Grammy's Heart

Sunday

2012-02-05T14:13:00.000-06:00

Today is the Lord's Day and I'm glad I really got to be a part of it, you know, getting to go to church this morning. It is so good to be in God's house. You don't really appreciate that you can until you can't. Today at 4:00 p.m. I'll be back at my in-law's for the night, but until then I'm just resting and being. So much needed. Bro.Terry's message this morning spoke to my heart as always. Wisdom and the importance of seeking it and holding on to it. I've learned much about wisdom these last months and I've asked God for it countless times throughout the days as I've cared for my mother-in-law. God has given it to me as he promises to give to all of us if we only ask. Proverbs is so full of teachings on this subject.

The weather here is pretty although the ground is wet. That is south Louisiana for ya. Even as I type away sitting at the kitchen table Swamp People ( swamppeople.com ) is on television. I wouldn't mind being out in a boat right now napping in the sun. I wouldn't be too comfortable if I knew there were gators about though. I'm so ready for some nature and sunshine. That time will come I'm sure. The Lord sees and knows.

Come again, really soon ! :0)

Foster Lake area

Everyday I'm depending on the Lord for all the help I need. So far...He has supplied.

Alzheimer's Blogs and Me

2012-02-03T00:59:00.000-06:00

Sitting here in the recliner at 12:30 midnight and really should be in bed by now, but somehow that caffeine in my system just won't let me sleep. I don't beat myself up too much because of it, although tomorrow morning I'll regret it with fierceness. I've been sitting here reading Alzheimer's blogs, you know those blogs written by either individuals who are in the grips of the dreaded diease themselves or caregivers who give a day by day description of a loved one who is presently going through this difficult journey. After reading several and scrolling down through many of their posts I came up on this one in particular, plantcityladyandfriends.blogspot.com ,and it sort of made my day. There was a bit of humor posted there amid the chaos, and I found myself laughing, really laughing which I've needed for some time now. As most of you know that read my blog from time to time, my sister-in-law and I are the caregivers for our mother-in-law who is suffering with this diease. We have been caring for her now for over a year and still we take it day by day not really knowing what each day will bring. It is good to laugh especially when you are in the midst of pain and despair. In this blog there are a few lists of such things as Great Truths That Children Have Learned and Great Truths That Adults Have Learned. Go there if you need a bit of wisdom and a laugh. It is worth it. So worth it!

                                  I'm glad you came by for a visit :)

              Behold, we count them happy which edure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord ; and that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.
                                                                    James 5:11

This Is My Life

2012-01-09T21:29:00.000-06:00

I'm back for a bit today. I know I've been away and with good reason. Still, I miss being able to sit and type out a few thoughts and happenings of my life. Today I am at home and I've been home all day. Now that is quite unusual for me. Usually when I leave my in laws I sometimes come home just to leave again to run an errand or take care of something. Today I had to really think about whether I needed to get out again or not. There are a couple of things that I need to attend to like a Christmas gift exchange but, I think that can wait for a bit. I got a few things done here which really were more pressing than exchanging a gift. A little filing of receipts and straightening out a few things that have piled up over the year. Really, if you want to see how much you do in or around your own home, then leave it for a year and you'll find out. Even with the two of us coming in and out there is so much that doesn't get done. Truly, it has really made me appreciate myself. I know that may sound silly but it does. I didn't know how much I do until I haven't been here to take care of things.

As for my mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruth, she is holding on to life, but every day we wonder for how long. Her nurses say her heart is weak and seems to be getting weaker although her vitals are good. She has us baffled. Still, I have to be reminded that she is resting in the hand of God and He alone knows the time when He will come for her. For now, He continues to give us strength for each new day.

This isn't the life I would have chosen although I have prayed many times for the Lord to make me a servant. Yes, I am serving but, even a servant gets tired and weary. I know where my strength comes from. This too will pass in time.

I will sleep tonight knowing that as I go back tomorrow morning I will take a moment at a time and I will move and breath in the confidence that He is moving me through the day and giving me enough wisdom for what lies ahead.

                      I hope you keep coming by from time to time. I'll be back soon as I can :)

                              I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
                                                             Philippians 4:13

Already December

2011-12-02T21:46:00.000-06:00

Already December. Can hardly believe it. See the snow on the trees above. Wouldn't it be nice if we had a bit of that here in Louisiana. It's true. It is possible. Just maybe...just maybe...we might get a little of the white stuff this year. I'm dreaming.

My shopping has begun and that I'm well pleased in. The tree isn't up yet and seriously thinking of putting a small one up, not sure yet. Time is quite valuable right now. Mrs. Ruth is still with us and needing much care in these last days. It's hard to believe we are coming upon a year of care for her since she came home from the hospital. I have gained so much valuable information about Alzheimer's and the caregiver part of it all. The past year has at times gone by at a snail's pace and then sometimes has flown by. All the while I've known without a shadow of a doubt that the Lord has been with me every step of the way. I've totally depended on Him for the strength I've needed. He has supplied so faithfully. Tis true...He is a very present help in times of trouble.

The end of the year is coming and I look forward to what the new year will bring, but for now I want to focus on the celebration of Christ. His birth and everything that surrounds it.

May you and yours have a great Christmas and remember that there would be no Christmas without Christ !

Do come again :)

Christ gives me reason for living~~ S. Kelly

Life Goes On

2011-10-13T20:12:00.000-05:00

As I sit at the computer I type and am at a loss as to what to say. Time has gone by and what was only days has become months and soon will be a year. Needless to say our lives have changed and we have endured so far and continually wait on the Lord for our daily strength. And I do have to say that He has given it.

Today I came home and left again to pick up a few items at the store and made my way back home to rest a bit. I sat out in the yard for awhile on the swing and knitted a bit. A most relaxing thing to me. I'm a beginner, but hope to get better at it. One day I'd like to make my own sweaters. That's a goal for me. Bit by bit I'm learning. My work isn't perfect and I can see an extra hole or two that shouldn't be there, but I'm not discouraged yet.

I ventured out further into the back yard and sat in the grass for a bit letting the breeze work its way into my mind and said a quiet prayer asking Him to allow it to clear my mind. Not being able to resist, I lay in the grass and felt the sun on my face and felt myself begin to drift off. I really could have napped there a while, but responsibility called me into the house to finish laundry.

This is my favorite season of the year. Fall. Orange, yellow, brown, and every beautiful color that I love this time of the year. Pumpkins, scarecrows, bales of hay, and costumes. Let me savor it all for now. Although the busyness of life will keep me from being able to be immersed in it as I would love, I will capture it in my thoughts and dreams.

And...the nicest thing...going out in your own yard and picking Satsumas. Makes my mouth water just thinking of them.

As for now, I'll continue to rest in the confidence that the Lord will sustain me through the next days and keep me close to His heart. He has promised it in His Word.

Thanks for your friendly visit :0)

Do come again soon.

I am the vine and you are the branch. Any man that remains in me an I in him will bear much fruit. Apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:5

No Words Just Pictures

2011-10-04T01:38:00.000-05:00

Mercy's Bridge Gospel Group

2011-09-25T15:51:00.001-05:00

Introducing the New Mercy's Bridge Gospel Group

Susan Scardina, Kenny Varnado and Sandra Kelly

We have an important task---to share our Lord's Gospel through the avenue of music. If you'd like to follow my blog about Mercy's Bridge go to the this link : mercysbridge.blogspot.com

That's me and my husband of 37 years. And...our manager and sound man.

Susan and Scott heading on over to the music area at the Chaver's place.

Something to think about:

There was nothing about Jesus' customs or everyday life which was peculiar. He followed the customs of His time and country. He was the expression of His Father, come in the flesh and living among men. There were no distractions to His message in the way He conducted Himself among them. To them He was not a foreigner . "Let Christ be your example as to what your attitude should be. For He, who had always been God by nature, did not cling to his prerogatives as God's Equal, but stripped himself of all privilege by consenting to be a slave by nature and being born as mortal man." Philippians 2:5-7 (Phillips translation)

come again :)

Remembering the Past

2011-09-11T15:39:00.000-05:00

Here we are at the tenth anniversary of the tragedy of 911. It hardly seems like ten years have passed since that horrible day. Probably all of us can remember where we were on that day and what we were doing. Another day unfolding and tasks to be done and places to go to, then all of sudden, our world changed. Quickly and without warning everything turned upside down and we as a nation were changed in a way that we may never have expected.

Truly I do have much to be grateful for on that day. I didn't lose anyone I was directly connected to and I was at a distance from it in many ways. I couldn't smell the smoke and personally hear the screams and cries of those who had been injured, and who had dear ones in those buildings, or on those planes. Yet, I as an American was affected in that I felt a tremendous loss of my freedom and safety. I felt I could sympathize with families who lost so much and wondered like so many others what would happen next.

I've watched over the last days, whenever I could, the coverage of the upcoming events and the reminders of that day, and am proud to live in AMERICA where I still have many freedoms. I am grateful to have the right to vote and sing my praises to the God, the One True Jehovah, that I worship. But...for today...I'll remember that there are those who still, after ten years, grieve and ask "why". I'll remember that we are still a free country and our flag still flies high. I'll remember that God is still sovereign and has the last say ,and that He still allows free choice, and one day He will set it all in order.

Today...I have something to remember and something to celebrate! I have hope!

I will lift up my eyes to the hills

Where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 121:1-2

Thanks for your visit :)

Moving On

2011-09-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

For quite sometime I have been away from blogging. I had, at one time, decided to close my blog due to someone I dearly love being in a very difficult situation because of something innocently said on her own blog. It made me think about my own and how easily that too could happen to me. You know sometimes it doesn't matter what you say, some people can turn it into anything they want. Leaving a "paper trail" is dangerous sometimes. Since that time, I realize that it would make me the loser, that I would give up something that sort of makes me tick, and as I have spoken to the dear one who was being torn by the troubles that blogging caused her, we have both decided we move on. If someone doesn't like what we say it would be a good idea to just not read our blogs. Mind you, we all say lots of things everyday and so it could happen whether we speak those words or write them. And so... Satan, you don't win. I'll continue to write and give praise to the One who has given me life whether it be spoken or written.

Country road in front of the camp at Lake Foster in Mississippi

Some of the natural beauty at Lake Foster

That's me in front of the camper enjoying my diet coke

Hope you do come by and visit now that I'm back.

Please continue to pray for us as we continue our journey of care for my mother-in-law.

My days are in His very capable hands~~~S.Kelly

A Second Wind

2011-08-10T14:55:00.000-05:00

I've been away for a very long time and only have a few minutes to jot down a couple of things before I'm off again. Clothes that need to be put in the dryer and a little tidying up before heading off to Bible Study.

Beginning our ninth month caring for my mother-in-law and sometimes I really feel I just can't go any longer. Then...just when I think I'm ready to throw the towel in I feel that I really can make it just one more day. That is a result of the all the praying I've been doing and the prayers of those who have lifted me up in this process. The neat thing is that sometimes when I'm praying the Lord doesn't give me what I want at the time, but when I'm coming up for the last breath He seems to snatch me up just in time. Now, that may seem unfair to some, but my Lord is always on time. He has to let me fully depend on Him sometimes so that I can understand "fully" who He is. Today I feel like I've gotten a "second wind". I feel somewhat refreshed. Even as I sit and type the fan is blowing through my hair and I feel a bit like I'm on the beach just at dusk. The only thing missing are sound of the waves and the sand between my toes. And then...tomorrow a new day and I'll start over again. But...for now... I'll take what He has given me and be grateful that I can be a servant. You know, this servant stuff is hard...sometimes really hard.

I'll be back soon I hope......until then keep on trusting. He is always faithful no matter what some say.

He may be late but He is always on time~~S.Kelly

And Life Goes On...

2011-07-21T21:26:00.000-05:00

I've hesitated to write tonight for my mind is sort of a jumble of things regarding the last days and weeks. It seems I just can't organize in my mind the way that things used to be, and sometimes it all just seems really strange. Going on our eighth month caring for my mother-in-law we are slowly finding what works, and how to adapt to living between two houses and two sets of responsibilities. Ever so slowly she is leaving us in little bits and pieces and what is so distressing is that there isn't a thing any of us can do to change it. In some ways it is sort of sweet. Especially when I hear her talk about her mama and ask when we are leaving to go to Aunt Bertha's. I've been in this family for 37 years now and have never heard her mention an Aunt Bertha. It seems most of the time now she is living in the past, asking when her brothers are coming home and if mama is awake yet. Her mama and three of her brothers have been deceased for years now. She and my aged father-in-law are becoming more and more in need of care now,and as the day was just beginning good yesterday, we as a family, were alarmed to find out that we had all been deceived and disappointed. The hospice aide which has been attending to her for months now, five days a week ,and then coming for us two days on the weekends as her sitter, has stolen her "identity". Someone whom we trusted and felt really cared for my mother-in-law. Sometime in the last weeks or months she stole my mother-in-law's social security card and wedding rings. At this point that is all we know that has been missing. We are awaiting to hear that she has been arrested. As of today as far as I know she has not. Everything has to be done according to policy and so we wait. Justice needs to be served here. Not only were my in-laws stolen from, but they were taken advantage of because they are elderly. There are laws against such in this country. I'm sure we will be learning a lot about this in the days ahead.

