And It Came To Pass

2012-01-05T03:12:00.003-06:00

Dreams

I had a dream the other day.

At least I think it was a dream. My husband was awake at the time and states he can testify to the fact that I was indeed dreaming. I don't normally dream much when I am sleeping or at least I never remember what I dream--but this dream was so very real and it troubled me somewhat. Here's the dream.

I dreamed someone knocked on my bedroom window three times. They were very clear, loud, forceful knocks. Like *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK*!

It woke me up and I ran down the hall to the den where my husband was sitting. I said, did you hear that? He said no, he had not heard anything at all and that I was just dreaming. But it was so very real.

Made me wonder if it was suppose to mean something. I mean was God trying to call on me for something? Did my neighbor need me? Did my children or grandchildren need me for something?

Or was it just a silly dream?

I dunno...but if I ever find out I'll let you know.

I've had other dreams. Not in the going to sleep and dreaming kind of dreams, but dreams of the heart, mind, and who knows daydreams. I dream these same dreams all. the. time.

I dream that I could actually string together two or three sentences and actually put together a paragraph. You see in my head and in my heart I'm a writer. But somewhere between my head and my heart it gets blocked in making it to the keyboard. Perhaps that is what they mean by "lost in translation". Sometimes just in trying to make a comment on a blog I will write, erase, write, erase, write, erase and then just quit trying. Today's post is just my desperate attempt to not give up... completely.

I dream I run marathons. Paula Radcliffe is the women's world record holder. She ran 26.2 miles in 2 hours 15 minutes and 25 seconds. I dream about what it would feel like to do that. I dream about just walking half that distance. I even dream what it would feel like to walk to town and back! Six miles max! And yet I dream.

I dream that I could do great and mighty and noble things for God. Yet I seem to fail Him in the smallest of testings from time to time. And yet I dream.

Is it healthy to have dreams that may never be realized? Is it a good thing to just keep plugging along doing the best we can and live with just the hope that one day our dreams will be realized? Hope can't be a bad thing right?

My bible talks a lot about hope. Hope for today--hope for tomorrow.

Here's hoping that all our dreams will come true.

(And if not all of them at least some small measure of them)

A belated Happy New Year to the one or two bloggers that may still be coming this way. Blessings,

Debra

2011-12-09T07:08:00.024-06:00

*******Christmas Memories*******

Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop opening presents and listen.
~Author unknown, attributed to a 7-year-old named Bobby~

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Everyone. May God bless you all with joy and peace as we go into the new year!

2011-11-07T21:18:00.011-06:00

A Fruit Case--Would To God That I Might Be!

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
(Galations 5:22-23)

2011-10-25T15:40:00.001-05:00

A Season Of Change

Isn't fall just the most beautiful time of the year?

This photo was taken two years ago. My husband was standing on a corner in Secaucus, New Jersey. It was a breathtaking, glorious kind of a day. I recall the air feeling crisp and smelling clean--no, I was not dreaming! New Jersey sometimes bears the brunt of jokes by New Yorkers, but personally speaking, I rather like New Jersey.

We had a wonderful trip that year to the city. The fall foliage was so brilliant! Central Park and the areas around the Hudson River were just gorgeous. I know... who but moi goes to the city to see the fall foliage right?

I've been noticing how quickly seasons change these days. One day you are hanging a bright flowery spring wreath on your front door and seemingly the next day your putting up autumn decorations.

Just yesterday my home was filled with noisy, happy, sometimes bickering children. There was a neverending stream of places to carry them to and events they needed to attend. I wondered if the day would ever come they would be grown and on their own.

That was yesterday--yesterday was thirty-nine years ago.

The house is quiet now. And that day did come and now my children are grown and on their own. Funny thing is-- they now have noisy, happy, sometimes bickering children of their own.

There is a coolness and unexpected chill in the air. I ache in strange places--my bones and joints are growing humps and knots where once there were spaces. Change, change, change everywhere.

Something tells me winter is near.

"Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you." Isaiah 46:4(NIV)
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2011-09-21T23:00:00.002-05:00

The Sixth Commandment

The following post is over two years old. I never had the courage to post it till tonight. Why tonight? Well it just seemed to be an appropriate time since the state of Georgia just minutes ago executed Troy Anthony Davis. I don't know if Troy Davis was guilty or not guilty. Can juries be wrong? Were they wrong in the case of O.J. Simpson? Were they wrong about Casey Anthony? What I do know is that now two people are dead--Troy Anthony Davis and Mark MacPhail (the police officer that Davis was found guilty of killing). Two families will mourn.

Does killing + killing ever equal peace? Perhaps so, I don't know. I've never had a family member murdered so I can't say for sure how I would feel. But I don't think that would bring me peace or resolution.

I wonder what Jesus would do. I wonder if He would inject the syringe full of potassium chloride into someone be they a murderer or not. And if Jesus would not then I have to ask myself would I? Could I? And should WE? I know...I wonder too much...

On this night, I offer peace and strength to the MacPhail and Davis families.

June 6th, 2010

Intense discussions within my family circle lately concerning the death penalty. No, no one in our family is on death row. Sometimes we just "talk" about things like this :)

And, as is usual, I'm in the minority. I am against it and my husband and others is for it. I'm also profoundly against abortion, if that scores me any points.

You see, I take the sixth commandment quite literally. "Thou Shalt Not Kill". Some that revere the King James version of the bible, and I am one that does, translate the word "kill" to "murder". Personally, I see no difference between being killed or murdered. Either way, one ends up grave yard dead.

I didn't always feel this way about the death penalty. So much of who and what I was changed when I had cancer. Staring the possibility of death in the face will do that to you. It changes you, softens and smooths your harsh, jagged edges. At least it did mine...most of them.

Who am I to take a life? Who am I to be judge and jury, deciding whether one might live or die? What are the events that happen in ones life that lead them to take someone else's life? Are monsters made or are they just born that way?

DH and I had an oh so deep conversation about this subject tonight. He quoted me all the scriptures that he believed supported his position and I quoted him all of the ones that supported mine. Might I add, my scriptures are written in red.

As a nurse, I've stood by the bedside of quite a few as they took their final breaths, when life left their body. The finality of it can be overwhelming. You wonder where that soul really went. Of a certainty, the opportunity to make any decision for Christ sake is forever over.

Our discussion was coming to a close when my husband offered one last statement. He said that he could NEVER, in good conscience, sit on a jury that was deciding a death penalty case. Said he would have to ask to be excused.

I smiled at him, and as softly and gently as I possibly could, asked him, "Why?"

He smiled back at me, walked across the room, and kissed me goodnight.

I'm still waiting for his answer.

Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. (Matthew 5:7 KJV)

2011-08-26T00:49:00.006-05:00

Hurricane Irene

I am quite concerned tonight for my East Coast fb and Blogger friends. Katrina still still grieves me to think about it.

One word of caution I woudl like to give anyone who is in the potential pathway of the large strorm is to please go to your bank tomorrow and get as much cash as you possibly can.

If Hurricane Irene affects your area with power outages it will be very difficult to get cash...no matter how much money you have in the bank. Banks will be closed and if they are open they will tell you like they did me in Katrina. Sorry...we can only give you $200 because everyone else is also needing cash so they ration it out. Doesn't mattter how much cash you have in the bank they will give you only a few hundred dollars.

Just wanted to leave those few words of caution.

Please know that here in good ole South Mississippi our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Hopefully it won't be as bad as it looks

2011-08-19T15:48:00.009-05:00

August Ponderings

(nearby lake, I was rather pleased with this shot)

So, tonight is Friday night. Everyone around here is all excited as it is the first night for high school football. Is it just me or is it strange that these poor football players are having to practice and play football in 100 degree weather? I know I'm getting a little old but I can remember when school started in late September and for sure it was unheard of before Labor Day.

(bird house by the lake)

Noticing this bird house by the lake I was immediately reminded of the following scripture..."Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?" Matthew 6:26

(Son and daughter in law helping me with router problems)

Recently, I had router problems. One evening I had my daughter, son and daughter in law over and they decided to try and tackle the problem. I found it kind of funny when I looked into the bedroom and counted not one, not two, not three but four computers in the mix of things. I thought about how far we've come with technology from the days when the television was a very small tube in a very large wood box. We recently got out some old home movies when I was a child about 1956 and I was amazed by the old black and white TV set we had.

I'm not one of the lucky ones going to the game as tonight begins my weekend to work. Five 12hours shifts in a row. I should say weekend and Monday and Tuesday! I find myself thankful though. Thankful I have a job, thankful for a nice house to come home to and blessed with loved ones. Just call me thankful.

Blessings everyone hope your weekend will be great!

2011-08-05T01:31:00.020-05:00

THEY THAT GO DOWN TO THE SEA

(My grandson Brock and myself)

It seems like just yesterday he was just a baby. My first born grandchild. Next Wednesday, he will be among the newest recruits of the United States Navy.

Where did the time go and why does my heart hurt? Not a physical pain mind you but the type of pain that any mother or grandmother would need no explanation for.

I hope his new boss knows what a deal he is getting. What a treasure. If it's courage, honor and commitment this boss is looking for...well, he just hit the lottery.

I'm so proud of him. My thoughts and prayers will be with him as he makes this transition. I covet your prayers as well.

God bless you Brock, we love you so much.

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off your bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover."~Mark Twain~

"They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep." ~Psalm 107:23-24

2011-07-31T18:25:00.002-05:00

Necessary Journeys: Part II
Port Sulfur, Louisiana

On a rather dreary, rainy Saturday, my husband and I left New Orleans and headed south to what many folks refer to as "the end of the world."

It's nicknamed "the end of the world" because its southern most town Venice, is located about 75 miles south of New Orleans and is situated on the west bank of the Mississippi river.

I was born in a little town north of Venice called Port Sulfur. My parents lived there a very brief time before moving back to New Orleans.It had been more than twenty perhaps thirty years since I had made the journey down to that part of the county. There was not a lot there when I was a child except oil wells, fishing boats and bar rooms. Then there was Katrina in 2005 that destroyed everything. I had a deep longing to go back and see? See what? I wished I knew.

My mother had two sisters and a brother that lived in this area. One of those sisters had orange tree orchards just like this one. I recall how we used to play in the orchards on hot summer days. I remember heat, humidity and mosquitoes...lots and lots of mosquitoes.

And so I had made it here. And just as I had thought there were still many signs of hurricane Katrina plain and visible for all to see. Even the sulfur refining company for which the town is named for is no longer there. Most folks are still living in trailers. Some of the businesses are operated from trailer like structures.

I had kind of thought I might find the actual place where I was born. It was once just a little white wooded building that was situated among many trees. We stopped and asked one of the elder locals if he knew where the old hospital was. He did know and directed us right to where it once stood.

One of the first things I noticed was how very close to the Gulf of Mexico it was. Here we are in our car on the levee overlooking the gulf. This levee is about fifty yards from where the little hospital once stood. Is it any wonder why I have such an affinity for water?

Here is the little group of trees where my journey began. I was happy to find it and unable to articulate why, but my thoughts went something like this. "See here it is! This is it! Yes sir ree! One day fifty-eight years ago my Momma came right here to this very spot and gave birth to me!" I wondered how things went for her--did she experience a lot of pain? How long was she in labor? From my birth certificate I recall weighing in at just a little over nine pounds and made my debut entrance into this world on the night shift. Funny thing huh?

I had to post this picture just for proof that you do ride down Hwy 23 look up and watch boats go by. This boat was on the east side of the road so it was traveling on the Mississippi river. East side River--west side Gulf of Mexico.

It was good to see that even the people "at the end of the world" still have hope. Without the cross how hopeless we all would be.

I asked my husband to let's just drive until the road ends. I wanted to go all the way to the very end of "the end of the world."

I was hoping to find the end of the road, perhaps a sunset, a rainbow maybe? Nope...we found water. Water on the left, water on the right and water straight ahead. It is a land located below sea level...add a little rain and this is what you get. We probably got within a half mile before the end and decided not to push our luck and car one more inch and turned around. I didn't think our little car would make it but it did.

Water is a good thing though. Water equals life. And the end of the road is not always what it seems and that is a good thing as well. I was happy to have made this journey.

The End Of The Road Is But A Bend In The Road
by Helen Steiner Rice

When we feel we have nothing left to give
And we are sure that the "song has ended"--
When our day seems over and the shadows fall
And the darkness of night has descended,

Where can we go to find the strength
To valiantly keep on trying,
Where can we find the hand that will dry
The tears that the heart is crying--

There's but one place to go and that is to God
And, dropping all pretense and pride,
We can pour out our problem without restraint
And gain strength with Him at our side--

And together we stand at life's crossroads
And view what we think is the end,
But God has a much bigger vision
And he tells us it's only a bend--

For the road goes on and is smoother,
And the "pause in the song" is a "rest,"
And the part that's unsung and unfinished
Is the sweetest and richest and best--

So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load,
Your work is not finished or ended,
You've just come to "a bend in the road."

Blessings of peace & all that is good.

2011-07-22T01:12:00.005-05:00

NECESSARY JOURNEYS: Part I

"We all grow up with the weight of history on us. Our ancestors dwell in the attics of our brains as they do in the spiraling chains of knowledge hidden in every cell of our bodies." ~Shirley Abbott~

(Mississippi River Bridge, New Orleans)

What is it about getting older and that longing to search ones roots? Why do we (I) often look back--want to reexamine--take a second look at where we come from and the people, places and things that have been part of our history and how we became who we are? Is this just something old people do? Will I next find myself buried in genealogy books at my local library? Who knows?

(Canal Street)

It seems we spend the first half of our lives growing, moving,ever distancing ourselves, and claiming independence from childhood as much as and as fast as possible. And then the paradoxical happens. We end up spending our later adult years yearning for and looking back on our youths. Longing to rediscover what once was and did we somehow overlook something the first time around.

(Locating the old D.H. Holmes building on Canal)

On a recent weekend my husband and travel companion extraordinaire set out on a mission with me to find Ignatius J. Reilly and the site of my birth place Port Sulfur, La. What does one have to do with the other? Nothing really but perhaps much. And who is Ignatius J. Reilly anyway?

(Meet me "under the clock")

I had just completed reading John Kennedy Toole's "Confederacy of Dunces." I happened upon this book quite by chance on the Amazon website. It was an unusual read for me. A completely bizarre, zany satire whose main character is Ignatius J. Reilly. He is a most unlikeable misfit along with a whole host of equally unlikeable characters as well. It is not a book I would recommend to just anyone to read. What drew me in particular to the book was it's early 1960's New Orleans setting and the pitch perfect dialogue that is unique only to that area. Ignatius family, friends, and escapades reminded me of some of my own long ago and forgotton eras of times past. Of course it helps that I am easily drawn to those that are flawed and Ignatius surely fit that bill to a tee.

(Finding Ignatius)

Because page one opens with Ignatius waiting for his mother under the clock in front of the D. H. Holmes department store, a bronze statue of him was erected there a few years ago. I can't tell you how many times I visited this store with my grandmother as a child. She would buy the best warm cashew peanuts there! The building is now apartment condos but the store front windows are still the same. The clock is in the original location as well.

There is the story behind the story. In 1981 John Kennedy Toole was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize in fiction for this his first and only novel. Eleven years earlier he had committed suicide. His mother stated that he had become severely depressed because Confederacy of Dunces had been rejected for publication. After his death she shopped the manuscript around for seven long years before finally seeing it to publication.

