole time I am think what in the world happened to spreading Christmas cheer???  I felt like I was in a fast forward world while I was on normal speed.  Maybe some people just wait too late to start their shopping...who knows, but the Grumpy's were out full force.  We got popcorn and left and came home were Christmas cheer is abundant and Scrooge is ban.

Community Icon!!!

Yesterday we said goodbye to a community icon here in our neighborhood.  Mr. Ed Wilson lost his battle with cancer.  It hit me pretty hard, as the Wilson's have always been in my life here in the Riley's Creek Community.  I can't ever remember not seeing them or hearing about them once I moved away.  I immediately started crying when I saw the wreath on the door.  My world is once again changed.  The Wilson's sit in front of us at church, and I enjoyed watching Ms. Glenn punch Mr. Ed to make sure he is awake.  The dynamics of our community have changed once again.

Mr. Ed Wilson

You see, my first job was at Wilson's Supermarket.  I went in on Monday after getting my license to apply for a job.  Mr. Wilson & Mrs. Wilson were there in the office (a rarity even at that time).  The manager didn't look like he was going to hire me, but Mr. Wilson told him, "You better hire this little girl.  I've known her since she was this high."....his hands went up to about 2 feet.  Mr. Tootoo immediately hired me on Mr. Wilson's recommendation, and I started working that night.  Many times I would check the Wilson's out as they bought groceries.  My job gave me freedom and responsibility that helped prepare me for adulthood.

Me at 16 in my Wilson's smock.  I had received flowers while at work, Mr. Tootoo, the manager took this picture.



I can remember the store they had at Long Creek.  As a very young child, we would go there and buy groceries. It was a sad day when that old building was torn down as well.  Wilsons, home of the country boys....that was their motto.

I actually found this photo of a name tag on the internet.  Just wanted to share a piece of Americana of yester year.

Not long ago Mr. Wilson got to go on the Honor Flight to Washington, DC.  It was to take the veterans to see the WWII memorial.  He was so excited about that experience.  He told me all about how great they treated them, and how he felt as he saw the memorial.  He was proud to have served his country.  I immediately thought of song that Janet Paschal sings yesterday when I knew of his passing. 

Strike up the band 

Assemble the choir

Another soldier's coming home

Another warrior hears the call he's waited for so long

He'll battle no more

But he's won his wars

Make sure Heaven's table has room for at least one more

Sing a welcome song

Another soldier's coming home

 

Yesterday, the angel's sang a welcome song as another soldier went home.  We will miss you Mr. Ed, but heaven was waiting for your arrival.

A Good Exhaustion!!!

I haven't blogged in a few weeks, but I have been super duper busy.  I have literally fallen into bed every night for weeks and not even caring if make up was off or on. LOL 

The ladies ministry team of our church planned a very elegant Christmas Tea for this past Sunday.  As you know, these things just don't happen by themselves.  We have met every week since October to plan.  We collected china for this event, so I have scoured every thrift shop every week in Moore County.  I was successful on some days, and some days...I just found things for myself.  I am happy to report that the tea was a huge success.   We had close to 100 ladies to attend.  Becky Lee sang, and as always she brought laughter and excitement to our event.  Mrs. Herchenhahn gave her testimony and it really hit home with lots of our ladies.

Such elegant tables were set.

Becky Lee gets us rocking with her song.

Our ladies have a great time.

After the tea on Sunday, Mark and I attended our Deacon and Wives Christmas dinner on Monday night.  I got to go and just enjoy this event.  We were asked to speak and sing at this event.  It was very nice, and I am honored that God has chosen us to serve Him in this area.

Our Youth Pastor and Wife, Jeff & Ashley.  We just love them so much.  They are the perfect fit for RCBC.

Enjoying each others fellowship.

The chairman, Jody, is all smiles.

Well, after those two events, we still weren't finished.  The Silver Threads Christmas party was the next day.  We had a great meal, candlelight service and a game that was a hoot.  We played Guess that Baby??  It was great.  We had 37 to attend, and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

They are trying to guess those babies!!!

Some came festive and ready to have  a great time.

They look like they could be at a Valentine's party....lovey dovey.

Who is that baby????

29 pictures were submitted...great participation.

Fellowshipping with one another.

Great turn out!!!



A packed weekend, but it was so much fun.  I was exhausted when everything was over, but it was totally worth it!!!

Thankful Heart!!!