As for now, I will continue to trust in the Lord. There are some things that I can still be grateful for. One, that she doesn't understand what is happening. Two, that what has happened hasn't physically harmed her. And, three, that God knew all this was going to happen all along and is still in control and He will see that justice is served in His time, not ours.

thanks for stopping by :)

I'm thinking about the sparrows. He is so concerned with their care, how much more He cares for us. ~~S.Kelly

Happy Birthday, Shasta

2011-06-29T18:19:00.000-05:00

They say that beauty lies within. I think it is true. But, sometimes you find the beauty within and without. Thirty-six years ago today the Fisherman's life and mine were changed. We were two people planning our own dreams and wants and then something really special happened that changed us forever. On a Sunday evening late into the night, 11:30 p.m., to be exact, a little dark headed girl came into our lives. What was all about us became all about her. A very protective daddy and an adoring mommy launched out into very uncharted waters. I can remember the first time she had the hiccups. We both looked at each other not really knowing how to handle it. Like, how long should this last, and should we call somebody? Now, thirty-six years later we are still not sure. We learned early on that the best help we could call was that of the Lord. We have both been at his feet many, many times and for as long as the two of us are here, we'll still be at his feet.

Although our daughter has no children of her own, she is the most wonderful auntie to two little girls that love her a lot. The miles that separate them hasn't kept this auntie from keeping in touch and it has given the Fisherman and I much joy and peace that she does. Sometimes distance separates the best of families by more than miles.

I cherish every moment I can share with my children and it makes my heart sing when I open my cell phone and see one of their names appear on my screen. That's just a moma talking here.

In our house we have had our share of baby dolls, teddy bears, games, and her favorite I think of all, shoes.

If walls could talk. Boy, if they could talk.

We have so many good memories of this child and all her adventures, and the nights waiting up listening for the door to shut, watching the clock. We have to ask, where did the time go?

Surely she can't be thirty-six yet. But, she is. And she is beautiful in every way.

Just want you to know, Shasta, that you are loved. Hope you have a great day and do something special. Birthdays should be celebrated!!!!

Thanks for your visit :)

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.

Jeremiah 29:11

Me and Books

2011-06-20T00:22:00.000-05:00

It's sort of funny that I would be writing a post on books. Yes, books. As a child I don't remember having a lot of books. Maybe we had a few, but I don't recall more than a handful at best. I do have a couple of books from my childhood that I have hung on to. One is a little white book of prayers with a picture of Jesus on the front, and a blue story book of Jesus and other interesting poems and stories with beautiful pictures. There were two volumes at least and I have one and my older sister the other. I don't think she kept hers. From time to time I take those little books out, and thumb through the pages, and savor the words. They are reminders to me of my parents desire to teach us children who Jesus was.

There was one other book I do remember having, and I think it was found by my daddy on the seat of a Greyhound bus after a run he had made, which was left by a passenger. It was a hardback children's book. I think the title was Raphael.

When I was in high school I always sort of dreaded when teachers would give that required reading of paperback books which seemed far to long and boring. One of those books was Goodbye, Mr. Chips. I never read it entirely. I skimmed through the pages thinking I could just read enough to get by and naturally I failed the test given about it. Since then I've grown to love books. I think it was planted in my life my senior year in high school. I took COE (Cooperative Office Education) where a student would go to class in the morning and leave just before lunch and go to a part time job. I worked at a Christian book store in Baton Rouge six days a week. On Saturday I worked a full day. My first day on the job my boss handed me a dust cloth and a can of Endust and set me to dusting bookshelves. Her intent was to have me learn the location of books as I dusted. Upon each shelf was a small piece of paper taped below each row of books containing the name of either subject or author. I soon learned where to go if someone was looking for something in particular. From that experience I learned to love books. Especially Christian based books.

My favorite kinds of books are those that inspire me to draw closer to the Lord or teach me something about Him and His work. I enjoy fiction books, but the ones that seem to catch my eye are non-fiction.

I don't have a great deal of time to read especially now, but I try to keep two books going at one time when I can. Someone said one time that it is good to have two being read, one that teaches you something and one that is just for the pure enjoyment of reading. Ruth Graham said that it is good to use the Bible as your base and then read, read, read. I think that's good advice.

For the last couple of years I've been going to thrift stores and browsing through their shelves of books. I can get them for a very small price, hardback, and paperback. I put them on my bookshelf for future reading. Some of them I take to the prison to share there. Books are very expensive and I feel like a hunter trying to land something really good. Sometimes I do, like the Bible dictionary I purchased for a dollar. Like new mind you. Still, by far, my favorite is the Bible. I try to spend most of my reading time there.

I hear they have this new gadget out called a Kindle. A piece of technology you can load books onto and read. I'll have to check into this a bit more. Perhaps, I one day may feel like I just can't live without one. Probably someone said that very same thing about the telephone way back when. I haven't jumped into the iPod world, and I missed the MP3 player era, but I'm slowly getting there. Fifty-five isn't that bad as long as I keep up a bit, but woe is me if I get too far behind. I'm in really big trouble. So, for now, I'll stick with the books that still have paper pages and slowly but surely move to the Kindle stuff later.

Our Daddy

2011-06-18T07:26:00.000-05:00

Vernon Ray Smith

On this special weekend I'd like to give honor and love to our daddy. It's been nearly 12 years now since he left us here on earth, but my love for him has only grown. I wish I had some pictures of him on my computer, or on dvd, or something, but having passed away so many years ago now I have none of him that I can easily draw from, and at this point do not have a scanner to put up the old ones. This one my sister-in-law had posted and I saved it into my collection. I also have a brother and another sister who were not born when this picture was taken.

As I reflect back on my childhood I think of how daddy was so devoted and faithful to our family. It seemed he always had time for us. I remember him reading the paper and even then I don't remember a time when he was so preoccupied that he couldn't put it down if we needed his attention. It's funny I guess, but I just always took it for granted that he would just always be around.

It almost seems futile for me to try to describe how I felt about daddy in words. It sort of reminds me of John trying to describe God and heaven in the New Testament in man's simple words.

You might say that daddy was a simple man in many ways. Even at his funeral our pastor described him that way. He worked hard and provided a living for our family and he and moma gave us the best Christmases. We were allowed to have pets and were given wonderful gifts, bicycles and pogo sticks, Barbie dolls , and all the other stuff that makes childhood so grand. Trips to get snowballs and Icee's and cake and ice cream on our birthdays. It saddens me to think that there are so many children today that aren't living the childhood they were meant to. Daddy and Moma provided such security and peace for us. We never had to worry about our parents fighting and fussing because to my knowledge they never did in front of us. They may disagree, but never fight. If they did, it certainly wasn't where we could see or hear.

Daddy was in my life for 43 years and he passed at the age of 71. Even then I wasn't ready to let him go and it took me a very long time. Today I rest in knowing that he is with the Lord and enjoying all the blessings that are in heaven. One day we'll see him again and he will be whole and new and full of life. But, for now, I choose to think about the good times, the fun times, and be thankful that I have so many memories to keep me warm and contented.

Thank you Daddy for being ours !

Happy Father's Day, everyone !

Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not unto your own understanding;

In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (Yes, you know it's my favorite)

This Moment

2011-06-17T15:00:00.000-05:00

I decided to borrow an idea from

soulemama.com ,a single photo, a moment in time. Go over and see her idea. I always look forward to seeing what she has put up. This lady takes the most wonderful pictures of family and life as she lives it. So, here is my snippet in time.

Come by again ! Christ became sin for me~~~it boggles my mind ~S.Kelly

Little Girls and Birthdays

2011-06-10T00:39:00.000-05:00

Sitting here at the computer I think of two very special little girls who have graced my life with music. Music of little feet on hard floors and lots of giggles and laughs. One has already celebrated a 4th birthday and the other celebrates a 7th tomorrow. It just doesn't seem possible that they are this old already.

I can almost think back and remember when I too was 7. Catch that? Almost is the key word here.

I do remember being 10. When you are a child birthdays are super special and you just can't wait for each one to roll around. I do have to wonder though at what age do we get when we start to say that our birthday is "just another day? I've heard people say that before and I don't really feel that way. I think birthdays should be celebrated. They are special. Mile markers so to speak. New beginnings and another day to do something out of the ordinary.

I wonder sometimes why we don't give our own selves parties and invite our friends and family to come and celebrate the wonderful life our creator has given to us. I guess to others it would seem selfish or something. I still think it is good to celebrate your birthday even if no one else does. Just do something special and out of the ordinary for yourself like take yourself out to eat, or buy a new pair of shoes. Anything to mark the day as being yours, a time to celebrate your life.

At nearly 55 years of age, in my mind, I really don't feel 55. I have to admit that my state of mind most of the time depends on what is happening around me. I have to constantly talk to the Lord and ask Him to help keep me on track, to help me to "dwell on the good, just, and true things" as the Bible tells me to. That way my attitude about life in general is so much, much better.

By the way...that's our daughter Shasta in the pictures with SC and SJ. That's three of our favorite girls. Sunshine on a cloudy day so to speak.

Getting late, late, late and I really should be in bed by now, but that caffeine I had this afternoon is working on me.

Just turning to peek out the window I can see the moon just beyond the branches of the trees and I can't tell if it is full or not. I look across at my neighbor's house and I am reminded that yesterday he went to be with Jesus after a year's battle with bone cancer. I think of his wife, my friend, and prayer warrior, Diane, who at this moment is totally trusting Him to carry her through. I know she will make it. The Lord said those of us who know Him will grieve but...with hope. Not like others who grieve without hope. Please pray for this family, the Walker family. We know where he is although we don't know what he is doing at this moment. Could be any number of things. I do know that he no longer walks by faith because his faith has become sight. There's comfort in that. Great comfort.

You know really I could just sit here and type, type, type but....I best not.

Until next time...Keep your focus on Him. He will guide you and me through the storms of life...and...if you happen to have a birthday soon remember to Celebrate !!!

come again :)

When I am at my weakest...He is at His strongest in me ~~S.Kelly

On A Journey

2011-06-03T21:20:00.000-05:00

Today I've been at home mostly except running a few errands and eating lunch out with the Fisherman. I love home and if you have been following my blog you probably already know that. I just don't get to stay here nearly enough to suit my taste. But life changes and that is just the way it is.

For the last six months my sister-in-law and I have been giving much needed care to our mother-in-law. She is on a journey. A very difficult one called Alzheimer's. We are beginning our seventh month taking twenty-four hour shifts and now have a sitter who has come to join us. That just means that we get one extra day each week to rest, catch up and try to get our lives back in a little order or at least back into somewhat a routine. I only wish that I could say the same for my mother-in-law. She is in the last stage of this terrible disease. Each day she quietly slips further away and there's not a thing we can do about it. All of this is in God's hands and that's the best place to be.

She sleeps mostly. She comes to the table to eat and then either back to the living room or somewhere in the kitchen and on the back porch for awhile except that its getting way too hot to sit out now.

Her hairdresser comes to the house to trim and fix her hair and that makes her feel special. I guess its one of the highlights of her life right now since she hasn't been away from the house since December.

Yes, she is on a journey and we are on one along with her, wondering what each new day will bring and praying, hoping, and asking God to help us and strengthen us as we go. I've read so many Alzheimer's blogs and learned so much from the caregivers perspective and even from some who are suffering from the disease.

Of course, the one thing that I know...there is no cure. Sorry to say. But...I do have this hope...she is headed home. It's just a matter of when the Lord chooses to come. She has put her trust in Jesus.

I read the Bible to her often and many times we go to Revelation and read about heaven. It is a comfort to me as well and I realize that she is on the very threshold of heaven's gates. It could almost make me envious. She's almost there. Almost face to face.

Part of the care we give is meal preparation. Sometimes that's hard for me but so far that too, the Lord has seen me through. The Fisherman and I don't cook at home much these days. With just the two of us we either grab a burger (not so healthy) or get something else so trying to come up with a meal every other night to cook has pushed me to the cookbooks and caused me to drag out the old recipes again. Now...that's not a bad thing. I just seem to fix a lot of the same stuff over and over again.

I get to keep house a bit each time I'm there and try to stay busy with needlework or something because I'd go crazy without something productive to do when all else has been done.

Yes, life for all of us is very different and it isn't the way I would have chosen it, but this too will change...in time. For now I need to continue to trust and continue to have faith that the Lord will see me through.

Come back again...until then...stay cool and enjoy the summer !

Everyday I ask Him to give me strength.. He does !

Watchin the Mississippi

2011-05-18T22:36:00.002-05:00

I've just sat down after watching the Channel 9 News and getting an update on the Mississippi and the damage it has already caused some residents around here. The view from the air has shown many hunting camps around the Krotz Spring area nearly completely submerged under water. And so many of the residents around there are bracing for the worst of it on their own homes. They are packing up and getting ready to move. People are being trained for search and rescue if it comes to that. Hopefully it won't.

