Monday, April 30, 2007

Sunday, April 29, 2007

Alexander's First Birthday.......


Happy, Happy Birthday to Alexander! Tomorrow is his very first birthday....He is our youngest grandchild.....
We love you Alexander...........................
Mam and Pop

Saturday, April 28, 2007

Friday Show and Tell.......

Somtime back, I wrote about Aunt Betty's tea set that she bequeathed me for being her namesake. Recently while browsing in an antique shop I spied this condiment boat at a very good price. Even though a condiment boat might not go hand in hand with a tea set, it appealed to me......I think it matches rather well....

I realize I'm a little late but I wanted to participate in Kelli's Show and Tell........

Friday, April 27, 2007

Hey Everybody, I'm Back............

Oh, How I've missed you all!!!!! We were not on vacation......My husband was conducting a meeting in the town we lived in for nearly seven years.....We enjoyed seeing many, many dear friends, and the Lord blessed the worship services with His felt presence. We had two funerals while there so there was sorrow as well as joy.....We had two funerals last week and a wedding before we left on Saturday night........It has been a very busy last two weeks....

We arrived home about 6:30 pm today (Friday) and we have guests on the way to spend the night with us.....We have a dear minister friend and his wife who live above Atlanta. He has Melanoma Cancer in the final stages. Hospice has been called in. Edward, the friends coming and I are going to visit them tomorrow. It will be a long trip for one day but they are very dear to us. His name is Don and I know they would covet your prayers. Just a few months ago, we were together and the future looked so bright as he planned to retire before long...He and Sharon had so many plans......

I just realized it is my time to place flowers in the church for Sunday and clean and tidy the building! When it rains, it pours........

I'll post and show you some pictures later from the wedding last weekend. I decorated the sanctuary and reception. For the reception we had a garden theme.

Well, gotta get busy. I'll begin reading all the postings I missed this week as time allows. Hope you have had a wonderful week...........

Gosh, I've missed you so much...............................

Monday, April 23, 2007

She'll Be Back....

Hi everyone,
Amy here. Mama asked me to do a quick post for her to tell you that she will be away for a few days. She should be back to posting by Thursday evening, so check back then. Hope you all have a blessed evening!

Friday, April 20, 2007

Show and Tell Friday..........


Kelli at There's No Place Like Home is holding a Show and Tell today.


This is one of my favorite accessories in my home. It is a handpainted pitcher and was given to me by a very dear friend Jeanette. She is a member of one of the churches my husband pastored. She is a retired first grade teacher. Roses are one of my favorite flowers along with hydrangeas, hollyhocks......just to name a few........

Thursday, April 19, 2007

The Coal Basket Bible...........

The Coal Basket Bible The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn out Bible. His grandson, who wanted to be just like him, tried to imitate him in any way he could One day, the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you; but I don't understand it. And what I do understand, I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"The grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said,"Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was"impossible to carry water in a basket"; and he went to get a bucket instead.The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible; but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far.The boy scooped the water and ran hard; but when he reached his grandfather,the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, "See, Papa, it's useless!""So you think it's useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."The boy looked at the basket; and for the first time, he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean."Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything; but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out." That is the work of God in our lives. To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son .Take time to read a portion of God's word each day and remind a friend by sharing this story."Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly, leave the rest to God!"

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

My Prayers Are With You.........



My thoughts and prayers are with the students, parents, and faculty of Virginia Tech who lost loved ones yesterday and with the injured. How your hearts must be breaking.......God bless and sustain you.......

A scripture verse that means so much to me is First Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him for He careth for you."

Sunday, April 15, 2007

Beautiful Collage from 'The Decorated House'

While visiting blogs, numerous times I saw things to be given away and all one had to do was leave a comment which I did lots of times. I was always happy for the winners which didn't turn out to be me........Then it happened....Donna at 'The Decorated House' showed a beautiful collage that was to be given away.....Well, I immediately left my comment and hoped it would be me to receive the prize. When I saw I was the winner I said,"horray for me!" Going to the mailbox is a happy task I look forward to doing each day. Saturday there was the envelope!

My collage is hanging in the den where I can enjoy it every day and think of Donna and the exquisite craftsman ship displayed.......Thank you Donna........ The picture doesn't do it justice....

Saturday, April 14, 2007

Tagged With Wikipedia MeMe!

I have been tagged by RoseMary at Life In A Cordwood Cabin for this Wikipedia MeMe.

