Christmas Grace

Christmas Grace

Thank you, Lord, for this place,
Where we gathered from life’s rat race

With tears on our face,
Our memories replay,
Our sadness is now a trace,
By the wonder of God’s Christmas Grace

Down came the snow,
Beautiful, sparkling, icy lace,
Family and friends,
Food, fun, fellowship,
And candy by the case!

Gifts, girls, guys,
Grandparents, Oh MY
How can this be?
Maybe you ask why?
It’s a testimony of God’s Christmas grace, we would reply

God gave His Son one Christmas morn
His greatest gift for us to be reborn
A shout and Gabriel’s horn
Then crowns upon His feet we’ll adorn

It is this hope
This truth upon which we base
Our ability to live and cope-
-- God’s Christmas Grace



--RJC 12/26/10

Surreal and So Real

Today is December 16, 2010. One year ago today our lives were abruptly changed forever.
I sit here lost in thought as memory after memory plays out through the timeline in my mind. A myriad of emotions flit across my heart as I think of what this year has been like. I am so humbly thankful for HOPE, GRACE, MERCY, and PEACE. Hope, because without it we would not have Heaven. Grace, for every hour we think we can't make it through without going crazy with grief or pain. Mercy, for when we have more questions then answers, and Peace, for when we finally give it all to God to take care of instead.

God has been more real to me this year in deeper ways then ever before, and I have seen Him work in our family in what should have been a tragedy, but is really a Triumph of God's grace.

It was a surreal day for me, but the sadness is so real.
It is surreal to think she is gone and isn't around to take care of us.
It is so real to know that we will see her again.
It has been surreal to pick up the pieces and live life.
It's so real to have God's grace to make it through each day.
It's surreal that her earthly life is over,
It's So Real that her legacy still lives on.
Surreal? Yes, but only for a short time, then Heaven will be SO REAL!!!

Monday Musings

It has turned cold here in NC this past week, especially at night and into the early morning hours. Our hard frosts are the equivalent of snow, as we get more frost then actual snow or ice per winter season. We have scurried around looking for gloves and coats and winter attire for the few hours it's actually cold, before you turn off the heat and turn the a/c back on in the afternoons. I could not find any gloves around here that fit me, and Ted and I both figured we would need to head to the store to get us both yet another pair that will eventually get lost come springtime.
It was Monday morning again, and I did not wish to be cold all the way to work, so I pulled my heavy leather overcoat on and trudged out the door. I put my hands into my coat pockets and felt something soft and warm. I pulled out a pair of gloves! Momma's gloves!!! I couldn't remember what I had worn last year, it was because it wasn't until Momma had gone to Heaven that I inherited her winter gloves. I stood there with the gloves in my hand torn with emotions. Do I wear them? Do I stand there and cry and never get to work? I chose to thank God, and Momma for the gloves that I needed, and to laugh because once again even a year later she is taking care of me through God's plan.
The rest of my Monday was filled with normal Monday mishaps, but also interspersed with little delightful blessings. The ladybugs are migrating or whatever it is they do when they invade someone's living space. I have secretly enjoyed ladybugs crawling around in my office and on my desk. They haven't been pesky and they haven't gotten in the way. They have been little reminders of how God can give us joy in simple things.
As I reflect in this Thanksgiving season, I can't believe it's been almost a year already. Only God's grace and love has gotten us through this time of mourning, of missing, of memories, of melt-downs, and of moving forward.
Thank You, Lord, for your blessings on me.

My Adonai

One single drop of rain
Your salty tear became blue ocean
One tiny grain of sand turning in your hand
A world in motion
You're out beyond the furthest Morning Star
Close enough to hold me in Your arms
Adonai, I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You're Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
One timid faithful knock
Resounds upon the Rock of Ages
One trembling heart and soul
Becomes a servant bold and courageous
You call across the mountains and the seas
I answer from the deepest part of me
Adonai, I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai
Oh, From age to age you reign in Majesty
And today You're making miracles in me
Adonai! I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai You are Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai

Higher Ground

I’m pressing on the upward way,
new heights I’m gaining every day,
still praying as I’m onward bound,
oh Lord, plant my feet on higher ground
(higher ground).

Verse 2:
My heart has no desire to stay,
where doubts arise and fears dismay.
Though some may dwell where these abound,
oh Lord, my prayer, my aim, is higher ground,
(higher ground).