A few weeks ago the Fisherman and his friends jacked up their fishing camp about 12 feet off the ground. They built a nice porch with steps and were getting everything set up. Very excited to be finally getting everything in place so that they could begin enjoying it. Then...the mighty Mississippi decides to pay a visit down south. After the water began to come up a dash was made to try to jack it up by about another 3 feet and they did it with success. Thankfully. This is what it looks like now.

If you scroll down to the end of the post you will see what it looks like without the water.

This is a picture of the little shed or barn just inside the gate on the gravel road we travel on to get to the camp. To the right in the trees is on old house. Looking at it like this, you wouldn't even recognize where you are.

You can't see the porch. It's underwater. Hopefully they have saved it. Some of the other camps around there were not so lucky.

Water over the bridge

Even in this picture the water is up a bit. This was taken several weeks back. Now the water is over the road and just under the trailer.

Had they lost it, sure it would have been a huge disappointment. Life would have gone on and they would still have a home to come to. Wish all would turn out as well for so many up and down the Mississippi.

We rest in His hands. For...He knows our frame and that we are but dust. Yet...He loves us with an unquenchable love. I'm glad He does.

Preserve me, O God, for in thee do I put my trust.

Psalms 16:1

I Paid $50 for a Little Sunshine

2011-05-16T21:15:00.000-05:00

I want to introduce you to a new friend of mine. Her name is Sugar and she and I have plans to become close companions. Not so long ago my little friend Sparky passed away. I think he got into some rat poison in our shed. Needless to say it grieved my heart. I was heartbroken over it. I moped around here for a bit and found myself at a terrible loss. I don't know why it is but when we don't have a pet around here the place seems so "not" home to me. I really dread coming up the driveway knowing that when I get out of the car there will be that empty yard. I guess I've had a pet for so long as a child and then when I married there was a brief period when I was without one. Then our children have had pets for many years. It's sort of common around here.

Well anyway, I just had to fix that. I rode over to the animal shelter in town and looked around...and...looked around listening to all that glorious barking and howling and shopped and shopped all the while trying to figure out how I was gonna break it to the Fisherman that I really...really...really wanted another dog. Now, really...did he even have to guess if I did or not ? Rode back home without a dog and figured I'd go another time when I was prepared with payment in hand and everything set. A couple of days later I broke the news ever so gently to the Fisherman. Sort of went like this...

Here's the scene: we are outside looking over the garden checking out the tomatoes and the very wilted cucumbers when I just come out with it, " I really need (drag this word "neeeed" out a bit) a dog. He goes: "Oh, Sandra, don't start that again." Me: downcast and forlorn-- silent. Fisherman: Oh, do what you want a do".

So, what would you do? I thought about it, thought about it and then thought about it some more. Then, get in the car with my 50 bucks and head down to that wonderful smelly ole animal shelter. Those dogs barking sort of sounded like a choir getting ready to put the finishing touches on their masterpiece. And...so I shop and shop and shop and I find this sweet little boxer mix female that I had looked at the other day. She's the one I settled for. I don't think I'll be disappointed. I'm already smitten. Already in love. Still, every time I pass little Sparky's new grave my heart sinks. But, I think of him safe in God's care. A lot of folks think that an animal doesn't have a soul. I can't say that I know all about that, but I do know that a sparrow can't fall from the sky without Him knowing, so no matter what I believe, the good Lord knows best. Sparky was here long enough to give my life a lot of joy and hopefully I gave him some too.

Changing the subject now I go in a totally different direction. We are still in the midst of a huge life change. My mother-in-law is slowly fading. As I had posted some time back she is battling Alzheimer's. She is in the last stage and is now losing her appetite and beginning to vomit which means she is slowly, constantly losing weight. It is hard to watch her slip away a little each day but aside from a miracle she won't be with us long. She has a birthday coming up and will turn 81 if she is with us long enough. Sometimes when I'm sitting next to her and just looking at her I think of how soon she may be entering the gates of heaven. It really makes me think in detail about all that I have read and learned about the heavenly Father and that she is just at the very brink of stepping over. As a friend of mine put it, "she is about to meet the King". Isn't it magnificent? To think of it that way. He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

I'm tired, so tired. Yet, I just pray for strength for everyday. And...I pray for wisdom for each new day. Sometimes I feel like I have left my own body and become someone else. I know that may seem a bit strange but my life has changed so much that I don't really feel like I am the same person. I have to say that I truly know what it is to be a "caregiver". I truly understand what it means to have to be selfless. I've prayed for a long time that He would make me His servant. He has allowed me to be just that. And even though I have a 24 hour period that I can come home and rest and play catch up I still go back the next 24. There are those "caregivers" that are in their care giving situation around the clock and I ask the Lord to give a double portion to those ones who have no relief. Deuteronomy 33:25 fits here. AS THY DAYS SO SHALL THY STRENGTH BE.

Hopefully I'll be able to post more. It is an outlet for me. Until then...Have a wonderful week!

Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my cry come unto thee. Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me speedily.

Psalm 102:1-2

I've Been Busy

2011-04-26T23:56:00.000-05:00

Hey, I'm just checking in. Wanted you to know that I haven't given up on my blog. Just been out of the loop so to speak. Still caring for my mother-in-law and taking care of other things, but I'll be back. Until then, I hope that you are resting in the ever loving arms of the Lord. I know that I am. When I'm stressed, it is where I run to. See you in a bit.

Easter Preparations

2011-04-10T16:50:00.000-05:00

Every year about this time just before Easter our church presents the gospel by means of a drama. For years now members and some non-members of our church have been doing this. Even as I type they are getting prepared to present it again tonight. If I could give you a sample of it here on my blog I would. And even as I type away there just might be a video of it on YouTube if someone has posted one. It might possible be under Amite Baptist Church Easter Drama or at least something similar.

I'll have to check on that.

The above picture is the Fisherman making his way to the building so that we might get a few snapshots of our two grand baby girls in their costumes.

Although there are many positions to be filled and characters to be portrayed there are some very unsung heroes who play a part each year without much notice and if it weren't for them...well, there just might not be any drama. One of those positions happens to be the dedicated nursery workers.

My mother has been filling one of these positions for many years. That's here above. She is 73 years young and as I always say, she has more energy than me.

Our daughter-in-love readys SJ, getting her into a costume. With much excitement the children can't wait to find their places. There is so much activity in and around the building during drama time.

SJ and mommy

And our other granddaughter, SC playing in the nursery before the presentation.

One of special highlights of the presentation are the animals that play the part. Outside the sanctuary are the baby goats along with an admirer that really didn't want to go inside after his viewing of the little actors. I can't say as I blame him. I didn't want to leave either. They were so cute and cuddly. And to think that in not too many months they will run around and butt you. Still...I like em anyway.

Don't they just have the sweetest faces?

Maybe tonight I'll have a few more pics to share. As for now, I'm off again.

May the way be bright for you and the road smooth :)

I'm grateful that He goes with me wherever I go no matter how rough it is because He will give me the strength to make it through~~S.Kelly

Louisiana Style

2011-04-08T22:20:00.000-05:00

Louisiana like every other state has its own style. I think you have to leave the state for awhile to really see what your state is all about. I've lived in three states during my childhood making Louisiana my home now and it really has its own flavor.

A few years ago our state suffered a catastrophic hurricane named Katrina. There was a tremendous loss of life and property and people's way of life here. Although we live in the Baton Rouge area, New Orleans isn't that far from us. As a result our state has seen its share of FEMA trailers and the remains of the visual signs of the storm. For such a long time we have seen blue tarps on roofs and still see some of those around these parts. Every now and then you will see lots of empty FEMA trailers on lots and fields around here. Recently the Fisherman and a couple of friends decided to purchase a lot at Lake Foster and they bought a FEMA trailer which they are fixing up, and I mean really UP. It had to be raised so that rising water wouldn't damage it.

Today the Fisherman and I took a drive up to Lake Foster located around a little town called Fort Adams. Fort Adams is close to Woodville, Mississippi.

If you look really close in the above picture you can see the Fisherman's leg at the top of the trailer. He was putting sealer on the roof. Trying to stop a leak.

I think it will be a really nice little camp when done. Of course, it is a fishing camp. Need I say more?

Us ladies probably won't want to go very often cause we might have to clean a bit too much.

The water is up a bit. It has gone down since last week. And... it really is a tranquil place. Today nobody was around. I could have just sat on the porch and let my mind find its normal. Yep. Just being still and knowing that He is God. Psalm 46:10

I might like to go spend a day or so. For now, I'm looking forward to planting those yellow squash I bought at Wal-Mart this evening.

Hoping you have had a good day ! come again...really !

Even on my toughest days I know He is watching over me and guiding me through~~S.Kelly

Looking for Home

2011-04-06T15:10:00.000-05:00

Today is my day off, so to speak. Every 24 hours I go to my in-laws house and care for my mother-in-law. Coming home this morning I was thinking about what I would do today and to tell you the truth I was a bit confused. (There is that old deceiver again, the devil) . I know I have much to do at home but lately once I get here for some reason it just doesn't feel like home.

No...this isn't my house and if it was you'd probably say...no wonder.

In my heart of hearts I've always been a home body. I'd rather be at home than anywhere else, that is, if I can make it the way I like it. I have such a sense of "country" that lives in my soul and I really consider myself an "old soul" and I have been for as long as I can remember. Even when I was 17 years old and newly married I bought one of those vinyl tablecloths form the store that had a patchwork pattern to it. Whether it matched or not that's what I was attracted to. I can't explain it. Like I said it is in my "soul ".

A year ago we remodeled our kitchen and den and painted everything a pale green, the name of the color slips my mind at present, but anyhow, it is really pretty. Sort of like those little green party mints you used to see at weddings in the "70's ". All the trim...bright white. Now mind you, it is pretty but there is something that I really didn't give much thought to and that is the fact that I love the feel of outdoors and the way wood makes me feel. We refaced cabinets with new doors and all our " real wood " cabinets are gone and painted bright white. When I come into this kitchen, because I'm not used to it, although it has been over a year now, I never feel at home. The coziness has escaped as if someone came in the night and took it away.. I've yet to figure out what to do about it. I haven't put up new curtains yet (been a year mind you) and hoping that maybe when those go up it will change the feel of it. I'm opting for red or maybe yellow.

Now getting down to the nitty gritty...the real reason I think that I don't feel so much at home is because in the last months I have taken a few things out of my life that I was so used to doing and the strangeness that I feel truly must be connected with that. For one, our house used to be busy with the hustle and bustle of little ones meandering throughout the house, pulling toys and books here and there, making juice messes on our floors and napping on my lap or in the bed with a sweet stuffed animal and a good story. That took a huge hunk out of home for me. So quiet here and everything mostly in place. My mind was so busy thinking of what to do next and what needed to be done. But...all things do come to an end. Another... I'm a country girl at heart and when I can't spend a certain amount of time in the yard digging, raking, riding the lawnmower, petting the dog, then, I feel I'm a fish out of water. I haven't been able to do that for some time now. And then...I love to sew and do something with the needle...that homemaking thing that lies within me that is a God given gift. And then, another, I don't teach Sunday School any longer. I opted not to commit myself to it so that I could free up enough in case my mother-in-law needed me. That way I wouldn't have to call a sub to take my place at the last minute. Plus we were thinking a singing engagement might come up on a Sunday morning from time to time. My time has shifted in this phase of life and my Fisherman doesn't see the need for any more animals. Might I say that he doesn't have the country in him like I do. Yep, that's right. Matter of fact, I was so tempted to go to Tractor Supply in Zachary and buy two rabbits. I saw them the other day and just fell in love. But...I thought better of it and realized that the Fisherman wouldn't be none too happy about it. Oh fluff n stuff ! One of these days... (said with a bit of a giggle)

And so...what am I getting at ? I really don't have a clue except that I believe everybody has an idea of what "home" is and mine is my very own. And...everybody was created to be someone special with their own ideas of what makes a really good life. And...when you start subtracting everything that you thought made it good, then there is bound to be a little emptiness in there somewhere. Makes me wonder what your idea of home is. Leave a comment . I'd love to read about it.

I love it when you come by for a visit :)

It boggles my mind to think that the God of all creation became sin for me so that I wouldn't have to suffer ~~~S.Kelly

2011-04-04T20:47:00.001-05:00

A Bit Here, A Bit There

2011-04-04T20:43:00.001-05:00

As I thought about what I'd give this particular post as a title, I realized it may be filled with a little of this and a little of that. Maybe I should have named it that. Well, anyway, here I am after a long while and I really don't know how much posting I'll do at this point. I've stayed home all day and I just think that me and the Fisherman maybe going to grab a bite for supper somewhere. I cook every other night at my in-laws and then on my off night we just do something simple.