The Toole family were life long residents of New Orleans. They resided within a few blocks of where I lived as a child.

Sometimes the circle of life can be quite amazing.

"I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search." Psalm 77:6

2011-07-07T01:40:00.000-05:00

Hot Air

Hello everyone and greetings from south Mississippi! Hope all of you had a very happy and safe fourth of July. This year we celebrated the fourth a little differently. Well actually we celebrated on the second of July.

I don't know about you but I tend to keep an internal "bucket list" of places I would like to visit and things I would like to do. I have always enjoyed looking at pictures of the Arizona Balloon Festival and hoped to one day see it in person.

Imagine my surprise when I found out they have a balloon festival every year in Canton, MS! Just an hour and a half from our home! The day was extra special in that we got to enjoy it with five of our youngest grandchildren. What a blessing.

The children just loved these!

Yep! They even had a space shuttle balloon! What fun! This thing was huge!

Hope all of you will forgive my blog laziness. I have been bogged down with some books that have captured my attention of late. I am even reading some fiction! Imagine that! Books have a very calming effect on me and I enjoy reading them so very much.

Have I mentioned it's hot here in Mississippi? I am not complaining though ...nope...not one bit!

(At least not as long as my air conditioner is running anyway)

2011-06-05T22:54:00.002-05:00

All I Ever Wanted

My Granny was a good woman and happiness resided in her kitchen--more specifically, in her oven. Seems like no matter what time of the day or night we arrived to visit , almost immediately she would begin to pull out warm bowls of deliciousness from her oven.

One of my favorite dishes of hers were her butter beans. Not ordinary butter beans I tell ya... but the kind that turned gray in the pot! I think they were called "speckled butter beans" and they came straight from her garden.

Now when Granny set the table, she used real dishes--I don't know if Granny even knew plastic and paper dishes existed. Corn bread and biscuits went on a certain platter. Roast always went into a certain dish as well as the peas, macaroni and fried chicken.

And always, always, always the gray butter beans went into the bowl with the gray/bluish clover leaves on it!

My Granny passed away at the age of 93 some twenty-eight years ago. I have no idea what happened to the "butter bean bowl". What I can tell you is that for twenty-eight years, every time I entered a flea market or antique store (and there have been many) I looked for Granny's butter bean bowl. I thought if I could just find one that looked like it that would be enough for me.

But that never happened.

At least not until the other day. The hubby and I visited an antique store in a small town about 30 miles west of where we live. As I entered the store that day I did something I had not done in previous trips. While browsing through the aisles I whispered a small prayer to God and asked Him to please let me find Granny's butter bean bowl. I admitted to Him it was probably a silly request but after all these years I still longed for that little reminder of my Granny's love and faithfulness. Just a token.

I again chastised my own self as I continued to shop. Who prays for dishes? Doesn't God have bigger problems to solve?

By this time I was in the very back of the store. I was alone as Hubby had already made his way up to the second floor. Casually, my eyes came to rest on a bottom shelf. Amid all of the whatnots and bric-a-brac there was a bowl sitting there with a plate on top of it. For some reason I stooped over and removed the plate.

What I saw made me catch my breath! I couldn't believe my eyes! Here was a bowl that looked much like Granny's butter bean bowl! It even had the gray/bluish clovers on it! The search was over--I had finally found it! Glory, glory!

*Note to self: Don't forget to pray.
**Another note to self: Don't act so surprised when God answers prayers.

"And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." Luke 11:9

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2011-05-25T02:10:00.002-05:00

Side by Side

“Every oak tree started out as a couple of nuts who decided to stand their ground.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Just fourteen and you sixteen,

And side by side, there we stood.

And side by side, your mother said I would end up like my mother.

And side by side, my father said you would end up like your father.

And side by side, we were the couple "least likely to succeed".

But then there was God,

And side by side, He smiled on us,

And side by side He said, this is good. This is very good.

And side by side, for forty years, He ain't never done us nothin' but good,

And side by side, the best is yet to be.

May 26th 1971-May 26th 2011

2011-05-23T00:41:00.000-05:00

I Wonder...

I've been an active church member since 1972. Anyone who has been going to church for any length of time sometimes find themselves questioning, why we do the things we do in church.

Or is it just me?

The things I wonder about might sound critical, but they are usually questions I ask of my own self first and then why other believers participate in said situations as well.

Here goes a few.

I wonder... why do we send shoe boxes (filled with gifts)around the world to foreign children, yet neglect the poor, needy, spiritually deprived children that live just across town? You know the part of town I'm talking about right?

I wonder... what is so wrong about a "feel good" preacher? Wasn't Jesus the ultimate "feel good" preacher of all time? Didn't He talk a whole lot about love, mercy, forgiveness and acceptance? OK...so he lost it ONE time in the temple.

I wonder...why do you have to be a white collar business owner to be a member of the Gideons? It seems to be a highly exclusive club. I wonder, aren't the blue collar working man just as capable of handing out bibles and telling folks about Jesus? Was Gideon of the bible a business owner?

I wonder ...why do folks insist on inserting politics into their prayers when they are called upon to pray publicly in church. This is annoying to those who may not feel the same way. OK...I confess, it don't just annoy me, sometimes it makes me angry.

I wonder...why church folk say "I missed you" when you've missed going to church a Sunday, knowing full well "I missed you" is most always interpreted by the hearer as "why were you not here"?

I wonder...why is it so much easier to forgive a stranger on the street for his imperfections and humanity, than it is to forgive a brother or sister in Christ we go to church with Sunday after Sunday. The same problem plagues us all--in church or out--sin.

I know, this post should have been titled "Things That Tick Me Off In Church" but "I Wonder" sounded "sweeter".

So, these are a few of the things I wonder about. I feel better for having wrote them down. It's OK if you don't wonder about the same things as I wonder about. I wonder if there are things in church or out that you may wonder about. If so, feel free to tell me about them in the comment section.

Blessings, peace, all that is good, have a great Monday everyone!
Debra

2011-05-12T00:53:00.000-05:00

River Road Rats!

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase" Martin Luther King Jr.

Pictures are of the San Francisco Plantation located on River Road, Garyville, Louisiana--my husband and I visited there last Friday and enjoyed it very much. This makes the third Plantation home we have visited on River Road! We have become River Road rats! If you ever get the chance to visit Louisiana, I highly recommend putting aside a few days of your trip to visit these old historic plantations located about thirty miles west of New Orleans.

There is something very special about visiting these old plantation homes--almost all of them with slave cottages behind or beside them.

I feel a sense of sadness when we go through them. I wonder about the hardships they had to endure. Not just the slaves but the plantation owners as well.

What a different time and place it was back then.

I am thankful though, for the here and now. I like my central air-conditioning and heating. I'm pretty fond of running water as well!

And what can I say...except, I'm pretty wild about indoor plumbing too!

Be blessed ya'll and have a great Thursday.

2011-05-05T03:24:00.008-05:00

I Remember Mamma :Part I

I posted this three or four years ago but in the spirit of Mother's Day I wish to re post it. I still think of her often as well as my father. I wish she were here...I wouldn't try to fix her, all I would do is love her as best as I could.

She would have been 80 this month, my Mama. She passed away at the very young age of 58. She was just three years older than I am right now. The many years of alcohol and prescription drug abuse had finally taken their toll.

I've thought a lot about her this month. Some fond thoughts... mostly painful. In some ways, I still feel responsible. I wished I could have fixed her. I wished I could have rescued her from the desire to self destruct. I'm still trying...everyday that I come to work and detox another patient, I am hopeful that I have helped one more person break free from the clutches of this sickness called addiction. A sickness that encompasses mind, body, soul and spirit. I did not plan this career,it just, somewhere along the way, became my calling, what I was born and destined to do. Who knows what I might have become, had it not been for my Mama.

She and Daddy had divorced in 1971. She moved back to New Orleans and we stayed in Mississippi with my Dad. I would be married and gone just 2 months after the divorce, leaving behind my younger sister and brother ages 15 and 10.

The years immediately preceding her death were some of her rockiest. Drifting from place to place, in and out of psych hospitals, detox units and jails (for public drunk)anywhere between the Mississippi Gulf Coast and New Orleans.

Despite any efforts made by myself or siblings to help her obtain housing, food, money...she would eventually become restless, find someone to drink with and take off again.. As one could expect, this cycle strained what little we had left of a relationship. There came a time, when I gave up, but in my heart I never stopped hoping and praying she would get better.

Back in New Orleans again, Mama had been living with her sister for about a year when I got the call. December 23, 1986. We had not even been told she was in the hospital, but then again she was in and out so often. Mama was gone. Her heart had become enlarged due to the years of drinking, we were told she died of congestive heart failure.

She was alone. She died alone in a hospital room in New Orleans. I cannot tell you how that grieves me, but no amount of grieving can change the fact. It still hurts my heart to think about it. No one deserves to die alone. No one.

I loved her, she loved me as best she knew how. She, as a mother, made mistakes ...big ones. As a daughter, in hindsight, I did too...big ones.

"The truth is: we never leave grief behind. We never forget. Our loved ones becomes a part of who we are today. And our stories are nestled in our hearts safe and secure in the knowledge that life and love are eternal."Author unknown.

~~But he who sows "in tears shall reap in joy psalm 126:5
~~Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning psalm 30:5

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I Remember Mama Part II

The best gift I ever recieved from my Mama came to me in the form of a letter, shortly after she was released from jail. Even today, after all these many years, I still get some measure of comfort and peace each time I read it. The letter is dated December 29th, 1979.

My Dear Daughter...I'm writing you to say I'm sorry and to ask forgiveness for all I've said & done. Not only to you but to myself.

You see, Mama just got out of prison. Yes, prison. In Point-a-La-Hache I was drunk and they kept me there for 15 days, when I took real sick with my heart and they brought me to Chairty Hospital late that night. But for the 15 days that I was there I'm proud to say, I REALLY found Jesus!

These ladies came on the first Saturday I was there and they saw me crying and asked me if I would like to be saved and I said yes. You see, I only thought I was saved before that day in jail. I wasn't only sick in my body, but I was sick in my soul.

They wouldn't let the ladies in my cell but there was a hole in the door where they passed the food to me- about 6 inches high and 12 inches long and Mrs. Logan and I prayed for a long time and I have never felt so good in my life as I did that day.

I can only say, I did find peace and contentment in that cold cell that day. But after that it wasn't nearly as hard for me as it had been and I praise God for saving me, even though it had to be in prision.

Maybe that is what it took for me to realize the true me. At first I felt ashamed, but not anymore. I plan on going back to church next Sunday and continue to serve my Lord as He would want me too. I don't have any fine clothes, but that's ok too.

I'm just proud, you'll never know, that I can truly say I'm saved and I KNOW God has a place in His house for me.

...Love all of you, Mama

I am so very thankful for all that God has blessed my life with...

... Including the hope of seeing my Mama in heaven some day...clean, sober and at peace...finally.

**PS: And Mama...if your listening...I forgive you...I really do, and I hope you forgive me too**
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Blessings,Debra

2011-04-22T23:21:00.006-05:00

Risen!

If Easter says anything to us today, it says this: You can put truth in a grave, but it won't stay there. You can nail it to a cross, wrap it in winding sheets and shut it up in a tomb, but it will rise!
~ Clarence W. Hall ~

Hope all of you have a blessed and happy resurrection day.

2011-04-06T03:16:00.001-05:00

The Mask I Wear

Don't be fooled by me.
Don't be fooled by the face I wear
For I wear a mask. I wear a thousand masks-
masks that I'm afraid to take off
and none of them are me.
Pretending is an art that's second nature with me
But don't be fooled, for God's sake, don't be fooled.
I give you the impression that I'm secure
That all is sunny and unruffled with me
within as well as without,
that confidence is my name
and coolness my game,
that the water's calm
and I'm in command,
and that I need no one.
But don't believe me. Please!

My surface may be smooth but my surface is my mask,
My ever-varying and ever-concealing mask.
Beneath lies no smugness, no complacence.
Beneath dwells the real me in confusion, in fear, in aloneness.
But I hide this.
I don't want anybody to know it.
I panic at the thought of my weaknesses
and fear exposing them.
That's why I frantically create my masks to hide behind.

But I don't tell you this.
I don't dare.
I'm afraid to.
I'm afraid you'll think less of me, that you'll laugh
and your laugh would kill me.
I'm afraid that deep-down I'm nothing, that I'm just no good
and you will see this
and reject me.

I idly chatter to you in suave tones of surface talk.
I tell you everything that's nothing
and nothing of what's everything, of what's crying within me.
So when I'm going through my routine
do not be fooled by what I'm saying
Please listen carefully and try to hear
what I'm not saying
Hear what I'd like to say
but what I can not say.

It will not be easy for you,
long felt inadequacies make my defenses strong.
The nearer you approach me
the blinder I may strike back.
Despite what books say of men, I am irrational;
I fight against the very thing that I cry out for.
you wonder who I am
you shouldn't
for I am everyman
and everywoman
who wears a mask.
Don't be fooled by me.
At least not by the face I wear.
--Author unknown

``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

I've thought of this poem from time to time for the last 32 years. How could I ever forget when and where I first saw it?

It felt very strange to be behind doubled locked doors. Walls stark and bare. Doors echoed throughout the hallways as they opened and closed. There was a feeling of dread as keys turned to lock you in. I was at our state mental hospital. No, I was not a patient there--although I could of been or might yet could be--who knows? Right? I was in nursing school and was doing my first day of clinicals on the psychiatric rotation.

Hanging out in the patients lounge and nervously trying to take in all that I was seeing and hearing from the mentally wounded--I saw it hanging there on the bulletin board.

It was wrinkled, crumpled and handwritten, in pencil--apparently posted by one of the patients. It explained so much and brought tears to my eyes as I read it.

I thought of this poem last night and just taking a shot in the dark-- keyed the words "the mask I wear" into my google search space. One click and there it was.

It still speaks volumes to me.

Thought I would share it with you.

Blessings of peace and all that is good,
Debra

2011-03-24T02:17:00.037-05:00

Rescue Shops Where?

***Hey ya'll. Nice to be back. Looks like my break lasted a little longer than expected. But anyway here I am ! Blessings of peace & all that is good.***

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Callings

Ruth Bell Graham received her calling early in life.

She knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was calling her to the mission fields of Tibet. She was born and raised in China where her parents were medical missionaries. Her calling was accurate but the location would be off by just a little.

During a crusade years later-- looking across the New York city skyline-- she came to the realization that this concrete jungle was her mission field--and her calling was that of being the wife of Rev. Billy Graham and mother to their five children. At her funeral service in June of 2007 Franklin Graham (her son) was quoted as saying his father would not have been who and what he was had it not been for his mother.

In 1975, shortly after I accepted Jesus as my personal Savior and while on fire for Him as I possibly could be, I quoted the following statement during a testimony service at church.

"Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bells; I want to run a rescue shop one yard from hell." ~C.T. Studd~

Fast forward thirty-six years. It is late at night and I am once again lamenting to my husband the trials and travails of working on the detox unit. There is a pause in our conversation when he takes a deep breath and says to me--well you asked for it.

I say--pardon me? What? How and when did I "ask for it"?

He says--don't you remember? Thinking he has lost his mind I say--no, as a matter of fact I don't remember! Enlighten me please!

He says--years ago you stood up in church and said something about wanting to run rescue shops close to hell. Don't you think that is what you have been doing all these many years? Aren't those addicts in hell? Mentally, physically and often times spiritually? Haven't you been there to at least try to rescue them? You asked for it and God gave you what you asked for.