Chorus:
Lord, lift me up and let me stand.
by faith on Heaven’s table land,
a higher plane I have found;
plant my feet on higher ground- higher ground.

Verse 3:
I want to live above the world,
though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
for faith has caught all joyful sound,
the song of saints on higher ground (higher ground).

Chorus
A higher plane that I have found, Lord plant my feet on higher ground(holy ground)
We are standing in His presence all around(on holy ground)
(I love You, I love You, Holy Father)

Lord lift me up, and let me stand
where the eagle flies
on the mountain high
from the world below
and all the evil noise
Lord lift me up and let me stand by faith on Heaven's table land
We are standing in His presence on Holy Ground
A higher plane that I have found, Lord plant my feet on Higher Ground

I started to play some music today that Ted gave me, as my heart was heavy. This song came on by a popular trumpeter, and I really did not want to listen to it for reasons I will tell you at a later time. Instead, God used it to speak to me, and I was able to worship Him in song, as He knew I just longed to be with Him, on Higher Ground.
I still have this strong overpowering feeling that those who are His children will not be on this earth much longer. This has also given me a sense of urgency for those of you who are still lost and do not call Jesus - Lord, and God - your Heavenly Father. I yearn for you to know Him and accept His free gift of salvation TODAY!!

The Double J's 2010

A Year in Review

I was thinking tonight about this past year, realizing how much we have gone through as a family. Without the help of God, it would be all have been completely overwhelming. After a particularly rough week, I am needing to stop and thank God for His blessings and care through this time.
Last September, we moved to this house and started another year of homeschooling. In December, we lost Momma in a tragic accident. Picking up the pieces and taking care of the family through this time was only accomplished through the daily and sometimes hourly outpouring of God's grace.
In April, I had surgery and had to spend more time then expected in recovery. It has taken a few months to let my body adjust to the changes.
The beginning of June we had some serious issues to work through as a family. By the end of June into the beginning of July, I was weighing the decision to resign my job that I have had for 4 years. In the middle of July, God gave me a brand new job. The training portion and new schedule has been quite a challenge these past couple of months. We have now started a new home-school term, and Justin is taking driver's ed. So, in the course of 12 months, we have gone through moving, burying a precious loved one, surgery, job change, and a lot of stressful moments in our busy lives.
Thinking back on this, I want to feel utterly overwhelmed, but I can see how God has worked through each and every situation, and I know that He will get us through whatever this new year holds.
My favorite passage of Scripture still remains 2 Cor. 4:7-9- "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;..."
Thank You, God, for taking care of me, and for sending Ted to be my help-meet through all the stresses of life.

Glory Moment

Happy Day to Y'all!! I had a glory moment this morning that I have been anxious to share with everyone! I got in my car to head to work, and I happened to glance up at the sun. It was a common scene of the sun behind the clouds shooting rays in a neat display that I particularly enjoy. I started thanking God for the beautiful morning, and I was overcome with such a sense of eager anticipation. I felt this urgent freeing in my soul. I really wasn't sure if I would even make it to work, before the trumpet would sound, and I would be called into glory. All the way to work, I kept my eye on the sun and just worshiped and praised the Son of God. After stopping at the post office, I looked back up at the cloud covering the sun, and amazingly, the rays pouring out were through a gap in the cloud shaped exactly like a huge smile!
I am so ready should He come today! ARE YOU???!!!!

August Rush

Dear Family and Friends,
Just an update for this month on the changes that have happened since my last post.
We are all doing well, and life is rushing by with very little time to stop and smell the roses.
Ted stays busy every day with his job as area supervisor for a Pizza Hut franchise. He tries to balance in family time and church activities, but ends up multi-tasking more often then not. I started my new job as office assistant for World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions. In addition to that, I am also the hospitality facilitator for their prophets' chambers. That is just a fancy way of saying that I keep the guest rooms clean. God has shown me how to be used for His ministry, and how to have joy in serving Him while I do it. It is not just a "job", it's a true ministry to people and missionaries around the world. I am both honored and humbled at the same time to be able to work in this capacity.

Our church had it's annual VBS earlier this month. For the second year in a row, I was delegated to coordinate the refreshment time. I had an amazing group of volunteers to help me. This year was by far the smoothest year we have had lately. 13 children were saved this year at our VBS, and we thank God for those new babes in Christ!