Tomorrow will be four months that my sister-in-law and I have been caring for our mother-in-law who is in the last stage of Alzheimer's. As I look back I have to say I wonder how we have done this for four months, but I know that it has only been possible because of the Lord. He promised that He would never leave us or forsake us and He hasn't. In the night watches when my cell alarm goes off and lets me know that it is time to peek in on her, sometimes I hesitate just a bit and then I get up and step into the bathroom where my phone lies and shut it off, then move quietly as a mouse across the hall where she lies in her bed. She has slept through each and every night only requiring a change in her position and some comfort care. Each day I wonder what it will bring for her and us. Truly, the greatest challenge for me has been the days when I had to lift her from bed to chair and back again and the tasks of figuring out what to cook for supper which is a never ending dilemma for me anyway. If I only knew what to cook it would be a lot easier.

I took a few pictures at my daughter's request of Mrs. Ruth's hand and the Fisherman's hand. She has two nails missing polish because it was removed so the nurse could get her oxygen level.

Something that amazes me in life is that you can live with someone everyday and never see them changing. I've known my mother-in-law for over 40 years and although I don't live with her I really have never seen her change. At least I wasn't aware of it. In the above picture she was 18 years old. Mr. Kelly has carried a small wallet size of this picture all these years and took it out recently. My sister-in-law took it and had it restored and enlarged. It now sits on the mantle of their home.

My father-in-law's shoes and his cane. Here he sits on the porch swing where I think he prays alot and thinks about life. He planted a garden recently. Even at nearly 85 years old he still has goals and intends to meet them. Although he cut the size of the garden down he still planted his own tomatoes by placing a chair next to each row, sitting in it, digging the hole, placing the plant in it, and then moving his chair to the next one. Where there is a will there is a way. I think that is part of what keeps him going.

Nearly bedtime and I still have a few things to do. Put up a few clothes from the dryer and finish watching this episode of American Pickers. And...just enjoy the time here at home with my fisherman sitting in his recliner and me typing away in mine.

Think I'll move to the kitchen and get myself a glass of milk. Perhaps that will make me sleep a little better tonight. I hear it does anyway. Even without the milk I believe I'll sleep really good.

May the Lord keep you in His perfect peace and may I figure out what to cook tomorrow night.

So glad you came by again :)

Let your conversation be without covetousness, and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said , I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Hebrews 13:5

Snippets of Family

2011-03-19T13:05:00.000-05:00

You know I haven't taken any new pictures lately so I thought that I would put up a few taken over the last months. I treasure pictures of family and the ones that I love so very much.

I'm letting you in on a little secret : You don't realize how much you love and need your family until you are apart from them. Oh, you already figured it out? I guess I'm a bit late in learning it since I've lived near family for so long. In just the last few months I've been reminded of how wonderful my family is. Not that I needed to be reminded.

I've been snapping a lot of pictures of Mrs.Ruth, savoring the time we have and praying an awful lot for her and us. This one was taken when she was still able to walk and even when we didn't know that she had Alzheimer's. We really have lost a lot of her since this was made.

The dark spot on her forehead is a bruise she got after a fall. Even posting these I realize that one day these pictures will be treasures. Days that can never be retrieved. It saddens me.

SJ and SC in the kitchen preparing something tasty. I'm looking forward to times like this again soon.

Because I don't have much time to write or put up pictures I'm closing out for now. Hopefully, when time allows I'll be back. Maybe tomorrow and then again it may not be, so, have a completely wonderful life until.

It's good that you came by :) Do come again won't you ?

Everyday I'm trusting Him to see me through. I know He will. He promised it. ~~S.Kelly

Happy Birthday, Larry

2011-03-17T21:53:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Son

Today is one of the most special people in my life's birthday. My son, Larry.

It is hard to believe that 33 years ago today he came into the world and changed it forever in a very good way. Thank you, son, for just being you. You have brought so much joy to your daddy and I and we couldn't be more proud of you. Sometimes I wonder where the years went and I look at myself in the mirror and I don't really see the older woman I've become. I think sometimes it may be because all the years we spent raising our two children were great ones. Yes, we had our struggles like every other parent, but we raised two of the most wonderful children. There was never a time that I remember wanting the summer to end so that they would go back to school or wishing I could go somewhere without them so I could have a break. I would rather my children be with me and me know where they were and that they were safe than anywhere else. I truly enjoyed having my children around.

Larry, I enjoyed all the time we spent at the ball park and sitting through practices. Now that those days are long gone I get to go back through my memory and savor the moments. Those graceful stretches on first base and how you just scooped up the ball without making it look like you hardly made an effort. That will stick in my memory for a long time. The hours and hours you, Shasta, and your friends played in the backyard, the hours spent in the pool, and so many more memories that I will hold on to for a lifetime. You are a gift to us from God and we are grateful that He saw fit to allow you to be ours.

Happy Birthday, Son

Did I tell you I love you ?

Popping In For A Moment

2011-01-24T16:07:00.000-06:00

Already afternoon and I've still things to do. The house is basically in order and I've gotten my bath and hair washed and ready for the evening. I'm planning on getting my husband to go with me to grab a bite somewhere.

Well, we have completed a week of care for my mother-in-law and each day we wait on the Lord for direction in what to do for her. Tomorrow will come and in that day we will have to trust His wisdom and depend on Him for daily strength.

I have been thinking about what I can call my husband on this blog besides "husband". I have settled on a new name for him. I'll refer to him as "The Fisherman". Years ago when we were very, very young, only married for a few months, we had a pickup truck. A Ford Explorer to be exact. The popular thing back then among many people was to have a CB in their vehicle. Each person had what they called a "handle" or a name which they went by. My husband's was "The Fisherman". Needless to say he named me "The Lady Fisherman". Now, I didn't take part in the CB stuff but I still had a "handle" because when you're going down the road and someone is talking to you and says, " you by yourself ?", then you say, "no,

the Lady Fisherman is with me". And so... he will be "The Fisherman " from now on.

Hopefully I'll get back again soon.

By the way that lovely picture attached to this blog is my precious daughter and my two precious granddaughters. :)

Glad you came for a quick visit :~)

A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones.

Proverbs 12: 4

Home and Bread

2011-01-16T19:20:00.000-06:00

If you know me well you know how much I love home and family. Without the two I am a lost being in a very cold and uncomfortable world. I don't mind being away from home for awhile but once I get home it doesn't take long for me to start remaking my nest. In the last few months husband and I have been in and out so much until mostly we are here just long enough to do the necessary things we need to in order to maintain our going. I'm not all together fond of it because I have this domestic side of me that kicks in and keeps telling me I need to be home busily and contentedly "making" home. One of the many things that make a home is something on the stove or in the oven. The aroma of home appears all over the house with the first burst of something good invading the nostrils. It says "home, stay awhile."

This afternoon after coming home from church and a night of helping care for my mother-in-law I opened the kitchen cabinet and what did my wondering eyes see? A small bag of bread mix given to us by a sweet friend in an adorable little loaf tote. Ah...apple and cinnamon bread. What better thing to make on a Sunday afternoon? A couple of eggs, a little water and oil and presto ! Baking bread smells all over the house. Forty-five minutes later we have delicious, hot bread and Amish made butter, a gift from another sweet friend, waiting on the counter to be slathered all over it. Yes, I know what you are thinking. There is no such word. Or is there? But, those of you who are true country folk know exactly what I'm saying and you know exactly what hot bread and butter taste like don't you? Okay...now that your mouth is watering I'll leave you hanging right here. How could I be so cruel? Really, I don't mean to. Just two small pieces just to see if it's done. And then the temptation will set in later tonight as I slip back into the kitchen for one itty bitty piece before bedtime. Oh my, the temptation ! Reminds me of Bro. Terry's children's message this morning. This must be one of those NOW temptations. Being tempted to do something NOW that I may get in trouble for later. Maybe I should think about this a bit more.

Although life is a bit tough for us now with so many things to ponder and not knowing what lies around the corner I've still much to be grateful for. Mostly that I believe in a God who CAN and WILL. And I'm learning everyday that sometimes He says no and His reasons are better than mine. I remember well hearing Elizabeth Elliot saying after the murder of her husband and his missionary friends that "God had His reasons and I have mine". And...I know that His are always better.

Even in the midst of busyness I still am finding snippets of time to learn a few new things. I just have to take advantage of a minute here and there. It keeps me sane. Until I write again....

Stay close to One who wants to stay close to you :^)

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and He delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

Navigating Waters Unknown

2011-01-13T15:04:00.000-06:00

As I sit at my little table I write of things that are to come. Things that will be different for me and my family and of the trust I have in the One who will be "all sufficient" in the days ahead.

Yesterday as I sat and visited with my mother-in-law I knew it was "evaluation day" at the hospital. A day that would move us another step in the care of one who has become so dependent on her family members. Something that I know she would have never chosen to do. Something that was so far out of her thinking and way of life. Yet, as time moves on her aged body and mind have not given her a choice. Spending five weeks plus in two hospitals and wanting to go home would have pushed me over the edge a long time ago. She expressed her desire to "go home" many times and each time one of her family has to tell her why she can't. As of yesterday after her evaluation she will leave the hospital and we have decided at this point to bring her home. She has been recommeded to have twenty-four hour care and we all know that it is needed. Although my father-in-law lives with her in their own home he is physically unable to give her the care she needs. And so we will provide that for her for as long as we think we can do it. This is where I need to depend on the Lord for every need. We don't know what this may involve for us and we are going to have to go it one day at a time. It will be a lifestyle change for us and we don't know what lies ahead. One day at a time, sweet Jesus, is all I'm asking of you. Help me today, show me the way.

If everything goes as planned we will bring her home on Tuesday of next week and begin the journey of care and nurturing a mother who has nurtured all of us in various ways. It is our turn now for as long as we can. For as long as we can give her what she needs. Only the Lord knows what that future holds for her and us.

Some months ago our minister of music came through some dangerous waters as he and his sibilings were torn between running to different hospitals to be with their parents, children, and spouse after a terrible car accident. During this journey he stated that he had never "navigated these waters before." That's where we are.

And so we are getting ready to navigate some troubled waters and who is at the helm? The Master of the storm and because of this we are moving on ahead trusting.

Come again :)

Acts Chapter 27

Just For A Little While

2011-01-08T21:52:00.000-06:00

As the year unfolds I find myself super busy. So busy that I seem to have very little time to unwind. And.. I have to say that it isn't good for my mind. I find that I am at my best when I have a little time everyday to get outdoors and get a little fresh air and sunshine if possible. I have a need to play with the dog and just let the kid in me escape for a few minutes. But lately our love for family and other commitments have taken me in a more focused direction.

We have been making many trips to the hospital for the last five weeks and will continue to do so for as long as it takes. My mother-in-law is very sick and is recovering at the Neuromedical Center in Baton Rouge. Five weeks ago tomorrow she fell in her kitchen and broke her femur (thigh bone). She went through surgery that night in order to place a rod in her bone and shortly after suffered a seizure which they thought was a stroke at first. She is still struggling to recover the use of the muscles in her throat which help her to swallow. She is learning to stand and walk again which has been very slow in coming. She is yet to walk or stand completely by herself. She also has Alzheimer's which has made her forget so many things. We are trusting the Lord everyday to give her strength and us also. Please continue to pray for her and the family.

The view from her hospital is a beautiful one. As one of her friends said today, "You'd pay good money for a view like that at a fancy hotel." There are large windows in her room that go completely to the floor and allow her to sit in her wheelchair so that she can see very well all that goes on outside. Perkins Rowe is just out the window and one day I'd love to walk around there. There has been a vendor out there selling something everyday and each time we see him or her we wonder what they might be selling. Perhaps I'll venture out there to see one day.

Hospital halls are so vacant it seems. Sometimes I take Mrs. Ruth for a spin down the halls just to get out of the room for a bit. Not much scenery out there but a small change helps sometimes.

Time is fleeing and I've got to get a bit of rest. Mercy's Bridge is singing tomorrow evening at a little church in Addis, Louisiana. I'm looking forward to it and pray that the Lord will use us in a way He sees fit. I'll be back another time. Until then I pray the Lord will bless you and keep you safe and warm. See you later !

Stop by again sometime :0)

The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.

Proverbs 11:19

I Haven't Forgotten

2011-01-05T12:25:00.001-06:00

I just wanted all of you to know that I haven't given up on posting in my blog. I've just been incredibly busy these days. My mother-in-law is still in the hospital. Going on five weeks now. Plus all the other things that crowd our days for now. I'll be back to write again and put a few pics up. As for now please pray for all of us as we "navigate these waters" so to speak. Please lift up my mother-in-law as she seems to be going backwards in her healing. She needs healing and needs to come home where she belongs. Thanks for the prayers. Until I come back I hope all of you have a wonderful New Year and make lots of plans for the future while keeping in mind that although we plan, God directs our steps. See ya soon.

Just Checking In

2010-12-24T19:32:00.001-06:00

So sorry that I haven't been blogging lately. My mother-in-law has been in the hospital now going on 3 weeks having broken her thigh and suffered a seizure after surgery on her leg. She is making progress bit by bit and she will be spending Christmas in the hospital. We'll be there too for awhile trying to make her merry. Please pray for her healing and strength and for all the family as we care for her. I'll be back hopefully soon. Hope you and yours have a Merry CHRISTmas and a very happy new year !

