Lent... or Lint!

So yesterday was Ash Wednesday. What exactly does that mean? I'm not trying to cause problems and I certainly don't mean to question your beliefs or practices.... just wondering.

When I was growing up, in a Preacher's family, we never celebrated Lent. My friends that lived across the street were very religious and diligent and did give up something for Lent. The daddy even fasted! WHOA! I remembered being very impressed and confused about the whole thing and tried to ask questions, but no one could explain it well enough that I grasped the principle...

Like WHY did I have to eat my yucky veggies just because there were starving children in Africa. I would have gladly sent them all to them. How did it help THEM if I ate something I didn't want?

So... how does it help if I give up chocolate or Facebook or coffee or cokes for Lent? Again, please don't think I'm judging or being critical - I just am truly not understanding the reasons.

Truthfully, as a child I thought they were all talking about this.... lint...

That really confused me. I for SURE didn't want to give up something important to me for this pile of trash!

Seriously, I do understand now. We are supposed to be connecting to the suffering of Jesus. That He gave up heaven for us. We should be willing to willingly give up something - live the sacrificed life.

Somehow, all this seems to bring me much guilt and condemnation. Almost like broken New Year's resolutions affect me. I've never been able to reach the goal and about 2 days into my "giving up" I forget and do it anyway. Yes, I repent and then start again, only to fall flat again and again. I finally just give up and forget Lent.

I was reading my friend Pam's blog, Lace and Southern Grace, and she was saying that she is not giving UP anything, but she is giving! I love that!!!!

A GREAT idea and concept. I agree with that. I can do that! Our sacrifice should be more about giving, doing for others and concentrating on Jesus and not on ourselves.

The other way I was always concerned with "me" and my religious activity. I think we should live a fasted LIFE, not Lent. It should be a lifestyle and not something we give up for a short time (albeit 40 days can seem like a lifetime). If we are counting the days down until we can eat chocolate or drink coke, then has it really made a difference?

Just sayin....
For me it works to forget Lent - but not forget the principle of living a sacrificial life of praise and giving and serving.

So, for Life this year, I want to give of myself. Give more time to study the Word and in prayer. I want to give love and joy. I want to help where I can. I want to be more thoughtful and kind. I want to live in the Fruit of the Spirit. I think this will glorify Jesus and be more of what He would want more than me failing to keep my word and promise to give up chocolate, etc....

I am not trying to set the standard for what you do or believe... please hear my heart. I'm just sharing what I feel I need to do.

Blessings on you for however you chose to prepare for the Resurrection of our Lord.

Olympic Random Dozen

My answers to Linda's Olympic Random Dozen

1. If you could compete in one Olympic event (not necessarily winter sports) what would it be?

I would be a gymnast. I used to do gymnastics and dreamed of being that graceful and talented.

2. Do remember a specific Olympic moment from the past?

The year the Olympics were in Atlanta, our 2nd son and his best friend won tickets to the Olympics. They were seniors in high school and on their way off to college.

3. Have you ever known anyone who competed in the Olympics?

Yes, we got to know a track gold medalist when we were students at ORU. I thought it was Jackie Joiner Kersey, but Hugsum said it was not. Anyway, whoever it was, she was a Christian and we were in a Bible study together.

4. If everyday activities were Olympic-worthy, which activity would you have a gold medal in?

Child care and training...

5. Do you know anything about your ethnic heritage?

Yes. My maternal grandmother was mostly Cherokee Indian and Grandaddy was French/English. My Paternal grandparents were Scotch/Irish and French. My great great something grandfather was born in a covered wagon in Tennessee. We have lots of relatives in Oklahoma because one of the "greats" came out here as a circuit riding Methodist preacher.

6. Do you enjoy sleeping late?

I need an interpretation, please. I have no idea. If I get to sleep until 7 then I feel like I've slept late. I have vague memories of sleeping much later than that...

