Marble.Some think cold; others think chic. I think family. One of my most favorite family memories is triggered by marble. Picture it, Christmas time. My dad and his brothers and sisters making candy with my grandmother; pulling taffy until they had blisters on their hands. I had never seen them laugh so hard and pick on each other so much. I was so young, but I remember being mesmerized. I had never seen them interact as siblings quite the way they did that day.
My grandmother had a marble slab for making candy. When that slab came out, you knew fun was coming, along with delicious treats. The siblings laughed so hard that particular day that it made a lasting impression on me. That day is burned into my memory forever. Given how young I was, I was enthralled to say the least! Marble! That marble slab was magic! I loved marble from that day forward!
That marble slab was passed from my grandmother to my dad to me. A year or so ago, I passed it to my daughter. Today, that same marble slab is where my daughter creates safe treats for my Boo who takes most of his nourishment from a feeding tube.
Through the years, I have collected my own marble pieces, which I hoped would one day be passed to my grandchildren and treasured due to good memories like the ones I have of my grandmother's marble slab. I am so blessed that the child size rolling pin went to my youngest granddaughter, who loves to cook. I am so blessed that my son and daughter-in-law will enjoy the many other pieces and, hopefully, someday pass these on to my grandchildren.
Marble; who would have ever known that marble would be a legacy,but it was. And, I hope, it still is. Laughter, love, family. Awwww............God is good and has blessed us so much.
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
How To Let Jesus Hold You
It is so easy to let Jesus hold you.
Think of the pictures of Jesus with the little children. Picture the one where the child is sitting on His lap. Now, close your eyes and picture that you are that child on his lap with his arm around you.
Concentrate. Block everything else out except sitting on his lap.
Let your mind go and think only of Jesus holding you. While sitting on his lap, lean back and rest your head against his shoulder. Feel his arms hold you. Feel the way his love engulfs you. Feel how safe you are in those arms.
Now, rest there for a while. Now, just breathe and allow yourself to be renewed.
Think about the love he has for you while you rest in his arms. Take comfort in his love and the feeling of letting him hold you as a parent holds a tired child. Take comfort and know that he is your protector. He has you and he will always love you.
Rest assured that he is in control. He is giving you rest and he will take care of you.
One major thing I forgot to add: you need to picture Jesus larger than life; like the statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting down.
Think of the pictures of Jesus with the little children. Picture the one where the child is sitting on His lap. Now, close your eyes and picture that you are that child on his lap with his arm around you.
Concentrate. Block everything else out except sitting on his lap.
Let your mind go and think only of Jesus holding you. While sitting on his lap, lean back and rest your head against his shoulder. Feel his arms hold you. Feel the way his love engulfs you. Feel how safe you are in those arms.
Now, rest there for a while. Now, just breathe and allow yourself to be renewed.
Think about the love he has for you while you rest in his arms. Take comfort in his love and the feeling of letting him hold you as a parent holds a tired child. Take comfort and know that he is your protector. He has you and he will always love you.
Rest assured that he is in control. He is giving you rest and he will take care of you.
One major thing I forgot to add: you need to picture Jesus larger than life; like the statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting down.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
Adoption
Have you ever thought of adopting a child? Have you ever thought of giving a child with nothing a life with unconditional love? I have. For some reason tonight this is heavy on my mind. I don't have a lot, but I have room and a lot of love for a child of any race, culture, or nationality. A child that would know they are loved, accepted, and treasured. Don't let your fear of what others will think stop you. If you want to adopt a child and truly make that child a part of your life, don't let color of skin or anything stop you. If others have a problem with the child's nationality, color, etc., then, that is their problem and maybe you need to be friends with others that know we all are God's children.
Adoption is a major decision not to be made lightly. An adopted child is the same as a child which is born of your body. The only difference is that another gave birth to the child, but they become your true child the moment you fall in love and sign the papers to make the child your own.
Praying for all the children without parents and all the parents without children. May God lead you to each other. May His will be granted and accepted.
Adoption is a major decision not to be made lightly. An adopted child is the same as a child which is born of your body. The only difference is that another gave birth to the child, but they become your true child the moment you fall in love and sign the papers to make the child your own.