When the Waiting on God is Hard

2010-11-26T21:06:00.000-06:00

Sometimes in life we find ourselves desperately needing something or wanting something that is out of our reach. There maybe a huge emptiness due to something that someone else has caused in our lives or something that we have caused ourselves to bring our lives in a direction we don't desire. And then there may be a deep desire for something you feel you cannot live without and as time seems to run out we wonder does God really hear us or does He truly understand how deeply we want this.

For many years now our daughter and son-in-law have waited and prayed for a child of their own. They have been able to conceive once and after a few short weeks the pregnancy ended in a miscarriage which was not only disappointing but heartbreaking. For them and for their family. All the hopes and dreams they treasured were dashed in just a few short minutes. From that moment on they have waited for the time they again would hear the good news that another child was on the way and as yet have not. So we come to this question that most people ask in this situation or any other when we have to wait. Why? Why so long, why not now, why me, why us. Probably the hardest thing to do in life is wait. Wait for endless days and nights which quickly turn into weeks, months, and years and seeing everyone else around you, your friends, fellow coworkers, and family having children and adding to their families. And still the same old question seems to rise to the surface like cream on fresh milk.

So why do I write? I do because I am the parent of one of those individuals and the mother-in-law to the other who are in the waiting process. My husband and I wait too. And so do the rest of the family. They are not alone in the waiting room of life.They have company there along with many others who like them are asking why.

And so I come to this. What do they do while they wait? And what do we do while we wait? Waiting doesn't mean that one does nothing except quietly pull their hair out and cry out within walls hoping no one else hears. Waiting means doing something active, something so that one can keep the embers of hope alive. At the risk of using scripture once again which I think is always the best medicine, except those who wait I'm sure have heard it time and time again and may seem to grow tired of hearing it (I'm just being honest here), I want to say our Lord says that we are to wait on the Lord.

Certainly, He says that His timing and ways are unlike ours and that is so true. That's why we become frustrated and impatient when we have to wait. He is long suffering and tolerant where we are not. We are sinful beings where He is not. Yet, He in all of His infinite wisdom knows when the right time is just like when He brought John the Baptist onto the scene even when Elizabeth and Zacharias were doubtful. Just like when Hannah prayed time and time again for a child and then God in all His wisdom waited for just the right time to bring it to pass and along came Samuel who was born for a particular time in life. I believe there are things that we as human beings cannot begin to understand (prov. 3:5-6) and things we can only trust to Him, the great God of hope. As we are waiting I believe there are some things that are happening to us. One of those things is the perfecting of our character. Another is the building of our patience. And no telling what other jewels are being polished without our ever knowing.

But, how do we react when we receive the baby shower invitation in the mail for a friend wishing it were us, or hear the good news of someone we know having given birth, or the horrible news of yet another abortion or the abuse of child that someone didn't value. That's where the anger and disappointment settles in. Though we would never want to steal another's joy because if we were the ones with the good news we would want them to be happy for us. Yet, the why's become so much more pronounced. That's when we fall to our knees if we are in a place where we can, or if we are behind the wheel of the car we cry out to our God and pour out everything that is weighing us down right on top of Him for "He is big enough to handle it". That's when the burden lifts off our shoulder and the One who says "Cast your burdens on me for I care for you" takes it and holds it all the while putting our tears in His bottle. And then...one more time we can handle it if for only a little while until the next time and then we do it all over again. Again and again because His shoulders can handle it over and over. I believe He is so pleased when we do this because this is His will for us. And it brings us all the closer to Him. And so while we wait He works, for He never sleeps nor slumbers. He is our very present help in times of trouble.

Even though the fig trees are all destroyed, and there is neither blossom left nor fruit, and though the olive crops all fail, and fields lie barren; even if the flocks die in the fields and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will be happy in the God of my salvation.

The Lord God is my Strength, and He will give me the speed of a deer and bring me safely over the mountains.

Habakkuk 3:17-19

Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T19:17:00.000-06:00

~~~My grandmother's bowl ~~~

This has been a beautiful Thanksgiving Day. I haven't been able to spend much of it outdoors, but it has been lovely. For only the second time to my memory we have stayed in our own home on Thanksgiving Day. Since husband and I have been married going on 37 years we have always gone to either my parents home or his parents home. Only one time have we been here and had family come. This year we stayed home and only our son, daughter and our granddaughters came. It was different, but special. We made a few memories and took a few pictures.

~~~Husband's grandmother's bowl on the left~~

~~~Our windowsill today~~~

My mother's and daddy's dishes, the ones we ate on for special occasions.

And~~the silverware husband and I received as a wedding gift many, many years ago (still his favorite)

Thanks Stacie and Brandon for the sweet gift that keeps on giving from one year to the next. I used this for our dinner rolls today.

Cornbread dressing baking in the oven ~~ smells good !

Our dinner table with fresh greenery and flowers from our own backyard.

And there is that fresh broccoli from our own little garden ~ it really does taste better than what is in the grocery and to think~no preservatives.

And of course, dessert ! Chocolate pie and Pumpkin pie. I have to admit~~I had a small slice of both today. And ~ perhaps a bit later for a snack.

And really the best of all...Family around the table. I love everyone of them.

Our daughter-in-law

And little SC which I snapped several pics of and couldn't seem to catch her still enough to get a clear shot.

SJ's daddy helping her make a holiday craft.

As I sit here and think about all the pictures I just posted I'm reminded that I am so blessed. So richly blessed. I just want to make a small list of some of those things.

Thank You, Lord for:

family~~ for the encouragement, phone calls, love you give me

my house~~for the warmth I find here and the peaceful feeling I get when the world becomes cold and hard to deal with

my car ~~for all the places it takes me in pleasure and need

clothes~~they keep me warm and shield me from the elements

my church family ~~they are my second family and fill a void that would be there otherwise

my little dog Sparky~~he keeps me company and is forever loyal

my country~~for it's freedom and people and everything that it represents to me

and most of all ~~~~

Christ ~~~~ who has made all things possible for me.

Hoping you and yours have had a good day and that you too may have made a list today :^)

May you be blessed by the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Psalm 115:15

Thanksgiving Prep and Other Good Stuff

2010-11-24T19:22:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is upon us and I've really gotten alot done today considering. I woke fairly early this morning if you call 7:00 a.m. early and headed to the kitchen. My mission: making homemade laundry detergent. Oh, yes, if you know me you are probably thinking "why in the world would you want to do that?"

I have thought about trying this for months now and have just toyed around with the idea. I've read several blogs about people who have made their own and after getting on a really neat blog that just fits me to a tee, chickensintheroad.com, I decided to bite the bullet and do it. The recipe I tried came from one of the ten she suggested and I really wanted to try the one she uses, but I didn't have the borax. I opted for one without and it is quite fine for me now. My clothes smell fresh but I don't know how it will do on clothes with stains. We'll see. I'll put up pics about my detergent making later. For now the prep for Thanksgiving.

As you can see in the above pic I didn't get a good start. I haven't broken an egg in such a long time. Luckily I had enough. Ah hum, perhaps I'd have a few more if I had those chickens in my yard I wanted. ( Did you hear that, honey? You know, those chickens I've really, really been wantin.)

First thing on my order was to make a pumpkin pie. Pumpkin, not my absolutely fav for Thanksgiving but it really just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without it. Seems like there should always be a pumpkin pie in the mix somewhere. ~~ Did the pilgrims and Indians have a pumpkin pie? Doubtful ~~

I used canned pumpkin, more costly but quicker. The recipe I used was a different one I also found on chickensintheroad.com . It is called Grandma's Pumpkin Pie and it calls for honey. I haven't tasted it so tomorrow will be the unveiling. I have a feeling I'm the only one who will be eating it tomorrow because no one else in my family that lives in this town anyway likes it. Even bought some whipped topping to put on it.

This bowl is one of my favorites. I bought it a the farm supply many, many years ago. You can't see it here, but it has a beautiful blue band around it. Although it is heavy I love it, just love it.

Bet you have a favorite bowl or dish you use for something special. Tomorrow I'll be using the plates my mother used when I was a child. Just plates mind you but they too are special. And a couple of glass dishes which belonged to my grandmother and husband's grandmother.

~~ Notice: I didn't make my own crust. I have before, but opted not to this time.

My sweet water friend, Blueberry, likes to watch. He makes pretty good company for me sometimes.

Yeah, I know, he's a fish, maybe a fish to you but a friend to me.

Baking supplies

Look at all that celery. I might be in trouble tomorrow when husband takes a bite of this cause he doesn't like celery. We'll see. I do have to say the dressing tasted good. Hope it taste even better once it comes out of the oven.

You're probably wondering why there's bacon on the counter. Using a new cornbread recipe, it called for 2 pieces of bacon to be fried in a skillet then removed and the grease used to coat the skillet for baking the cornbread. Came out good I thought, especially when you have always made Jiffy cornbread. I like a sweet cornbread the best. To me it is the best when you crumble it in a bowl later and pour milk over it. Then heat it just a bit in the microwave. A delicious snack.

The makings of a chocolate pie, that's butter about to be stirred in. Filling came out good.

Now this is a hugh mess. Don't ask. I'll tell you what happened. Just put it this way, don't put your Kitchen Bouquet next to the vanilla. As soon as I realized what I had done I quickly scooped it out before it could sink down too much. That's why it's on the counter. I didn' take time to run to the trash with it. Saved the filling which was on it's way to become Sweet Potato Casserole.

And last but not least~~~~ Sparky, my special little side kick. Husband says he's the ugliest dog he's ever seen. I think he's rather cute and has taken my heart. We hang out together a lot. He's a good listener. He's my friend.

Hope you and yours have a memorable Thanksgiving :)

I'm giving thanks in all things. I don't have to understand, just trust.~~S.Kelly

Thanksgiving- A Little Closer

2010-11-22T21:06:00.000-06:00

SJ in her costume for Pioneer Day at school.

She is one of the loves of my life. All of my family is so special to me. I've much to be thankful for.

My little garden produced some pretty green goods for me this year. Have a few pretty squash also. Some I've smothered and put into the freezer for later.

Today I hurriedly finished my play list for our singing at the Council on Aging tomorrow. They will be having their holiday celebration. We'll look forward to being there.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll get to put up a few pics of my food preparation today. Getting ready for Thanksgiving is upon us and I've still a bit to do.

Have a good night and come again really soon. It's nice that you were here :)

May you find peace in the days ahead and joy in serving the Lord

Following Where He Leads Me

2010-11-20T22:29:00.000-06:00

Sitting here in the recliner which I so many times say I really don't like because I believe they tend to make one lazy, I am thinking about my life and how busy I am these days. I don't mind being busy for it keeps my mind at something and not just sitting around wasting too much time being idle. An idle mind is the devil's workshop they say and I pretty much agree with it. Certainly there are times when I need to just sit and think (Be still and know that I am God-Psalm 46:10) the Lord speaks to me when I am quiet. And there are times when I get sort of stir crazy when I don't have something to do. One of the things I don't like is when I go somewhere with my husband and he opens the door of the car to speak to a friend and they get caught up in talking about fishing and hunting and I'm thinking about everything I could be getting done at home. Now don't get me wrong, I really don't mind being patient enough to sit and wait while he visits a bit, but I don't like to do it a whole lot. Especially when I've got clothes in the washing machine and dryer that will probably stay there until the next day. Yes, I know, they can wait. I guess I need to drill it in my mind, except that the reason it doesn't work is that my husband will usually say something like this, "I can't understand why my shirt isn't ironed." I wonder why, pray tell, should I ask?

Since I have been more deeply and more each day into the Word of God, my life has changed in many good ways. I find that I don't relate to the "world" as much as I used to. More and more I just don't seem to fit in. I rarely go to the movies any more because I just can't bring myself to spend hard earned money to sit for a few minutes and realize I just can't watch something that is so contrary to the Word. I'm careful about what kind of books I read because I don't want to fill my mind with trash and unwholesomes thoughts. I want to dwell on the just and pure things. The thoughts and things that will surely come back to my mind time and time again. I truly believe that whatever you set your heart and mind on will eventually come out in your life. So if you only put what is good into your mind then only good will be manifested in your actions.

I want to follow Him wherever He goes. My thought life, my actions, my emotions, all of it for Him.

He can only lead me into Life for He doesn't choose anything for me except that which will enhance my life. Not to say He doesn't allow hardships and trials to come into my life because He certainly does, but I never want to make bad choices which will cause hardship from my own choosing. I'll follow what He teaches me. I'm safest there, in the shelter of His wings.

By the way, all these photos were taken in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee

Thanksgiving is quickly around the bend and I've so much to be grateful for. And...so much in the future to be grateful for. If I were to make a list it would just go on and on and on. So much that the good Lord gives that I have never deserved no matter how good I try to be. For I deserve nothing yet He continually favors me with such rich mercy. And its there for each of us if we just believe in Jesus Christ and give him ourselves and follow His leading. So easy. Turning from sin and toward His teaching just letting Him be the Lord over our lives...these lives that He has given anyway.

Tomorrow is the Lord's day and I'll be in His house as usual. I pray that even tonight He will prepare me for worship. I pray that He will wake me with bright hope and joy as I think of going into His house and having the privilege to worship in freedom in this great country.

Okay, now after 10:00 p.m. I really should be getting my teeth brushed and heading off for a little sleep. So until my next post I hope each of you are looking forward to Thanksgiving and thinking about what you also have to be thankful for. I'll be back soon to add a little more of my life and happenings here in Louisiana. Until then...sleep well. :)

See ya soon !

Choose you this day whom ye will serve.

Joshua 24:15

The Light and the Glory

2010-11-16T21:07:00.000-06:00

Well, I'm back for a bit. I wanted to complete my posting on the Light and the Glory, the book I've been reading by Peter Marshall and David Manuel.

It has been a joy for me to spend my time reading. Finally finishing it this afternoon. It has taken me longer to read it than what it normally would have because of the busyness of my life now. I wanted to add another entry from the book.

Entry 2

God had put a specific "call" on this country and the people who were to inhabit it. In the virgin wilderness of America, God was making His most significant attempt since ancient Israel to create a new Israel of people living in obedience to the laws of God,through faith in Jesus Christ.

Bit by bit, the Light progressed up the West Coast of America and began to reach inland. The pace was slow-no gold was discovered to fire men's greed, and so the only men interested in going there (aside from the missionaries) were a few pioneer ranchers and farmers. "God-forsaken" was what most civilized Spaniards might have called that land.

There, both Spainards and Indians, guided by the example of the selfless lives of the missionaries, learned to put their trust in Him.

The first pinpricks of Christ's Light had arrived in North America; in the span of a century and a half these tiny illuminations had become veritable spearheads of light, thrusting deeper and deeper into the heart of a dark and murderous continent. For darkness is powerless to do anything to light, except recoil before it. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5)