This weekend we look forward to hearing Tradition (Ted's quartet) sing at Crystal Seas Fish Camp in SC.

Ted and I have struggled with health issues and weight problems for the past few years. We have half tried various things, and usually end up back into our old unhealthy habits. With much deliberation and trepidation, we looked again at the Hallelujah Acres diet. This is a Christian organization designed to minister and aid in the health and well being of its clients. We are slowly working into this lifestyle change, and have both already lost 10 lbs each in the last month.
We are excited to see how this will change and help us physically, as well as, spiritually in the months to come.

James did not get either job that he applied for this summer, and has spent most of his days doing yard work for us and his grandfather. Justin just completed 2 weeks of driver's ed classes, and is waiting for the call when he will get the actual driving portion of his education. They will both start school the first week of September, and hopefully will stay committed to an intense year of education, preparing them for college ahead.
We extend birthday greetings to my brother David and his wife Carmelita, cousin Becky and her son Dustyn, my father, and Emily(our niece).
Special loving birthday greetings to my wonderful husband, Ted.
We love you so much and are so thankful to be with you every day!

Happy Anniversary to my parents!

I also want to mention that today is Ronn and Momma's wedding anniversary. Please continue to pray for Ronn and our family, as we continue to adjust to life without Momma. Also pray for Momma's family, her parents are not in good health. Ronn is supposed to visit them in NY the end of this month. Pray for his trip, and for healing for everyone.

Congratulations to my little cousin Gray on his recent wedding!

When Jesus returns will you go with Him?

His Ways

Psalm 25:12 "What man is he that feareth the LORD? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose."

Our Pastor preached a message a few weeks ago, that really brought some issues to light, that I had not been willing to deal with or act upon. I discussed the situation with Ted that night, and God made it very clear that I need to follow His ways. With much prayer and even fear, I chose to resign my job that I have had for the past few years. God intervened and took control of the whole result! I thank God that He tenderly gives grace to do things that are good for us even when they are hard or fearful. Psalm 25:20-21 "keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee. Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; for I wait on thee."
Ted and I went to the Greer Baptist Camp-meeting in Greer, SC, last week. What a blessing and help those services were! God made it very clear that I need to keep trusting Him for the ways that He will choose for me. In fact, because I chose to obey and trust Him, He has chosen me for another employment opportunity, and a way to be a blessing to others.
There is a bit of personal trepidation that I will not learn or perform my new job requirements in a satisfactory manner, but I am learning that God will give me what I need each day if I choose to trust and obey Him.
More on my new job at a later date.
The boys will be going to Living Waters Christian Camp the next 2 weeks and they are excited about that!
We are still doing a bit of summer school to finish up what turned out to be a very difficult year for our family in every way imaginable.
Keep us in your prayers, but know that God's grace is more then sufficient, and we are claiming His promises daily!
Until next time,
Rebecca and family

Flag Day

Flag Day used to be so thrilling for me growing up, along with other patriotic holidays. I kept thinking today was a special date that I was supposed to remember. It wasn't until I saw a friend mention Flag Day in a message,that I recalled the reason. How many of you, like me, through time and present day politics, and busy lives have forgotten, or just become numb to the national holidays lately?
I honor our flag, our troops, and our rich heritage paid for in blood.. but I also am reminded that our spiritual banner is the Bible, our troops are the martyrs and missionaries and those on the front lines yearning for souls to be free from sin. Our Christian heritage has been paid for by Christ's blood, and we need to celebrate this EVERY day.
A little chorus from my childhood came to mind, and I want to post it here.. in honor of our flag and in honor of our spiritual freedom from sin, paid for by Christ's precious blood...Are you truly free today?

Let the flag fly high
on the castle of my heart,
on the castle of my heart,
on the castle of my heart.
Let the flag fly high
on the castle of my heart,
For the King is in residence there.

So I got an iPad...

So about two weeks ago, I had an opportunity to obtain an iPad for a fair price, and simply could not pass it up. Now, I have to say: I'm quite tech savvy, and I was positive I could wrangle this tiny piece of masterful machinery into pure submission. However, after two weeks of juggling my wonderful iPhone, my iPad, and my slowly dying Windows 7 laptop, I realized just how little time I actually have to "play". I sometimes find myself sitting in my armchair picking up one device, only to put it down again and pick up another. I've gone almost all day without touching my iPad, and that makes me iSad :( Although my son James did get to read 5 chapters of Last of the Mohicans while I was laboring in Wadesboro.