Praying for all the children without parents and all the parents without children. May God lead you to each other. May His will be granted and accepted.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Today my six year old granddaughter had a serious talk with me about going to church.
Tori, "I want you to come back to church."
Me, "Do you miss me coming?"
Tori, "Yes. I want you and BeBop to come back to church with me and mommy and Aubrey and Bradley. You NEED to come back. Tomorrow is Sunday and I want you to come."
Me, "We will, but BeBop has to work at the Shriners tomorrow. Maybe next week. I am not sure when, but I promise we will come back."
I am ashamed to say that I haven't been since the first call to come to VA in April when my dad was hospitalized. I hadn't missed a Sunday since the first of the year until then. Ironically, I was considering joining this church and the pastor had even asked me about joining the last Sunday I was there. Her even mentioning this made my heart melt. It was as if she had read my mind. (My membership is still in our last church in Greer/Taylors)
No, I am not angry at God. If anything, I am closer to Him. I just have had a problem with traveling, even a short distance, since all the trips to VA. I have to make myself drive/ride more than a couple of miles from my house.
Given that I travel 11 miles, one way, to work; this takes a lot out of me for some reason. The church is approximately the same distance which is only a 15 - 20 minute drive or so depending on traffic. I don't know what my problem is. I love the church. I believe in a family church. I do wish it was closer to home, but we have visited churches near home, but something was missing. Simply put, our family wasn't a part of the churches we visited.
I feel God has been telling me to go back to that church and then my granddaughter had this conversation with me. Just when I have been struggling, Tori not only brings it up, but tells me flat out that I NEED to go. She stressed NEED. This sent chills down my spine and refuses to leave my mind. My baby was so serious when she discussed how I NEED to go and how much she wants us there. It was as if she knew I am the one hesitating. Talk about out of the mouths of babes!
I know and I want to set a good example for my babies. I want my babies to grow up experiencing the feeling of having their family in the same church. I will go. God has this and He will guide me as to when. I know He will give me the push when His time is right.
I thank God for giving us just the right message when we need it. I thank Him for my special grandchildren that know they can tell me what needs to be said just when I need to hear it.
Tori, "I want you to come back to church."
Me, "Do you miss me coming?"
Tori, "Yes. I want you and BeBop to come back to church with me and mommy and Aubrey and Bradley. You NEED to come back. Tomorrow is Sunday and I want you to come."
Me, "We will, but BeBop has to work at the Shriners tomorrow. Maybe next week. I am not sure when, but I promise we will come back."
I am ashamed to say that I haven't been since the first call to come to VA in April when my dad was hospitalized. I hadn't missed a Sunday since the first of the year until then. Ironically, I was considering joining this church and the pastor had even asked me about joining the last Sunday I was there. Her even mentioning this made my heart melt. It was as if she had read my mind. (My membership is still in our last church in Greer/Taylors)
No, I am not angry at God. If anything, I am closer to Him. I just have had a problem with traveling, even a short distance, since all the trips to VA. I have to make myself drive/ride more than a couple of miles from my house.
Given that I travel 11 miles, one way, to work; this takes a lot out of me for some reason. The church is approximately the same distance which is only a 15 - 20 minute drive or so depending on traffic. I don't know what my problem is. I love the church. I believe in a family church. I do wish it was closer to home, but we have visited churches near home, but something was missing. Simply put, our family wasn't a part of the churches we visited.
I feel God has been telling me to go back to that church and then my granddaughter had this conversation with me. Just when I have been struggling, Tori not only brings it up, but tells me flat out that I NEED to go. She stressed NEED. This sent chills down my spine and refuses to leave my mind. My baby was so serious when she discussed how I NEED to go and how much she wants us there. It was as if she knew I am the one hesitating. Talk about out of the mouths of babes!
I know and I want to set a good example for my babies. I want my babies to grow up experiencing the feeling of having their family in the same church. I will go. God has this and He will guide me as to when. I know He will give me the push when His time is right.