~~~~~~~

And so as I end my few lines from The Light and the Glory perhaps it will encourage you to read it if you are interested in this part of America. The America that the Lord had a wonderful plan for. And still has a plan for if only we as its people will turn our hearts toward Him and confess our sins and allow Him to give us a fresh start.

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

II Chronicles 7:14

With Thanksgiving coming up I'm sure you and yours are making plans for that day. My husband has decided he'd like to just stay home this year. While that is quite strange for us we will try it this year. Every year with the exception of one maybe we have celebrated Thanksgiving at one of our parents home with all of our family there. To be honest, I'm not even good at making cornbread dressing because either my moma or my mother-in-law made it. We'll see. Staying home maybe the end of us staying home when the family eats my dressing. (Ha)

Now it's time for me to close out for the evening. Wishing you a nice end to your day and great opportunities for tomorrow.

Come again really soon :)

Behold, I set before you this day, a blessing and a curse; the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God...

Deuteronomy 11:26-28

The Light and the Glory

2010-11-03T12:46:00.000-05:00

As I said in my last post, I would put a few things from this wonderful book I'm reading down for you. I have been much inspired by it all and still thumb through the ivory pages to glean every bit and morsel of it that I can. So here goes the first of my entries.

Entry 1

Columbus.....We were familiar enough with the schoolbook hero, and our research had given us a new appreciation for his seamanship and navigational abilities. But he was still an enigma, a bronze figure on horseback, his arm outstretched, pointing westward. Would this figure become real for us? What was the man really like, who had written so passionately in his journal of his desire to serve Christ and carry His Light to heathen lands? Only God knew what had been locked in the secret places of his heart; only God could open them to us through revelation.

By the grace of God, as we (the authors of this book) finished our research on Columbus, scenes from his life began to come alive. We could feel the lift of the Santa Maria's after deck beneath our feet, hear the groaning of the masts and yards far above, taste the salt spray on our lips. Next to us stood a tall, lean man, deeply tanned, with squint lines etched at the corners of clear blue eyes. The once-red hair was shot through with gray, but the hand on the taffrail was steady. The voice, passing commands, had the timbre of authority.

Sometimes we would see this man in his moments of supreme triumph and watch with him during the long nights of despair and bitterness. For in Columbus's heart, he was sinner a like the rest of us. That was our point of entry into understanding him. To know Columbus was to know one's own desire for the rewards of this world: fame and power and all manner of ego gratification. So we came to have compassion for him, and to wonder whether, had we been tried and tempted as Columbus was, we would have fared half as well.

The above was taken from Chapter 1

Taken from Columbus's writings:

~~It was the Lord who put into my mind (I could feel his hand upon me) the fact that it would be possible to sail from here to the Indies. All who heard of my project rejected it with laughter, ridiculing me. There is no question that the inspiration was from the Holy Spirit, because He comforted me with rays of marvelous inspiration from the Holy Scriptures...

I am a most unworthy sinner, but I have cried out to the Lord for grace and mercy, and they have covered me completely. I have found the sweetest consolation since I made it my whole purpose to enjoy His marvelous presence. For the execution of the journey to the Indies, I did not make use of intelligence, mathematics or maps. It is simply the fulfillment of what Isaiah had prophesied...

No one should fear to undertake any task in the name of our Saviour, if it is just and if the intention is purely for His holy service. The working out of all things has been assigned to each person by our Lord, but it all happens according to His sovereign will, even though He gives advice. He lacks nothing that it is in the power of men to give Him. Oh, what a gracious Lord, who desires that people should perform for Him those things for which He holds Himself responsible! Day and night, moment by moment, everyone should express their most devoted gratitude to Him. ~~~

And so there it is...my first entry. So much more than I remember being taught in school about Columbus. I am so intrigued in reading his diary thoughts and have a whole new world opened up to me as to his relationship with the Lord and how he felt the Holy Spirit speaking to him. America...so full of promise and a wonderful God who puts ideas in people's minds and plans in their hearts so that they fulfill what he has for them. And only through obedience does He do this.

Be watching... for my next post will bring you further into this story.

oh, do come again :)

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.

Jeremiah 29:11

Welcome Fall and All Other Things

2010-11-02T12:15:00.000-05:00

I'm back in blog land but I really don't know for how long. Our lives have been incredibly busy these days with Mercy's Bridge, caring for precious parents and prison ministry but would we subtract any of it for a more relaxed life? Sometimes when stressed I do think about it, but when given the opportunity to make a choice I always choose the path of service. Why? Because I'm 54 and although I don't know how many healthy years I'll have to do the Lord's work I really want to take advantage of the years I have now. I've been so wonderfully rewarded for all that we do and seriously wouldn't trade any of it for the more settled life. But... there are times when I need to take the Calgon way. You know that old commercial that used to come on with the busy woman retreating to the bathtub taking a Calgon bubble bath. Except for me it is usually a good book that may take me back into the seventeen or eighteen hundreds where I feel so comforted. It may be sitting through an episode of Little House on the Prairie or The Waltons (speaking of which I'm waiting to come on right now).

I love the idea of just getting away from the worldliness of life, stuff, noise and just retreat to the woods, the mountains, or just a pasture somewhere. A place that offers silence from the maddening crowds and too many opinions about things. A place where I can only hear the voice of God refreshing me, leading me into a tranquil place, a place where no one else can come but me and Him...if only for just an hour. I know you must sometimes desire that too.

Even as I type away I'm hearing a voice on TV asking for money to be sent into a ministry. It's funny to me that evangelist beg so for money when they really don't even have to when the people's hearts are right. If you get the heart right you don't have to worry about the money coming in. I tend to flip the channel when I hear those ones talk more about money than the love of God.

Recently we just returned from the Smokies and it was a beautiful trip indeed. The colors hadn't peaked yet but were about to. The reds were just starting to pop out and the weather couldn't have been more majestic. The opportunity to travel with friends, Christian friends at that, and then to top it off get to spend a little time with our daughter and her husband. What more could you ask for? We treasure our time with them. Friends and family.

I've only put up a few of the photos we took but perhaps I'll add more later when time allows. As for now husband and I have been spending some time helping care for his parents, a mother who is recovering from a terrible fall having gotten a broken shoulder and fractured pelvis at the age of 80. She is recovering nicely now and hopefully as each day goes by she will do better and better.

I believe that family is one of the finest things that the Lord ever gave to us. None of us has the power to choose whose family we'll be a part of, that's the job of the Lord, but we do have the power to choose what kind of person we will be within that family. Everything we do or say has some impact on those within our family circle and each day we can either add joy and love to it or take it away. I'm grateful that I have a family and that I get to be a part of it everyday even in some small way.

I've been reading the best book I've read in a long time. It is entitled, The Light and the Glory by Peter Marshall and David Manuel.

If you haven't read it I'd suggest you do for in it you will find much history of our nation and its beginnings and how God had His hand on us from the start. I find myself with highlighter in hand marking many places that I'd like to come back to later and for future reference. Truly God did have a plan for our nation and the people who first came here. It is us who have messed it up and need to turn from our wickedness and get on the right road to change.

In the next few days hopefully I'll add a few things on the blog within this book. Come back to see and hopefully get inspiration for your daily living, perhaps a new outlook on the country you live in. I certainly have.

Okay... I'm off. I hear the Waltons coming on. I'll be back later with more. Oh, and don't forget to vote !

come again :)

For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks and water, of fountains and springs, flowing forth in valleys and hills...a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing, a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you can dig copper. and you shall eat and be full and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you

Deuteronomy 8:7, 9

Day Trip to Woodville, Mississippi

2010-10-02T19:21:00.000-05:00

Okay, I know I said that I was going to take a blogging break and I really meant it although I found myself with a bit of time and thought I'd go ahead and put up a few pictures of our recent ride to an old town in Mississippi. Husband and a few friends are checking into establishing a bit of property around Lake Foster to have access to fish there and he needed to check into a few essentials first. So...our trip to Woodville, Mississippi was put on our agenda.

Many, many years ago when our children were quite small, my in-laws had a camp at Lake Mary along with a few friends and family who also had fishing camps there. Husband and I were young adults back then and we would go occasionally to either stay a night or just a ride there for the day. More often than me, my husband would go with his parents or just with his dad. Our children sometimes went with Mawmaw and Pawpaw and enjoyed being there.

Sometime later they camped at Lake Foster and a few years ago Mr. Kelly, my father-in-law, sold his camp. Now after all these years of raising our children my husband ( I really need to come up with another blog name for him) has decided to fish more and I'm sort of glad for him. It's times like that when he goes fishing or hunting that I get to watch that movie I've wanted or spend mindless minutes reading or sewing. You know a girl needs that sometime.

The little town of Woodville is such a cozy little historic town with old architecture and such a feel of homeness (if there is such a word). I felt comfy there. There were several places we needed to check out to get info we needed like the water company and the court house.

And the Plank's Hardware store where you pay bills for other things than hardware in the back of the store. The old staircase was an eye catcher.

Among the many interesting places I saw were the antique shops that I really wanted to browse through...I could have tarried there for quite sometime if my honey wouldn't have been along. (okay..you know what I mean). Just walking down the sidewalk in front of them was a grand tour to me.

The huge oak tree in front of the historic old courthouse was so beautiful. I suggested to my husband that he go over and climb up in it so I could get a good shot and he replied, "they have a fence around it for a reason". Oh, yes I know. Just kidding. It really would have been a nice picture though.

I would have enjoyed going into this museum. The African American Museum

The Old River Water Company reminded me of something out of Mayberry.

Old vacant house across the street from the water company

Court House

Checking out the lot.

That's me looking oh so forlorn cause I didn't get to go into those antique shops.

Needless to say Woodville was a nice stop on the road in my daddy's old home state. And not far from the place of my birth, Natchez. It would be great to go on more short road trips like this one when the time allows. For now I'm off to do whatever. Maybe a little reading, a little sewing. Or...maybe just continuing to sit here on the carport listening to the birds settle in for the night and feeling the crispness of fall...my favorite season !

Come again really soon if I'm here.

I'm thankful that He has born all my griefs ~~ S.Kelly

Taking a Blogging Break

2010-10-01T21:37:00.001-05:00

I've come to the conclusion that I need to take a blogging break. I haven't been able to update lately because of so many things going on in life right now. We've been spending a great deal of time away from home lately and my mother-in-law has recently fallen and is now in re-hab having broken her shoulder and pelvis. Please pray for her and the family as she recovers. It would be greatly appreciated. I'll be back at a later date.

Until then stay as close to the Lord as you possibly can and rest in His precious promises for your life.

The busyness of life isn't a good trade for the peace we have during our quiet time with the Lord. He just wants us to "be still and know that He is". ~~ S.Kelly

I Haven't Forgotten

2010-09-14T19:37:00.000-05:00

Just thought I'd put up a few pictures. No time to post really but thought I'd let ya'll know that I'm still about.

Hopefully I'll be back at a later date.

Have a good day !

May the Lord keep you in His perfect peace !!!