It's not often I am left speechless, but as a matter of fact, I was. I could not believe my husband remembered that long ago, heart felt quote I had made during a testimony service in church. I had to admit it-- God had indeed given me exactly what I had asked for.

So often we visualize our calling in life one way and God determines that we carry out that very same call in a different kind of way.

Ruth Graham felt called to the mission field of Tibet. God called her to be the wife of Rev. Billy Graham and not only Tibet, but the entire world would be their mission field.

I felt called to help people and apparently as close to hell as possible. God chose a detox unit for me to set up shop in.

Have you ever thought maybe your calling in life has never come to full fruition?

I challenge you to do three things. Give God time, pay attention and look closely.

Remembering is helpful as well.

2011-02-17T22:59:00.008-06:00

Taking a little break...

All is well...
Be back in awhile!

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.(psalm 107:23-24)

2011-01-26T08:54:00.001-06:00

Fallow Land...fallow times

I was an adult before I even questioned what the word meant. Fallow.

My paternal grandfather owned a parcel of land--woods really--to which he referred to as "fallow field". During my childhood and adolescent years I always assumed it was just my grandfather's nickname for the hundred or so acres that he owned in Monroe County Alabama.

When I was about five years old, I accompanied my Daddy and grandfather to "fallow field". Often times they would just ride out there and look around. At the time it was densely thick with trees, underbrush, and weeds. A tiny path would take that old black Ford pick up truck throughout the property.

As we went along, the path became more narrow and before I knew it the tree limbs were coming inside the cab and the little black truck started plunging in and out of huge holes. And then we got stuck. And that's when I began to bawl at the top of my lungs. Apparently, my Daddy wasn't too concerned about our present dilemma as he was filming me with his new 8mm camera throughout my melt down.

I was a child of the city. I was accustomed to sidewalks, street lamps, people, and traffic. Thick woods and lonely, tiny pathways were quite foreign to me. I was scared, I was not going to stop crying and I wanted to go home.

Funny how things stay with you into adulthood. To this day I am not very fond of the woods, I get kinda scared and I still wanna go home. I try not to cry. Even traveling for long periods of time on wooded highways give me the heebie jeebies.

Fallow describes land that is not planted with crops, in order to improve the quality of the soil(Cambridge Dictionary).Farmers would sometimes leave their land untilled for a period of time in order for the nutrients in the soil to replenish and renew.

Fallow also describes a period of time in which very little happens. A state of inactivity.

The Lord has been teaching me about "fallowness".

I've been listening--ever so carefully.

"Be still, and know that I am God"(Psalm 46:10)

2011-01-18T02:45:00.000-06:00

Who Are We?

Don't matter if your Republican...

Don't matter if your Democrat...

Crazy is as crazy does.

Schizophrenia and psychosis have no party affiliation. These conditions are equal party offenders.Now if someone could just alert the media and our elected officials.

I have watched with much sadness these past few days the unfolding of the unspeakable tragedy that happened in Arizona. The fact that it happened at all was sad enough--but the actions of our media and the comments of our elected officials (on both sides of the aisle) have been atrocious. How does one make this political?

Jared Loughlan is, by all appearances, a very mentally disturbed young man. I don't know a lot but I know what crazy is. As a matter of fact, I specialize in it! Mental illness does not excuse one of the consquences of their actions by any means.

If we're going to debate or fight over anything, let's start with the sad state of mental health care in this country. Have you ever noticed on your health insurance policy (and that's IF your lucky enough to have one) how much it covers for mental health care? You'll probably notice it is much less and limited than routine medical coverage. And for most people it's not really a problem, unless, of course, you or a loved one are unfortunate enough to be stricken with mental illness. But, I guess, that is a rant for a different day.

I guess what I'm trying to say here is that in the face of tragedy, it would be nice, if for just once in a while, we could pull together as a country--as Americans.

Because after all, that is who and what we are.

In my own humble opinion...

Blessings of peace & all that is good,
Debra

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men" Romans 12:18

2011-01-07T00:10:00.024-06:00

Winter Comfort

I'm not a big fan of January. Never have been for as long as I can remember. Perhaps it is because I dislike cold weather so much. And I know, compared to those states north of Mississippi, we really don't have it so very bad.

As my oldest son has often said to me, it's all about perspective. And from my perspective, I am used to ninety-eight degrees with 100% humidity. So, thirty-five to fifty-five degrees with wind chills of much lower is, to to my way of thinking, very cold.

There is an upside though to these cold, dreary, bleak days of January. I tend to retreat to that which brings me so much comfort and peace. I speak of reading-- I speak of books. The kind of books that you can touch and feel and smell. There may come a day when I am forced to use Kindles and other gadgets to read, but not now--not yet.

Typically, I enjoy biographies, non fiction, and bible study books. It takes a very creative author to lure me into reading fiction. Several months ago I enjoyed some of Truman Capote's work and re-read Harper Lee's "To Kill A Mockingbird". Often, I find myself so interested in the author I just have to read some of their work.

Such was the case in the book I have just finished reading by Kathryn Magendie titled, "Tender Graces". For months now I have enjoyed visiting her blog at Writing From My Mountain. Her post are always interesting and every now and then I get a tip on proper writing etiquette. Then winter set in and I set in search of some good fiction to read. While reading through her blog one night, it occurred to me in a "light bulb moment", well duh, here's a book right here.

Magendie's "Tender Graces" did not disappoint. It is a wonderful story about about a young woman, Virginia Kate, who grows up with a troubled mother and dysfunctional family in the mountains of West Virginia. It's about love and pain and reconciliation. When I read a book that I enjoy I dread coming to the end of it. I was comforted in the knowledge that Virginia Kate's story is continued in "Secret Graces" which I have just started reading. If your looking for some good winter reading I highly recommend these books and this authors blog.

So, what is it you enjoy doing during these cold winter days?

Anyone know when the first day of spring season begins? Don't know about you but I can hardly wait! I see myself tip toeing through the tulips...

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" ~Mark Twain

2011-01-01T00:33:00.003-06:00

Sometimes Dreams Really Do Come True

(I finally got to visit the Billy Graham library in Charlotte, NC and yes it is all I ever thought it would be!)

Good morning everyone and a very happy new year to ya!

Hard to believe it is now 2011. This post will read 1/1/11.

Time keeps marching on.

Don't have much to say except I hope all of you had a very safe and pleasant new years eve. The hubby and I brought new years in this year the way we have often done in years past. Just the two of us-- watching the ball drop in Times Square. Not in person mind you, but on TV. It's kinda nice watching all the celebration and hullabaloo going on from the comfort of my nice, warm place--in my pj's and all comfortable.

As I look back on the year that has just past, I'm thankful for all the blessings God has sent my way. I'm also thankful for the strength that He has given me through the difficult days as well. I look forward to the days ahead.

I'm just thankful. He is a good God.

Blessings everyone, peace & all that is good.
Debra

(Truly, I am very happy in this picture standing in front of the Billy Graham Library.I know I look like I'm frowning. It's just my hubby snaps the picture about the same time he says smile! If he could just give me a second longer...lol)

2010-12-15T21:20:00.018-06:00

That Spirit Of Christmas

Christmas is not a time nor a season,
but a state of mind.
To cherish peace and goodwill,
to be plenteous in mercy,
is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

~Calvin Coolidge

And the angel said unto them,
"Fear not!
For, behold, I bring you
tidings of great joy,
Which shall be to all people.
"For unto you is born
this day in the city of David
A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you:
Ye shall find the babe
wrapped in swaddling clothes,
Lying in a manger.

~ St. Luke 2:10-12

Merry Christmas Everyone!
From my heart to yours!

2010-12-05T01:05:00.001-06:00

Winter Journeys

And so it is winter.

Well I guess it is not officially here till December 21, but at least in my world it has felt a lot like winter. One might think I am talking about the weather but one would be wrong. It was into the 70's today at one point.

I've been experiencing a personal season of winter.

As you might have been able to tell from my previous post all has not been well. Sorry to have left you hanging but when I am troubled, I am speechless. And when I am speechless, it's difficult to type.

I've been reading a book the past few days entitled "Grace Grows Best In Winter" by Margaret Clarkson. I found it at a thrift store back in the good old days of summer. If grace grows best in winter, I must be growing by leaps and bounds! Winter is everywhere. Winter is before me, winter is behind me, winter is above me and winter is below me. I can't get away from winter.

The day before we left to go on our trip to New York my husband found himself jobless. How do you go on vacation without a job? How do you stay home when you already have so much invested in a trip that you won't be able to get back if you don't go?

Stay at home and be sad, troubled and perplexed? Or, go to New York and be sad, troubled and perplexed?

We chose to go.

Our first day there we were determined to have a good time. Knowing we were now on a VERY limited budget we decided we would walk everywhere and not spend one dime on taking subways or cabs. We must have walked ten miles that day.

Enter chest pain.

By time we got back to the hotel that evening I felt like my infant grandson was lying on my chest. I've never felt that type of pressure in my chest before. I could feel my heart pounding and skipping beats. The anxiety that came with all this was almost too much to bear.

Where do I go to the hospital? What would be the cost? Do I have insurance anymore? Am I going to die while on vacation?

Does anyone know how much Continental charges it's passengers to come home early? I do. It's obscene-- I won't even say. After talking to the Continental people I decided if I was going to die, I would just have to die in New York.

But I didn't die. I didn't go to the doctor in New York either. I just rode it out. I had these episodes the entire time I was in New York.

Two day after coming back home I had another episode and my family doctor sent me straight to the emergency room--full cardiac work up with all the bells and whistles.

Seems my D-Dimer was through the roof. What is a D-Dimer? I asked the same thing and I am a nurse. Seems the D-Dimer detects blood clots and the ER doctor said I had blood clots in my lungs and sent me off for a CT of the chest. Shortly thereafter he comes back into my room and says no, it's not a blood clot in my lungs because my CT was normal. And oh by the way, I can go home now.

Never mind by this time my children and husband are planning my funeral.

Have I ever mentioned how much I dislike ER doctors?

And so, after thousands of dollars worth of test, which may or may not be covered by my husband's former employer's insurance, and visits to the cardiologist, I now know I have a leaky valve, a heart murmur, and anxiety.

The cardiologist that I ended up going to was born and raised in New York city. He came to live and practice in Mississippi because he found he loved it here so much.

Oh the irony!

There are other winter journeys I'm on as well-- but they are too numerous and personal to blog about so I will simply ask for your prayers. I know that many of you may be experiencing colder, deeper and darker winter journeys than I and with that in mind, know too, that I will be uplifting you in prayer as well.

And if grace grows best in winter--well then, my dear blogger friends--may winter abound!

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:" 2 Corinthians 9:8

(Photos by me; Mississippi snow day Feb. 2010)

2010-11-19T00:03:00.006-06:00

Dungeons And Thrones

Unkindness, unfairness, job losses, confusion, disappointment, sickness, chest pain, D-Dimer 1205? Say what? Pulmonary embolism? Not!

Anxiety, stress test, echo cardiogram, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart skipping beats.

Tension, depression, recession, cough, cold and congestion.

I am called to remember that there is "no strength where there is no struggle".

"Joseph's dungeon was the road to Joseph's throne."

Call me strong--find me in the throne room.

"Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

(art work by Chis Higham @ http://www.christian-art.org.uk)

Quotes: Oprah Winfrey & Streams In The Desert

2010-11-12T02:00:00.000-06:00

A MATTER OF TRUST
(orignally written Saturday, November 6th @ 35,000 feet)

Thirty-five thousand feet.

Pretty amazing when you think about it--the amount of confidence and trust we place in a large, hollow piece of steel tubing-- traveling through space at approximately 500 miles per hour.

As I sit here tightly wedged into my tiny window seat I think about the pilot. I prayed fervently for him just a few minutes ago. While I've never met him, nor seen him, I am trusting he will land this plane safely in New Orleans in two hours and fifty minutes.

I am trusting this plane as well. Seems like it's running smoothly. Everything looks in good repair--at least to my non-mechanical eye.

The skies are clear blue--no turbulence at present. I am feeling a great sense of calmness and peacefulness as I happily travel along.

The fact that everything could change in a moment--in a twinkling of an eye does not escape me.

~~What if I chose not to trust the pilot?
~~What if he partied his way through pilot school?
~~What if he is a morally corrupt man with poor decision making skills?
~~What if this is a defective plane?
~~What if the maintenance guys are not very smart people?
~~What if terrorist are on board?

Questions such as these bring me nothing but torment. I choose not to have them.

Today--just for today--this moment really--I choose to trust. Trust the pilot, trust the plane, trust the weather.

More importantly I choose to trust Jesus. He is my only confidence. Without Him, trust, confidence, faith in anything or anyone is impossible--non-existent.

Trust has has not always been easy for me. From childhood and well into my life as a believer I have dealt with issues of trust in one form or another.

But...I have learned to trust.

It's one thing to trust Jesus as your personal savior--it's another thing to trust Him moment to moment each and every day of your life--with your mind, will, thoughts, emotions, loved ones and day to day occurrences.

When I ponder these thoughts the hymn "I surrender all" takes on new meaning.

We'll be landing in New Orleans in a few minutes. Turns out we had turbulence after all. Both on the plane and while on vacation in New York. Turbulent times await us back home as well.

I have a plan though.

Just keep trusting--

Jesus.

2010-11-03T00:30:00.000-05:00

DONA NOBIS PACEM: In Celebration Of Blogblast For Peace Day

“Peace is not something you wish for; it's something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away.”~~Robert Fulghum~~

Happy peace day everyone!

2010-11-02T23:07:00.009-05:00

Election Day

Looks like it will be a good day for republicans! I've been watching some of the returns and victory speeches. Many believe that getting republicans back in control of things in Washington is just what our country needs to turn things around--get our nation back on the right track.

Maybe so. I hope so. With all my heart, I pray so.

Problem is there are a few things (and only a few) I tend to have a short memory about. Seems like when republicans were in charge awhile back it wasn't all that good either. Then the democrats took control and lo and behold...still no good.

So I'm not impressed with anyone in Washington and it's difficult for me to be impressed with anyone going to Washington. Won't the good guys just turn bad once they get there?

Oh! What a wretched woman I am!

Seriously though, are we to believe our answers lie in which party rules the roost in Washington? I know it is what we're told to believe by Fox, CNN and even the pulpit of our churches.

But what about those of us who are a million shades of gray in between? Who do we get to vote for?

So folks--this is my one political rant, forgive me. I'll pick this conversation up again in two years!

Do you have a political rant? If so feel free to express yourself in my comment section. You can be safe in knowing that I'm gonna love ya whether we agree or not! It's America--we get to do that here!

Blessings of peace and all that is good,
Debra

2010-10-25T00:01:00.013-05:00

BEAUTY

Sometimes you can find beauty most anywhere. I guess the key is you just have to see. Sometimes with the eyes, sometimes the heart.

I captured this photo today outside of a McDonalds. There was the most beautiful bed of flowers right outside the doors and butterflies were fluttering all around. I thought it would be impossible to capture a photo of one of them with my Kodak 7.2 point and shoot, but lo and behold, I did!

A Methodist church in our downtown area has this lovely pumpkin patch. I drove by there the other day and I just had to get out and take a few photos. I think they were selling them. The church lawn looked so lovely sprinkled with these big ole' orange balls!