I thank God for giving us just the right message when we need it. I thank Him for my special grandchildren that know they can tell me what needs to be said just when I need to hear it.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Steak
I know it sounds strange, but steak took on a whole new meaning when Brandi and Eric were just 4 and 2 years old. You see, I was a single mother with two toddlers working three jobs. A special man would show up at my apartment with steaks. He would say he bought too many. Yeah, right, like I was supposed to believe that! He was/is a very intelligent man. A businessman who can do finances as easy as most breathe. This man was to be my father-in-law and I thank God for him and the guidance and encouragement he never realized he gave.
His son was determined to be a part of my life. He made it a point to get to me through the children. He would show up unexpected and convince me that the children really needed to go to McDonald's or Charles Towne Landing. He would actually make me feel guilty if I tried to say no. Oh, how Brandi and Eric loved him coming! He made them laugh when their world was so unsure.
My wonderful "steak" man sent Robert and me on dates alone by saying he needed to use his meals at the Charleston Country Club or he needed us to go to Lobsteer, his friend's restaurant, for the couple's special. He would say he will keep the children while we were gone. He knew I wouldn't leave them with just anyone. We would never have gone on "dates" alone without this offer except when the babies were gone for visitation because I just never trusted anyone and wouldn't have imposed on the few I did trust. I agreed, but was petrified the first few times. We wouldn't be gone longer than a couple of hours. What was I thinking? When we would get back to their house to get the children, Bob would be doing card tricks or something along those lines with the children. They were never happy that we were back already. Brandi and Eric loved their special time with Bob.
Years later, we went through a rough time and again this man was there for us. Robert was laid off from his job in GA. This was our chance to come home to SC. Bob welcomed us with open arms when Robert's new job in SC was gone before he even started it. While I know that we got on each others nerves at times since we were use to our own space, he did this for us.
We stayed with him while Robert found and started a new job in Charleston so the children could finish the school year without having to change schools again in the school year. Well, again, steaks. We had steaks so much that I didn't think I would ever be able to eat steak again. (I do now, but I never thought I would). He did this for us. He was just trying to take care of us.
God sends us what and who we need when we need it. I will always think of my dear father-in-law and all he did for us when steak is so much as even mentioned. Don't get me wrong, he is so much more than that, he is love, caring, and acceptance.
Father God I thank you for the wonderful people you put in my life when I thought life was so bleak and for leading me to a future that I never imagined.
His son was determined to be a part of my life. He made it a point to get to me through the children. He would show up unexpected and convince me that the children really needed to go to McDonald's or Charles Towne Landing. He would actually make me feel guilty if I tried to say no. Oh, how Brandi and Eric loved him coming! He made them laugh when their world was so unsure.
My wonderful "steak" man sent Robert and me on dates alone by saying he needed to use his meals at the Charleston Country Club or he needed us to go to Lobsteer, his friend's restaurant, for the couple's special. He would say he will keep the children while we were gone. He knew I wouldn't leave them with just anyone. We would never have gone on "dates" alone without this offer except when the babies were gone for visitation because I just never trusted anyone and wouldn't have imposed on the few I did trust. I agreed, but was petrified the first few times. We wouldn't be gone longer than a couple of hours. What was I thinking? When we would get back to their house to get the children, Bob would be doing card tricks or something along those lines with the children. They were never happy that we were back already. Brandi and Eric loved their special time with Bob.
Years later, we went through a rough time and again this man was there for us. Robert was laid off from his job in GA. This was our chance to come home to SC. Bob welcomed us with open arms when Robert's new job in SC was gone before he even started it. While I know that we got on each others nerves at times since we were use to our own space, he did this for us.
We stayed with him while Robert found and started a new job in Charleston so the children could finish the school year without having to change schools again in the school year. Well, again, steaks. We had steaks so much that I didn't think I would ever be able to eat steak again. (I do now, but I never thought I would). He did this for us. He was just trying to take care of us.
God sends us what and who we need when we need it. I will always think of my dear father-in-law and all he did for us when steak is so much as even mentioned. Don't get me wrong, he is so much more than that, he is love, caring, and acceptance.