But tonight! While waiting for my ritualistic week-ending monotony of phone calls as I struggle to get final numbers from all of my stores, I had an epiphany! So I picked up my iPad, grabbed my tea and headed to the front porch. I lit the citronella candle to ward off the critters (not the wife), dialed up the VPN, and started my bluetooth connection to my iPhone.

So here I sit; typing this blog, wondering why there is a backspace key but no DEL key, waiting for phone calls and wondering what impact version 4.0 of this wonderful device will have on my semi-near future. !ouch! That was a skeeter!!!

Catch Up

Dear Family and Friends,
It has been awhile since I have posted a family newsletter. Not because we haven't had anything to say, mostly because there is just too much happening!

Let's do a quick catch up. School year has officially ended for the boys. They are still finishing some course work, and will have summer school in science and math. James took his road test and passed, and now has an intermediate driver's license. Justin has been registered for driver's ed classes in August.

They both will have a summer job, spend a week at Living Waters Christian Camp, and then part of week there for Leadership Camp.

Ted stays consumed with his job, and tries to sneak in a few moments here and there for rest and family time. Many times I will ride around with him, just to spend some time with him, although he is working. I am still working part-time for my boss/landlord. My job category is secretary/property manager. It is not very time- consuming, so I have a few extra projects I want to work on this summer.

My parents have arrived from New York, and will be spending next week with us.
We had a family dinner with my brother Jon and his new wife Mia and our Uncle Bill. It was good to see them all again, and to meet Mia's children.

We all stay involved in our church ministries, and have really enjoyed God's lessons and blessings.

I had my surgery in April, and am recovering from that pretty well. The doctor will recheck me in September and will know by then if everything was a success. I might have side affects until that time. Already my migraines have lessened and a few other things that have bothered me, have been minimized due to the surgery. Thank God!!
On a silly note, someone, through Ted's work, rescued a litter of kittens from the side of a road. Needless to say, we adopted 2 of the babies. WOW, talk about craziness around here. Those two little spitfires are hilarious, but full of trouble! So we have 4 cats, and a dog who thinks he is a cat!

God is Great, life is good, yes, we miss Momma terribly, but with the signs of the times and grace from God we know it won't be long until we see Jesus and our precious Momma!
We are ready... are you ready?
There I have caught you up.. so until we meet again or are "Caught up in the air"... may God bless you and keep you all
Love,
Rebecca and family

We Remember....

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

Shhhhhhh, somebody is watching

Hello family and friends,
Most of us go through our day with very little thought as to who is watching us, whether it be our children, church youth, peers, or the person sharing an aisle at the local store. It has come to my recent attention that I have many people watching me. They have, in fact, told me that although they rarely say anything they are watching me whether it's what I post online, or how I interact with someone.
Now that can be scary, IF you don't want to think of that responsibility. Maybe you live a double life, and you are afraid someone will catch you doing something less then Christian-like. I am not perfect, I am however under spiritual construction, what progress He makes is often up to how much I let Him work in my life. I think most of all though we need to be very conscious that God our Father is watching us. Now, of course, if you are not saved, you do not feel that burden of responsibility, nor the loving eyes of the Father yearning to guide us every day. I urge you to realize that today is the day of salvation, your tomorrow may never come.
Who do you watch? Who is watching you?
Just a tidbit to think about... I will update y'all on family news later.