This day, I find myself thankful for many things.  There are so many things that it would take me too long to list them all.  I am thankful for my salvation.  That I have the blessed assurance in knowing that my place in heaven is secure.  I am thankful for Mark.  He has always loved me and been there for me.  He is my best friend, husband, sounding board, guinea pig (I try everything out on him) and my everything as life comes at us.  I am thankful for my parents.  Thankful that they always love and support me.  Thankful for the way they raised me...I am a product of their raising.  I am thankful for my in laws.  They have all accepted me and treated me like their own since dating Mark.  I have never felt like an outsider, but part of a loving family.  I am thankful for my church family and our pastor.  They are supportive in love and prayers.  I am thankful for the life God has given us.  For the experiences we have had and for how life lessons has allowed us to learn and grow. 

To all who read this blog...I am thankful for you too!!!

Just Say No!!!

Just say NO!!!!  That is my motto to Black Friday.  One reason is that I am finished with my shopping.  I know for 12 months that Christmas is coming, so why would I wait and stress over not having enough money or spend my time running around like a chicken with my head cut off???

Spending hours staying in line and racing around massive amounts of people while grabbing what everyone thinks is a terrific bargain is not for me.  I have never seen anything on sale on Black Friday that would make me get up early and stand in line.  I personally catch sales all year long and use coupons.  I have over 35 people that I buy for during Christmas, so I have to be crafty in getting a very nice gift while being frugal.  This trick is to get something really nice and expensive for cheap.  I managed to do that this year.  I bought toys that originally cost $30 for like $5 to $10.  I watch for sales then I scour for coupons and rebates for that item.  Now for the holidays, I can take my money and do little things for people who aren't expecting anything.  So, while you are standing in line and then getting disappointed because the item you came to get is gone....I will be sleeping snug as a bug in a rug in my bed.

The Bird!!! The Bird!!!

I'm dreaming of a golden brown crisp turkey laying on a platter.  For me it is all about the bird on Thanksgiving.  Not that I am not thankful for anything, but I am talking about food (my favorite thing to talk about).  You can have the stinking green bean casserole that looks like vomit (French's just need some way to peddle those onions).  You can have bowls of heaped up mashed potatoes, trays of deviled eggs, pans of dressing and enough cranberry sauce to feed and army, but without the bird....your table is naked.  LOL  The turkey just makes the table scream, "We are having Thanksgiving dinner."  I have visions of the knife slicing through the juicy breast of the turkey, the tearing off of the leg and the golden skin (sorry Dr. Oz, a little skin won't kill you.) If that would kill you, my mom and I would be dead.  We love that golden crisp skin.  I envision mounds of turkey smothered with my mom's famous (to me it is the BOMB!!) gravy.  I will dream of sugar plums after Thursday.  Enough of this, my mouth is watering and I still have 2 days to go!!!

We found this photo in Mark's parents huge pile of pictures.  We posted it for our family to identify the people in the photo.  The response we got, "Looks like a bunch of turkeys to me...must be the Garner Family."  LOL  Sadly no one has clue to the identity of the people in the photo, but I must say those birds would be mighty tasty all baked up.

Life!!!

I recently found my senior book that I journaled in back in 1989.  I had to laugh as one page was about your future.  The things I wrote about how my life would be in 5 years from graduating high school and then in 10 years from graduating high school.  It is very evident that math is not my strong point, because my one prediction was that after 10 years of graduating I would have 10 kids and I would also be a doctor.  Either math is not my strong point as I said or I thought I really was Wonder Woman.  LOL

Life happened nothing like I wrote back when I was 18.  Actually at 21 I found myself marrying the love of my life.  The past 19 years have been an adventure to say the least.  We have served at 4 full time churches and 1 interim.  We have lost children and we have both been faced with the fact that we could die.  Mine was in 2002 when I got an infection in my blood and it was poisoning my entire body.  Mark faced death in 2004 when he had multiple blood clots in his leg and lungs.  Both these experiences changed the way we looked at life.  It is so precious and also very fleeting.  We re-evaluated the way we were living life.  How we were sacrificing our time and we set out to change things.  We are not promised tomorrow, and I am guilty of sometimes trying to cram a lot of things in a small time frame...I think due to the fact that I know tomorrow is not promised. 

During our 19 years of marriage, we have lived numerous places and have met some interesting people along the way.  We have thrown caution to the wind and jumped off and done things...some stupid and some that resulted in fun times.  As I read my senior book, I have no regrets that things didn't turn out as I had hoped as an 18 year old kid.  At 40, I think my life has turned out pretty good, and I wouldn't change a thing.