7. Have you ever performed CPR on anyone? Do you know how? (Yes, that's two, I know. Whatevs.)

No... No... except for the fact that one of the grandchildren got choked on a piece of candy this morning and my daughter snatched her up and turned her upside down. I used to do that when mine were little. But, haven't had to do anything like that in a very long time. Don't want to ever have to do it.

8. Name one country you'd like to visit and explain why.

I would love to go to Israel again. It is like coming home. It fits and feels wonderful. It is awe inspiring. It is emotional. It is beautiful and meaningful. I would go back in a heart beat.

9. Have you ever fixed up a couple romantically?

I tried to fix my children up, but it never worked out (thank goodness!). Never was able to fix anyone up.

10. What is the last book you read?

Right now I'm reading "You Can Still Wear Cute Shoes" by Lisa McKay... a GREAT book and I recommend it to everyone.

11. Do you enjoy sleeping late? NO, YOU write the question! How's that for random??

What news shows do you watch and why?
Well, thanks for asking... I watch Fox news... mainly because that is what Hugsum watches. If it were not for him, I probably would never watch news. I don't like to watch news shows because they beat a dead horse to death! Just keep trying to put a new spin on the same ole same ole...
Besides it just gets depressing!

12. What is your favorite meal at your favorite restaurant?

We just got back from Pei Wei (AGAIN). Right now it is Hugsum's favorite place to eat a good reasonable salad. I got the Vietnamese chicken salad rolls. They were delicious. Most everything there is good.

Now, go on over to Linda's at 2nd Cup of Coffee and see what else people have to say.
Blessings~

A "typical" day at my house...

Here is a shot of my world... The fun, the mess, the activity ....

Valentine's and Birthday Wishes...

I'm a little late in posting yet ANOTHER birthday wish! Yikes, I have gotten so bad this year! I missed our 2nd son's birthday on Jan 12, our oldest son's on Jan 31. I did get grandson #1 covered, but then I missed our youngest daughter's birthday on Feb 14. Yep, she was a Valentine baby.

Here is a picture when she came home from the hospital. Stephen had just turned 6, John 3, Rebekah was about 18 months old... Sarah was my gift of love. Now, she has a baby! At the time this picture was taken, I did not dream of my life and how full it would be... nor could I ever imagine that these four would grow up and have children of their own. But, they did!

I hope that you all had a very good Valentine's day. We were in Oz, of course. On Valentine's eve we went to a special dinner given in the "Cowboy Capital" of Lenepah. It was a nice, different night. A local evangelist put on the event. He gave gifts to everyone and lots of prizes and provided the meal. He did not take up an offering or ask for money.

That night there were about 100 people in attendance. A poll was taken and gifts given to the couples married the longest. There were 2 couples there married over 64 years. Also, 8 couples there married over 50 years!!!! Imagine!!! Not only are these people living a long good life in mind, and body, but also in love and marriage! We were so amazed! Lest you think it was only old people, there was also a prize given for a couple married the shortest time ( about a year). There were lots of little kids running around in their cowboy boots and hats. Even the most well coiffed ladies with fancy sweaters, jackets and blouses had on their jeans and boots...

Sunday morning we had a couple in church who celebrated their 65th anniversary! Like I said, these people have a secret to a long and happy life!

About Valentines Day.... We have a long standing tradition of celebrating. Hugsum always out does himself. He loves to give cards and I get many. He has been known to give roses and candy and diamonds. I love them, but have finally told him not to give candy (PLEASE)! Flowers are hard to carry on trips and hide, so I knew they were not an option.

My favorite gifts are normally just cash... just give me money, honey! That way, I can shop and get good deals and have the fun of the hunt....

But, I need to backtrack. During the summer I got a mini stepper at a garage sale. I paid $5. It sat right in front of my computer. I stood on it most of the day. I had really toned up and loved it. The grandkids also really enjoyed playing on it (of course, supervised) and Posey stood on one side and I would do the other side up and down. She learned to say "uuuuuuuppppppp, dnnnnnnn". (so cute!)