I had a Martha Stewart moment the other day. The decorating kind--not the getting in trouble with the law kind *smile*. If you've read my blog awhile you've probably noticed I don't post pictures of home interiors much because well...I'm not very good at it. I had a moment though and put together this little fall scene at my front door. The flowers are real--the purple ones--not the yellow or orange ones. I thought I would enjoy them as long as I could cause...well...I'm not good at growing flowers either. You might be asking--well what IS this woman good at?

We visited this quaint little Amish bakery right outside of Starkville, MS yesterday and they too had gorgeous pots of flowers outside of their doors. I didn't get to take many pictures because I was busy drooling over all the sweets in the shop!

This is the one inside shot of the bakery I took. These are the windows close to the little eating area. Something always seems to draw my eyes to windows!

As I've gotten older I tend to notice the beauty of nature more and more. How does one look at trees, flowers, birds and butterflies and not KNOW there is a God? I don't understand that.

How about you? Have you noticed anything beautiful lately?

"He hath made everything beautiful in His time." Ecclesiastes 3:11

2010-10-15T00:20:00.000-05:00

Autumn Thoughts

What can I say--I've always loved the month of October.

That is with the exception of Halloween and all that hoopla of black cats, scary pumpkins and evil spirits--that I shall not dwell on for the purposes of this post.

It's a beautiful time of the year.

I thought that fall had come early to us here in the south--but it was just teasing with us. We had a few really cool days and then before you knew it we were back up to eighty and ninety degrees.

We finally had some rain a couple of days ago, so now, once again, there is a slight coolness in the air. It is welcomed.

When my children were little we would save our change for a whole year so that we would have enough money to take them to the fair. What a great time we would have! The rides, the food, the fellowship of seeing friends and neighbors. Pleasant memories for sure.

I fell in love for the first and only time in October of 1967. There has never been an October since then that I do not remember that event with special fondness. Most think of February as being the month of love. For me, the month of October is the month of love. Love remembered and love renewed.

Now that we are "seniors", we have the freedom to travel in the month of October. I love to travel. It's so thrilling to discover new places, people, and things. Ironic, I guess, that I should say that, since we've spent the last three Octobers in NYC-- but the thing about New York is that when you are visiting New York city, you are visiting the world--so many cultures and nations represented in such a small condensed area--I can't seem to see enough of it.

My husband and I will be on vacation in a few weeks--I'll leave everyone to guess where we are headed!

So very much to rejoice about. Thank the Lord those miners made it out of that underground tomb! What a blessing to seem them brought up from that black hole! God was surely with them.

There seems to be so much negativity concerning our nation and the direction it is headed in, but I can't help but believe that God is God and I am comforted by the fact that HE has all this under control. Really He does. I don't understand why we think it matters if Republicans or Democrats are in control of our country. God is in control. What party does He belong to? Don't answer that. *smile*

I've rambled on enough.

I'd like to end this post with a few of my favorite quotes:

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
— Mother Teresa

Happy autumn blessings ya'll,
Debra

..

2010-10-05T22:03:00.017-05:00

A STORY ABOUT 'MUCH AFRAID'

Faith came singing into my room,

And other guest took flight:

Fear and Anxiety, Grief and Gloom

Sped out into the night.

I wondered that such peace could be,

But Faith said gently,

"Don't you see?

They really cannot live

With me."

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." I Timothy 1:7

~~Author of poem unknown~~

**'Much Afraid' is the main character in Hannah Hurnard's "Hinds Feet On High Places." One of my favorite books.**

2010-09-23T03:30:00.018-05:00

A Mile In My Shoes

Please notice the pair of tennis shoes on your left. I bought that particular pair of shoes about, oh maybe 3 years ago. I promised myself when I bought them, they would be the pair of shoes that I walked a marathon in.

Well, that never happened.

Apparently, they worked like a charm for my daughter and son-in-law, as they DID complete a marathon after I bought these shoes.

About a year ago, I got myself a very expensive pair of tennis shoes. That would be the pair to your right, thinking OK, well, I'll just walk a little bit in these. Forget about the big goals and dreams of completing marathons.

Maybe I could just keep the dust off of these, and I have. I've been wearing them to work. Their a great pair of shoes and my left knee doesn't hurt when I wear them.

So, about three days ago I decided to go for a walk.

I walked a 30 minute mile. I was giving it everything I had too. Huffin' and puffin', face all red. What a sight to behold. My blood pressure was probably 300/199. That is so sad isn't it?

Just think, at one mile per 30 minutes, it would take me about 13 hours to complete a marathon. That is if I didn't fall over dead trying.

I've lead a sedentary life. It's starting to catch up with me.