1. Go to Wikipedia and type in the month and day you were born. (For me--Sept. 3).

2. List three events that occurred that day:
A. 1666 - The Royal Exchange burnt down in the Great Fire of London.
B. 1944 - Holocaust: Diarist Anne Frank and her family are placed on the last transport
train from Westerbork to Auschwitz, arriving three days later.
C. 1951 - The first long-running American television soap opera, Search for Tomorrow, airs
its first episode on the CBS network.

3. List two important birthdays:
A. 1849 - Sarah Orne Jewett, American writer (d. 1909).
B. 1905 - Carl David Anderson, American physicist, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1991).

4. List one death:
A. 1658 - Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England (b. 1599).

5. Tag five friends to do the same: (If they want to!)
A. Amy at Ponderings From Picket Fence Cottage
B. Beth at Beth's Bountiful Blessings
C. Laura at Love My Home
D. Dot at Little Bits of Georgia
E. Horizon at Message In A Bottle

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Surprise phone call from Marion in Wales.......Drew's Perfectly Polished Formal.....


NOTE: On Easter Sunday I had one of the nicest surprises that I've ever experienced. After we arrived home from church, the phone rung as I was in the kitchen finishing dinner. When I answered and finally realized who was on the other end, I was absolutely as the British say, 'gobsmacked'! It was my dear, dear friend, Marion, from Wales. It was such a delight to hear her soft, lilting, soothing voice. I had imagined a conversation with her many times and questions I would ask her and ideas about various things and then when I had the opportunity, it was hard to remember what I wanted to ask.......I hope to surprise her before long......I must remember there is about a five hour time difference. Thank you dear Marion for my lovely surprise........... She continues to do well from her surgery, just taking it easy for awhile.........







Drew looked mighty spiffy in his black tux....






Drew and a friend..........










Our grandson, Drew, who several weeks ago was in the hospital and we requested your prayers for recently participated in the “Perfectly Polished Spring Formal” held in the University of Georgia Coliseum in Athens. Five hundred plus young men and women from several counties who are enrolled in the social graces classes exhibited dances learned in this class. The Etiquette School was founded to instruct young people in poise, confidence and a higher level of personal standards.

Drew’s Social Grace II class performed the Shag, Foxtrot, Vienna Waltz, Snap, Electric Slide and Slappin' Leather. Other classes were Social II, Dance Club, Cotillion Club and Lead Dance. The last dance of the evening gave the boys the opportunity to dance with their mothers and the daughters with their fathers.







Wednesday, April 11, 2007

When I'm An Old Lady...........

Ladies, this gives us something to look forward to.......some of us sooner than others.......



When I'm an old lady, I'll live with each kid,
And bring so much happiness...just as they did.
I want to pay back all the joy they've provided.
Returning each deed! Oh, they'll be so excited!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
I'll write on the wall with reds, whites and blues,
And I'll bounce on the furniture...wearing my shoes.
I'll drink from the carton and then leave it out.
I'll stuff all the toilets and oh, how they'll shout!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
When they're on the phone and just out of reach,
I'll get into things like sugar and bleach.
Oh, they'll snap their fingers and then shake their head,
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
When they cook dinner and call me to eat,
I'll not eat my green beans or salad or meat,
I'll gag on my okra, spill milk on the table,
And when they get angry...I'll run...if I'm able!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
I'll sit close to the TV, through the channels I'll click,
I'll cross both eyes just to see if they stick.
I'll take off my socks and throw one away,
And play in the mud 'til the end of the day!
(When I'm an old lady and live with my kids)
And later in bed, I'll lay back and sigh,
I'll thank God in prayer and then close my eyes.
My kids will look down with a smile slowly creeping,
And say with a groan, "She's so sweet when she's sleeping!"
God Bless All Moms and Grandmas Everywhere!

Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Meeting new friends.....thinking blogger award.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect that. To me, I'm not slighting anyone's blog. I read many, many as often as I can and have learned so much from them. Everyone's thoughts, memories and experiences are important and deserve respect.

By nominating other blogs and then they pass it on, I have numerous others to glean from now that I didn't know about previously. It was difficult for me to narrow it down to five as there are so many that I enjoy. I can't list everyone on my blog list that I read, but I certainly hope people understand that. I'm not listed, I'm sure, on many either, but if I read and learn from your postings then it doesn't matter to me. I'll visit with you often and leave a comment if possible (sometimes blogger comment doesn't co-operate!). You are my friends and will continue to be.