Family

2010-09-05T18:35:00.000-05:00

On this Sunday afternoon I'm thinking about how important family is. Having gone to church this morning I looked around and saw so many, many people and count them as my church family and I am so grateful for them. But...my own little family is truly where my heart is. We are growing in numbers and as time passes there will be so many that we will not fully know because distance and numbers will make a huge difference. As I look back I have such sweet memories of days gone by when we gathered together in one place and shared meals and memories and stories. As I look back I realize at the time I didn't have a clue how precious those times were. I do now. Now that time has marched on and so many of my loved ones have departed this world. Those that I just sort of thought would always be around. Aunts and uncles, cousins, grandparents and now a dear parent. I wonder why it is that we take such treasures for granted. Why is that we just assume these times will "just" always be.

My brother (purple) and his son-in-law, a friend and my great nephew

At the age of 54 I look back and realize that I have matured so much in my wisdom in certain things and then on the other hand I realize I still have so far to go. At times I feel no different than I did at 20 and then I have to say thank you, Lord that you have brought me so far. So far in what I know and think and even in how I react to situations. I love my family no matter what decisions each chooses and pray for them and hope for them. I know I will see the results of many of those prayers in time and I believe that I may never live to see the results of some of my prayers but rest in the fact that God hears them and will answer according to his "will" somewhere down the road.

My mother

granddaughter, and a niece and great niece

Husband and granddaughter

My oldest sister, Wanda

Family...so precious. Such treasures each one.

Life is worth celebrating even in a small way ~~ S.Kelly

God gave us families. It is up to us to work to keep them together with His help.

Waiting on Fall

2010-08-31T09:28:00.000-05:00

As summer comes to an end I'm welcoming the cooler weather and thinking about autumn things. At Wal-Mart the other day I purchased a few fall flowers to arrange in containers for the inside of the house and I'm thinking about what would be good to plant on the outside. I'm not really much of a gardner but I'd like to be. Of course I always have so many irons in the fire at once that there really isn't much time to add another thing. If I weren't like this there would be no me. I'm so used to busyness and I don't think I would know how to exist otherwise.

The picture above is of a rainbow I saw while at my brother's house. Just a reminder of how wonderful God is at keeping His promises. I just love having a camera around to get those priceless moments.

My oldest sister and a friend of hers has been here for a few days and it was an enjoyable time. While they were here we made a trip to Brookhaven, Mississippi to visit our aunt and uncle. They have a lovely place and a bit of a small farm. Of course I was in hog heaven as our daddy would say. I got a shot of our mother petting the goat.

They have four beautiful little horses and a whole bunch of other animals of which I'd just love to feed every day. The little horse you see here is named Heidi.

While there we enjoyed a great lunch and good visiting. I just love time with family. There isn't anything that can compare to it.

I was glad that Aunt Judy was able to spend time with us. She is battling bone cancer and has been since 1992. A year ago last April she chose not to take anymore chemo. She is tired of all that stuff and everything that goes along with it. So far she has been okay. I just pray that it will last. I know I am hoping and that only the good Lord knows how things will play out. It's good to know we are in His hands.

As I sit here on the swing I am enjoying the sunshine of the morning and the gentle breeze that is blowing. The grass was cut yesterday and there is a stump that is slowing burning away near me. The smell of it reminds me of winter and the coziness of home. The longing in my heart of simpler times and family remains and it is a good feeling. I love the fall and as it nears I will love and appreciate it with a whole heart. I will relish in the memories of the past of those in the family that have gone on before me and rest in the sweet faithfulness of my Father's love towards me and mine.

May you have a beautiful day and rest in His love also

There are reminders of Him everywhere I look in nature. I'm glad He left His handprint on the world.

~~ S.Kelly

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Life's Blessings

2010-08-11T22:21:00.000-05:00

When I look back at life I have to say how wonderful the Lord has been to me. Even in the hard times He has shown His devotion and faithfulness to me in ways that I cannot even comprehend.

Today has been one of those good days when as a parent I can rejoice in the accomplishments of my children. Our daughter was named 1st runner up for teacher of the year in Greenville County on the district level. As a parent I am thrilled for her and thankful for all that she has achieved. I've seen her take some of life's most disappointing moments when she could have given up and thrown in the towel to put in so much effort and fortitude to push forward and find something to put her talents and hard work into. She has shown that a positive attitude and faith in a living God can take you places you would not have been able to go to otherwise. When I look at both of my children I realize that the moment I was told that I was expecting them I was given such a rich, rich gift. A gift that would gradually unfold just as a rose does. Slowly and fragrantly offering such a rare sweetness. And the wonderful thing about all of it, that gift just keeps unfolding. I see each of them moving into a closer relationship and knowledge of our God, most of the time not knowing what lies ahead on their journey but always trusting and learning to lean on Him.

So, congratulations Shasta on a job well done. Your students will be the recipients of your talent and skill and the world will be a better place because you and others like you are investing in our country's future.

Do come again really soon :)

The more I know about the Bible the less I realize I know . It just keeps on giving .~~S.Kelly

Pics From the Past

2010-08-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

As I sit here on the sofa every now and then taking a look at the television I have decided to put up a few pictures from the months behind us now. I love to look back at memories captured in pictures. Especially of children because they change so much and it is so hard to get enough pictures of always growing children.

Seasons change and sometimes we barely even recognize that they do until we are deep into them shivering from the cold or trying to stay cool in the heart of the summer. School here has resumed and it just seems like it has come so fast. I really don't think very many children were ready to go back, but thank the good Lord above we do have air conditioning. I'm old enough to remember when we didn't have it in our schools, but I really don't remember it bothering us the way it does now.

Summer activities are nearly at their end and it is time to start thinking about fall and what we'll be doing then. Already I see fall decorations in the stores and I really love them. I've always loved the season and the beautiful colors. Certainly my favorite. I'm reminded at this moment of how the Lord gives us such variety in His world. Just when we tire of one season He brings another and so it goes year after year.

Just last night at our Ladies Bible Study we began the first chapter of the book of Genesis. Things were brought out last night that I really never have thought too much about until now. Like how totally dependent Adam and Eve were on their Father, God. They weren't influenced by anyone else because there was no one else (that is before Satan arrived on the scene) and they enjoyed uninterrupted joy while walking through the garden with God. Everything they needed to know was supplied by God. They had no mother or daddy, no sisters or brothers, or grandparents. No ancestors. Total, complete attention from God alone. This study is going to prove to be the best yet I think. I'm really wanting to dig in on this one.

As the summer ends I will be saying goodbye to one of my wee ones, little A. She will be starting preschool on Monday and it seems like just a short while ago that she came to us. We have had the privilege of watching her grow and become herself. I have to say thank you to the good Lord above for the gift that he has given to me in caring for this wee one. Each one that has stayed with us has been a joy and given so much to us without even knowing it.

Green grass, sunshine, sweet little children, chatter, a playful puppy and time. A good recipe for a good day. We've had our share of those and pray that they will continue. Oh, sweet summer, I truly enjoy you. I just wish that you could be a bit cooler so that we could spend more of you outside instead of in the air conditioning. I feel we are missing you.

Granddaughters and dresses, bows and other such sweet things come my way now and then and it too is a joy. I have only one regret and that is that I don't have enough time to enjoy them enough before they grow up. Oh so growing up too fast. Way too fast.

Beautiful long hair that has been donated to Locks of Love now and the precious new haircut that is much easier to handle for a six year old. And really cute too. Not nearly as many tangles and so much easier to comb out.

Sweet antics of a playful child that amuse us in so many delightful ways.

Such kissable little cheeks and the bluest of eyes. I'm gonna miss those.

Energetic little boys and many things to explore. I love watching this wee one discover his world.

Two of the loves of my life. Playing with each other and making memories.

I've enjoyed snapping pictures of these, part of my heart. I'm sure I'll be snapping many more too.

Well, I've come to the end of my little journey for now. When I get myself enough time I'd like to do this again and maybe in a little more detail. Not too much time to think about such these days.

Hope you and yours have a wonderful end of the summer.

Enjoy it while you can. It will soon be gone.

looking forward to another visit :)

the more I'm in His Word, the better I know Him ~~ S.Kelly

2010-08-08T16:42:00.000-05:00

Here I am back once again to try to catch up on life. At least what's happening with us and our lives. As I think about how our lives are now I have to be honest and say that what we live now although good can't compare to our lives a few years ago. When we were raising our children we were in the very midst of the most wonderful lives. At the time I couldn't have imagined how much life would change once the children grew up and left home. Now, we are living full lives, but not nearly the same. There is just something that's missing. And all of you out there in blog land who truly enjoyed having your children around know exactly what I mean.

About a week ago husband and I had the opportunity to go to the Smoky Mountains on a short vacation, actually a long weekend (being in business for yourselves you can only do that and yet we are grateful). While there our daughter and her husband drove up from South Carolina to meet us and spend some time. We ate supper together and they spent the night and then fairly early the next morning we went Zip Lining.

It was our first time doing such an adventure- for all of us and we certainly enjoyed it. Matter of fact we plan to do it again someday.

Well, as usual I'm rushed to go somewhere so I'll close out until next time. Hope to post more later.

come again :)

When I can't find quiet time with Him, I lose my peace ~~S.Kelly

2010-07-27T08:47:00.000-05:00

As this day slowly unfolds I'm reminded of how good God is. He sees to it that the sun always comes up and we get everything we are in need of. I haven't been out this morning to greet the day, but I plan to later. The wee ones have arrived in bright fashion already, meaning they are ready to get busy with the day. While they watch a cartoon I busily write this blog. We don't watch much television during our stays together. We do a lot of reading and spending time together, but once in a blue moon I switch on the television and let them watch something. I really don't like that the tv can become a babysitter. I don't want to pass up times that are so teachable. Even when we read together I really don't like just quickly going through a book just to finish it. I like that we take a little time to point out things. Like how many fingers are on that hand and which one is the thumb. Little snippets that help them to learn simple things.

I love home. I know I probably say that a lot. I really do. My closets are full and sometimes husband says I need to clean them out and yes I have, but most of the time the majority of the stuff goes back in there. It consist of all the stuff that makes our life. Craft supplies for little and big hands, musical stuff, sewing junk here and there, golf stuff and all that hunting stuff that may only be used one season a year but so very important. It's a life. Our life. And... when you look in the closets it is very evident that we do something besides just sit in a chair. I love it. I'm loving this life as hard as it can become at times.

Tomorrow we'll take off for the Smoky Mountains for a long weekend. I so love the mountains. It's funny how some things change as you grow older. I remember how when I was younger I would have rather gone to the beach or something. Now the mountains have such a comforting appeal to me. We'll stay in a cabin and just enjoy the time there probably wishing we could make it a bit longer.

Today I'll pack most of our stuff and get that last load of laundry in the wash before the day ends. Or perhaps tomorrow the last load will go in. Now, that's more like it. More than likely that's what will happen. I know me too well.

As for today we'll do our best to stay cool in this weather. This south Louisiana weather that we so complain about and then just love when you think that we could be living in the Artic somewhere. It is more bearable that way. (Ha!)

So for today I hope that you and yours will make the day a good one no matter what comes your way just knowing that the Lord is still in complete control of all that happens to us and that He never allows anything to touch us before He gives His approval and before He equips us to handle it.

Come by to see me again. I love that you visit :)

Man's opinions shouldn't matter to me nearly as much as God's. He is the one I answer to anyway~~S.Kelly

It's Our Responsibility

2010-07-24T22:04:00.000-05:00

The last couple of days there has been something in my life that just hasn't been quite right. Much like a heaviness that doesn't seem to go away. I've pretty much come to the conclusion that I know what it is now. I haven't been in the Word very deeply. Sure I've read bits and pieces of it and still talking to the Lord but still the depth of my peace has been amiss. Just this evening I've pulled out a soundtrack that I will sing to tomorrow and begun to play it over and over and sat at my little table and read a few scriptures that are near to my heart and I've really been thinking. It's like the Lord of my life is saying to me, 'you've not been really spending any quality time with me'. Makes me think that sometimes our relationships with people are sometimes like that. We meet in various places whether it be in the grocery store, in the aisles of the church, at the mall and yet the best we have to offer is a quick 'how are you' or a 'call me sometime' but we never really make it a point to go and sit down with that person and have heart to heart talks and say the things that really need to be said.

It's been bothering me that as I go about my busyness in the world getting all my stuff attended to that there are many people that I pass everyday who know nothing about the wonderful Lord that I know.

I realize they may never know unless I tell them and so I'm reminded that it's my responsibility to tell them. Matter of fact, it is all of our responsibility. Those of us who know Him. He has given each of us a task, to make sure that we are His witnesses.

More and more everyday I see that the fields are white and ready to be gathered. But... where are the harvesters?

So many times I think I may be doing pretty good at spreading the beautiful gospel, but when I really take inventory I realize I have much yet to be done. May you and I not be slothful in doing the work in the fields. I don't want to be ashamed on the day when the Lord stands before me.

I want to see the fruit and I know that you do too. So beginning tomorrow I want to be even more diligent about the life that I live. That I won't so easily allow the evil one to steal my joy over silly things and even when major things arise that I may be found to be faithful in believing that He Is Able to keep that which I committed to Him and that He will always be faithful to carry me through.