Well, one sad day, I was diligently stepping away when a crunching sound occurred along with a sinking feeling. Yeah, it died. I didn't feel so bad because, like I said, I only paid $5.... then I started trying to find another one on Craigslist. I was not able to find one. Well, I did, but it was $40 - used and the person lived out of town.

I had not mentioned to Hugsum that I wanted another one. I just quietly looked for one. I just really REALLY did want one. I missed it. I had begun to gain weight. I am great at "working out" at home. (I say that very loosely - the working out part). The point is, I will not go anywhere to work out. I just don't enjoy changing clothes that much - nor do I enjoy showing off my athletic "ability" in public for others to laugh. I will, however, exercise in the privacy of my home in my own clothes (gown) for no one else to see.

So, I got up Valentines morning and there by my computer in Oz was a box... yep! Hugsum had replaced my mini stepper with a BRAND NEW ONE!!!! He knew! He figured it out! WOW.... he really did score big!

It has found it's home in front of my computer. Fits perfectly. It makes the trip back and forth to Oz. That is the beauty of it. It is light and portable.

What a wonderful day I had... then today we took the day off and just hung out together. We ate lunch at Cosi, went to the movie (finally got to see Blindside) and then stopped at Pei Wei and picked up our supper.

Great day! Great Valentines Day! Great Hugsum!
Blessings~

Email me...

Please remember that my blog is temporarily "open" to all readers. I go back and forth from "private" to "open". If you will give me your email address, I will invite you and then you can read my words of wisdom (hahahahhhhhaaaaaaa) anytime you'd like.
Thanks!
Blessings~

A New Age...

Today is Noah's 4th birthday! He is so proud and so big! He is my first grandchild!

I can still remember "the" call. We were in the middle of a move. We had thought we were moving closer to our daughter and then found we were moving another 4 hours farther away! Not only from her, but from everyone in the family!

We had our truck loaded and we were staying in a motel until "moving day". We had a couple of days and we were enjoying our time. Hugsum and I were walking around Lake Loretta in Albany when my phone rang. We were about to reach the area that is lined with overhanging trees. My daughter called and we were just nonchalantly talking when she said, "oh, guess who's pregnant!". I innocently asked, "who?". She said, "ME!!!"

I immediately began to cry. Hugsum couldn't figure out what was wrong and so I handed him the phone for her to tell him. We began laughing and crying and jumping around.

It began to rain and we ran under the trees and did the happy dance. We danced and laughed and skipped around the lake talking and dreaming about our wonderful new grandchild.

He changed my life. He rocked my world. He took me to a whole 'nother level... He changed me from just "momma" to GRANDmomma! Yeah... it is a wonderful place to be.

He is a sweet caring, loving grandson. He gets so excited and appreciates everything. What a fun fella he is! What a blessing and joy and pleasure! He is so loved!

He had to grow up quickly because before he was 3, he had 2 little sisters. Now, he is a wonderful help and so sweet and gentle with the little ones. Here he is loving his newest little cousin. Here are my oldest and youngest grandchildren together!

I'm very blessed to have seven grandchildren. I love them all and have been just as excited and blessed by the announcement of each one. They add so much joy and love to our lives!

Happy Happy Birthday to grandson #1!!!

Blessings~

Random Dozen and a giveaway from Lid!

1. Are you pleasant when you're ill, or are you a grumpy, fussy patient?

I THINK I'm pleasant. I am normally asleep and don't ask for anything - BUT, I really don't want to be bothered... I mean... just LEAVE ME ALONE!!!! But, I'm sweet about saying, "no thank you, I don' t want/need anything"...

I'm not going to ask anyone in the family, though. I just choose to believe that I'm pleasant. That's my final answer!