Sorry Thanksgiving, It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas!!!

I know that is not even Thanksgiving and here I am putting out Christmas things.  I got my table set for Christmas and I put out my little Christmas tree that I told you about a few blogs back.  My Godmother made this tree in ceramic's.  It was actually made the year I was born, so it is only 30, I mean 40 years old.  She even gave me little boxes that she had wrapped like presents that go under the tree.  I wondered how old they were, as some feel brittle.  It is my prize possession this year.  Later today my Willow Tree Nativity (gifts from Mark and my parents over the years) will take it's place on the shelf.

I love this little Christmas tree.  It brings back a lot of memories...mostly, "look, but don't touch".  LOL  I have always loved the fact that she painted the snow on it.

This is what the tree looks like with no lights on.  It is prettier in person, but I couldn't resist taking a picture with the lights off.

The vintage elves that Nanny Sizemore gave me.  These were a very welcome surprise when I found them down in the box.

More vintage decorations.  This candles are so heavy.  I love them.  I am cherishing all the things that she gave me.



 If you know anything about me, you know that I love a bargain, and I am not shame to admit it.  People get rid or throw away great things all the time, I just hope I am there to get the good stuff. LOL  I set my kitchen table for Christmas last night.  As I was reminiscing where I got things, I realized that nothing on my table cost me over $1.  From thrift stores I got 4 chargers for $1, 4 Christmas plates for $1, two red shimmering candles, new in box, for only a quarter, pair of candle holders for fifty cent, a matching Christmas platter for $1, a set of 4 Lennox napkin rings for fifty cent (new in box), matching sugar and creamer for $1, matching salt and pepper for $1, gold placemats (6) for $1 and 6 napkins that matched my holly theme for a quarter. The table runner was in a bag sale, and the whole bag was $1.  For a grand total of $8 spent for my table decorations.  I know some people think that I spend money all the time.  Well, most of my things come from thrift or vintage stores or even yard sales.  Clothes from the thrift store hang in my closet as well as some from Belk's red dot sale (only red dot items).  I hardly ever spend over $5 for a shirt or no more than $12 for pants at the store.  This is getting off the subject of Christmas, but not really.  I recently bought a burgundy velvet dress at the thrift store for $5.  It is from Cold Water Creek.  Got it home and it still had the tag on it, and someone paid $137 for this dress and didn't even wear it.  I will be wearing it to the Christmas Tea.  Being frugal during the year allows me to do the extra little things that people love so much.  I have special Christmas projects in the works as I type this...you will see later.

My simple elegant, but cheap table. LOL

I want some glasses or maybe cups and saucers to match.  I did find some glasses, but they wanted $5 for only 4 glasses, and I refused to pay that price. It is fun to hunt and add to your treasures.



Changes, and I Don't Like Them!!!

I love this song that Patty Loveless sang several years ago, because I thought it just summed up life, and how I feel about change at times.  There is time when change brings happiness, but often it brings tears and heart ache. 

"Mama whispered softly, Time will ease your pain

Life's about changing, nothing ever stays the same

And she said, How can I help you to say goodbye?

It's OK to hurt, and it's OK to cry

Come, let me hold you and I will try

How can I help you to say goodbye?"

It seems lately that I have said goodbye to lots of friends, family and just people in general.  We say goodbye every time we move somewhere different.  We say goodbye to friends we have grown to love and can't imagine not seeing everyday.  Then we say goodbye to those who we will never see again until heaven.  We say goodbye to family as they move across the country.  We get scattered in winds of life. Nothing stays the same, and it stinks!!! I recently took a trip to my Godmother's, and there were 14 children in that family (my grandmother being one of them), and now only 3 are living.  Both my grandmother's have gone on.  Mark's parents are in a reverse role to where we look after them, and they seem more like the child instead of the parent.  Even our little once vibrant rambunctious little Shih-tzu is now blind and deaf.  My goodness even I have changed....I am still stinking 40 years old.  As you can see I have still not accepted this age with grace and dignity.  Just last night I told Mark that for the first time, I felt my age and pretty much looked it last night (I had a frightful experience in the mirror at Mama Fu's)  Although, I am still trying to figure out just what 40 looks like.  Change hits you all the time, and quite frankly, I am tired of the bad changes.  People who once played a vital part of our life is no longer around.  People are getting older and in some case very frail, and that just stinks as well.  But over all, change is a part of life.  Some change is good and some...well it stinks!!! I am trying to learn to not take for granted the things and ways I know now, because I never know when they will change.  But there is hope!!! Jesus is always the same.

Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."  He is never changing in an ever changing world.  His promises are ones that we can bank on....He never breaks a promise.

So, no matter how much life changes, God is in control.  Through life's changes brings strength, determination and if we allow it; it brings full reliance on God.

In the Moment!!!

I was watching Oprah's Life Class the other day, on this particular show really hit home.  I don't always watch Oprah or agree with everything she says, but I like to keep an open mind and not alienate things; as there are some good in lots of things.

Her topic was living in the moment, and how many of us don't do this.  I immediately realized that I was guilty of this.  I can't really enjoy the time that I am in for thinking ahead 2 or 3 weeks out of other things that I have to do.  It really spoke to me because as much as I love fall, I am to preoccupied with the Christmas Season to enjoy fall and all the colors God has painted in our landscape.  I am half listening to people talk because I am thinking of where I need to be going or something I need to be doing.  I can't even enjoy shopping at a store for trying to hurry and get to the next store I am going to.  I came to the conclusion after listening to this show that I needed to slow down and enjoy the moment that God had given me.  We are not promised tomorrow, so I might as well quit trying to live in a future that I am not promised. 

Fall!!!

Fall is my favorite time of the year.  I love the vibrant colors as the leaves change from green to hues of orange, red and yellow.  I love feeling the nip in the air....although I haven't felt that too much this year.  I love planting mums (even though I refer to them as funeral flowers) and I love picking out my pumpkins and bringing out all my turkeys.

I waited almost too long to catch any really good pictures

There is still a little color left this fall

I have always wanted to rake up big piles of leaves and go running and jumping in them.  At 40, I don't see myself doing this, but I thought these leaves would make an awesome pile...if I would rake them up.

Great leaves to rake and jump in

Another thing about fall is that is starts the holiday season, and with the holidays comes fun and festivities.  I love this time of year so much.

Unexpected Blessings!!!

As we go through life, we often pray for specific things to happen.  We find ourselves praying for what we want and just how we want it to happen.  I laugh at that as I type this blog, because I can't imagine me doing that...but it so true.  It seems like we really trust God to supply our needs, but then I sit back and think how I prayed and I am really telling God just how to supply my needs.  Not sure that constitutes trust on my part.

Here is my story on this very subject.  As you know, we take of my in laws who in their 80's and have found themselves in rapidly declining health.  As you can imagine or know first hand, when old age and declining health takes place....it takes money or more money to keep up with all the bills.

We recently found ourselves with an dwindling bank account.  This was an account that we were counting on to take us through 2 years of care for my in laws.  But with 3 hospitalizations, insurance premium's, car repairs and the removal of a dead tree....our money was quickly vanishing.  

We did have an ace in the hole so to speak.  An adjoining neighbor had expressed an interest some time back in purchasing some land from us.  He was contacted that we were ready to sell, and guess what???  It takes time to sell and to also see if you can afford to buy land in this bad economy.  Our prayers have been, "Lord, please let him buy this land quickly."  We have prayed so hard the last 2 weeks about this land deal. All the while our money is quickly disappearing as one or more catastrophe's seems to come our way.  With no word about if the land is going to sell, our prayers sound more like..."Please let the man call today saying he has the money."  My sister in law calls on Tuesday, and I am anxious to hear that he had called and the sale is a go.  He has not gotten back with her, but she has other news.  There has been an account sitting around that we didn't know about that had enough money in to see us through several more months for their care.  I find myself in awe that once again God answers my prayer about the money issue, but He has His own plan of how it will be answered.  The land issue is still being discussed, but it His own time and in His own way God supplies our needs.  It was definitely an unexpected blessing!!!

Mike's Farm!!!

Last night we went to Mike's Farm with the Seniors from our church, other wise known as the Silver Threads.

Mike's Farm is this wonderful hidden treasure that sits really in the middle of no where.  When I say no where, how many people have heard of Back Swamp, NC???  It is a restaurant, bakery, gift shop, hay ride plus an agricultural education experience.

Mike's Farm is something that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.  The main reason I like to go is the food.  They serve you family style, which means that they bring bowls and platters of food to your table and will keep bringing has long as you want.  In a nut shell, it is a fancy way of saying it is all you can eat.  Their menu includes:  fried chicken, pork lion and gravy, green beans, mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, corn and country ham biscuits...let's not forget dessert.  You can even have more than one dessert...YUM!!!

 Our Silver Thread group is waiting to get in and feast on some country cookin'.