I'm thinking about buying a new pair of tennis shoes!

~~~How about you? Have you ever just failed miserably at something you just desperately wanted to do? ~~~

2010-09-18T02:29:00.011-05:00

EPIPHANY: ACT I

It is September 2010. Time flies when your having fun.

I've been blogging now for a little over two years and have enjoyed every minute of it.I started this blog for two reasons.

First I wanted to record some of my thoughts and feelings I felt were important to pass on to my children and grandchildren. Often, I have thought maybe I have been a little TOO transparent. Possibly, there are things children and grandchildren are better off not knowing. But if I have to ere in this life, I guess I will have to ere on the side of translucency.

Secondly, by writing down some of the memories of my childhood, both positive and negative, I hoped to find some way of making peace with my past. And I have. Why does it take some of us a lifetime to realize that our parents were just human beings and flawed ones at best? Perhaps it's just me, I don't know. But I do know I have closure now that I did not have before starting this blog.

(Me visiting my mother's grave site located in the ninth ward of New Orleans June 2010)

I made two very significant journeys back to my childhood hometown this summer, New Orleans. Both trips affected me profoundly. It's been difficult to describe and put words to feelings, but I feel now I am ready and I must at least try.

It is the ending of my story and yet it is the beginning.

The first was my trip to the National Hansen's Disease Museum in Carville, Louisiana. In times past it was known as the "Hospital for Lepers". How could I have been brought up in New Orleans, just forty miles down river from this place, and not known this special place existed. Not once had I ever heard this place mentioned in my home, my school or church.

What a special world this was. A place for outcast, for flawed and rejected people not only from our country, but from all over the world! I never had leprosy but I'm sure I would have felt at home there as a child. It sounds crazy I know, but I wish I could have lived there.

I'm told that there was a lot of love there in spite of all the hindrances. Some folks were exiled there for a lifetime for a disease that was never even contagious, as we now all know or at least should know .

There's a part of me that's angry it took fifty-seven years to find out about Carville. I'm privileged to have finally visited there and met Simeon Peterson, a life long resident and sufferer of Hansen's disease. He doesn't have to stay there anymore, but he does so because he WANTS to and works as museum guide. I love the Simeons of this world!

These great warriors of "leprosy" eventually overcame all the obstacles placed upon them. The patients, doctors and nurses and Nuns at Carville played a huge role in finding a cure for this disease. What a real bunch of heroes were they.

(Pateints lived, died and were buried at Carville Hospital)

After leaving Carville I mentally buried what few childhood feelings I had left of feeling flawed, rejected and outcast.

There are no walls that surround "Carville Leper Colony" now as they once did.

And as for myself? I kicked the last few bricks out from my own lifetime of self imposed walls after having visited there this summer. To God be the glory.

EPIPHANY ACT II

On the fourth of July weekend my husband and I journeyed back to New Orleans to enjoy the fireworks and also visit some of the lovely plantation homes located along River Road. I also had been fascinated by the excellent news coverage of the gulf oil spill provided nightly by Anderson Cooper at CNN. I thought, who knows maybe I'll get to see him as he is there every night reporting from the Riverwalk.

(Oak groves trees, if you look closely at the end of these two rows of trees you will find a white cross right in the middle.)

River Road is unusual road to travel. On one side of the highway there is the levee. On the other side of the highway you find beautiful plantation homes, oak trees, churches and homes. And oddly, chemical plants are located along this road as well. No offense, but those things are just ugly!

( Houmas House Plantation )

On Sunday the fourth of July we drove into the inner city of New Orleans and visited a beautiful little mission church called Vintage Church on Magazine Street. It felt odd for me to attend there. As a child I only knew of Catholic churches in New Orleans and it was a blessing for me to attend this little Baptist Mission church.

(Green building is Vintage Church, Magazine Street, New Orleans.)

We went back to the hotel room and rested awhile after church. After resting we headed back into the city to look around at the Riverwalk area and await the beautiful fireworks display that takes place yearly over the mighty Mississippi River.

One of the first stops we made was at the Cafe Du Monde. This famous coffee and beignet (square donuts with powdered sugar)shop has been part of my family history for long as I can remember. My mother worked there as a teenager as did most of her siblings. My uncle was the manager there for some forty plus years. I still have second cousins that work there today.

(Cafe Du Monde, it really hasn't changed much through the years.)

(A diabetic coma waiting to happen)

Merriam-Webster defines epiphany as "a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something".

Now I have to tell you, I've never, to my knowledge, experienced an epiphany before, but as soon as my husband and I stepped out of the Cafe Du Monde, I knew I was experiencing one. We had paused for just a moment to take in all the sights and sounds.

Two feet in front of us a wonderful jazz band were playing their hearts out. I was amazed they could play so very well in the hot, scorching heat of the day. Happy families milled all around us, some wearing red, white and blue. I'm sure they too were anticipating the fireworks show to come. I looked across the street and gazed upon the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral. My eyes rested momentarily at the street performer all ablazed in gold paint assuming various poses. To my back was the Mississippi River. I couldn't see her but I knew she was there.

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As I stood there and took in all the sights and sounds, I was overwhelm with feelings of love, joy, peace and happiness. I had spent the better part of my adult life trying to reconcile my childhood with this city.

And now, in these few brief moments, as I listened to the Paulin Brothers Brass Band play, I made peace with this city. Not only peace with New Orleans but peace with every aspect of my childhood there.

Good people live here. Not everyone that lives here is a drunk or drug addict. There are good churches here with good people who attend them. Hard working, dedicated people who love and care for their families reside here. Not every family is a freak show as I had so often felt of my own.

( Anderson Cooper's video crew on the River Walk lawn)

And no, I never did get to see Anderson Cooper that day. But I did get to see his team and talk to them. They said he had the night off for the holiday and that someone else would be doing his evening show. Oh well! :) Apologies to my Fox & Friends fans. You have to admit though, AC did a great job on the oil spill crises.

(myself looking at the Mississippi river bridge)
So, my story ends here. Does that mean this is the end of my blogging days? By all means no! For you see tomorrow is a new beginning. Tomorrow will bring new challenges, new joys, new sorrows, new opportunities to make peace with whatever it is that may trouble you. Folks, I am thankful that Jesus IS and will FOREVER be my bridge over troubled water!
To God be the glory!
"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."(John 10:10)
Blessings of peace and all that is good: Debra

2010-09-11T16:42:00.012-05:00

HOPE, PEACE & LOVE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2001

O God of love, compassion and healing,
look on us, people of many different faiths
and traditions,
who gather today at this site,
the scene of incredible violence and pain.

We ask you in your goodness
to give eternal light and peace
to all who died here___

We ask you in your compassion
to bring healing to those
who, because of their presence here that day,
suffer from injuries and illness.
Heal, too, the pain of still grieving families
and all who lost loved ones in this tragedy.
Give them strength to continue their lives
with courage and hope.

We are mindful as well
of those who suffered death, injury, and loss
on the same day at the pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
Our hearts are one with theirs
as our prayer embraces their pain and suffering.

God of peace, bring you peace to our violent world:
peace in the hearts of all men and women
and peace among the nations of the earth.
Turn to your way of love
those whose hearts and minds
are consumed with hatred.

God of understanding,
overwhelmed by the magnitude of this tragedy,
we seek your light and guidance
as we confront such terrible events.
Grant that those whose lives were spared
may live so that the lives lost here
may not have been lost in vain.
Comfort and console us
strengthen us in hope,
and give us the wisdom and courage
to work tirelessly for a world
where true peace and love reign
among nations and in the hearts of all.

Prayer of Pope Benedict XVI
Ground Zero New York
April 20, 2008

Blessings of peace everyone and all that is good,
Debra

2010-09-01T09:02:00.025-05:00

FOUR THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN: WE WON...RIGHT?

“I am announcing that the American combat mission in Iraq has ended. Operation Iraqi Freedom is over,” declared the President on Tuesday night in prime time TV.

So yesterday officially marked
the end of combat operations in Iraq. Four thousand, four hundred and seventeen troops heroically and sacrificially gave their lives.

Speaking as a mother only, I can't help but wonder what makes today different from yesterday in Iraq?

Did we win???

AMONG THE LAST OF THE FALLEN IN IRAQ:

Below are respectfully noted as being among the last to give their all. I salute them and my heart and prayers go out to their families.

Army Sgt. Faith R. Hinkley
Died August 07, 2010 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom

23, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; assigned to 502nd Military Intelligence Battalion, 201st Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash.; died Aug. 7 in Baghdad, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked her unit in Iskandariya, Iraq.

Army Sgt. Brandon E. Maggart
Died August 22, 2010 serving during Operation Iraqi Freedom

24, of Kirksville, Mo.; assigned to the 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash; died Aug. 22 at Basrah, Iraq, of wounds sustained when insurgents attacked his unit using indirect fire.

Many years ago I had the privilege of accompanying my Dad back to Guadalcanal where he served in WWII. As we stood and gazed over the waters of Iron Bottom Sound, I'll never forget him telling me about how it had been his job duty to scoop dead bodies up out of the water as their boat searched around those waters after a severe attack from the Japanese.

He said if anyone had ever been in a war and knew what it was like, there would never be anymore wars.

He followed up by saying what so many before have said, "War is hell".

I believed him then...I believe him now.

>

(My Dad and I standing on top of "Bloody Ridge" in Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands. Many, many troops lost their lives there.)

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.Romans 12:18

2010-08-31T04:30:00.002-05:00

PREACH THE GOSPEL...

IF NECESSARY, USE WORDS...

Above photo: Mother Teresa as she cares for a sick and dying man. I am struck by the fact that she is preaching Jesus without saying a word. I find this type of Christainty of the purest form.

2010-08-26T04:31:00.000-05:00

WHY ARE YOU CRYING AND WHO ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?

And Jesus said unto her, woman why are you crying? Who are you looking for?

Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, "Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away."

Sir, tell me where you've put Him and I'll go get Him.

Oh, sir! Just give me Jesus, then I'll be alright! John 20:15

“And we're still looking! And we go to all of these other places looking for our fulfillment and our satisfaction and our joy and our peace and our meaning for life and our reason for existence. And we just can't seem to find it and we're still looking. And Jesus says, “What are you looking for?! What are you looking for?! What are you looking for? WHO are you looking for?” ” [Quote from Anne Graham Lotz]

This chapter (John 20) has been on my heart most of the night, so I just had to share it.

So many of us, in the human condition that we find ourselves in, run to and fro in our daily lives. We seek answers. We want solutions to the problems that we face at home, at work and in every aspect of life as we know it.

And then there is Jesus. He stands before us and says, here I am. Why are you crying? Why are you fretting? What are you looking for? WHO are you looking for?

I AM here.

I AM your answer.

I AM your solution.

Blessings of peace everyone and all that is good,
Debra

2010-08-20T04:50:00.001-05:00

RIDICULOUS CONVERSATIONS

Conversation with self at Walmart a few nights ago:

Oooooohhhh! These are pretty! So nice and soft and they got the New Orleans Saints logo all over them. Now that is just what I've been looking for.

Oh! No! Look! There's only two pair left and they are both extra small. I can't wear extra smalls. Whatever, can't they for once order too much in size 12/14. Half the women in this country are size 12/14 and yet you can never find something you want in that size. Oh well...

No wait, what is this? I found a large right here in the middle of the ugly pants rack. How great is that? They are mine now! Yes sir ree bob, I got me a pair of Saints pajama bottoms. Yep, they are soft and light weight, love, love, love them.

Twenty dollars for a pair of pajama bottoms? That's kinda pricey isn't it? Oh well, we just spent thirty-two dollars at Red Lobster, I guess I can afford these.

Now, sure as I get these, them Saints are going to start losing games. That's how it works. You buy the tee shirt and then they don't win another game that season.

Well who cares now, they won the Superbowl in February. Maybe they won't win this year, but I will at least have a comfortable pair of pajamas to wear. I'm getting them. I don't care. And besides I'm not superstitious. There you go PJ's into my basket you go.

Five minutes later and browsing two aisles over:

But WHAT IF they start to lose. Do I need them THAT bad? I'm gonna put them back. I cannot be responsible for the Saints losing this year. Back over to the rack to put them back.

About that time the husband walks up, "hey, whatcha got there?"

Well...I found these really cute Saints pajama bottoms but....

What's the problem he says, seeing the worried look on my face.

And then I just say to him what I would not say to anyone else in the whole wide world (with the exception of the Internet). If I get these, do you think it will make the Saints lose this year?

He just smiles. It's what he does when he wants to say, "your crazy".

I know. I've loved Jesus for a very long time. God spoke this world into existence and He orders the entire universe. He controls everything and it is not going to make a difference if I buy these pants or not! I am not superstitious, I am not superstitious.

Back into the basket they go and I quickly proceed to the checkout.

Listening to that familiar beep as the bar code passes over the scanner I'm thinking, "besides, they already lost their first pre-season game."

Was just wondering, have you ever found yourself having ridiculous conversations with yourself? Care to share them? (*smile*)

"But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore" Luke 12:7

2010-08-16T02:21:00.006-05:00

So...for the first time ever I went to the doctor with one major complaint! I said, "Doctor, I am so tired".

I have no reason to be tired. I haven't done anything at all. Yes, I've gone to work, but my job is not a physical one. Mentally, it's very taxing but not physically. I feel aches all over. My muscles cramp often. I get short of breath once in a while and sometimes it takes great effort just to walk across the room. And why is it that I stay COLD ALL the time? It's 104 degrees outside and when I walk into a building with air conditioning I have to put a coat on!

And then there's that little issue of feeling blue, sad, down and out, when I know in my heart I have much to rejoice about. That's difficult and shameful for me to admit but I guess it's time I share it with a few of my blogger friends and anyone else that has access to the Internet (*smile*).

So, OK...forget the one complaint. I have many.

The good doctor orders a ton of lab work. Seems my thyroid is not working so well. Hypothyroidism it's called. At least he THINKS that may be the problem.

Today, when the sun comes up, I'm back to the doctor again for more test to confirm the hypothyroidism.

I covet your prayers and as always my heart and prayers to the many blogger friends whose burdens are so much greater than mine.

Blessings of peace and all that is good,
Debra

2010-08-09T08:24:00.008-05:00

Can Anyone Say Mirror?

The picture on the left is my husband's graduation picture in 1970.

The picture on the right is my youngest son in 2010. The glasses and haircut are added for effect.

He (my son) does not think he looks like his dad...

Can anyone say mirror?

Happy Monday everyone!

2010-08-02T01:21:00.007-05:00

Dog Days of Summer

Folks, it is hot here in the south. Yesterday, it was 104 degrees in the shade. I'm sure the heat index had to be at least 110! I know that when I am hot, everyone else is on fire. It's days like this that I wonder if Al Gore might have been right. Oh, I know, probably not, but yet...maybe he had a point! Just saying.

Speaking of dogs...

Please note the beautiful dog pictured above. Is that not the most beautiful dog in the whole wide world? No, that's not my dog. I'm not even a dog person, but I love this breed of dog. They are called Weimaraners and I can't stop looking at them. Isn't he cute? I just love their beautiful gray, silky coats and their gorgeous blue gray eyes. I read they can be very energetic, lovable and crazy acting. Of course, I would be drawn to crazy, even in dogs. What is that about me? Never mind, don't answer that!

I don't think I'll ever be a pet owner, but if I ever change my mind, this will be my kind of dog.

Happy Monday to all! Ya'll stay cool now, ya hear!

Blessings of peace & all that is good.

2010-07-27T07:41:00.011-05:00

And It Came To Pass

*On April 8, 2008 I first penned the following post. It was only the second post I had ever written. At the suggestion of a dear blogger friend and because it seemed so appropriate on THIS particular morning, I am reposting it! Be blessed ya'll!,

I guess one of the first things I could share is one of my favorite bible phrases. That phrase is "it came to pass". It is found to be in the bible approximately 457 times according to crossdaily.com.

There are few things in life outside of knowing God and Jesus, that can be counted on more than the knowledge that "it all comes to pass".
You see, we can be in the deepest, darkest valley, with no hope of anything changing and there is comfort in knowing that given enough time , "it will pass." Times are hard? It will pass.....a bad day?...it will pass......sickness......it will pass and on and on.

By the same token, if you are high up on the mountain top, all is well in your world, everything is good and alright, well............my friend.....it will pass.

Yes, change is what life is all about. As I have gotten older I don't accept change as well as I did when I was younger. Seems there is much comfort in things and situations staying the same. I am reminded though how sometimes change is good if only I am able to embrace it and accept it.

Maybe that is one of the reasons I love butterflies. They start out as something not really so pretty, caterpillars....and then blossom into something as beautiful a creature as a colorful butterfly. My how they are pretty. Change is necessary for them to become what God would have them to be.

I have had to remind myself of that often as my children have left home one by one. It made me sad, but now I see change in them and know that God is working something beautiful in their life and the lives of their families.

It came to pass........thank you Father for change. Someday all things will be old and then we will be able to truly embrace what is new........that is our new home in heaven! Oh the streets of gold how lovely they will be. This old body with all its flaws ..changed. And oh! to see the face of my sweet Jesus, I long for that day!

And it came to pass.

And now, for your listening pleasure, please enjoy Mississippi's Mass Choir's rendition of..."IT CAME TO PASS".

2010-07-23T00:25:00.008-05:00

To God Be The Glory!

Ladies and gentleman may I introduce you to our sweet precious new grandson! Jonah arrived July 21, weighing in at seven pounds and nine ounces, and approximately 19 inches long. Both Momma and baby are doing well as also Daddy and The Big Sister too!

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. (Psalms 127:3-5)

2010-07-14T08:03:00.003-05:00

COMPARING MAGNOLIAS TO MAGNOLIAS

SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA TREE

From a distance your unremarkable. What with your large, wide base and shiny, stiff, leathery, dark green leaves. Most times you just blend into the ordinary of road side foliage.

Most times, I say, except when your in bloom. Well now. What can one say 'bout them blooms?
Not ordinary, that's for sure! Beautiful, elegant, white petals. Sometimes six, eight or twelve of them, but who cares and who is counting anyway? One whiff of your wonderfully sweet fragrance erases all of the ordinariness about you.

Might as well talk about when your not in bloom. Yea, let's talk about that a minute. Your sturdiness does not go unnoticed. In storms, you do not bend nor break. As a matter of fact, you barely lose a leaf! Often, I have coveted your ability to withstand stress without experiencing structural damage.

Who knew, God, in His great wisdom, would make a human version of you?

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

If you looked up the word 'steel magnolia'
I'm sure you would find her picture there.
Such a tiny,frail , wee woman
yet so courageous, iron willed and strong.

She loved the Lord, her church and family too.
Always being about the Father's business
with so very much to do.

Her voice was soft as an angel's whisper
but there was stead fast conviction
In all that she spoke.

She's gone to be with her Jesus now
We will miss her sorely, but get by somehow.

Heaven will enjoy a sweeter fragrance for sure;
as the sweetest "steel magnolia"
Makes her abode in heaven, with Jesus so pure.

*Mrs. Chassie Aubrey Stamper
Our friend in Christ
Left for Glory July 11, 2010
She was 95 years old.*

Southern Magnolias grow in the southeastern part of the United States.

Such is not the case with "Steel Magnolias" as they can be found most anywhere...if you take notice that is. Look around you. Who is the "Steel Magnolia" in your life?

If you find one, give 'em a big hug and tell them you love them.

2010-07-01T02:29:00.002-05:00

Trip To Carville

Some journeys are just worth it, you know what I mean? My family was thinking it quite odd that I now had this burning desire to visit a place that was once a "Leper" Colony, now known as the National Hansen's Museum. Not only that, it was located smack dab in the middle of nowhere, Louisiana!

It's difficult for me to describe just how excited I was to have finally made my way here.

Upon entering the museum I was quite surprised to be greeted by someone very special. This is Simeon Peterson and I had read of him in Neil White's book, "In the Sanctuary of Outcast." Simeon was sent to Carville with Hansen's Disease when he was just five years old. He has been there for sixty years! It was such a pleasure and honor to meet him. You can read an interesting account of Simeon's story at this British Broadcasting News website. Meeting Simeon was the highlight of my trip, without a doubt.

Since most of the grounds of Carville are now occupied by the National Guard we could not tour most of the buildings and old hospital. They would allow us to visit the cemetery that hundreds of former patients are buried in. Most people that were exiled to Carville usually changed their name because there was so much social stigma associated with having this disease. They did it to protect their families. Not only that but they were also assigned a number when they arrived at Carville. The alias and the number were even placed on their tombstones.

Imagine being told you have an illness, being place in shackles, treated like a criminal, and placed in exile for the rest of your life, never to see family or friends again. Seems harsh punishment for having had the misfortune of having this dreaded disease.

The staff, and precious patients of Carville are credited with having helped to find a cure for Hansen's disease. What a victory! What a triumph! The above photo is one of the first buildings at Carville. It was once called Indian Camp Sugar Plantation. This beautiful, historic home housed the Carville administrative staff.

Sometimes you just don't understand why you have to make a particular journey. I didn't. But I do know that I am blessed to have made this one. Carville touched me in deep, deep places. I am a better person for having visited there.

Much love to my beautiful daughter for joining me on this adventure. We made a few detours along the way, detours that became journeys in and of themselves, but that is a post for another day..well maybe...or maybe not! :)

Blessings of peace everyone and all that is good.

2010-06-26T02:00:00.002-05:00

In The Company Of Outcasts

Every once in awhile I read a book that touches me in a very deep and profound way. I can finish reading the book and put it down, but yet it never leaves me. Such was the case when I recently read the book "In the Sanctuary of Outcast" by author Neil White.

It is his memoir of a year spent in a minimal security federal prison in Carville, Louisiana. Imagine his surprise, if you will, after arriving there and finding out that it is not only a prison for white collar crime inmates, but it is also a leprosarium for leprosy patients (now preferably called Hansen's Disease).

You see, Carville, has operated as a leprosarium from 1894-1999. It was the only leprosy colony in the continental US. For a brief few years, 1991-1994, it also housed federal inmates as well. Enter Neil White.

White details his eighteen month stay at Carville. He befriends many of the patients there and is moved by their stories. "Finally, in a sanctuary for outcasts, I understood the truth. Surrounded by men and women who could not hide their disfigurement, I could see my own," he writes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's a funny thing about myself. I've always been drawn to outcasts. The unwanted, the unloved, flawed, hurting, souls of humanity. I don't mean that to sound lofty or noble, because there have been times when this inclination has brought me some measure of grief or regret, but I shall not digress.

I knew I would have to go. I didn't know when, or how or with who, or really why for that matter, but I knew I would have to make the journey.

A journey to Carville...

"This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles" Psalms 34:6

How about you? Have you read any books lately that you just could not get over?

Of course it should go without saying the Bible is always number one on this list.

2010-06-18T03:05:00.008-05:00

~When I Say I am a Christian~

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not shouting, "I've been saved!"
I'm whispering, "I get lost!
That's why I chose this way"

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I don't speak with human pride
I'm confessing that I stumble-needing God to be my guide

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not trying to be strong
I'm professing that I'm weak and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not bragging of success
I'm admitting that I've failed and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I don't think I know it all
I submit to my confusion asking humbly to be taught

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I'm not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible but God believes I'm worth it

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache which is why I seek His name

When I say, "I am a Christian,"
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority--I only know I'm loved

Carol Wimmer 1988

Artwork: Chris Higham

2010-06-17T04:18:00.005-05:00

Things Fall Down

So, things have been falling apart at work lately.

No, for real, the fifty year old air conditioning pipes burst in the ceiling and we had a Katrina type flood of blue, freon filled water all over the place. Ceiling tiles and ankle deep, smurf blue water as far as the eye could see.

Thankfully, no patients were injured, but we did have to relocate to another unit for a few days. Not fun at all. Hopefully, we will get a new air conditioning/heating unit out of the deal. I'm not holding my breath though.

Hot! Hot! Hot!

It's been very hot here. Now, I'm not complaining, because hot is always so much better than cold (at least for me). Temps running ninety-seven plus degrees with humidity percentages way on up there, it feels like a very hot sauna when you step outside. If my husband were to be reading this he would quickly add, "and I've got to work out there in that every day". I always feel bad for him in the summertime because of that. My job is inside, but it has its own set of miseries.

Oil Spill

It's OK with me if CNN stops showing that oil gushing into the Gulf Coast anytime it wants to. I appreciate their efforts to keep us informed, but we can now see the oil coming unto our beautiful beaches, we know what's happening. I just want to close my eyes and make it all go away.

Please dear blogger friends, pray with me that it will stop soon. I'm confident that with God's help we will survive this tragedy.

~~~So, that's a few of my rants this early Thursday morning. Thank you for patience and listening.

How about you? What's happening in your world? All rants accepted.~~~

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.(Roman8:38-39)

2010-06-10T03:34:00.006-05:00

View From My Bedroom Window

It was a large room with very high ceilings, or so they seemed from a child's eye view. There were two twin beds located in the room sitting side by side and I occupied one of them. The rest of the furnishings were rather sparse and plain.

I remember the windows the best. They were very long, or so they seemed from a child's eye view. The strangest thing about that window, were the curtains. They were made of plastic! Bright patterns of multi-colored flowers, usually. Looking back plastic curtains seem so strange but they were quite common at the time.

The view from the window wasn't much to see. Usually an alley followed by the house next door, maybe four feet away. You felt as if you could touch it, if you leaned out far enough.

In the summertime our windows were always open and thanks to the "shot-gun" design of our house, there was always a breeze blowing through. I never remember our house being hot. Of course we had huge window fans, usually placed in a back room, that drew in not only the wonderful breezes but the most delicious aromas of the city! Some may say this with sarcasm but not I! There was a seafood restaurant across the street and just down the way, a bakery. If the next door neighbor was fixing shrimp creole or red beans and rice, well, you certainly knew about it!

I loved the sounds from my window the best. Cars going by, people talking next door, the sound of music from across the street, and sirens blaring. All sounds of life and sounds of comfort to me. At night, the steady, soothing hum of the window fan would lull me into a deep, restful sleep.

That was my childhood bedroom.