Dreams

I dreamed about Momma last night, it was soo good to see her, hug her, and talk with her, even if it was only a dream. Today turned into a very stressful day. I kept trying to hand it over to the Lord, but I wasn't getting any peace. I finally decided to get in the car and drive(something Ronn has to do when his sorrow gets too heavy). I got in,prayed again; then turned on the tape in the tape deck.
Now,let me tell you about this tape. A month ago, the man who helps in the church's tape ministry came up to me at church, and handed me two cassettes and was determined that I needed these tapes to listen to. I accepted them, but told him that I really could just use Cd's. I was thinking there was really no way I would get to hear them, since I don't have a tape player around in use. Well, my trusty bucket of bolts only has a tape player! I had been praying for some good music to listen to, but just never connected the dots in my head that God was answering this prayer, and so many future prayers as well. These two tapes have been such a blessing to me in the car these past couple of months.
Today though, I needed exactly what the youth choir was singing... after many tears and a lot of prayer, God used the first 5 songs in succession to help me over my burdens today. Thank YOU, Lord, for giving me so many answers to prayer, and for the daily healing you pour out on me and on my family. I never dreamed when those tapes were given to me, that they would become such a balm to my emotions and thoughts.
Well, just wanted to share some of that with y'all today in hopes that you will know that God can help YOU through your trials and troubles, if you will only listen to His gentle call.
I am off to dreamland, getting up early tomorrow to get the boys off on their trip to TN for the huge youth rally. Pray for them! I also get to babysit my 3 little nieces tomorrow.... fun-fun!
Love
Rebecca

Easter Monday

Good Blessed Morning to all of you,

I haven't posted in awhile, it's been an exceedingly busy spring season!
The weather is already in summer temperatures, everything is in bloom, the pollen is in overdrive, and the bees are out in full military force.

It has only been a few months since Momma passed away unexpectedly. We are hanging onto God's peace and promises. It has not always been easy, and there are still many tears and walks down memory lane. I am glad God has our past, present, and future in the palm of His hand. Every time I think I can't take it anymore, or I just don't understand why Momma can't be here with us still, God gives me a healing dose of peace and grace that makes it worth it.

Justin turned 16 in March, no, he does not have his permit yet. We are hoping to get James ready for his road test soon for his driver's license. Then Justin will have to take driver's ed class, as well.
Justin has a part-time summer job lined up, that starts in June, James is still looking.
We had special revival services this past week, that were a real help and blessing.
This week, we are getting the boys ready to go on their annual trip to Murfreesboro, TN, for the HUGE Youth Rally they have at Br.Tony Hudson's church. This is a special time for our youth. Please pray that the boys will use this time to draw closer to our wonderful Lord, and determine to serve Him in an even greater capacity.

Ted stays very busy, but makes every effort to balance his work with family and church needs. I praise and thank God for my loving husband. I tell the Lord every day how thankful I am, and how much I love the man He gave me for these past 18 years! It seems impossible that I graduated from high school 20 years ago!!!

I stay busy with school for the boys, working my part-time property manager job for the same boss I have had for the past 4 years, and teaching the teen class in our church's bus ministry. In the past, I have mentioned a few health issues that I needed to have taken care of. Next Tuesday, I finally go to have that hopefully accomplished. Pray for me, Momma won't be around to take care of me, and if they can't remove the growth successfully this time, they will need to put me in the hospital later to surgically remove it with a different method. I ask that you pray that this will be the only time that I need to go in, and that God will take care of the procedure and the healing process.
I hope you all have had a blessed Easter, and if you do NOT know our wonderful Lord and Savior- please, please I beg of you- do NOT wait any longer to accept HIS free gift of salvation!

Happy Birthday Greetings to Justin, my Aunt Joyce, and my niece Naomi.
Special Congratulations on the engagement and marriage of my brother Jonathan to Mia!
Pray for Ted's cousin Becky, who has spreading incurable cancer.
Continue to pray for us as we move forward in the healing process from the home-going of Momma.
There is probably so much more I could write, but I think you get the gist of it!
Love, Rebecca

A Thought

Sitting here with the glorious sunshine pouring through my window, I have been thinking about various people who I know are hurting for one reason or many reasons. AS I contemplated on their situations,I caught myself wondering yet again why I am not so burdened down with my own problems. I have many stresses and issues and problems, yet I don't feel upset or worried about them. Then I wondered if maybe I wasn't caring enough or sensitive enough. The more I thought on it the more my favorite hymn kept ringing forth in my heart and thoughts. God brought it to my attention again this morning, and I keep singing the refrain over and over. " It is well with my soul"...
A sweet young lady gave an example to me the other night as we talked about problems and prayed together. She said if you have your hands curled up into a fist, God can't hold them or give you blessings. Are you holding onto your hurt? Are you refusing to let go of your burdens, and trust God to take care of them? So much has happened in a brief amount of time in our own lives. Every day is uncertain here on earth, but my future is sealed and certain in Heaven. I can rest on the fact that my troubles and trials can make me stronger, bring me closer to God,give Him glory, and make me a better Christian... but only if I reach my open hands out to God and say " Here- take my burdens and YOU deal with them, because I sure can't!"
So yes, I do care about the pain you are going through, yes, I am praying for you, but I will not wallow in my own pain and hurt, for then God can't use me to bless others...
1 Peter 5:7 "Casting all your care upon Him, for He careth for you."
Open your hands and hearts to God today, and allow Him to give you peace in your valley.
Love y'all
R