 Getting ready for them to bring on the vittles.

A little fellowship time before the meal.

Mark and I enjoy being the senior coordinators this year.  I hope they are having a good time with us.  We have lots more outings and fun times planned in the future.



Memories!!!

I get a call that my 90 year old Godmother is selling her house, now that that she and her 88 year old brother are living together in his house.  This statement within itself just stops me dead in my tracks.  I start thinking about all the times I had spent there and the memories that flood my mind every time I walk into her house.  My Godfather, Papa Sizemore, passed away my senior year in high school, but I can still walk into that house and smell those cherry cigars he smoked.  I can still see him sitting in his chair with that cute little grin on his face.  The call is to tell me to come and get anything I want out of the house, plus the things that she has already put aside for me.  My mind automatically goes to three things I want.  Blue Boy and Pinkie statues, the white ceramic cat that sat on the hearth and a cigar box. 

Blue Boy and Pinkie stood on a table in their house for as long as I can remember.  I remember back as far as 4 years old going there.  These say that they were made in 1973.  They are ceramic.

This cat sat on the hearth of the fireplace.  She made it in 1978.  I was only 7 years old.

One of Papa Sizemore's cigar boxes.

When I think of Papa and Nanny Sizemore's home those three things have always been there. 

When I get to her house, she tells me to look around and take whatever I want.  I feel like a vulture swooping down.  It is awkward to say the least as she is standing there watching me choose and discard her things.  There are many things I want...like the painting she did of an onion crying, the paintings of lemons, strawberries and mushroom she painted when I was just a baby.  I wanted things she had made or that were special to her. 

This was always my favorite painting that she did.  The little onion crying.

Another favorite of mine.

I always thought this should have been in a children's book.  It just seems to have a story that has never been told.

The beautiful strawberries.  All these paintings were painted in the early to mid '70's.

I often wonder if seeing her paintings is what inspired me to take painting classes several years ago.  That was a stretch for me because I can't draw, but I could paint.



This is actually a painting that I did in 2004. I always liked Nanny Sizemore's wall of fruit.  I wonder if that is why I picked this to paint.

 She found me 2 cigar boxes that were Papa Sizemore's, and I promise you that you can still smell the cigars.  There were little trinkets here and there that I took.  Then she brought out my most prized possession that I took home....all her recipes.  I am talking boxes of recipes...hand written.  Some of these recipes were from family members who had left us years ago.  Some were even from my grandmother (my Godmother is my Grandmother's sister).  This is my dad's side of the family, and on that side there are little people.  When we use to have family reunions, I would be mad because these little people would not play with me....I thought they were children.  Anyway, Polly...a little person that I can remember from years past had recipes in this box....this just thrills my soul to have this treasure.

4 boxes full of recipes...lots of handwritten one's.  Recipes from our loved one's that have already gone on.  I plan on laminating some as I did my grandmother's.

  I also took Papa Sizemore's discharge and all Army papers.  They never had kids and she was so sad about where they would end up...so I took them and filed them in our filing cabinet at home. 

I had to stop several times to get myself together as we were going through a life time of memories she had collected.  She told me not to be sad, but she was enjoying seeing what meant the most to me.  After all was gotten, she said that she could have picked almost everything I took all by herself...she called me her sentimental child.  I took Papa Sizemore's valet chair.  It has always sat in their bedroom.  When he was living it always had a coat on something draped on it. I wanted these 3 insulated mugs she had because every time I stayed with them Papa Sizemore would make us a snack and he would always say, "Tracey gets the blue cup." He would pour me some coke and get out the cheese balls.  I would sit at the bar eating and chattering up a storm while he just sat and listened to me like I was the most interesting person in the world.

Then came the time when she had set aside some things for me.  One was her ceramic Christmas tree that she made when I was a baby.  I had always been fascinated with this tree for some reason.  She made it the year I was born.   While it is packed away in a box full of stuffing and shredded paper, I decided to wait until Christmas to share a picture of it. Then there was a February picture and some February angels.  We share the same birth month, and she wanted me to have these.  She turned 50 the year I was born.  I was born on the 8th and she turned 50 on the 15th.  Papa Sizemore passed away on the 14th in 1989.  Over the years Nanny Sizemore has given me things from her collection, but this was just a heart breaking experience knowing that the house I had known and grown to love was leaving the family.  I left with a van full of memories and a sad heart knowing that her house would soon be the stepping stone of new memories for someone else.  I pray that whoever gets the house has as many great memories there as I do.