Father God I thank you for the wonderful people you put in my life when I thought life was so bleak and for leading me to a future that I never imagined.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Old Songs Continue
I thought of my old Bible last night, the one that was given to my by my parents on February 14, 1972. I was so proud. I just couldn't believe they surprised me with such a beautiful Bible to take to church and youth league. It was so beautiful then; white that zipped with gold on the edges of each page. It was priceless to me and still is even though today it looks beat up; worn, gold gone, tattered. This was not my doing, but that is another story. I took that Bible with me to work today to read at lunch. It always brings me such pleasure just to simply hold it. I still love the feel of it in my hands. At lunch, I read a few passages I had highlighted many years ago. Then, I started to read Daniel, but switched to Romans. That Bible is still one of my most treasured possessions.
The past several months I have been downsizing; getting rid of material possessions that I no longer want, use, or need. Possessions that are simply that, possessions. Items that need my attention which take what little time I have after work from my family and from God. I am not a material person so, this has not been too difficult for me to do.
I am still a work in progress, but God knows my heart and He keeps blessing me beyond measure even though I know I am not worthy. He is my Father and I am His child.
Music is the one thing I have had throughout my life that can match any mood; any feeling. From happiness to the depths of great despair; music has been my go to from rock to Christian. While I listen to contemporary Christian music 99% of the time, I still favor some of the old time religious greats which have held me together through some very difficult times.
Tonight three songs flow through my mind. Each hold such treasured meanings and memories. Just read the words and let their meaning sink in.
The past several months I have been downsizing; getting rid of material possessions that I no longer want, use, or need. Possessions that are simply that, possessions. Items that need my attention which take what little time I have after work from my family and from God. I am not a material person so, this has not been too difficult for me to do.
I am still a work in progress, but God knows my heart and He keeps blessing me beyond measure even though I know I am not worthy. He is my Father and I am His child.
Music is the one thing I have had throughout my life that can match any mood; any feeling. From happiness to the depths of great despair; music has been my go to from rock to Christian. While I listen to contemporary Christian music 99% of the time, I still favor some of the old time religious greats which have held me together through some very difficult times.
Tonight three songs flow through my mind. Each hold such treasured meanings and memories. Just read the words and let their meaning sink in.
Lord Build Me A Cabin
Many years I've been lookin' for a place to call home
But I still didn't find it so I must travel on
I don't care for the fine mansions on earth's sinkin sand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland
But I still didn't find it so I must travel on
I don't care for the fine mansions on earth's sinkin sand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland
Lord build me just a cabin in the corner of gloryland
In the shade of his tree of life that it may ever stand
Where I can hear the angels and shake Jesus' hand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland
In the shade of his tree of life that it may ever stand
Where I can hear the angels and shake Jesus' hand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland
Listen Lord I'm not askin' to live in the midst
For I know that I'm not worthy of such splendor as this
When I ask Him for mercy while humbly I stand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland
For I know that I'm not worthy of such splendor as this
When I ask Him for mercy while humbly I stand
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland
I've many dear loved one's who've gone on this way
On the grapevine of mournin' shall I hear them all say
Come and join in the singin' and play in our band
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland
On the grapevine of mournin' shall I hear them all say
Come and join in the singin' and play in our band
Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland
I Need No Mansion
I
WHEN BURDENS COME SO HARD TO BEAR
THAT NO EARTHLY FRIEND CAN SHARE
TEARS DRIVE AWAY THE SMILES AND LEAVES MY HEART IN PAIN.
THEN MY LORD FROM HEAVEN ABOVE
SPEAKS TO ME IN TONES OF LOVE
WIPES THE TEARS AWAY AND MAKES ME SMILE AGAIN.
II
OH THE THO'T TO ME IS SWEET THAT MY LOVED ONES I SHALL MEET.
AT THE ENDING OF THE JOURNEY HERE BELOW
SEEMS I HEAR THEIR VOICES BLEND
IN A WORLD WITHOUT AN END
I WON'T WORRY WHEN HE TIME SHALL COME TO GO.
III
WHEN JESUS COMES TO CLAIM HIS OWN
I WILL MOVE TO MY NEW HOME
I'LL WALK AND TALK WITH HIM UPON THE STREETS OF GOLD.
A MANSION IS WAITING ME SOON IT'S BEAUTY I WILL SEE
IN THAT CITY WHERE WE NEVER SHALL GROW OLD.
CHORUS
I NEED NO MANSION HERE BELOW
FOR JESUS SAID THAT I COULD GO
TO A HOME BEYOND THE CLOUDS NOT MAD E WITH HANDS.
