I know I majored in Physical Education, I know that I am definitely "mathematically challenged", but it just doesn't add up. I have celebrated 28 birthdays with you as either your fiancee or your wife. But yet, you insist that you are only 29..hmmmm....
We have spent your birthdays with friends, at the beach, at home, cooking out, freezing, many of them with you at work, some with me at work. But each April 30th begins the same way for me. It begins with a very thankful heart. A heart full of love for you and gratitude to God for the man he has sent to me. Also gratitude to his parents for giving birth to such a fine man. You really are a fine man!
Really friends, he gets a little sassy on his birthday, and tries to question my math skills, and sometimes I let him think he's right. And even though I know that we didn't get together as infants, I do know that every year I have with him is another year to cherish!!
So go on, honey, trick me with your fancy math, but at the end of the day, you have given me 28 years of April 30 blessings, countless years of candles to put on countless birthday cakes, and 28 years of birthday smiles to carry in my heart...cant wait till you're 29 again next year, baby!!!!!
A special place
A porch swing can = Forever!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
PA ROSS
I come from a long line of storytellers. My great Uncle Zeke has gone into the archives of Florida history for not only his fiddling ability, but his story-telling ability as well. My great Uncle Dell knew all of the true versions of the stories that Uncle Zeke made interesting. My Grandpa could tell some whoppers, too! Then, of course, my dad being the youngest of five, listened to everyone, took it all in and could tell stories with the best of them!
The tall tales in my family were called "Bull Stories." One can only guess why. Many of them were designed to scare children into doing what you wanted them to do. There was the story of Epiminondis, which was designed to keep you near your parents. There was Jose, which was to scare you into doing the right thing, and then the monster of all Bull Story heroes was PA ROSS! I still shudder a little bit when I think of him.
And believe you me, all of us kids knew who PA ROSS was!!!!
He was supposed to be big and hairy, and hide in the woods. Not just some woods, any woods. But he especially liked the woods near our house. PA ROSS did, however have a home. He lived in the Forestry towers along the sides of the road (you know, the ones with a thousand stairs and a big observation hut at the top), that was so that he could see all of us at once. He was kind of like the "Boogey Man" if you were ever aquainted with him. He was big, hairy, kind of like Sasquatch and would "get you" if you wandered unattended into any woods, ever.
Mom loved PA ROSS and thus, perpetuated him, making him a little bigger and scarier. It worked for her. If we were playing outside after dark, she reminded us that PA ROSS came out of the woods at night, and that small children were probably just a snack! He also liked to swim at night and would pass through our yard on his way to the bayou. This way, she didn't have to hunt us at night and we didn't ask to swim at night.
It also kept me quiet for a few minutes on long trips, too. Because my dad would warn me when we got within a 5 mile radius of the " PA ROSS" towers and told me that PA ROSS could hear children and we needed to be quiet so he wouldn't chase us.
When I got older and thought I knew so much, I thought about how cruel it was to do us like that! But then, I had kids!!! PA ROSS, though a little scary did achieve the desired result! And really..I don't have too many scars. I just drive an extra 20 miles out of the way to dodge a forestry tower!
Don't Judge!!!
The tall tales in my family were called "Bull Stories." One can only guess why. Many of them were designed to scare children into doing what you wanted them to do. There was the story of Epiminondis, which was designed to keep you near your parents. There was Jose, which was to scare you into doing the right thing, and then the monster of all Bull Story heroes was PA ROSS! I still shudder a little bit when I think of him.
And believe you me, all of us kids knew who PA ROSS was!!!!
He was supposed to be big and hairy, and hide in the woods. Not just some woods, any woods. But he especially liked the woods near our house. PA ROSS did, however have a home. He lived in the Forestry towers along the sides of the road (you know, the ones with a thousand stairs and a big observation hut at the top), that was so that he could see all of us at once. He was kind of like the "Boogey Man" if you were ever aquainted with him. He was big, hairy, kind of like Sasquatch and would "get you" if you wandered unattended into any woods, ever.