2. When you find out that school is canceled (due to inclement weather) what is your gut reaction?

Excitement... It is left over from when I was a little girl and got out of school. Now, the only person in our family who is in school is our daughter, who is in nursing school and I keep her kids... so, I guess I can still get excited.

3. What is one domestic skill you wish you could improve?

Only ONE???? You mean besides cleaning, laundry and cooking??? Maybe gardening...

4. Do you decorate your home for Valentine's Day?

I have in the past, but don't so much now. Really I never did very much because it is our youngest daughter's birthday. We tried to not take away from her special day.

5. What song is on your mind today?

"The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round"... only because that is what is on tv right now and the grandkids are watching it.

6. Do you prefer contemporary movies or classic?

If it is a good love story, then I prefer contemporary. Otherwise, I prefer the classic. I don't care for all the violence and weirdness of many of the contemporary movies today.

7. How well do you "compartmentalize" your feelings? For example, how well can you put aside a really trying moment to deal with the immediate situation which is not related to the trying moment, e.g., putting aside a tiff with your spouse in order to finish wallpapering a room.

I think I do very well. I am good at "stuffing" my feelings. I don't think that is good. It always resurfaces. But, being in the ministry, I usually just don't allow my hurts and pains and anger show and pour myself into whatever else is at hand.

8. What is the first thing that attracted you to your spouse? (Or if you're single, to your best friend.)

Looks... I was totally shallow. My heart jumped and all I could think about was that I wanted to marry him... I feel immediately into lust. But, it has lasted almost 37 years and going strong!

9. When was the last time your heart raced?

At the dentist when they gave me the anesthetic. They warned me, so I was not alarmed so my heart would race even faster!

10. What are your memories of Valentine's Day at school?

We always gave Valentines to every one in the class at school. It was the "rule" so everyone had the same number. You just HAD to give them out - even to the yucky boys! My favorite ones had a sucker with them. I don't remember any Valentine's Days in high school. I was so shy I didn't have a boy friend and we were not allowed to have flowers and candy sent to the school. Well, I don't know if we weren't allowed, or if it just hadn't been thought of yet. We just didn't do it.

11. If you were going to receive candy for Valentine's Day, which would you prefer?

Anything as long as it has NUTS! Don't waste candy on cream filled or nougat. I want that chocolate wrapped around nuts! You can add caramel, but don't forget the nut!

12. Red or pink

RED!


Now, go hook up to Linda at 2nd Cup of Coffee. She has a great give away going on and you don't want to miss it!

Trying to Explain

I had to make my blog "private" because I had a stalker. I am making it "normal" for a few days to explain. I love for my friends and family to be able to read and keep up with our life out here. I count it a blessing and a joy to have you stop in.

If you will please leave me your email in the comments or email it to me or send me a message through facebook (whatever works for you), I will send an "invitation" to read my blog. Then you can read it anytime whether it is "private" or open.

Thank you so much for reading. Blessings to you! I do love you and appreciate you so much!!!!

More Monday!

We are getting MORE snow! As I speak, it is snowing huge snowflakes and they are sticking! They are pretty - I'll give them that. They are all different and special... yeah, yeah, yeah.... I can only take so much special!

Thanks to Mr. Groundhog, I have 5 more weeks... (and one day) from his prediction of extended winter. Can I say, that I'm REALLY looking forward to spring??? Okay, so that is a given!

I'm sure that there is some wonderful spiritual insight I could receive from all this snow and weather we have been having. ... one that is better than "hope (of warmer spring weather) makes the heart sick"!

Or... "there is a time and season..."...

So, on this Monday morning, I need more... I need more grace, more hope, more truth, more sunshine, more Sonshine, more love, more patience, more faith...

That reminds me of a message I heard last night... Jesus is with me, God is at the bottom (no matter where that is) and I have been given enough faith for this (whatever I'm going through)...

