Christmas in the air!

Grandchildren numbers 3, 4 and 5 decided I needed to get my tree up, so up it went. I think they did a super job of decorating it (of couse, it's not finished in these pictures) and I'm leaving it just the way they fixed it. Don't you just love Emily's "boots" (Christmas stockings that belong to someone in the family). ha. Can you guess what the guys were doing while the tree was being decorated? I love Christmas and can hardly wait to get the rest of my shopping done, gifts wrapped, and meals planned. The weekend is upon me, so maybe I'll get some of that accomplished. Later...Mom.

Tired and Thankful!

Here it is Saturday night, and my bunch has just all left. The house is quiet as a mouse but in quite a mess. With 12 people in and out, that's all one can expect and I don't mind the mess as long as we are together. I am so thankful for my family. It' s been a wonderful weekend loving on the grandchildren, rocking the baby, conversing with the older ones, eating together as a family, shopping with my daughters, sleeping with little ones (trying to at least), making crafts, cooking, playing outside, picking up pecans in my front yard, watching movies, taking pictures, putting up the Christmas tree (partially - their interest waned before done, so I'll get to finish that myself. I've NEVER put up a tree before 12/1, so this is a first. What we won't do for those grandchildren!), seeing old friends, visiting with extended family, and on and on I could go about what we did. Maybe that's why Thanksgiving and Christmas are my two favorite holidays -- we are all together! Yes, I'm tired, but it' s a good tired and I look forward to doing it again in about a month. Until next time...Mom.

Remembering 33 years ago

Didn't think I could remember that far back, did ya?! Well it was a memorable day as my Jawan made her entrance into this world. Yep, she's 33 today and I couldn't be prouder of her. She's a pastor's wife, the mother of three beautiful children, a wonderful Christian, and a precious daughter. I'm so thankful for all my children: both daughters being pastors' wives, both being mothers of three beautiful children each, both wonderful Christians, and both precious daughters. And last, but not least, is my handsome son - still single (but we're praying that God will send the "right" one to him soon) and just as precious to me as the girls. In addition, I have two wonderful preacher sons-in-law that I couldn't love more and am so thankful God brought them to my daughters. I'm just getting a little head start on Thanksgiving by counting my blessings now (as I do quite often). I spent this past weekend with Jawan and family and had a wonderful time. Took lots of pictures but haven't uploaded them onto computer yet but will do so soon. I'm looking forward to Thanksgiving when everybody will be at my house for a few days. Until next time...Mom.

Halloween

Here it is halloween night but at my house you'd never know it. Since it is Wednesday, I was at church during the trick-or-treating. After church, six of us went to a restaurant for dinner and fellowshipped for a while. So, by the time I got home, the little goblins were all back home. What I did encounter when I turned in my driveway was what I thought was a dog in the street but turned out to be a really big 'possum. I decided I wouldn't stop at the mailbox to see what mail came today and would just wait until tomorrow morning. ha. I didn't bother it and didn't want it to bother me. Our receptionist at the office lives way out in the country and said there's a bear that visits their yard quite often. I think I'd be looking for another place to live!

I'm looking forward to the weekend as I plan to go to Jawan's as Abigail is being dedicated on Sunday. Can hardly wait to see those three little ones (as well as the two big ones)! I am so blessed!

You'd think I'd have lots to talk about since it's been so long since I posted. Nope. So, until next time...Mom.

Life is Full!

I've been very busy the last week, but it's all been wonderful:

Tuesday night of last week: We had our ladies' meeting at church. The speaker I had lined up was sick and couldn't come (which I found out about the night before the meeting), so my friend improvised and wrote a skit. It was hilarious and such fun! Maybe we need to be spontaneous more often!

Wednesday night was church.

Thursday night, I sat with my mother-in-law for about four hours. She had back surgery about three months ago and has had no feeling in her legs since. I took my Phase 10 cards and taught her how to play, watched game shows, talked and had dessert. It was a good visit, but my heart was really heavy upon leaving knowing how this once vibrant, active, full of life woman is now totally dependent upon others for everything. However, her spirits are good, and she knows God has her in this situation for a reason.

Friday night, Steve and Emily came up and we all went to the football game. Thankfully, our team won so it was a good outing.

Saturday and Saturday night, Emily was at my house. She and I slept late, ate a good breakfast, went to Pet Stop and let her look at the animals and buy her cat a toy, went to Lowe's and Walmart to get groceries and a toy for her (yes, you can't take her to Walmart without buying her something!). ha. Back home and watched a movie, ate, picked up pecans in my front yard, played with her new toy, ate supper, had bath and hair washing, read Bible stories, had prayer, and lights out.