OH WON'T YOU COME AND GO ALONG
WE WILL SING THE SWEETEST SONG
EVER PLAYED UPON THE HARPS IN GLORYLAND.
Where Could I Go
Living below, in this old sinful world Hardly a comfort can afford Striving alone, to face temptation's sore Where could I go but to the Lord?Where could I go, oh where could I go? Seeking a refuge for my soul Needing a friend, to help me in the end Where could I go, but to the Lord?Neighbors are kind, I love them everyone We get along in sweet accord But when my soul, needs manna from above Where could I go but to the Lord?Where could I go, oh where could I go? Seeking a refuge for my soul Needing a friend, to help me in the end Where could I go, but to the Lord?Life here is grand, with friends I love so dear Comfort I get from God's own word Yet when I face this chilling hand of death Where could I go but to the Lord?Where could I go, oh where could I go? Seeking a refuge for my soul Needing a friend, to help me in the end Where could I go, but to the Lord?My one thought is Where Could I Go But To The Lord. Happy, sad, mad, glad, and every emotion in between; He is my one sure thing and He is always with me. He is with you too.
Father God, I thank you for music that soothes the savage beast in us as well as proclaims our joys and for Your mercy which flows when we feel most undeserving. Please keep working on us that we may come closer to You. Through our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.
Monday, September 29, 2014
Songs of Old
Scarlet Purple Robe Lyrics
There's a story so unkind in the Holy book we find
And it tells how Jesus stood alone one day
False accused and there condemned yet they found no fault with Him
The man who wore the scarlet purple robe
False accused and there condemned yet they found no fault with Him
The man who wore the scarlet purple robe
Purple robe my Savior wore oh the shame for me he bore
As He stood alone, forsaken on that day
And they placed upon His head piercing thorns and blood stained red
His raiment was a scarlet purple robe
As He stood alone, forsaken on that day
And they placed upon His head piercing thorns and blood stained red
His raiment was a scarlet purple robe
In the common judgment hall he was mocked and scorned by all
And a tear of sorrow fell upon His cheek
Soldiers of the wicked man smote Him with their evil hand
The Man who wore the scarlet purple robe
And a tear of sorrow fell upon His cheek
Soldiers of the wicked man smote Him with their evil hand
The Man who wore the scarlet purple robe
Words of truth that day were plain from the lips of Pilot came
In this man I find no reason He should die
But the multitudes replied let Him now be crucified
The man who wore the scarlet purple robe
In this man I find no reason He should die
But the multitudes replied let Him now be crucified
The man who wore the scarlet purple robe
Oh the River Of Jordan is many miles away
And this mighty river I may never see
But I'll find myself an alter in an old fashioned church
And my River Of Jordan that will be
And this mighty river I may never see
But I'll find myself an alter in an old fashioned church
And my River Of Jordan that will be
RANK STRANGERS LYRICS
I wandered again to my home in the mountain
Where in youths early dawn I was happy and free
I looked for my friends but I never could find them
I found they were all rank strangers to me
Where in youths early dawn I was happy and free
I looked for my friends but I never could find them
I found they were all rank strangers to me
Everybody I met seemed to be a rank stranger
No mother no dad not a friend I could see
They knew not my name and I knew not their faces
I found they were all rank strangers to me
No mother no dad not a friend I could see
They knew not my name and I knew not their faces
I found they were all rank strangers to me
They've moved all away said the voice of a stranger
To a beautiful home by the bright crystal sea
Some beautiful day I'll meet them in heaven
Where no one will be a stranger to me
To a beautiful home by the bright crystal sea
Some beautiful day I'll meet them in heaven
Where no one will be a stranger to me
My daughter's blog has triggered a sea of songs in my mind. The two songs above have such special meaning for me as well as treasured feelings of love. Memories flood as I hear a dear family friend sing these two songs with such heartfelt melody. This was the dear lady I still visit when I can when I go to VA. The same dear lady that was our cook at Dewey School that took such good care of us and prayed for and with us. I love you Abby Bowman. Thank you for being such a strong Christian influence in my life.
I thank God for the many special people He put in my life who were strong in the faith and not afraid to show it.
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