Yes, I can live in that ... I can decide and determine to enjoy my life where I am - in the midst of a snow storm with three little ones running around loving me.

God is good... I think I need more hugs and kisses ... I need more of Jesus ... I need more Word ... I need more .... MUCH more!

What about you? Are you satisfied with life now? What do you need more of?

Blessings~

Super Saturday!

YAY!!!! So, it is Saturday! YIPPEEEE!!!! and HALLELUJAH!

Yeah, I'm pretending to be excited. I'm naming this "Super Saturday" because it is the day before the Super Bowl...

Yeah... I could not care less about football, baseball, (you could just say "sports").... that along with LOST or American Idol... or the reality shows...

Please don't stone me. I just don't get it. WHY put myself through all that trauma and emotion and drama when my own life has enough of it's own????

The only reason that I even have the slightest interest in the Super Bowl is the "Super Bowl PARTY!!!!"

We started having Super Bowl parties waaaaaaayyyyyy back when...

Hugsum would go and get special snacks back then. We had a VERY little bit of money and so it could be as simple as popcorn and a candy bar. It then developed into a full blown snack feast.

Some of my favorite family Super Bowl memories involve another family, the Osgoods. They have 4 children also and we introduced them to the Super Bowl Party. Those were some special precious times.

They moved to the city of our favorite team and coach and they carried on the tradition out there.

We have celebrated in some form or another every year.

Today, I'm heading to Oz. The traditional prep will have to be done by our daughter. We will gather here tomorrow afternoon and begin the celebration of food! It rivals Christmas in the anticipation of goodies...

Hope you have a great weekend and celebrate BIG! May your team win - it doesn't matter to me - just make sure you save me some dip!

Blessings!

We started

Friday Fours

Four of my favorite things in my home today that make me smile!

Four of my grandchildren. The oldest and the youngest - and 2 in-between ... Noah is 3, Posey is 16 months old, Kendall is 2 and Ethan is one month old today! Yes, they make me smile!

These four things I use all the time! The scissors sharpener, Rada knife, Cutco knife and Rada chopper are some of my all time favorites! The Rada items were bought from the Women's group in Glennville. The Cutco knife is actually a replacement for a knife that was in a set my daddy gave mama more than 50 years ago. The scissors sharpener is a new item, but I use it lots!

These are four of the special toys that are always with the kids. They make naptime pleasant and secure!

This is a set of four dish clothes that I love. They are super absorbant and keep their nice bright SPRING colors. I actually bought 4 sets last spring at Walmart for 50 cents a set! I love that they are so colorful and cheerful!

Thanks for stopping by... see you again soon!
Blessings!

Thursday Threes

Today I'm posting threes...

Three things for which I'm thankful!
1. My husband - he takes care of me and provides for me and loves to eat out as much as I do. When we don't eat out, he is happy with not much cooking!
2. My girls - they let me play with their children as much as I want. They share their lives with me. They bless me.
3. The hope of spring and warmth and sunshine!

Three things I love!
1. Cookies... I made some last night and I have been enjoying them too much!
2. A little coffee in my creamer.... not much of a coffee fan, but I do love creamer - flavored. I don't feel so right drinking just creamer, so I add a little coffee to justify my addiction to creamer.
3. My Toyota... it is my favorite car to drive. On weekends we take Hugsum's car and if I go anywhere, I have to drive it. Many times, I won't go someplace just because I don't like to drive his car. It is big. It is paid for. (so is mine, but it is much more fun to drive!)

Three things I'm addicted to
1. My grandchildren. I miss them when I don't see them and my heart just aches. I NEED to see them and spend time with them. They just lift my spirits and nourish me! Does good to the heart!
2. Love... I need to be loved or I wither away
3. Jesus and His Word and love and acceptance and redemption and restoration and healing... and on and on... without Him, I'm nothing!

Ground Hog??? and More Snow!