Today (Sunday): Steve preached at New Shiloh's (the church he pastored before going to the one in Florida) homecoming, so I went there instead of to my church. Angela and Ethan drove up as well, so all of the family was together except for Meredith who left this morning with the FFA school group for a week in Indianapolis, IN for the FFA Convention. Angela, Steve, Ethan and Emily left about mid-afternoon going back home (with Emily just crying her heart out because she didn't want to leave me! Aren't grandchildren wonderful!). I went back to my church tonight and to Dairy Queen with the usual bunch after church. Just got off the phone with Jawan, Andrew and Luke, so my day has been great.

Hope all of you have a wonderful week. I would ask that you keep Jawan in your prayers as she goes tomorrow for an out-patient procedure. Just pray that all will be well. Until next time...Mom.

Blessings!

My children are at the top of my list of blessings. I'm so proud of all three of them - they bring joy to this mom's heart. I'm blessed with six beautiful grandchildren, two wonderful sons-in-law, a great job, a Biblically based church and pastor, Christian friends, a home, food, clothing, etc., etc., etc. There are so many more that I did not name (I'd be here all night if I named them all), but there are two or three more that I want to mention. God knows when we need a "lift" and sends just the right person. This week, those persons have been my sweet, wonderful, beautiful, godly sister, Norma, and her oldest daughter, Renae. Both of them have either called, or e-mailed, or both with such sweet words of encouragement and love. After sharing with them some low moments I've experienced recently, I picked up my Bible not thinking of any particular scripture except I knew I wanted to read in the Psalms. Guess which one I chose -- Chapter 143 (NASB version). I'm so thankful David shared his heart with us! He had many low moments as well and it makes me feel better to know I'm not the first (or the last). So, thank you, Norma and Renae (and David), for following the urging of the Holy Spirit to connect with me this week. We have put the devil on the run!!!!!

I had some blood work done yesterday just to be sure I'm ok physically and today I have a whopper of a bruised left arm. I knew it hurt pretty bad when the technician stuck the needle in and now I know why. The last time I had it done (about a year ago), I was not even aware of the procedure. Just shows that some know how to do it and others don't.

The weekend is upon us, and I'm looking forward to all of my extracurricular activities. ha. There are a lot of things going on in town and the surrounding towns, so there won't be any lack of things to do. In addition, our fair is in full swing this week, so I may go wander around down there a while on Saturday evening and people watch and look at the exhibits and animals. It doesn't take much to entertain me as you can tell.

Until next time...Mom.

Bitter Sweet

There's no other way to describe this past week/weekend. Bitter in that Steve's dad left this earth; sweet in that I was with Angela and her family. Actually, there was more sweet than bitter: We know his dad is now with Jesus, and nothing can compare to that; Steve did a beautiful job preaching the funeral and I love him more than ever; Angela, Meredith and Ethan sang "Farther Along" a capella that was just the most beautiful ever and, of course, made me very proud; I played the piano for the rest of the service; and I got to spend a lot of time with Steve's family. So, how can we be sad when God is so good to us!

Today at work was very busy but good. Then I got a call from my friend, Ramona, asking me to meet her and Debbie for dinner and whatever else we might think of to do when I got home. So, I met them at Zaxby's for dinner, after which we hit Roses, Freds and Walmart. What fun to share time with good friends, shop and laugh, even though my feet were killing me. I didn't have a chance to come home and change clothes and had on my high heels that I had on all day. Ouch!

It's almost dessert time so must close for now. ha. Until next time...Mom.

Sorry for the Delay

Revival was over Wednesday night of this week, so I have no excuse for not blogging on Thursday night. Friday after work, I headed for Florida to visit with Angela and family. Can you believe my two oldest grandchildren have their driving permits?!?!?!? Sorry the other picture is sideways. I couldn't figure out how to turn it on the blog. It was upright in my computer album but plopped on here sideways. Wannie, help!!! Anyhow, I got to their house in time to go to their high school football game (Angela had to take up tickets, so we got in free), and their team (The Raiders) won! Today, all of us girls spent the day in Gainesville shopping, eating and taking in the sights. And, boy were there some sights. Auburn and Florida were playing each other tonight and you've never seen so many people, so much tailgating, and so many skimpy outfits, etc. The game is on as I'm doing this, and it looks like the stadium is overflowing. Meredith chauffered us around and did a really good job. This was the first time I had ridden with her since she got her permit, and we were in MY car! But, as I said, she did a great job in all that traffic. I got home about 7:30 tonight and am looking forward to being in God's house tomorrow. Hope all of you are having a great weekend. Until next time...Mom.