How about yours? What was the view from your window?

~~~Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort IICorn 1:3~~~~

Blessings of peace everyone and all that is good! Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed weekend that is coming up!

2010-06-05T03:33:00.017-05:00

Games I Used To Play

Sometimes, I think back on the way I passed the time away as a child and the games we used to play. While "passing time" away on the computer this week, I run across this photo that, goodness, looks like it could have been taken of me and my friends, while attending Gayarre Elementary School in New Orleans. Our school yard was all concrete and there were permanent hopscotches painted on the ground. As soon as the bell rang for recess, we would run outside and claim one to play on. I recall it being a really fun and challenging game to play.
*Photo by Shirley Baker from the book "Street Photographs: Manchester and Salford".

Another one of my favorite pastimes was playing the game of Jacks. Now, I have to tell you, I was quite good at this game. At school we had a basement area that had one of the smoothest, slickest floor surfaces one could imagine, and it didn't hurt your hands at all to play on it. As a matter of fact I can still recall how pleasant it felt to sit on that cool floor on a hot September school day!

And how many hours did I spend playing Double Jump Rope with my little Chinese friends from around the corner! Oh, what fun it was! They would start off turning the ropes slowly, and then when you got the hang of it real good, they would go faster and faster and your feet would become a blur till you messed up. Then it would be the other girls turn to jump and you would then be one of the rope turners.

So these were just a few of my pastimes as a child. How about you? What were some of your favorite pastimes? I would love to hear about them!

2010-06-01T03:20:00.003-05:00

A Bird, A Crazy Lady And A Cracked Door

I've always been very afraid of animals.

I don't know why. Maybe it has something to do with being raised in the city and not having much exposure to them. Maybe it's because a neighbor's dog once bit my daughter. Maybe it's because I'm just plain weird. I don't know. Whatever the reason, I just know I'm now fifty-seven years old and I'm still afraid.

Several months ago my husband and I were returning home from our usual Friday night date. Upon opening the front door, out flew a young bird that apparently had made itself comfortable in the flower wreath that hung on my door.

I can still feel it's flapping little wings fluttering through my hair as it made its way into the foyer of our home.

Yes, I totally lost it. I'm sure my screams were heard throughout the neighborhood. Folks must have thought a murder had just been committed. But no, just me, my husband and a tiny little bird now trapped inside our home.

My hubby was frantically trying to shoo the wee little thing back out the front door. I say frantically because mean while I had run to a bedroom and was hollering at him through a crack in the door, "Is he out yet? Is he out yet?"

To my horror, I could hear the bird making it's way down our hallway, flying past the room I was holed up in, and into the back bedroom.

In my desperation, I started calling out suggestions to DH with my lips pressed tightly through the crack in the door. "Get a broom!" "See if you can coax him back to the front of the house!" "Get your fish net catcher thingy , maybe you can scoop him in and carry him out!

The dear man man that married the nut case behind the door, thirty-nine years ago, tried all the suggestions without success.

Finally, one last, brilliant idea was offered up by the crazy lady. "Try throwing a bed sheet over him, I'm sure that will work!"

Well, he did and it did. DH carried the little guy out to the front yard and released him to freedom.

The deranged woman released herself from her own self imposed captivity as well.

And they all lived happily ever after. End of story.

Not quite. When DH came back into the house he looked rather sad. He said he didn't think the bird was OK and said it was just lying on the ground still as could be.

I went to take a peek through the window. Yep, it was just lying there. I said, "Well, maybe it's just getting its bearings and will fly away in just a minute."

Now, instead of fear, all I could feel was guilt, remorse, and worry. Should we take it to the vet? Do CPR? What? I kept thinking, "move little birdie, MOVE!"

It never did.

I cannot tell you the sadness and sorrow I felt about that little bird's death. If it wasn't for my insane fear, DH probably would have let it fly around the house until it finally flew out. It was all my fault.

Poor little bird.
I'm so sorry.
Lord forgive me.

2010-05-20T04:10:00.001-05:00

CIRCLES

It's difficult for me to believe. Really it is. How can it possibly be that my oldest grandchild will be graduating from high school this Friday evening?

Seems like it was just yesterday he was first born! Where do all the years go and oh my, how much does time fly by!

The last few weeks I've had the song from the Lion King, "Circle of Life", playing endlessly in the back of my mind. What with having a grandson graduating, new grand baby arriving in July, grandchildren having birthdays, precious loved ones going home to be with the Lord, seems hello's and goodbye's abound!

And even stranger phenomena happening, is that my daughter is already feeling the beginning twinges of an empty nest. Hold on here! Wait a minute! I'm not recovered from my OWN empty nest yet! How can it be that I am old enough to have a child with an empty nest? Is that possible? Well, apparently it is.

So, dear friends, here I sit, right in the middle of the circle, watching it all unfold around me. Well...OK...maybe not sitting in the middle...maybe more towards the end of the circle if I want to be realistic about it.

I know, circles have no end, right?

That truth comforts me.

~~I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.(James 10:10). Thank you Father, for blessed and abundant life you have given to me.~~

Congratulations Brock! We are so very proud of you!
We are blessed to have you as a grandson.

2010-05-14T02:14:00.008-05:00

God Is There For All The Days That End In "Why?"

Abraham as he offers up his son Isaac

Genesis 22: "It is easy to assume that giving to God can be achieved without grief and terrible cost." (http://www.christian-art.org.uk/)

This post lovingly dedicated to someone I love very much.

2010-05-07T04:02:00.029-05:00

Taking A Little Break From It All

Oh my! Warm gentle breezes at last! And no, I smell not one drop of oil here in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Thank you Lord!

A room with a view!

And Oh! What a view it is!

What a sight to behold! What a show to see !

Two days to spend in one of my favorite places in all the world!

What a place to behold the beauty of all the things that our Lord so freely give us to us all!

Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord...

*************************************************************************

If I don't get back to my blog before Sunday,

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY EVERYONE!

2010-05-04T03:15:00.072-05:00

The Other Venice: "The End Of The World" Venice

My eyes almost fell out of my head!

What a sight to behold by this seafood lover! They were some of the largest and most beautiful shrimp I had ever seen! One shrimp must have weighed a half pound alone.

We were in Venice, Louisiana . It must have been at least 20 years ago. We drove as far south as we could go and had stopped at a local seafood market to buy some shrimp to bring back to Mississippi with us.

Venice is thirty miles south of my place of birth, Port Sulfur and Port Sulfur fifty miles south of New Orleans where I spent my formative years.

(Yes, this is moi standing on a levee circa 1956?)

There Is A Reason Venice Is Called "The End Of The World"!

When I was a child I remember it being mostly inhabited by bar rooms, fisherman, oil companies, and my mother's people, aunts, uncles and cousins. Most of them in the bar room business. Daddy, though, worked for the California Company, who later became Standard Oil and even later, Chevron.

In the summer time the temperatures there rise to well over 100 degrees with humidity at 100%. At least it feels that way, anyway. The mosquitoes in late afternoon could eat you alive. The mud from some of the marshes would dry up and form mud cakes on the bottom of your shoes if you didn't watch where you stepped. Oyster shells were often used to make driveways and parking lots.

As you drive south from New Orleans on Hwy 23, the Mississippi River lies to your left and the Gulf of Mexico to your right. Often, while driving down the road you could look up and watch ships passing by on either side, because the area is below sea level.

More hurricanes than I care to remember have destroyed this area and yet the people have always come back, rebuilding their homes, lives and businesses. They are a resilient people. There are good, honest, hard working folks there, who provide much of the seafood we are so fond of.Their very livelihoods are now, once again, at stake. A disaster is looming ahead that they have never had to face before.

Who Is Where?

I turned on the TV tonight, and it was quite surreal watching Rachel Maddow and Brian Williams reporting about the oil spill disaster from Venice, Louisiana. Venice being the closest "town" to the oil spill. I had to smile as I watched them swat at gnats, mosquitoes and bugs as they reported. President Obama was there yesterday, he also, speaking as he wiped warm, humid, wet drizzle off his face.

The whole world is watching this little place, so long ago nicknamed,

"The End of the World".

And as the world watches I will be whispering a prayer, "Lord forgive us, help us and have mercy upon us all ."

2010-04-29T01:42:00.023-05:00

Locating Calcutta: Forgive Me Lord, I'm A Slow Learner

I've been making my way the past few days through a book entitled "Finding Calcutta" by Mary Poplin. Ms Poplin is a professor at Calaremont Graduate University in California who spent two months volunteering at Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India. Needless to say, it was a life changing experience for her.

I'm nowhere near finished with this little book and yet I find my thoughts fixed on Mother Teresa's Calcutta. There are not many "famous" people in the world of religion I hold in high esteem, but Mother Teresa is certainly one of them. What a truly great woman of God! What a pure example of unconditional love in action.

How often have I longed to go to far away places to be a witness and missionary to the people of that land!

I've come to the realization though that the more difficult task and challenge lies closer to home. Ministering and witnessing to my family, friends and neighbors.

Poor, lonely and heartbroken people surround me, as well as those that are dying. I speak especially of those who are dying of spiritual poverty, poverty of the soul. They need Jesus. They need to SEE Jesus. How daunting is the notion that I am quite possibly the only Jesus someone will ever see. My actions and deeds, the only bible they may ever read.

Without a doubt I've been called to the mission field of "Calcutta".

I've just never thought that "Calcutta" could exist right outside my very own front door. What a revelation!

How about you dear friend, have you located Calcutta?

"They that be whole, need not a physician" Matthew 9:12

2010-04-16T01:28:00.009-05:00

Transitions

It was probably the strangest call he had ever received as a pastor.

The parishioner's voice was high pitched and there was a note of desperation as she spoke. She had called him because he was the only male she could think of that might be home in the middle of the day.

"Brother Lynn!, Brother Lynn!, please, can you come to my house right now, with a saw as fast as you can?" "Why yes, I can," he said, " but tell me what in the world is wrong," he asked.

"Well, oh how can I say this, it's my son and he is stuck in his potty chair!" she exclaimed, with feelings of embarrassment and panic. He's turning blue! I've called the fire department but I don't know if they will get here in time!

You may have guessed already. The panicked and overwhelmed young mother was me and by some strange series of circumstances that remain a mystery to this day, my two year old son, Scott, had gotten his head and chest wedged between the arm rest and seat of his potty chair. It was a chair almost identical to the one posted above (thank you world wide web).

Thankfully, about the time my pastor came bursting through the door with saw in hand, my little guy had managed to wiggle and transition himself out of his precarious position with the potty chair.

Brother Lynn found me slumped down, in a heap, crying, in the middle of my kitchen floor with relief and my son still bawling his eyes out from the ordeal. After comforting me and my son, he called the fire department and told them not to come, that all was well. I guess you could say, my pastor went beyond the call of duty that day. I'm sure they never prepared him for those kinds of situations in seminary.

Welcome Home!

My little guy is 33 years old now. After serving our county honorably for 12 years in the military, he is making the difficult transition back into civilian life, he and my lovely DIL and grandchildren. We love them and are proud to have them back home.

I guess I just wanted to relay this funny (at least it's funny now) little story to say this.

Transitions can be difficult.

Sometimes , after struggling and wiggling around awhile, we find out we're going to be OK after all.

And that's a good thing...

...and a God thing too.

They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters;
These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep.
For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof.
They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.
They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end.
Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses.
He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still.
Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.(Psalm 107:23-30)

Blessings everyone! Have a great week-end!

2010-04-08T03:50:00.005-05:00

Committed

Late breaking news yesterday.

Tiger Woods played golf.

And that is exactly as it should be. Playing golf is something Tiger is good at. What Tiger is NOT good at is commitment.

What's worse, he's not alone.

Does anyone say 'I do' anymore and really mean it?

Such a disturbing trend this business of unfaithfulness. Seems with each passing day, it becomes more acceptable in our society. Even among those who should know better, people who profess themselves as Christians. What a tragedy.

Some would have you believe that breaking marriage vows affect only the couple involved. What many fail to realize is that it permanently scars the children. I can tell you this with confidence because I am the adult child of an adulteress mother. It leaves children with enormous trust and boundary issues.

By the grace of God, my own personal scars are barely noticeable now. How thankful I am for that. And I'm thankful for a faithful husband and blessed marriage of some 38 years now. Next month we will celebrate our 39th anniversary. To God be the glory.

As the song by Clint Black says, "when I said I do, I meant I will".

Wonder if Tiger ever heard of it?

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be ONE flesh." Genesis 2:24

2010-04-04T07:49:00.006-05:00

He Is Risen!

"And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified.

He is not here: for he is risen..." Matthew 28:5&6

Happy Resurrection Day Everyone!

2010-04-01T05:42:00.016-05:00

It's Friday...But Sunday's Comin'

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him..." Luke 23:33

2010-04-01T04:09:00.014-05:00

Gethsemane

Who could imagine that even our Lord would have one, dark, night of the soul?

"My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry here and watch."

"And He said, Abba Father, all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt." Mark 14: 34 &36

(photo @ www.allposters.com)

2010-03-21T07:56:00.009-05:00

Speaking Of Calls

As always, the streets are dark and vacant as I make my way home from work this morning.

It is Sunday, the Lords day and I find myself thinking well maybe I can at least make it to Sunday School. My heart says yes, my body says no. The embarrassment of falling asleep at church is, as always, enough to convince me to not try it. Congregations are not kind to preacher's wives who fall asleep at church.

We had an unusually easy night on the detox unit last night. Small group, easy going and serious about getting well. A pleasure to take care of.

Much unlike last weeks group. What can I say about last weeks group? Without a doubt demon possessed. Twelve solid hours of doing hand to hand combat with the enemy. Night after night. Kind of sucks the life right out of you. Took me a full two days to recuperate. If it were not for Jesus I could not do this.

There are days I long to be normal. Work normal hours, and work with normal people. It would be nice to be able to play the piano like normal preacher's wives, teach, organize, bake cookies. I possess none of these gifts.

There are callings, and then there are callings.

I've quit my job a million times.

But only in my head.

Not once in my heart.

2010-03-17T08:21:00.012-05:00

I Arise Today

The Prayer of St. Patrick

I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.

Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation

This is my prayer for today as well.God bless everyone and have a great St. Patricks day!

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. (Isaiah 60:1)

2010-03-10T23:18:00.020-06:00

Answering

Sometimes it hurts my heart when I call my children and they don't answer.

I wonder if God ever feels the same way?

~He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.Psalm 147:3~
~He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: Psalm 91:15~

2010-03-06T02:51:00.003-06:00

You ever sometimes feel like you need a hug?

I know sometimes I do!

Walking through Walmart tonight I just felt the real urge to have me some "Hugs". Walked right down the isle where they were selling them and picked me up a bag. I had not had these delicious little morsels of pure joy in a really long time!

But there are some folks in need of a real kinda hug, in the worst kind of way! Find a way to give a hug this week end and get a hug! Those kind of hugs are at the very least fat free and won't run your sugar up!

Come on everybody, let's do a little hugging and make someone feel special!

Blessings of peace and all that is good!

2010-03-04T00:16:00.000-06:00

Thoughts Of Spring And Heroism

I can hardly believe it is now March.

Somehow I believed that when the month of March arrived it would suddenly be spring time! At least that is the way it was in my dreams.

In reality, the temperatures tonight will dip down to 29 degrees. So, I suppose I have a ways to go as I wait for those warm gentle breezes I have been longing for.

Marathon Update: We had an enjoyable time in New Orleans this week end. At least it was for my husband and I, but then we were just spectators. My granddaughter and her boyfriend finished the half marathon and my daughter and son-in-law heroically finished the full 26.2 mile marathon.

There is good reason I use the term "heroically" finished the marathon for my daughter and SIL. They had to stop just shortly past mile 3 and perform CPR on an elderly racer who had passed out, was blue in the face, not breathing and did not have a pulse. They managed to revive her just before the ambulance arrived. This set them back a good 30 to 40 minutes.

How they managed to compose themselves after this serious event and continue on for another 23 miles and finish the race, is quite amazing.

Hero's

I've been thinking a good bit the last few days about hero's. Who they are and exactly what makes one a hero. I took a good look around me and have come to the conclusion, that I'm surrounded by quite a few of them!

"True heroism is remarkably sober, and very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass others at whatever the cost, but the urge to SERVE others at whatever the cost." ~Arthur Ashe~

Blessings of peace everyone, and all that is good. Have a great Thursday! Please pray for our country and our leaders during these difficult days.

2010-02-27T01:45:00.002-06:00

Hello there to my blogger friends. As you've noticed, I've been away for a little while. I still have a little of this pneumonia thing going on, but I'm getting better everyday.

I'm very proud to have my daughter, Jennifer, post today. It's a very special post not only because of the beautiful content it speaks of, but it is a true story and one that was selected to be published this Sunday in the Rock and Roll Mardi Gras Marathon publication. This is her very first official publication.

Footsteps: A Story About Love

Umbrellas were useless.

We were soaked and an hour away from home. As we walked down that hospital hallway, I was frightened.

How long would an eighteen year old, football playing, drag racing boy stick around the cancer ward? Was he going to turn around and walk away when he met my mom? Would he make a lame excuse, cutting the day short like the boys before him? Most of the guys who were naive enough to ask me out, after being fully informed of our personal war against cancer, quickly realized that it was too much reality for a first date.

It seemed impossible to find someone willing to look past my mom’s bald head, plastic tubes coming out of her chest and other available body parts and see into her eyes.It was impossible to find someone willing to go to a hospital instead of the movies on a Friday night date.

But here we were, first date to meet the parents, at the hospital, cold rain and all. I stepped into the room first to make sure she was covered as decently as possible. Mom whispered to me as I straightened her bed sheets that she heard his boots coming down the hallway, and she knew. Somehow his footsteps had been different from the others. The steps were stronger, more confident than the others she heard before.

I didn’t argue with her. Who argues with a woman who is on her death bed? I certainly wasn’t going to debate the likelihood that footsteps determine someone’s character, especially with a woman who was so sure she was going to die that she gave me, a mere sixteen year old, the papers that directed out her dying wishes. No, she could determine his character by his footsteps if she wanted to.

I slipped out to get him and prepare him one last time for what he would see. When he entered the room, he dropped my hand, went over to the bed and reached down around the tubes and other devices to hug her neck. Then he turned and shook hands with my father and made small talk. I went to sit by Mom and she whispered, “I told you. It was his footsteps; they’re different.” And, she was right.

They were different in many ways. The footsteps were around when she was being carried from specialist to specialist. The footsteps were around when radiation damaged part of her lungs and heart. The footsteps were around when chemotherapy did irreversible damage to her body.

The footsteps were around when we finally received the news that she was in remission, and small fuzz started growing on the top of her head.

The footsteps were around the day tears fell because she realized a lifelong dream of running a marathon was out of reach.

The footsteps have been around for 21 years now. They walked the aisle to make a lifelong promise to me. They walked the hospital halls when our children were born. They walked the steps of the school for every program and football game our children had. And in a few months, they will walk to see our firstborn graduate high school.

Running a marathon, who has the strength for that? But, then who has the strength to battle cancer?

Nobody asked my mom if she wanted cancer. Nobody asked me to run a marathon. When I decided to complete a lifelong dream for my mom by running a marathon in her honor, I was worried about the tremendous undertaking I had vowed to complete.

How would I do it alone? I’ve never taken part of an official race of any kind. Less than 9 months ago, I couldn’t run a mile. But, I should have known better.

See his footsteps ARE different. The same footsteps that walked those hospital halls with me 21 years ago, are the same footsteps that are going to be just a few strides in front of mine, motivating me to keep putting one foot in front of the other, no matter how difficult the journey becomes.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

****This Sunday morning, my daughter and son in law will be running in the 2010 Rock and Roll Mardi Gras Marathon in New Orleans. That's 26.2 miles for those that may not be familiar with these races. My granddaughter Brittney and her boyfriend, Juan will be running the half marathon. My heart and prayers will be with them.

It means more to me than words could ever possibly express to have them there and participating in such an event, in my honor. Someday I will be able to put the words together, but for now it's difficult to type when your eyes are filled with tears and your heart is about to burst with joy.

Look for me at the finish line. I'll be the one waving the red handkerchief!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" II Tim 4;7