Who gave this illustrious Ground Hog permission to determine OUR weather???? I'm rebelling and complaining! I mean, really... I refuse to believe and accept his decision about winter! If he had been here, we would not have seen his shadow! It is cloudy and no sun around soooooo we have no shadows.

I'm really tired of winter. I have had enough snow ... as beautiful and peaceful as it is, it is a real bother!

Here is my back yard.... my pool ... my chairs to layout and get a nice tan ... my table where I can sit and enjoy the sun and warmth ... NOT at this time!!! I was really hoping to get there soon.

This is my blueberry bush and my rosemary. My other blueberry bush stayed covered up like a good boy. (I say boy because it is "blue" - duh!) Do I dare hope and believe that the one covered in snow will survive and produce delicious blueberries??? It already had buds on it!

Under my patio was even covered with snow! Wanna swing with me? I don't think so for awhile! The slide was even covered in ice and snow. So much for "protecting" it from the weather...

This is the back fence with the remains of my summer garden. Nice coverage of snow all over the fence and chicken wire, don't you think? My strawberries under the Rose of Sharon are covered in snow. The good thing I learned is that the snow adds nitrogen to the ground. It makes the grass and plants grow and produce. I'm standing on that promise!

This is a tree in our neighbor's yard. It was leaning against their house. Glad it leans THAT way! It was really pretty, though. All the trees in the neighborhood were beautiful. The snow was not so heavy and didn't destroy them.

We are extra blessed. We did not lose power or water like they did in other parts of the state. Where we lived before was hit very bad! They are on day 6 without power and water. Hard to carry on life that way! They need an extra prayer for grace and mercy and patience. Also workers to fix their problems!

I pray that your winter is short (despite what ye ole' ground hog saw) and that you see and experience a thawing and warmth soon.

Blessings~

SNOW!!!!

Pretty little church close to Oz

The freezing fog... made beautiful trees... if you look closely you can see an oil well pumping away.

The road on the way to Oz... most of it was pretty clear, but this section had not been scraped and so was still snow over ice. A car pulled around us and then a little further up we saw him spinning around and around before coming to a stop facing the wrong direction. Yeah, they were shaken up pretty bad and drove off much slower!

Along the expressway..... Kids were using this area to go sledding and play in the snow.

The fence in my backyard on Friday afternoon after just a few hours of snow!

We were very blessed and did not lose power at home or in Oz. We had church "as normal" even with the ice in the parking lots...
God is good!
His blessings are forever!

Blessings~

New Age!

He is a big FOUR years old! My first grandchild....

Yes, the picture is right... I was leaning over the chair and he smiled up at me. THAT smile melts my heart!

He is such a big four years old! Here he is holding his newest cousin. So sweet - both of them! Oldest and youngest together...

I still vividly remember "the" call. It was June. We were moving 6 hours away from our daughter. "Our" plan was to move closer to them in Charleston, S.C. Instead, we moved all the way across Georgia away from them. It was a hard drive.

We had our stuff in a truck and were staying in the motel waiting for "Moving Day". We were walking around Lake Loretta in Albany, Georgia. It was a beautiful day and we were about to go around the bend into the overhanging trees. My cell phone rang and I answered. We were calmly talking like everything was normal. Then she said, "guess who's pregnant?". I innocently asked, "who?". Then my world changed forever! She said, "ME!!!!!"

I stopped in my tracks and began to sob. Of course, Hugsum didn't know what to think, so I handed the phone to him. Then it began to pour! RAIN!!!!! (so much like Georgia summers)

We ran to the covering of the trees and did a happy dance!

Noah has been such a joy and blessing to us. He has such a sweet spirit. He is a wonderful big brother to his 2 little sisters. He helps and laughs and plays. His imagination is fun.

I was blessed to be there when he was born. I got to see that little fella take his first breath. He changed my world. He took me to the next level... no longer was I just "momma"... he made me a GRANDmomma!

Yeah... my life has never been the same since!

Blessings~