Across the Miles

Is your testimony and faith so evident that others come to you for help or a prayer need? I am humbled and amazed when someone trusts ME to pray for a serious situation. I do not take it lightly, and I try as hard as my human failings will allow me to honor that request.
I came across this song this morning that Ted put on my new phone.
I do not know the author, neither do I know who is singing it, but I hope it will bless you and help you.
ACROSS THE MILES
All around this world I've traveled through
In all I've come to find, the ties that bind can come unraveled
I try to face some lonely times, but when I'm tired and feeling low
What a comfort it is to know
Across the miles there's someone praying for me
Across the miles there's someone on their knees lifting my name to the Lord above
In joy and pain I can feel the love and see you smile - across the miles
Life can be so complicated as I travel down each road
When kindred hearts are separated it gives us each a chance to grow
And even though I am so far away
I am reminded every day
Across the miles - there someone praying for me
Across the miles there's someone on their knees lifting my name to the Lord above In joy and pain I can feel the love and see you smile across miles...
If Ted and I can pray for you in any way, please leave us a comment or a private message...

Suthenisms

I love the very last part of this, for those of you dear folks who accept us for who we are.. bless your heart.. for those of you that just don't get it.. well... bless your po little heart too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Suthen-isms:
____
Only a Southerner knows the difference between a hissie fit and a
conniption fit, and that you don't HAVE them, you PITCH them.
_____
Only a Southerner knows how many fish, collard greens, turnip greens,
peas, beans, etc., make up a mess.
_____
Only a Southerner can show or point out to you the general direction of
yonder.
_____
Only a Southerner knows exactly how long directly is, As in: 'Going to
town, be back directly.'
_____
Even Southern babies know that Gimme some sugar is not a request for the white, granular sweet substance that sits in a pretty little bowl in the
middle of the table.
_____
All Southerners know exactly when by and by is. They might not use the
term, but they know the concept well.
_____
Only a Southerner knows instinctively that the best gesture of solace
for a neighbor who's got trouble is a whole messa fried chicken and a
big bowl of cold potato salad. If the neighbor's trouble is a real
crisis, they also know to add a large banana puddin!
_____
Only Southerners grow up knowing the difference between right near and a right far piece. They also know that just down the road a piece can be anywhere from 1 to 20 miles.
_____
Only a Southerner, both knows and understands, the difference between a redneck, a good ol' boy, and po white trash.
_____
A Southerner knows that the word fixin can be used as a noun, a verb, or an adverb.
_____
Only Southerners make friends while standing in lines, ... And when
we're 'in line,' we talk to everybody!
_____
Put 100 Southerners in a room and half of them will discover they're
related, even if only by marriage.
_____
In the South, y'all is singular, all y'all is plural.
_____
Southerners know grits come from corn and how to eat them.
_____
Every Southerner knows tomatoes with eggs, bacon, grits, and coffee are
perfectly wonderful; that red eye gravy is also a breakfast food; and
that fried green tomatoes are not a breakfast food.
_____
When you hear someone say, 'I caught myself lookin'', you know you are in the presence of a genuine Southerner!
_____
Only true Southerners say sweet tea and sweet milk. Sweet tea indicates
the need for sugar and lots of it -- we do not like our tea unsweetened.
'Sweet milk' means you don't want buttermilk.
_____
And a true Southerner knows you don't scream obscenities at little old
ladies who drive 30 MPH on the freeway. You just say, 'well, bless her
heart' and go on your way.
_____
And to those of you who are still having a hard time understanding all
this Southern stuff, ... bless your hearts, I hear they're fixin' to
have classes on Southernness as a second language!
------
And for those that are not from the South but have lived here for a long
time, all y'all need a sign to hang on y'alls front porch that reads 'I
ain't from the South, but I got here as fast as I could..'
____________

Now...... Shugah, send this to someone who was raised in the South or
wish they had been and If you're a Northern transplant, Bless y'alls
heart. We know you got here as fast as you could.