Mom loved PA ROSS and thus, perpetuated him, making him a little bigger and scarier. It worked for her. If we were playing outside after dark, she reminded us that PA ROSS came out of the woods at night, and that small children were probably just a snack! He also liked to swim at night and would pass through our yard on his way to the bayou. This way, she didn't have to hunt us at night and we didn't ask to swim at night.
It also kept me quiet for a few minutes on long trips, too. Because my dad would warn me when we got within a 5 mile radius of the " PA ROSS" towers and told me that PA ROSS could hear children and we needed to be quiet so he wouldn't chase us.
When I got older and thought I knew so much, I thought about how cruel it was to do us like that! But then, I had kids!!! PA ROSS, though a little scary did achieve the desired result! And really..I don't have too many scars. I just drive an extra 20 miles out of the way to dodge a forestry tower!
Don't Judge!!!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
He is here....
All day today, no matter where you look, or what kind of media you are exposed to, there are scenes of utter devastation from the horrific tornadoes that destroyed huge portions of our state and neighboring states as well. The images are horrifying- homes, vehicles, trees, are mangled and twisted beyond recognition.
In situations like this, we wonder, "why?". Where is God in the midst of this?
Two things come to mind. The first is a picture on someone's facebook page. In the background is debris of all sorts, trees, branches, twisted metal, household debris.
In the foreground stands an Easter Cross with the resurrection shroud draped over it in stately majesty. The drape and the cross were untouched by the storms. A reminder that our Risen Lord is still Lord of all. He is in control even in the midst of this chaos, He will wipe every tear, soothe every broken heart, and receive those He has brought home. He has known our pain.
The second thing that comes to mind is a song that was popular several years ago. The title is, "Sometimes He calms the Storm". The lyrics go on to say, "Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child." This time He didn't calm the Storm, but He is here, ever here, ever calming His children.
The God of the resurrection calms His children, heals His children, holds His children, welcomes them Home, be it in this world or the next.
He is here...
In situations like this, we wonder, "why?". Where is God in the midst of this?
Two things come to mind. The first is a picture on someone's facebook page. In the background is debris of all sorts, trees, branches, twisted metal, household debris.
In the foreground stands an Easter Cross with the resurrection shroud draped over it in stately majesty. The drape and the cross were untouched by the storms. A reminder that our Risen Lord is still Lord of all. He is in control even in the midst of this chaos, He will wipe every tear, soothe every broken heart, and receive those He has brought home. He has known our pain.
The second thing that comes to mind is a song that was popular several years ago. The title is, "Sometimes He calms the Storm". The lyrics go on to say, "Sometimes He calms the storm and other times He calms His child." This time He didn't calm the Storm, but He is here, ever here, ever calming His children.
The God of the resurrection calms His children, heals His children, holds His children, welcomes them Home, be it in this world or the next.
He is here...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
My Best "feel good" songs!!!
Aren't there just some songs that put you in a good mood? There are those songs that just get your fingers tapping the steering wheel or get you dancing around the house when nobody's watching (or even if they are!)!
My list is by no means inclusive of all my feel good songs, but check these out, if you don't know them, look them up on you tube and get your fingers tapping!..
Some of them are so old they are just used for commercials, or video montages, on Funniest Video Shows, or ESPN montages. But that is kinda cool, too, because, there's a whole generation of kids that get a little exposure to some fun songs:
Here goes:
"Still the One" By Orleans( ...We're still havin' fun and You're still the one!)
"Happy to be Stuck With You" by Huey Lewis
"Livin' on a Prayer" Bon Jovi
"Celebrate Good Times"-Earth Wind and Fire
"500 Miles-Proclaimers( I would walk 500 miles--a great treadmill song!)