2010-02-12T07:05:00.008-06:00

Snow Day In The South

Woke up this morning to a beautiful winter wonderland. It had snowed and iced throughout the night. As I am writing this it is seven am and it's still coming down quite heavily.

Such an amazing sight as I am looking out my window and typing this. We will get just enough to appreciate it's whiteness and beauty. Unlike some of my northern friends who get so much more and with it some problems.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Night before last I had such a glorious time celebrating my birthday with my loved ones. I didn't let on but I almost cried with joy. It was just so good to have them all here together at one time. As time passes on it gets harder and harder to do that so, I count it as very precious moments when we can all be together.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I covet your prayers dear blogger friends as I am dealing with pneumonia and have a virus as well. I have pneumonia and my laptop has a virus! Both of us have had to go to the doctor. I am at home recuperating, but my laptop had to stay at "the doctors" office.

I'm actually having to pull up a chair to the old dinosaur (desk top) and use it. It is slow as molasses in January and has issues as well, but at least I can use it. It's very difficult to surf the net on, but I should be able to come by and visit some of your blogs. It will be just be at a snails pace. I hope to have my lap top back by Monday or Tuesday.

Blessings ya'll, gotta go look out my window!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words)

2010-02-10T03:33:00.003-06:00

Fifty-Seven & "Not Holding"!

"The best birthday present is to grow older every year." ~Abigail Van Buren~

Debra's translation: "The only thing that looks better than my 57th birthday is my 58th!"

Let the celebration continue!

2010-02-09T07:23:00.016-06:00

Who Is That?

Well, now. It's all over but the shoutin.

And I can't fathom the shoutin to be over any time soon. Not if your a Saints fan and most especially if you've been one for a very long time.

Running through my house screaming, crying and clutching my chest, one might have concluded there had been a death in the family. But such was not the case.

What had happened was, a nano second before, Tracy Porter had intercepted a Peyton Manning pass returning it for a 74 yard touch down, sealing the deal for a New Orleans Saints win.

Yes, I went crazy and no, no one died. Just defeat. That was the only death we had on Superbowl Sunday.

Who is that that say they are going to beat those Saints? Who is that? Who is that?

For the first time in 43 years we can answer the question.

No one.

Well OK, maybe not no one, but definitely not the Colts. Not THIS year.

(Last post on the Saints, I promise. At least till September. Blessings ya'll)

2010-02-05T05:25:00.000-06:00

Shut In

It's been a very long time since I have spent a 24 hour time span without having left the house.

Today was such a day.

It's been raining cats and dogs here. I don't really know what that statement means except to say, it's been raining a lot. Most of the day it's just been a slow drizzle. The sky one huge, wet, blanket of gray.

I've had no real reason to leave the house. It's not as if that stops me on most days, but today it was a no go. Simply just too much effort. So, I didn't.

Reminded me though, of all those that are shut in everyday due to health reasons or perhaps caring for a loved one that they cannot leave alone. I know first hand what it feels like to have your world stop as everyone else's goes on. It's a funny feeling. Not a ha ha funny, but funny.

There were days and weeks I would spend in a hospital room as a cancer patient. I would come to know the landscape outside my window like the back of my hand. There was an apartment building across the way. I would watch as an elderly lady would come out everyday and sit alone on her porch. Sometimes, I would talk to her. No, she couldn't hear or answer me but I would talk to her anyway. It helped pass the time.

I also counted ceiling tiles in my hospital room promising myself that I would never forget how many there were. Years have passed and of course, I forgot.

In spite of my Baptist persuasion, I became thankful for the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Now, I know, I know, that little lady with the slightly purple/pinkish hair and heavy make up, might annoy some. But from my hospital bed, at any time of the day or night, I could hear someone talking or singing or preaching about Jesus. That was a blessing folks. All God's children have a place and a calling.

Even those with purple/pinkish hair. Goodness knows mine has been every color of the rainbow except purple. Well, come to think of it, it did turn a dark burgundy color right before it all fell out from the chemo, but I digress.

Do you know someone that is shut in today? If so, I encourage you to give them a little visit. I'm sure it would be an encouragement and lift their spirits as well.

As I am finishing this post a new day is on the horizon. The sun will be up in about an hour or so. As always, I'm off to bed. Sometimes I think a better title for my blog would be "Keeper of The Night". Ha! ha!

Be blessed everyone! Jesus loves you and I do too!

~~ For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

~~Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is n Christ Jesus our Lord. ~Romans 8:38-39~

2010-02-01T01:27:00.022-06:00

A Tribute To January 2010!

This was a beautiful January day at a beach on the Gulf Coast. I just love watching the water like this. It reminds me of an ocean filled with sparkly diamonds !

The scene from the window of a beautiful restaurant my husband and I ate at in Ocean Springs, MS. Can't remember the name, but the food was delicious. Oh and it was about 20 degrees outside.

We decided to go shopping the other day and this was the scene in the parking lot of the mall. And no we didn't have to fight crowded stores, so it worked out pretty good for us.

I'm sorry, I just refuse to stay home when the weather is bad. Please note that I am not driving and taking pictures!

A frozen fountain in front of the Ocean Springs, MS hospital the day I went to see my brother when he was so sick. It's not suppose to be this way in COASTAL Mississippi... is it?

I've been mesmerized by the trees as we pass by in late evening. So bare...

...and lonely looking

A very cold water spill at a nearby lake

If there is one thing that calms me, speaks peace to me and gives me great clarity of thought , is sitting near a body of water. I miss living close to the Gulf of Mexico so I tend to seek out water where ever I go.
Having visited my brother after he was transferred to Oshcner's hospital,in New Orleans, we took a little drive around the city to see some sights. This is an auto parts store who love the "who dats"! Apparently their store is on the first level. This is a shot of the second floor. Maybe the owners live on the top level?

OK, this is not a January picture. This was taken on Christmas day and my husband and I decided we would eat at the local China Wok for lunch. We kinda enjoy that for some reason. Maybe because the family on "Christmas Story" ate there. We had enjoyed Christmas Eve the night before with the children so it was just me and my guy. And yes, he brought his favorite "Bubba" teeth to clown around and embarrass me with!

Sometimes, we just crack ourselves up! LOL!

So...so long to January, you'll be missed but not forgotten...for more reasons than one!

Blessings everyone! Have a great Monday!

~~All photos by me~~

2010-01-28T00:22:00.027-06:00

A Blubbery Kinda Mess

I knocked softly on his dressing room door.

In the distance I could hear the congregation singing.

I felt foolish and embarrassed. But I had to tell him. I could not wait for another second to go by. If I had to wait, well then, my heart would burst wide open!

For heaven's sake! He was trying to change clothes for the baptismal service that was awaiting him in the church auditorium. And here I was, standing at this door, crying, trying to compose myself so I could make some sense when I spoke. Could I not do anything right? Not even something so monumental as this?

"Brother Lynn", "I need to speak to you."

After what seemed like an eternity, my pastor opened up the door and I told him. I told him that as he had preached that evening's message I had asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart and that He had done so! I had repented of my sins and wanted to follow Him forever.

My pastor seemed a little surprised.

Yes, I had been a church member, but in name only. Not only that, when I had went forward that evening during the invitation, I was so full of God's love and overwhelmed it was difficult for me to speak. So ,as I mumbled what was apparently incoherent repentant words to my pastor, he just shook my hand and me, not knowing what else to do, returned to my seat!

As I sat there, I knew he had misunderstood. What could I do? He was already making his way to the back of the church to change his clothes for the baptismal services.

A few minutes went by and I could stand it no longer. TODAY was the day and NOW was the time! Eternity stood in the balance and I could not proceed without declaring to my church, my family and the world what had just taken place! Jesus had come to live in my heart!

So, with as much boldness as I could summon up, I bolted for the back of the church and got that preacher out of his dressing room!

Brother Lynn was a good and gracious pastor. He smiled and we both apologized to each other. Him for not understanding during the invitation and me for being a blubbering mess. We had prayer and he escorted me out front tell the church my good news.

I got baptized that very night in the same dress I had come to church in. I was six months pregnant with my second child Scott. The pastors wife loaned me some of her clothes to go home in.

It was nice getting saved and baptized during the same service. Even if I did have trouble speaking and had to run the preacher down in his dressing room!

The middle of March will make 35 years since that night I was so wonderfully touched by the Master's hand and what a journey it has been!

My earnest prayer is that if you are seeking to step out and make that decision, do it today, do it now. Whatever it takes. You will never regret it!

For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

2010-01-24T21:34:00.012-06:00

AT LAST!

Once in awhile good guys finish first...

Today they did!

New Orleans Saints 2009 NFC Champions

2010-01-17T01:02:00.034-06:00

Blessed Are The Merciful

No he didn't...

And neither did she...

And this little group of cuties certainly didn't either...

None...absolutely none of these little Haitian children "made a pact with the devil" that would bring poverty, disease and destruction to their country.

A few days ago, a prominent Christian evangelist (Pat Robertson) was noted as saying that a long time ago the country of Haiti had "made a pact with the devil". This comment came about during discussions of the recent earthquake and devastation in Haiti.

Tonight, at a local church we were visiting, during the preacher's prayer, he insinuated the same thing. Then went on to ask God to bless them anyway.

What?

Why? Why is it during times of great devastation and tragedy Christian leaders feel the need to blame these things on certain groups of people? We had the same thing happen after Katrina. Apparently, Katrina occurred because of the sins of homosexuality and sins of New Orleans!

What about mercy? What about grace? What about compassion for humanity? What would Jesus do? What would Jesus say?

No! No! No! How can these folks represent the body of Christian believers and say these kind of things? What are they thinking? Where are their hearts? Do they have one?

I am unable to say at this time all I want to say on this issue and maybe it is best I be quiet.

For an excellent post about a special young woman who literally gave her life showing young children in Haiti the love of God, I highly recommend you visit "It's Just So Homer" over at http://www.grayquillmusings.com/.

Blessings everyone.

2010-01-11T04:00:00.002-06:00

Winter Dreams

Above photo is a picture of a beautiful window sill my son Scott and grandson Isaiah filled with multicolored rocks in the shape of a butterfly and gave to me at Christmas. I have really enjoyed it. This picture really does not do it justice as the pebbles are shiny and brings out the different colors depending on the sunlight coming through the window. I placed it in the window of my den and it's just breath taking!

I find myself in deep need of a warm, gentle breeze. I close my eyes and can almost feel one if I concentrate long enough. It's been 16 and 17 degrees here for the past several nights. I can't remember a colder January.

Yes, these are the things I am dreaming about on these cold winter nights. Butterflies, warm gentle breezes...and a Super Bowl win!

***Thanks to all of you who have offered up prayers on behalf of my brother. We think he may have turned a corner for the better. To God be the glory! He was able to actually eat something yesterday and was able to go 12 hours between pain shots. We are rejoicing in small victories. Again, thank you so very much.***

Have a great Monday everyone and remember, God loves you so much!

2010-01-06T00:36:00.003-06:00

Weather Channel Lurker

Yep! That pretty much describes me the last few days.

Folks, here in the south we are bracing for blizzard like conditions on Thursday and Friday this week!

Just kidding! But it is expected to get down into single digits with wind chill factors around minus 10. There are also predictions of 2 to 4 inches of snow. For those of us here in the south it might as well be a blizzard.

There was an alarming article on the front page of todays paper from the Emergency Management people telling citizens to prepare as much as possible.

I do have a fireplace that has not been used in many years, but I have no firewood. I placed several calls today and seems no one else has any either. Firewood has become a rare commodity in the past few days. Made me think of hurricane Katrina and how scarce gasoline was at that time.

And no, we didn't buy a generator during Katrina either. We went to New York City instead. Seemed like a good idea at the time, but I sure wish we had bought a generator. Oh well, we shall see.

My hat is off to my northern friends who brave this type of cold weather all the time. It's OK if you find humor in us southerners who just don't know how to handle this "Artic Crises".

But hey...I do have four cans of Vienna Sausages in my cabinet, so at least we will be eating "high on the hog"! LOL!

***I do pray that everyone will be safe and warm in the next few days. I trust that our Lord will keep us all safe and in His good care. Weathering storms is what it's all about. Blessings everyone.***

2010-01-04T11:38:00.006-06:00

Global Warming???

Where's Al Gore when you really need him? LOL!

Stay warm everyone and have a great Monday!

(Map complements of http://www.theweatherchannel.com/)

2009-12-31T00:34:00.011-06:00

Newness...Thank Heaven For That Which Is New

Jeremiah 18: Who else but the Potter reforms something that has spoilt in his hands by remoulding it from exactly the same substance. Jeremiah was given a demonstration that showed even fallen man could be redeemed, reformed and made new. That's Good News! (words & painting by Chis Higham)

How thankful am I to "The Potter" that makes all things new!

How thankful am I for 2009.

How thankful am I for the new year!!!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Blessings of peace and all that is good!

Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he wrought a work on the wheels. And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter: so he made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. Jeremiah 18:3-4

2009-12-29T01:55:00.017-06:00

Let The Party Begin...And Let It End!

I've started the new year party a little early. Some of you may say well "woo hoo"!

Don't get too excited. It's a pity party.

Yep, that's right. I've been having a real good pity party the last few days. Well, actually it began at Thanksgiving (I know, right, but I'm being honest here).

The Saturday after Thanksgiving my car decided it didn't want to start. And no, it hasn't been a simple problem to solve. My son-in-law, who is pretty much a genius of a mechanic, is a little perplexed by the problem and that kind of scares me.

Last week my husbands truck started to have what sounds like may be issues with the clutch or perhaps the transmission. And yes, we pay the LAST note on it in January.

Oh, and the night it snowed here, did I mention the heater in our house went out? Thankfully my husband was able to fix it. He also fixed the clogged drain pipe to my washing machine which had backed up water during a rinse cycle and spewed water everywhere. After that he patched a hole in our roof. He's a good man I tell you, yes, he is.

November, December and January will have seen all three of my children's spouses in the hospital.

And then there has been the matter of my blood pressure being totally and completly out of control. I have no idea what is going on with that. Went to the doctor yesterday and have been started on some new meds for it, so we shall see.

And lastly, and yes, it really is the least, there has been the matter of the Saints on a losing streak. OK...it's just two games, but still. I shall not say anything else about that. I have my blood pressure to consider.

So, there you have it. My end of the year, 2009 pity party.

~~Please know though, that I do realize that these are small problems. I have friends that are dealing with life and death issues. I have friends and family that are dealing with the loss of loved ones. My heart and love go out to them.~~

So, dear friends, when I hit "publish post" that will mark the end of my pity party. Praise the Lord!

Thanks for listening.

Blogging is such good therapy!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

***37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)***

2009-12-25T01:24:00.003-06:00

May I Introduce You To Jesus?

Happy Birthday Jesus...I love you so...

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2009-12-15T23:56:00.008-06:00

THE PRESENT

It was just perfumed talcum powder.

Three small, round, cylinder shaped containers, decorated with foiled candy cane stripes of red, green and blue. A gift given to me, on a long ago remembered Christmas morning at my paternal grandmother's house.

It's been at least 46 years ago and every Christmas I still think about this sweet little gift that was given to me by my Aunt Mildred. And yes, this Christmas, I summoned every ounce of creativity that I could muster and recreated these little vials of powder just as I remembered them and took the picture that is posted above.

I remember them fondly as being one of my most favorite Christmas presents of all time.

You may ask me why. I wish I knew. I've asked myself this question many times throughout the years. It wasn't expensive. My aunt perhaps got them at a local five and dime store or from Avon. Was Avon even around 46 years ago?

Christmas at my Granny's house in Mexia, Alabama was always a special event. To say that New Orleans , where we were growing up at the time, was a different world, would be a understatement of epic proportions.

Granny's house was a house of kindness, serenity and calm. I always felt safe there and especially at Christmas time. If I closed my eyes and went back in time, I would still smell the Christmas tree that always stood over in the left hand corner of her living room, in front of the window. I never knew it to be placed anywhere else. I would hear how the hardwood floors creaked when you walked across them and how the front screen door made a slapping sound when you came in and out.

Because Granny's house was a gathering place for all of my Dad's extended family members, on Christmas morning there would be just a ton of Christmas presents! What a delight to us kids! Most of the time it would be practical gifts like socks or tee shirts with a few small gifts of toys or talcum powder! We didn't get to go there every Christmas, but when we did go, it was a special treat!

It never ceased to amaze me that Granny always seem to have warm food in her oven. You could get to her house late at night and she would start pulling delicious food from her stove. To this day when I smell bacon frying I think of Granny. Eat speckled butter beans that turn grey in the pot, takes me right back to her dining room.

So, maybe it was never about the little gift of talcum powder after all, but the memories of which the gift represented. Those memories that forever left its impression in the heart and mind of a 10 year old child.

I'm reminded of the greatest gift that was ever given. That sweet little Jesus child, born in a manger. What a special gift His birth represented, the gift of eternal life!

Earlier this afternoon, I got a call from my sister. My sweet Aunt Mildred passed away in her sleep last night. She was 90 years old and loved Jesus. She'll be at home with Him this Christmas.

I lovingly dedicate this post in her memory,

and the memory of that long ago Christmas present of talcum powder,

and the fond memories of which that gift represented.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21

My Granny's house the way it looks today. Funny thing is, it doesn't look a whole lot different than it did 46 years ago! Behind the window, just left of the front door, yep, that is where you would find the Christmas tree!

2009-12-14T07:37:00.015-06:00

The Empty Seat: A Touching Story

I was reading through some comments on Saints sports blogs this past weekend and came across this post. Thought some of you may enjoy it.

"My friend recently went to the Saints/Patriots game. He was able to get 50 yard line tickets. He was seated next to an elderly man named Mr. Boudreaux. My friend noticed the seat next to Mr. Boudreaux was empty and he finally asked him why, at such a great game as this, is this seat empty.

Mr. Boudreaux looked down at the seat and raised his watery eyes and said, 'This is my wife's seat, we have been coming to the Saints games together since 1978, but she passed away.'

My friend had to hold back his tears but asked Mr. Boudreaux, 'Don't you have friends or family that could accompany you to the game?'

Again Mr. Boudreaux looked down at the seat and said, 'I do have many friends and family, but they are all at the FUNERAL!!!

Yeah, this little story had me all teary eyed too, till I got to that punch line! Made me laugh though.

Happy Monday everyone, have a great and blessed day.

Geaux Saints!

"A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance:" Proverbs 15:13

2009-12-07T01:15:00.010-06:00

S E A S O N S

I am the night watchman.

Over my neighborhood that is. Often times I peak out my window at two or three in the morning and this is usually the view that I see...minus the snow that is (please note stated snow flakes illuminated by street lamp post, they are there, I promise).

Can you just imagine if someone happened to be staring back at me? They would probably wonder what in the world is that crazy woman doing, standing in her window taking pictures of a dark neighborhood at this time of the morning?

Of course if they are bloggers they would immediately say,"oh, she must be a blogger!"

Such a rare occurrence. Snowing in the south, in December. Of course it did not stick, but it sure was pretty to see it coming down. Big ole' snow flakes!

Seasonal Changes

I've been thinking a lot about change lately. Thinking about it and experiencing it. As the years have past I've noticed my hair getting grayer and grayer. Well in keeping with the snow theme for December, I went to the beauty shop and well...how shall I say? I just went a head and did it all at one time.
Pictures will be forthcoming after I get to know the person in the mirror! Ha!

Seven Is the Best Number I Know

Had a special conversation with my youngest son this past week. Seems the Lord has seen fit to bless us with a new little life in about nine months! She or he will be my seventh grandchild! Seven is good!

November

Speaking of change, could someone please tell me who stole November? I mean one day it was Halloween and then it was December 5th. What is it with time flying by these days? Or is it just me?

Mental Illness

It's not really a laughing matter. Really, it's not. And no, sometimes folks really can't just "get a grip" as some might lead you to believe believe.

We are all aware of the fact that there is physical poverty. There is also a poverty of the soul. But what some fail to realize is that there is a poverty of the spirit. And when the spirit of a person is wounded, it tends to affect all things physical and spiritual.

I have a friend waging quite a battle right now with mental illness. In their world it is not the season to be jolly. All is not calm and all is not bright. It is a season, I pray, that will pass for them and very soon.

I remain thankful for a loving Lord who has seen me through many, many seasons in my life. Good times and bad, plenty and little, sickness and health. As the song so rightly puts it, "He's Been Faithful To Me."

As we go through this blessed season, might we remember and pray for those who are living in poverty.

Physical poverty, poverty of the soul, and poverty of the spirit.

God bless everyone, have a wonderful and blessed season of Christmas!