Ponder this...

I am re-reading a favorite series of mine from Dee Henderson. This book is entitled "The Protector". Here is a short excerpt that I hope will make you think, whether you are skeptical,apathetic,or desensitized, I pray this will reach out and change your perspective.
"I don't see a contradiction in God's actions. People die physically from sin and the evil that pervades the world. Jesus knew that. He chose to lay down His life to save us. And God the Father let Jesus make that choice, not because He didn't love His Son, but because He had decided in turn to express His own love for His Son and raise Jesus from the dead. God honored the sacrifice His Son made."...Jesus made a huge sacrifice. But I think God the Father actually made a larger one. He let the one He called His beloved Son be humiliated and murdered. Can you imagine how hard it was to sit on His hands and allow that to happen? He wasn't being contradictory. God was in agony, but He loved us enough to allow it to happen."
" Look at the anger God feels against anyone who rejects what His Son did. Hell is a mild word for the reality. Based on what Revelations says, when God the Father acts at the end of time it is going to be unlike anything mankind has ever seen. Men will beg to be spared that wrath. God loves His Son, and He's going to call the world to account. Every knee in heaven and earth will bow to the fact Jesus is Lord, and if they don't do it by choice, they will do it in judgment."

John 3:16 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.

The choice is yours...

Congratulations

Happy Birthday, Mother!!!

Tune my heart Lord

Our church youth choir sings a song called "I love Jesus" to the tune of a very old hymn, which when you hear it is just awesome! (I'm sure Kristi has a video of it somewhere..) well today the Lord put the words of that hymn in my heart and the only thing I could do was sing them out until HE got his message across...

Come thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing your praise
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount I’m fixed upon it
Mount of thy redeeming blood

A M E N !

Lesson of the Peace Lily

I love peace lilies. They are a durable hearty plant that will try to live even in adverse conditions. This plant is a very visible picture of our Christian lives.
How? Well, as a member of the lily family this plant adores water. It will take it in and will store it. A Christian saved by Jesus who is the Lily of the Valley should adore and store the water of the Word of God. Eventually though, if it uses up all the water it has stored the leaves start to droop and change to yellow, brown, and black. The flower droops and eventually dies, and it starts looking pitiful. It still tries to keep on going even though it is struggling to survive. If we neglect to refresh ourselves with the water of God's Word we too are visibly dejected, drooping, and of no use to God or anyone else. We can try to keep on going, but we will struggle to survive.
I noticed my peace lily today was starting to look thirsty by those tell-tale signs... I took a glass of water and poured it in, and then for good measure poured in another one! I came home tonight from an amazing church service to find my peace lily standing tall, looking healthy, and the flowers were standing at attention, not a single droop to be seen anywhere.
If we apply God's Word to our lives and even double the dose, there should be a physical near immediate result.
What does your appearance and demeanor say to the world? Have you drank from God's Word so much so that it shows all over??? Or are you Thirsty???

Tried and True

On the right hand side of our blog here you will see our dear Friend Kristi's blog and her frequent postings.
Today I was reading her latest post and the Scripture she used, blessed me.
I want to share it here with ya'll.
Thanks Kristi for your love, prayers,friendship, and most of all your desire to share God's Word.
Lamentations 3:19-23 "Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me. This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Ready for Heaven in 2010

Dear Family and Friends,
Most of you know that our dear Momma went home to Heaven this past December 16. Although, she was only 57, she had run her race, finished her course, and had a testimony that pleased God. Her legacy is still very much alive, and we are seeing souls saved through her life, and most especially through her death.
Our loving church,family,friends, and untold millions of prayers has helped us during this time. God keeps giving us the grace to make it through each day. I am soo thankful for the 19 years that I was loved by this wonderful woman, and the loving heritage she passed onto Ted and our children as well.

Are you ready for Heaven in 2010? If you were to die this very day, would your testimony please God?

Fellow believers, continue to pray for Shirley's family that were saved at her funeral, and for those who did not make a decision that day.
Keep us in your prayers as we sort through all the endless details that surround such a time as this.

We are doing as well as we can, and in fact, better then expected through this - only because God's grace IS sufficient and we lean on HIM to see us through.

Lovingly,
Rebecca and Family