I'm Tryin'

Do you know that for a procrastinator such as I how hard it is to do an entry almost every day?! But, I'm trying, so give me credit for that. It's been a good weekend; no yard sale-ing yesterday as my friend (Ramona) had other things she had to get done and there were only three listed in the paper (I think because of the weather forecast no one wanted to do one). So, I had my oil changed in the car, bought a new microwave oven, and piddled until around 4:30 when I went over to Ramona's for dinner. She prepared dinner for nine of us (our pastor and his wife, the visiting evangelist and his wife, Bo and Debbie, me, and Ramona and Herman) and boy was it delicious (barbecue chicken, potato salad, baked beans, seven layer salad, iced tea, and pineapple nut cake)!

Our revival started today with Dr. Gene Winfrey as the evangelist. He's 84 years old and has just gotten over aorta aneurism surgery a few months ago. He was with us last year, so we knew we wanted him again this year. His wife, Wana, is so sweet and personable. She played the accordian tonight and sang two songs - she's 83. We are all excited about the services, as the two sermons he preached today were powerful!

Due to the above, I may not write every day. On the other hand, I may.ha. Do procrastinators look for excuses? Anyway, until next time, whenever that may be...Mom.

Meeting

My church family came over tonight, and we had our prayer time for revival. Only eight came but we had a wonderful time praying, eating, laughing and sharing on different topics. I love my church family! I was a little disappointed that more didn't come, but I guess God sent the ones He wanted to be here. Therefore, I won't complain. Our revival starts Sunday and goes through Wednesday night. The evangelist is 84 years old and was with us a year ago. Boy, is he ever good! His health has not been good in the last few months, and it was kinda "iffy" if he would be able to come. So far, he and his wife (Wana) will be here. I do hope we have a good one. Until next time...Mom.

Ready!

We spend a lot of time worrying about our house when we know company is coming. I'm no exception. However, I have decided that a lot of things are unnecessary and have learned what to clean and what not to. My church family will be coming over tomorrow night (Thursday) for a revival prayer time. I have vacuumed, dusted, mopped, cleaned the bathroom, emptied trash cans, put out clean towels, and made a list of things I have to stop and get tomorrow on the way home from work. I know you were dying to hear all of this so there, you have it. ha. I am excited about having them and hope we have a good turnout. I can seat about 15 comfortably and any over that amount will get the floor or stand. Whatever the turnout, we have to remember the reason for the meeting and make that our priority. I'll let you know how it turns out. Until next time...Mom.

Update

Since I haven't talked to them in a couple of weeks, I called my brother to see how my sister-in-law is doing after having her mastectomy. Thankfully, I was relieved with the good report. He said she is awfully sore and riding in a car is very painful (bumps and jarring). Other than that, however, he says she is doing good. No chemo or radiation but does have to take some kind of pill once a day for five years. I think that's wonderful! He says he is doing ok, too -- just can't walk or exert himself for very long. As long as he's doing nothing, he feels good. ha. Can we relate?! Anyway, just wanted you to know her condition. Please keep her (them) in your prayers. Until next time...Mom.

Ouch!

Ouch is right!! Since the weather was so nice today, we decided to start our walking routine again. We must have walked at least three miles this afternoon and I'm so stiff I can hardly move. Just shows how out of shape I am! I'm hoping I can get my mind to cooperate with my body and cut back on some of the things I love to eat. (Just had my coke float! yum!) But, you know, losing weight would be great but I enjoy the fellowship with my friend, being able to vent, cry, laugh, or whatever we might need to do at the moment. As it happened, my friend needed me to be there to just listen. So, for three miles that's mostly what I did. We came to the conclusion that prayer is probably the best and only answer. I'm so thankful for the privilege of bringing all of our cares to our Abba Father, Poppa God, knowing that he loves and cares and WILL answer in His time and in His way. Gotta go wash dishes so, until next time...Mom.