~~~ To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: Eccl 3:1~~~

2009-11-28T20:07:00.015-06:00

Nothing Too Deep

Greetings everyone!

Here's hoping everyone had a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving day and week end. I was certainly blessed to have shared the day with several of my family members and I'm very grateful for having had that opportunity.

Blogging

I've certainly been out of blogging mode as of late. No particular reason why. Somebody may have to call the blog doctor for me for help!

Black Friday

This is a day that just leaves me totally clueless and speechless. I'm not a partaker at all. There really is nothing I need bad enough to get up early for or to fight crowds of people for. I understand there are many that enjoy this experience, but I continued to be puzzled by it nonetheless.

Football

Folks, here in the south we are football poor. Everyone, and I mean everyone is talking football these days. Yes, that would include myself.

Now some are into college football and some the NFL, and some both. Throw in a little high school playoffs and you could overdose on football.

And if that isn't enough you can go to your local theater and watch a football movie ("The Blind Side" which I highly recommend).

Saints

All of which leads me to mention the only football team that matters. To me...right at this time, anyway. My dear Saints have a big game on Monday night. It's not even a conference game but it is a "statement" game. Here's to wishing, hoping and to be truthful, praying, for a Saints win.

I'm quite sure I've bored to death what few readers I have left with all this football talk so enough of that.

So that's it. It's all I got. Nothing deep or profound. Be blessed everyone!

Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Psalm 42:7

2009-11-25T07:46:00.022-06:00

'Him' Who Feeds Us

"For, after all, put it as we may to ourselves, we are all of us from birth to death guests at a table which we did not spread. The sun, the earth, love, friends, our very breath are parts of the banquet...

Shall we think of the day as a chance to come nearer to our Host, and to find out something of Him who has fed us so long?" (Rebecca Harding Davis)

Psalm 119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You, Because of Your righteous judgments.

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving everyone!

2009-11-20T03:32:00.018-06:00

Quiet Time

As many of you may have noticed, it's been rather quiet here on my blog. Some strange phenomena has set in whereas I find myself with not a lot to say.

Perhaps, though God just sometimes says..."hush child for awhile"..."listen".

And so I will...for just a little while.

Blessings of peace everyone, and all that is good!

2009-11-12T01:40:00.028-06:00

OPEN DOOR POLICY

The good pastor announced tonight that because the need for revival across our country is so great, and as Christians we need to be praying that revival happens, the church staff had decided to keep the Chapel opened for prayer all day, every day!

This is welcomed news!

I have often wanted to go to the Lord's house to pray.

Times when there was not a service scheduled. I know that the Lord hears our prayers where ever we pray them, but sometimes you just feel the need to be at church, you know?

I realize that in this day and time there are security issues that churches are concerned about.

I can't help but wonder though...

If the benefits would not be worth the risk.

Christians in churches, praying at all hours of the day and night, who knows what could happen.

Revival maybe? Throughout our land?

2009-11-09T00:29:00.000-06:00

A LIFE

I always felt at home there.

She had one of these older homes, with wood siding, covered with beautiful Oak trees that hung heavily over the house and yard.

Scattered about in the yard, were chairs here and there, where one could always find a place to sit a spell...have a cup of coffee, laugh and talk a while.

Later on, she added a beautiful pond in her front yard with a bridge and a lovely gazebo right in the middle.

But mostly it was her laughter I remember the most.

She was so easy to talk to and relate to. She always made you feel at home. Comfortable.

And she loved her family, dearly.

Her name was Jennie and she fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, sometime early Friday morning, November sixth.

She was mother to the sweetest and most beautiful ex sister in law a person could possibly have.

I love you Re Re

Our loss is heaven's gain.

~~~For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.Phil 1:21~~~

2009-11-08T02:00:00.001-06:00

TRAGEDY

There's been a good deal of tragedy in the news this week for us all to absorb. And some even closer to my own home as well.

I know many of you ,as I, were saddened to learn of the shootings at Fort Hood.

I cannot imagine the unfathomable grief, to have a daughter or son returning from the battle field only to have them killed upon returning to their home base.

I have a son in the military. My heart grieves for those that grieve and are in such unspeakable pain and agony.

Might we remember to keep all that were affected, close in our hearts and prayers, this Sunday morning.

Have a blessed Sunday, ya'll. Hug somebody and tell them you love them.

2009-11-05T03:08:00.000-06:00

Dona Nobis Pacem

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

***Today we celebrate Blog blast for Peace day. It is my first time to celebrate this day with other bloggers and would like to share the following thoughts of peace I recently read in my "Streams In The Desert" devotional.
Please visit Mimi Lennox's site to visit others who have participated in this special day at http://mimiwrites.blogspot.com/

Cushion of the Sea

There is what is called the "cushion of the sea." Down beneath the surface that is agitated by storms, and driven about with winds, there is a part of the sea that is never stirred. When we dredge the bottom and bring up the remains of animal and vegetable life we find that they give evidence of not having been disturbed in the least, for hundreds and thousands of years.

The peace of God is that eternal calm which, like the cushion of the sea, lies far too deep down to be reached by any external trouble and disturbance; and he who enters into the presence of God, becomes partaker of that undisturbed and undisturbable calm.--Dr. A. T. Pierson

"The Pilgrim they laid in a large upper chamber, facing the sun-rising. The name of the chamber was Peace." --Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress

~~~Blessings of peace and all that is good~~~
Debra