Matthew 28:18

Go therefore and make disciples in all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this-that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.

the Living Bible

Makin' a Cake on a Summer Day

2010-07-16T16:09:00.001-05:00

On this fine summer day I have made a cake that I haven't made in quite some time. It is really very easy so I wanted to share it with you. And... I have already tried it out and it is good !

German Chocolate Upside Down Cake

1 cup coconut

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 German chocolate cake mix

1 stick butter or margarine

1 (8oz.) pkg. cream cheese

1 box (I think it is 16oz.) confectioner's sugar

1. Spread coconut and pecans on bottom of a well-greased and floured 9x13 inch pan.

(I didn't flour my pan and it was fine)

(also I used a round crock-like pan and it was good)

2. Make cake according to directions and pour over coconut and pecans.

3. Melt butter and cream cheese over low heat. Stir in confectioners' sugar. Blend well.

4. Pour cream cheese mixture over cake.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 to 50 minutes. Cool completely--preferably over-night- before serving.

~~~ Claire Ford~~~

I used the eggs we got at the farm yesterday. Fresh !

This is what it looked like before being put into the oven.

Ooo La La ! When you cut a piece you can flip it over onto a saucer and the bottom becomes the top with lots of coconut and pecans !!

Enjoy!

It's nice that you stopped by once again !

The Lord supplies us with His riches and bounty from above and only ask that we believe and live for Him. ~~S.Kelly

Visiting the Farm

2010-07-14T21:08:00.000-05:00

As we woke this morning if proved to be a warm one again and the sun soon popped out in bright fashion. Little A was the only wee one today and so she and I spent some of the morning eating our breakfast and washing a few clothes, straightening the house a little bit and then we embarked on a short journey. A field trip of sorts. Heading down Lockhart Rd. we made a meandering way to Hwy. 16 and turned on Temptation Ave. (no such avenue really, just my name for it because there is a fast food place on every corner).

Not far down Hwy. 16 is the nearest little farm that I know of. Mr. J.N. Shilling's place. After seeing farm fresh eggs in my in-laws refrigerator and finding out they came from his place my wheels began turning and I thought that might be a good idea to get a dozen for myself. And plus the last time I passed the drive I remembered seeing this sign that said "baby pigs". I thought it might be a neat place to bring my grandchildren to see. Well, since Little A was there we went and this is what we found.

The long driveway that leads off the main highway from a very busy traffic area to a tranquil country lane.

As soon as we got out of the car this is what we see. Donkeys in the pasture.

A friendly pot-bellied pig named "Sally"

A huge turkey, not being saved for Thanksgiving. I asked.

Jack Russell Terriers for sale

Racoons

A sweet little calf

A huge hog

goats

And last but certainly not least, Mr. J.N.

Needless to say we had a nice little trip. Perhaps we'll do it again soon.

Come again :)

Our God has created all things for His pleasure and we are blessed to be a part of it ~~S.Kelly

Sweet Summer Days

2010-07-13T18:46:00.001-05:00

These are the lazy days of summer. Although we are in the midst of summer around here we are still very busy and it seems like we have trouble just making ourselves go at a slower speed. Husband likes to be on the go all the time, not me. Sometimes I like to get up in the morning and go out and sit on the carport or way back in the yard and just gradually let the day begin. Do I ever get to do that? Not much.

Sometimes the summer slips away without me really even knowing that it came except that I'm quite reminded by the heat. These 90 plus degree days are here to stay it looks like.

Last night the grand baby girls came to spend the night. We piled up in the toy room bed and read books until SJ finally nodded off in peaceful sleep and SC continued to talk for awhile until this grammy got too tired to last much longer. It reminded me so much of when my children were small and we used to do the same thing. Reading until the last book was finished and I tired of reading the same ole books over and over.

Early this morning I rose and began the coffee and picked up a bit before the girls got up. Like a little mouse sneaking around in the room I turned and there was SJ already up at 6:30 a.m. And not much further behind her was SC. They were waiting for one of the wee ones, Little A , to come so that they could play.

I prepared a breakfast of scrambles eggs, grits, sausage, and jelly toast and the four of us enjoyed breakfast together. Husband has already long gone to work.

As you looked around the house today there would be no mistaking that there are children in the house and more than one. I have been truly blessed by the presence of children. They are life in the house. And they don't even have to be your own.

The morning found us outside a bit early before the heat became unbearable. Mostly they played in the gravel searching for rocks to paint. Nature provides so many neat things for children to become involved in.

And...so...I love these little girls who have added so much joy to my life. So much quality time which has been spent and so much learning done by me taught by them. I could be doing a number of things now that I'm past raising my own children, but, would it be so filling, so rewarding. And would I get so many hugs and "grammy I love yous" and "mrs.sandra I love yous" ? I don't think so.

if you would please, stop by again really soon :)

everyday I wake, I realize I need Him ~~S.Kelly

These busy days !

2010-07-08T15:45:00.000-05:00

Okay, here I am and have no pics to post today. Just wanted to let everyone know that I'm still around, just not able to take time to blog much. Mrs. Ruth, my mother-in-law, is out of the hospital and recovering nicely from a fall over a week ago. A fractured pelvis isn't an easy thing for an 80 year old. But, she is doing surprisingly well and has maintained her sense of humor. She still needs a bit of help getting out of bed and to the bathroom but that will come in time.

This afternoon I'm at home doing a little catch up on laundry and mending a few clothes. I love, love that sewing machine and sometimes wish I had at least an hour, a very peaceful hour without hearing a voice from the kitchen saying "come here ". All of you know exactly what I'm talking about. I love that husband but sometimes... tee hee.

Our grass is in need of cutting and I think we'll do that tomorrow. Husband plans to play a bit of golf in the morning and me, I'll probably check on Mrs. Ruth and spend a bit of time there helping her to get around and back to a normal routine. Thankfully I have a sister-in-law who has been great help also.

Sometimes life throws us a curve ball and we have to be ready to catch it. I think that is one reason it is good to stay in the Word. It is good to be prepared before the storm hits instead of grasping for help when it has already landed. There is much peace there. Believe me.

One day I'll figure out all the stuff this blogging site has to offer and maybe I'll be really good at it. Like I said, one day. Until then I'm completely content in just typing a few words and posting a few pics. If you haven't ever had the chance to visit my daughter's blogspot, then you might want to do so. Warning ! (tee hee) she's pretty much like her daddy and doesn't mind voicing her own opinion. She speaks the truth and gives her honest opinion on several things. That's one of her strong qualities. You know where she stands.
scriptedbyshasta.blogspot.com Try it you may like it.

Better run. Much to do .

Come again :0)

He is my best friend through thick and thin ! ~~S.Kelly

2010-07-04T22:57:00.001-05:00

As I sit here in the recliner I am hearing the sounds of fireworks going off. I haven't really thought much about today being July 4th. With my mother-in-law being in the hospital after a fall that fractured her pelvis our thoughts have been mostly on her and our time has been mostly spent at the hospital. Tonight others in the family are staying there with her and we are at home for now.

Life has changed so much from what we have been used to over the years. We are now in a new phase of life which requires much change in us. Our children having gone from the nest many years ago and now our parents aging it is a strange place to be. But, I can thank the good Lord above that we have lived to see these changes. It is good to remain optimistic about such. Life goes on and we have choices in how we look at life from these foreign angles. I do have to admit that when our children were being raised those were the most precious times of our lives and now we are rebuilding. When we were raising our children all our energies and plans were about them and rightfully so. That is the way we wanted it. We are in transition now. As my daddy used to say when the children were about to leave home, "so ya'll will be dating again". I guess that's one way to look at it.

Today I'm very thankful to live in America. Our wonderful "free" country. I'm grateful that I still have the freedom to worship where and when I want to. I'm grateful that I can still have choices about so many things and that I don't have to go out in fear everyday. So many have died so that I could be living this way and that makes me so grateful. I still am so proud that I can say "God Bless America" and not have to worry about being carried away and put in prison. I love this country !

My post won't be very long this time as has been the case for awhile now. Life is busy and I really don't have much time to sit and write anything of great thought. It seems I don't have too much time to be inspired these days and eventually that may come back so do come back from time to time. You just don't know what you may find here. I just may surprise you and really write something that you really would be inspired in reading. As for now simple posts will have to do.

Stop by again soon :)

Whither shall I go from thy Spirit or whither shall I flee from thy presence. If I ascend up into heaven thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there; if I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there will thy hand guide me and thy right hand shall hold me.

Psalm 139:7-10

Sharing an Easy Recipe

2010-06-30T11:18:00.000-05:00

Shasta's Corn Chowder

This is a really easy recipe to try especially if you like corn and chicken.

If you have a crock pot all you have to do is mix it up in there and turn it on low until it is heated if you want to eat it a little later. If you need it quick you can do it on the stove.

Thanks Shasta ! Enjoy!

come again :)

Wives in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

I Peter 3:1-2

Celebrating Our Daughter's 35th Birthday

2010-06-29T18:27:00.000-05:00

Today, June 29th, is the 35th birthday of our daughter. She lives far away otherwise we would probably be celebrating it right now. It truly doesn't seem like it should be that long ago that we started a life with her. She came into the world on a Sunday night at 11:30 p.m. at Woman's Hospital. As her daddy drove me to the hospital with my mother-in-law in the passenger seat and me sitting between them both I wondered if we were going to make it to the hospital at all. There was a drizzling rain coming down and I remember it pretty well. He had the flashers on and we were making our way fighting traffic which he thought was way too slow. Between his mother and me we continued to say we were in no great hurry. To no avail. He was flashing the lights and insisting that everybody just move out of the way. A typical expectant father in my opinion. We really didn't know what to expect. We were young and knew very little about being parents or about giving birth and all the stuff that goes along with it.

She was safely delivered and we had our family there to celebrate with us. As I spent my time in the recovery room not even knowing what took place in the delivery room everyone else saw her before I did.

It was an exciting time for the two of us as we learned how to be parents and tried to figure out all the ins and outs of caring for an infant. Even hiccups were a major thing for us as we called someone to help us know what to do. As I look back I am amazed that everything turned out as well as it did. I know that the good Lord was right there showing us how to do so many things. Now all these years later we are just as proud of her now as we were back then. We have a little wisdom under our belts now but certainly still have to depend on the Lord everyday to protect her and her brother and guide them in this life.

She is a wonderful Auntie to her two niece's and I believe that they love her with a perfect love. Although she lives so many miles away with her husband she is so good at keeping in touch with all of us. She doesn't seem so far away because of that and because of that wonderful little tool called FaceBook.

And so for today I'm thinking about the birth of our first child and only daughter and I am forever grateful.

Happy Birthday Shasta

We Love You

Mercy's Bridge sings at Feliciana Baptist Church- Clinton, LA

2010-06-28T14:34:00.000-05:00

Mercy's Bridge had the wonderful opportunity to share the gospel again through music at church out in the country. Just driving out there was pleasant and it made me think about how much I love, love the country.

I just wanted to post a few pictures of the evening and the happenings of Mercy's Bridge.

Setup before the presentation

Mr. Roy Dupre comes every now and then and plays along with us

Sitting around waiting for time to pass before the service began

That's Mrs. Elaine in the center. She comes with her husband, Mr. Roy.

Next to her is Liz, our bass player's wife. They are all special people.

Ricky Lee and his new bride, Tiffany.

If you ever have the chance to hear Ricky sing you better take it. He has a great voice and sings solo.

He does the Hinson stuff.

I'll be back again some time later. Maybe not today, but soon.

thanks for the visit :)

everyday I have to remind myself that I'm the branch and I must abide in the vine which is the Lord and Savior. That is the stuff that make life good. ~~S.Kelly

Grammy's Heart

Sunday

Alzheimer's Blogs and Me

This Is My Life

Already December

Life Goes On

No Words Just Pictures

Mercy's Bridge Gospel Group

Remembering the Past

Moving On

A Second Wind

And Life Goes On...

Happy Birthday, Shasta

Me and Books

Our Daddy

~~This Moment~~

Little Girls and Birthdays

On A Journey

Watchin the Mississippi

I Paid $50 for a Little Sunshine

I've Been Busy

Easter Preparations

Louisiana Style

Looking for Home

A Bit Here, A Bit There

Snippets of Family

Happy Birthday, Larry

Popping In For A Moment

Home and Bread

Navigating Waters Unknown

Just For A Little While

I Haven't Forgotten

Just Checking In

When the Waiting on God is Hard

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Prep and Other Good Stuff

Thanksgiving- A Little Closer

Following Where He Leads Me

The Light and the Glory

The Light and the Glory

Welcome Fall and All Other Things

Day Trip to Woodville, Mississippi

Taking a Blogging Break

I Haven't Forgotten

Family

Waiting on Fall

Life's Blessings

Pics From the Past

It's Our Responsibility

Makin' a Cake on a Summer Day

Visiting the Farm

Sweet Summer Days

These busy days !

Sharing an Easy Recipe

Celebrating Our Daughter's 35th Birthday

Mercy's Bridge sings at Feliciana Baptist Church- Clinton, LA

This Moment