A Good Day

Yes, it's been a good day. Got up at 6:15 a.m., dressed, drove over and picked up Ramona, and off we went to our yard sale-ing. I didn't find a thing I wanted, so didn't spend any money. Then we went to Rayann's and meandered up and down Broad Street for the sidewalk sale. We then rode to Moultrie and hit a flea market and on to their Dollar Tree; back to T'ville and had my car washed at the Depot and took her home. Whew!! I came home and zonked out on the couch for about three hours. Then out again to have my nails done. I'm home now and have vacuumed the house and am about to dust as I listen to and watch the Braves. Doesn't that sound like an exciting way to end the day? By the way, Jawan, I discovered today that Beverly Lewis' new book is out - "The Parting." Yes, I bought it and will be happy to share. I am so blessed yet so sinful in not doing some things that have crossed my mind to do. God's grace and mercy are new every morning and I must be more diligent in walking closer to Him. I received in the mail today David Jeremiah's new book - "Signs of Life" - and it is wonderful. So full of advice, guidance, and the Word on how to be "alive" for Christ. Ok, I've got to fix a bite to eat, get the dust off everything, and relax a bit before bedtime. Until next time...Mom.

Weekend!

I really don't have anything in particular to write about but didn't want to let so much time lapse between entries. The weekend has started off good, however, having dinner with my friends (above - Herman and Ramona) at Fallin's with yard sale shopping tomorrow morning and breakfast afterwards. I've just been hanging out at home tonight washing dishes, mopping the kitchen, washing clothes and watching my Braves. A younger girl at work asked me what my plans for the weekend were, and I said I don't have any. She said that sounded really boring to her and she couldn't imagine having nothing to do. Of course, she has three small children and will have lots to do for years to come. My response to her was that I have been there and done that.ha. It's not that I have nothing to do; it's just that I don't have any particular plans. I have plenty to do (vacuum, dust, clean bathroom, etc., etc.. etc.) and will try to work up the energy to do it. So, I must go and remove clothes from dryer, fold, put away, etc. Until next time...Mom.

Ad Lib-bing

Tonight was our ladies' meeting at church, and we had 16 ladies present. The speaker I had lined up to do the program called me after lunch today at work and told me she was not going to be able to be there. I had about an hour to come up with something to substitute. I understand her reason, but it sure was a letdown. Naturally, all of our ladies were disappointed also. I did book her for next month, so let's pray it doesn't rain that day/night. This is a school teacher who was on her way to school one morning (in the rain) and someone hit her head on. She was in the hospital for weeks and, at one point, didn't know if she was going to make it. She still has to use crutches to walk and has not been able to go back to work. I haven't met her but in talking with her on the phone, she sound like a really sweet person and very willing to give her testimony. She just has an aversion to driving in the rain and thought it was going to rain tonight. It didn't. Oh well, we know that God is in control. We had a fun time together anyway with my doing a short devotional and then playing a game about "What's in your purse?" Out of 24 items listed on my sheet, one lady had 15 of them so she won the prize. The person with the strangest item in their purse also won a prize (you'd never guess so I'll tell you -- hemoroid medicine!). ha. We had a lot of wonderful food and fellowship so it was a good night.

Ok, two nights in a row blogging -- how many times do you have to do something before it becomes a habit? I think I've a ways to go. Until next time...Mom.

Still here!

Ain't she sweet!! My newest grandbaby (Abigail) - eight weeks old in this picture and just smiles up a storm! I had both of my girls and their families (well, most of them) for Labor Day and thoroughly enjoyed the visit. WOW, was my house quiet when everybody left on Monday afternoon, but it didn't take long to get back into the "rut."

I had a good busy week, a great weekend, and am beginning another busy week. Each of my three attorney bosses has a trial in the next two weeks, so you can imagine my work load. I love being busy but sure come home tired. But I count my blessings: I don't have to cook when I get home; I don't have to clean; I don't have to do laundry; I don't have to do anything that I don't want to do; I don't have to answer to anyone; I can go where I please, etc., etc., etc.. ha. Sounds great, and most of the time it is. However, there are disadvantages: There's no one (humanly speaking) waiting on me when I come home; there's one to encourage me; there's no one to make me feel special and loved; there's no one to share the events of my day with. Sometimes that gets to me; sometimes I love it. I'm spending more time with the Lord in His Word, in prayer for my children/grandchildren/extended family, so I guess the time alone is valuable. I do have to be on guard, however, for Satan stands ready to attack my thoughts. Believe me, he comes at me quite often and tries to make me believe that, oh well, just take my word for it - he has his tactics. But you know what I am very thankful for? My sweet daddy who is in heaven now taught me something (one of many, many things): We can't help growing old in number but we don't have to grow old in attitude. I'm thankful for that and really don't feel my age. In fact, sometime (until I look in the mirror) I have to remind myself that I am not 30 something anymore. Most of the time, I'm a very optimistic person. Thank you, Daddy.