This is the first time I've been nominated for anything and I appreciate Rhoda thinking of me.

How Can You Not Believe..............

This came this morning and I think you will be strengthened in your faith as you watch it.
Have a blessed day.........



I missed this on CNN but had read about her before. How can anyone notbelieve there is A GOD? THIS SHORT VIDEO WAS ON CNN. AS YOU WATCH IT, YOU WILL BE AMAZED AND INSPIRED....click on the link below. You won't be sorry...... http://tinyurl.com/yxewot

Sunday, April 8, 2007

Blogger Thinker Award.........



Rhoda over at Southern Hospitality emailed me and said that she awarded me a thinking blogger award. I've read about all kinds of awards that people have won and I'm always happy for them and think they certainly are deserving.

I don't think of myself as a 'thinker'. I just enjoy writing about the things that are important to me and people that have impacted by life. My memories bring me much pleasure and I take them out often and relive them and from time to time share them with whoever drops by to visit with me.

I would like to nominate the following people:

1. Carolyn at Tumbleweeds and Thyme.........I enjoy reading Carolyn's blog. She seems to be a very upbeat, happy person who has had adversity in her life and has taken it in stride and benefited. Her husband and children are the center of her life along with her job. She is a delighful gardener and shares her knowledge.

2. Carolanne at C Outside the Box.........Carolanne lives in Australia and is a teacher with a husband and son. She is very talented with blogging and has lots of extras that I don't know how to do but hope to learn. Her faith shines through in her postings.

3. Julia at Crystal Mountain lives in Wales . Her family includes a husband and daughter and a menagerie of animals. Julia is a gardener......flowers and vegetables. Faith is a tie that binds us.
Her pictures are excellent.
NOTE;
JULIA, I CAN'T GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU.......Your blog says invitation only.

4. Candy at Candy and Roses.......I enjoy reading Candy's blog because of all the information gleaned there. She really knows organization techniques learned from Emilie Barnes, etc. She is a thoughtful, caring person and I can learn from her.

5. Christie Belle at Keepin' the Homefires Burnin'......Christie Belle (not her real name) is a young wife whose husband is stationed in Iraq and she is indeed keeping the home fires burning to welcome her husband home when his tour is over. She is making the best of a trying situation and I salute her and her husband for the sacrifices they are making for all of us here at home. We need to encourage them every way we can.

Original Blogger Thinker Post:
1. If, and only if, you get tagged, write a post with links to 5 blogs that make you think,2. Link to this post so that people can easily find the exact origin of the meme,3. Optional: Proudly display the 'Thinking Blogger Award' with a link to the post that you wrote (here is an alternative silver version if gold doesn't fit your blog).That was that! Please, remember to tag blogs with real merits, i.e. relative content, and above all - blogs that really get you thinking!

Friday, April 6, 2007

Signs of Easter..........

Happy Easter to all my blogging friends who bring me so much pleasure...............



Three nails were used on the cross to pierce Jesus' hands and feet but love held Him to the cross.....love for His children........








On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross, the emblem of suffering and shame.............

Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph over His foes, He arose a victor from the dark domain and He lives forever with the saints to reign.......




Eggs under cloche...........




Front door.......................



Welcome to our home......................................



http://www.bobsalong.blogspot.com/
Basket of Emu eggs given to us by friends who raise Emus.........


Thursday, April 5, 2007

A Package from Wales...................


Note:

Marion is home from the hospital and is convalescing very nicely. She must continue to take things easy for a while and rest to regain strength. She has gone through quite an ordeal. She said to assure everyone that she will return to blogging as soon as possible. I know she thanks everyone for their concern, prayers and thoughts.









Last Saturday began as a usual Saturday........Our chores listed and activities noted.....After lunch, I went to the mailbox and my heart literally jumped as I retrieved two packages from amongst the contents.



My sweet, dear friend, Marion from Wales had sent a package. For a few minutes I just looked at it. Slowly and meticulously I opened the end and began to look at what it contained. It wasn't just for me alone but also for Edward.



Marion had sent a beautifully crafted yellow and red plaid heart with blue buttons, and yellow trim, the sweetest handmade Easter card in hues of yellow and reds and blues. A center embellishmnet with a petite red rose and gold edging. Enclosed also was a packet of yellow poppy seed. I was delighted to find a CD of Welsh Choirs......I was elated! One of my favorite movies of all time is 'How Green Is My Valley and the miners singing hymns as they walked to and from the mines. It is manna to my soul.............Edward had a beautiful blue envelope but since he wasn't home at the time I didn't readily know what delight it held.