"I'm a Believer"--Monkees
"ABC"-Michael Jackson
"Ain't no Mountain High Enough"-Supremes
"Down on the Corner"-CCR
"Joy to the World"-Three Dog Night"
"Sweet Home Alabama"-Lynrd Skynrd
"All-Star"-Theme from Shrek-Smash Mouth
"Don't Worry, Be Happy"- Bobby Ferren
"Brandy"--Looking Glass
"Mountain Music"-Alabama
"Meet in the Middle"-Diamond Rio
"Don't Pull your love out on me baby"-Hamilton, Joe, Frank and Reynolds
I'll let you fill in the rest...There are many more beautiful and meaningful songs in this world. Lots of them have deep messages and intricate melodies and are so important that no one should miss..but sometimes, only a "feel good" melody will do!
Have a great day..and tap your feet a little!
My list is by no means inclusive of all my feel good songs, but check these out, if you don't know them, look them up on you tube and get your fingers tapping!..
Some of them are so old they are just used for commercials, or video montages, on Funniest Video Shows, or ESPN montages. But that is kinda cool, too, because, there's a whole generation of kids that get a little exposure to some fun songs:
Here goes:
"Still the One" By Orleans( ...We're still havin' fun and You're still the one!)
"Happy to be Stuck With You" by Huey Lewis
"Livin' on a Prayer" Bon Jovi
"Celebrate Good Times"-Earth Wind and Fire
"500 Miles-Proclaimers( I would walk 500 miles--a great treadmill song!)
"I'm a Believer"--Monkees
"ABC"-Michael Jackson
"Ain't no Mountain High Enough"-Supremes
"Down on the Corner"-CCR
"Joy to the World"-Three Dog Night"
"Sweet Home Alabama"-Lynrd Skynrd
"All-Star"-Theme from Shrek-Smash Mouth
"Don't Worry, Be Happy"- Bobby Ferren
"Brandy"--Looking Glass
"Mountain Music"-Alabama
"Meet in the Middle"-Diamond Rio
"Don't Pull your love out on me baby"-Hamilton, Joe, Frank and Reynolds
I'll let you fill in the rest...There are many more beautiful and meaningful songs in this world. Lots of them have deep messages and intricate melodies and are so important that no one should miss..but sometimes, only a "feel good" melody will do!
Have a great day..and tap your feet a little!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
From Peanuts to Pelicans
What a road trip! Left the beauty of the Wiregrass with just my hubby, the Garmin lady (boy is she bossy when you don't do what she says.."recalculating, recalculating..blah, blah, blah"), a couple of changes of clothes and some anticipation, nervousness, and anxiety!
Destination...seashore and pelicans.
Not a bad drive. ... A little over 3 hours later, we arrive at our destination. Lots of new sights, and new people....a new turn in our lives. The smell of the salt air is familiar and comforting...waking up to the bay breezes and the sound of gentle waves lapping on the sea wall was pure comfort. It was nourishment for the soul, for the tasks in the days ahead.
A wink from God...The new people, the new places, the good-byes, the hellos. Then, the midst of it, the calming assurrance that He is even more constant than the winds and waves he created.
"recalculating, recalculating,...." Here we go again! Thank you Lord, for the ebb and flow, the new and the old....For your steady hand in our lives.
Destination...seashore and pelicans.
Not a bad drive. ... A little over 3 hours later, we arrive at our destination. Lots of new sights, and new people....a new turn in our lives. The smell of the salt air is familiar and comforting...waking up to the bay breezes and the sound of gentle waves lapping on the sea wall was pure comfort. It was nourishment for the soul, for the tasks in the days ahead.
A wink from God...The new people, the new places, the good-byes, the hellos. Then, the midst of it, the calming assurrance that He is even more constant than the winds and waves he created.
"recalculating, recalculating,...." Here we go again! Thank you Lord, for the ebb and flow, the new and the old....For your steady hand in our lives.
Monday, April 25, 2011
The six months rule
It is the Monday after Easter Sunday. The house is a mess...and in a clergy family, everyone is tired... When you are tired...well, you just arent at your best sometimes!!!