We have a man in our church (in fact, he pastored the church I go to for 35 years until he retired but I was not a member there during his pastorate) who analyzes handwriting. I think everybody in the church has had him to do theirs, so I wasn't gonna be left out. I've read many of the ones he analyzed, and he never says anything negative about the person. Therefore, I kinda liked what he said about me. ha. Maybe I'll share it with you someday.

Ok, Renae and Jawan, I've blogged again. Can you believe my sweet niece in California let me know today by e-mail that I needed to blog again?! That's ok, Renae, I'm just glad you're finally using the computer to e-mail. ha. This one is so long, you may hesitate to encourage me again. Anyway, until next time...Mom.

Still So Blessed!

I'm late again, but what else is new?! Just returned home from Wednesday night church service, had my coke float (yum! - Butter pecan), and am watching/listening to the Braves. It's been a good week so far and I'm planning for the rest of it to be good as well. I've talked to all of my children this week, got good reports from the Brooks grands on the first day of school, saw some precious pictures of the McGinnis grands, and got a blessing from Stu's blog. How could I ask for more?

I have such wonderful friends! I asked the husband of one of my friends at church Sunday night if he had a chain saw. His answer was "yes, I have three." So, I asked him if some day when he had nothing to do (he's retired) if he would come by my house and cut down some azalea bushes by my carport. He said sure. Well, on Monday afternoon when I came in from work, my yard looked wonderful! He had not only cut the azalea bushes but had cut a dead cottonwood tree in my back yard and had all the trimmings piled out on the street for the trash truck. I called and thanked him and told him I would think of something to do for him, but he said no, he just wanted to do that for me. Christian friends are such blessings and I'm so thankful for those in my life.

I must go cheer the Braves on to victory (they are ahead at the moment) and do some studying before bedtime. Until next time...Mom.

Home from conference

My three friends and I attended the Women of Faith "Amazing Freedom" Conference in Atlanta this past weekend and had a wonderful time. We were inspired, encouraged, convicted, challenged, touched, and just overall filled with good music and messages. Patsy Clairmont, Marilyn Meberg, Sheila Walsh, Lucy Swindoll, Sandi Patti, Nicole C. Mullen, Anita Renfroe, Nicole Johnson, Carol Kent, the praise team, and Denise Jackson (Allen Jackson's wife) were all on the program and did a super job. There were a few frustrations: outrageous prices for food, parking and hotel rooms; tremendous traffic (18,000 in attendance just for the conference besides all the regular Atlanta residents); long, long lines; sitting in the nosebleed section, etc. We all came home thankful for our little town and the slowness of life. But despite all of that, it was a wonderful weekend. The icing on the cake for me was getting to have lunch with Stuart on Saturday lunch break. Even though we only got an hour together, it was great to be with him. Now that I've used ALL of my vacation time for the year, I pray for strength to get me through December (just glad we have Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays). So, until next time...Mom.

Back to the Norm

What a sweet week I had last week with both of my girls and five of my six grandchildren. Of course, I had to work during the day and only got few hours with them at night, but the time together was wonderful. From the 1 month old to the 16 year old, the children were precious and endeared themselves to me more than ever. How sweet it is to have those little arms reach up to me and wrap themselves around my neck and give kisses and hugs and say "I love you, Gami." (at least the three who could talk. ha.) They all left on Saturday afternoon and the house was quiet, quiet, quiet. However, I am not a moper, so I washed every dish in the kitchen and then went shopping. What else does a woman do to lift her spirits? ha.

Sunday, as you already know, is my favorite day of the week and this one was no exception. Sunday School, worship, lunch, leisure afternoon, and back to church at night was the norm for me and I love it! I am so thankful for godly brothers and sisters who give support and encouragement and pray for me. I know one in particular did because today at work was so much better. I just knew in my spirit that prayer had been offered on my behalf.

I'm looking forward to this weekend as four of us are going to Atlanta for the Women of Faith Conference on Friday night and all day Saturday. I went to one last year in Orlando and was greatly blessed, so I knew the ladies of my church should have an opportunity to experience the same blessings. Only three others could work it out to go, so we are really excited. The four of us are good friends and will enjoy the fellowship with each other on the way there and back and sharing hotel rooms as we will the conference. I'm sure next week I'll be full of things to blog about.

Must go get some other things done. Until next time...Mom.