Finally he came home from his errand and opened his card. Marion had made a gorgeous punched blue card with a center picture of two white swans and roses. A silver star graced each corner. Inside was a white liner with lacy edging. A silver engraving stated "Happy Birthday."

An enclosed verse read: All things fair and blest be thine, All good gifts from hand Divine, Now and henceforth be thydayts Tuned to noes of love and praise, Golden sunshine stealing down Touch thee softly like a crown!(msh)


How perfectly devine...........He was so appreciative.....Needless to say our day was brightened tremendously.


Also, I had a package from my friend Roselyn's daughter, Merideth. Opening it was a beautiful pewter-look watch. I had admired Roselyn's. It was a thank you gift from Merideth for my being helpful to her Mother. She is such a blessing to me that I don't need anything else.



So what began as an ordinary day turned into an extraordinary day......................






Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Hopping down the bunny trail..........

.
A sweet, dear, crafty friend Jeanette made these fabric eggs several years ago. Each one has beautiful colors........



These look good enough to eat but they aren't real chocolate.


I like bunnies and don't think you can have too many......We have two concrete sitting bunnies in our yard... along with small ones here and there peeking out of shrubbery and flowers.....and we have real ones come to visit from time to time. I think they think Mr. McGregor lives here.

A couple of weeks ago when I was visiting my daughter and family, I attended church with them. The minister called the little children down to the front for Children's Church. He had a brown pasteboard box. He said, " when I show you what's in the box more children will probably want to come down." Opening it, he took out a beautiful brown, fat rabbit. "This is our ten year old family pet. Immediately other children came down. Holding it under his arm he asked, "Is this what Easter's all about?" One little fellow answered, "Yes sir." He quickly went on to tell why we celebrate Easter.
Can you imagine going to the Garden of Gethsemane in the early morning hours with the ladies on that first day of the week, possibly there was dew on the grass as they walked wondering how in the world can we possibly roll back the huge stone that blocked the entrance to the tomb. Arriving at there, seeing the stone rolled back, the empty tomb and the angel declaring, "He is not here, He is risen!" They must have looked at one another in shock and disbelief at what they were hearing. That statement has rung down through the ages and will til the end of time.
What do bunnies and Easter have in common? Nothing..... I like them year round just like I love the birds, puppies, kitties and other animals.....because they are a part of God's creation.As to Easter eggs, the baby chick coming forth out of the broken shell could represent Jesus coming forth out of the grave I suppose.....Our little ones enjoy hunting eggs at Easter but they enjoy hunting them in August or any other time, too.
Let us not forget the real meaning of Easter...........
Edward appreciated each birthday comment that you left...Thank you......
Today is our son-by-love, Chad's (Amy's husband) birthday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHAD-WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!












Monday, April 2, 2007

Happy Birthday Edward......

Happy Birthday today to my husband, Edward. We will be married 47 years June l9th.

I couldn't have a better husband and I thank the good Lord for him everyday.....

God bless you in every good and perfect way...........

Surprise at Church .............

Life is full of surprises, some happy and some not so happy......yesterday was a happy one! We arrived at church as usual and noticed several cars parked in the rear which is somewhat unusual. We entered through the vestibule. Someone immediately began a conversation so we were focusing on them. I went into the sanctuary and looking up saw a beautiful banner "Pastor Appreciation Day." I had failed to see the one in the vestibule. Edward came through and still did not see the one over the pulpit. He went into the fellowship hall and seeing all the food and cloths on the tables, asked "what's going on ?" Then he was let in on the surprise. As the service progressed, several of Edward's favorite songs were sung along with the choir specials 'Thank you Lord and Flow Through Me.'

One of the deacons presented Edward with a birthday gift (his birthday is April 3rd) and seven cards --one to be opened each day this week. He read scripture and made several fitting remarks. A bountiful dinner was enjoyed by the congregation.

Edward was given a large basket full of beautiful birthday cards along with several gift cards at restaurants, etc.

We are enjoying the beautiful fresh flowers that graced the sanctuary yesterday.

What a thoughtful, gracious flock we are blessed to be a part of................ and yes they can keep a secret!



A beautiful banner greeted us............. Another surprise....no one sat in their usual place as an April Fool prank... Edward said it was like having a new congregation and he couldn't readily see who was absent.......