We had the younger two thirds of our family home for Easter and it was grand. We are thankful for the ones away, and so happy for their wonderful Easter time as well.
One of daddy's favorite sayings when we would worry and worry about things was, "Don't worry honey, six months from now you'll be worrying about something else!" How stupid was that? That's what I used to think, anyway. But I have learned the simple truth about that statement. No matter how big something is, and how much sleep you lose over it, it does eventually get better, get resolved or lose its huge place of importance on our "worry list".
I look at my house full of sleeping bodies home for Easter. Major changes coming up in all of their lives in the next several weeks and months. They all seem huge with lots of things to worry about. College Graduations, weddings, futures to plan, A new move for us..exhausting to think about! All good things, but big things! Oh boy do I want to worry!!!
But true enough, six months from now, there will be other things because all of this will be a part of the tapestry of their lives and will be a part of their past.
I guess I should remember how daddy handled things. He kind of let the worriers swirl around him. He was the constant in the eye of the storm. I tend to be a "swirly" kind of person. But I want to remember what he knew so well. Maybe I can sit back, have a sweet tea and remember, Six months from now, there will be something else... and be thankful for these busy blessings.
We had the younger two thirds of our family home for Easter and it was grand. We are thankful for the ones away, and so happy for their wonderful Easter time as well.
One of daddy's favorite sayings when we would worry and worry about things was, "Don't worry honey, six months from now you'll be worrying about something else!" How stupid was that? That's what I used to think, anyway. But I have learned the simple truth about that statement. No matter how big something is, and how much sleep you lose over it, it does eventually get better, get resolved or lose its huge place of importance on our "worry list".
I look at my house full of sleeping bodies home for Easter. Major changes coming up in all of their lives in the next several weeks and months. They all seem huge with lots of things to worry about. College Graduations, weddings, futures to plan, A new move for us..exhausting to think about! All good things, but big things! Oh boy do I want to worry!!!
But true enough, six months from now, there will be other things because all of this will be a part of the tapestry of their lives and will be a part of their past.
I guess I should remember how daddy handled things. He kind of let the worriers swirl around him. He was the constant in the eye of the storm. I tend to be a "swirly" kind of person. But I want to remember what he knew so well. Maybe I can sit back, have a sweet tea and remember, Six months from now, there will be something else... and be thankful for these busy blessings.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
A new day
I wonder how I would have been if I had been one of the women going to the tomb to annoint Jesus body this morning?
I think I would have been one of the angry ones wondering who took him and why???
I would have looked for the sinister, not the holy. I don't know if I could have comprehended what had happened.
I can only imagine how Mary felt when He said, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
She probably thought, "who are you? leave me alone,". She didn't get it until she saw His glorious face.
I would have been Thomas, "Let me touch your hands." And He would have been patient enough to let me.
How gracious our Lord is in our unbelief. He loved us enough to suffer and die for us, He loved us enough to allow us to question his sacrifice. He loves us enough to wait until we "get it." Until we look at ourselves in all our weakness and imperfection and know that one so perfect loved us enough to do what He did for us, we can't fathom that kind of love. When we do, we truly know the meaning of A NEW DAY!
HE IS RISEN INDEED!
I think I would have been one of the angry ones wondering who took him and why???
I would have looked for the sinister, not the holy. I don't know if I could have comprehended what had happened.
I can only imagine how Mary felt when He said, "Woman, why are you weeping?"
She probably thought, "who are you? leave me alone,". She didn't get it until she saw His glorious face.
I would have been Thomas, "Let me touch your hands." And He would have been patient enough to let me.
How gracious our Lord is in our unbelief. He loved us enough to suffer and die for us, He loved us enough to allow us to question his sacrifice. He loves us enough to wait until we "get it." Until we look at ourselves in all our weakness and imperfection and know that one so perfect loved us enough to do what He did for us, we can't fathom that kind of love. When we do, we truly know the meaning of A NEW DAY!
HE IS RISEN INDEED!
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