Techno-Nana

On This Veteran's Day

2009-11-11T08:20:00.001-05:00

“No Greater Love than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)

Remembering those who Serve in our Armed Forces…

And thanking them….

And on This Veteran’s Day our hearts are sadden by the recent loss of our Service members at Fort Hood.

Honoring them today……..

Remembering their families in our prayers.

A certain Medieval Monk announced that he would preach the next Sunday Evening on the Love of God…

As the shadows fell and the light faded from the Cathedral windows, the congregation gathered.

In the darkness surrounding the altar, the Monk lit a candle and carried it to the crucifix. First he illuminated the Crown of Thorns.. then the wounded hands.. next the spear wound.. and finally the feet of our Savior.

In the quiet of the moment, he blew out the candle and left the chancel, there was nothing more to say.

Happy Halloween Ya’ll

2009-10-31T20:29:00.001-04:00

On All Hallows Eve….

The House is all ready for the Tricksters!!!

and we didn’t have to wait Long…

before we heard the Halloween song…

Trick Or Treat… smell my feet…

give me something good to eat!!!

So many tricksters came and went…

calling out… Trick Or Treat!!!!!!!!!

Then all was quiet up and down the street…..

And so we say with our Southern drawl…

Happy Halloween and that’s all Ya’ll !!!

Faith is Spelled “R-I-S-K”

2009-10-28T10:40:00.001-04:00

“It is in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up. He had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose He is working out in everything and everyone. (Ephesians 1:11-12)

Recently, I heard many people give their answer to what faith is….and each person who was asked answered in a different way…

The Bible says in Hebrews chapter 11, verses 1-3 that “faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” And my friends I say that is the very essences of faith… for everything in our lives.. and especially our faith in the one true God.

When we RISK, really Trust God and believe against all possible odds… endure long periods of waiting and truly want to please God, that’s faith!!

“Without faith it is impossible to please God, because we must believe that He exist and He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

Faith is confidence in God, in His word. The Creator of the Universe isn’t the least bit hindered when our circumstances look ‘impossible’.

Making something out of nothing is what God does best.

“Abraham believed God, no matter what he heard or saw, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Have you ever wondered how in the world could Abraham have believed God would make him a great nation, as He had promised, if Abraham was asked to make Isaac an offering?

He believed God.. he didn’t know that God was only testing him, testing his faith, but he knew God would provide.

How about you my friend… is there something you need to believe God about???

“After waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.” ( Heb. 6:15)

Oh yes indeed he did!!!

Live by Faith… trust God, with all your heart in every circumstance everyday of your life…

When we do, when we acknowledge His presences in every facet of our lives… along with His hearty approval, we have peace and joy, which enables us to have the “Abundant Life” God promised us.

Expect God’s Best!!! Accept No Substitute!

“Your road lead by a pathway… thru the sea, a pathway No One knew was there.” (Psalm 77:19)

No Polar Bear Plunge this year!! :(

2009-10-23T11:44:00.001-04:00

Buck and his crew will not be coming to the fair this year… instead they will be going on a week-end retreat… so there will be none of this….

Too bad too…. the weather is a lot warmer this year than last…

we have gone from daytime temps of 55 to 80s this week… not surprising.. that’s the way the weather is here.

The saying is if you don’t like the weather in South Carolina… just wait a bit… IT WILL CHANGE!!

No… Buck and his crew are not going to the

BUT PAPA AND I DID!!!

Oh no we didn’t ride the rides, but we did see the exhibits, and watch others ride… and pet the animals and see the famous SAND SCULPTURE!

Tried everything new to EAT!! and brought home some!!

Elephant ear anyone???

We had a BLAST… but oh were my feet ever tired, so tired they didn’t want any shoes today.(that’s okay, cause you know I’m a country girl)

Just a sample of what we saw…. didn’t get any pictures… so I had to borrow these…

Yep, the SC State Fair has a little of everything… you can ride an elephant, or a camel (be careful the camel spits). Have your picture made with a sea lion!!!

Great reminder of childhood days… seeing all the exhibits of quilts and other homemade crafts… homemade goodies and the like!!

Seeing the largest Water Mellon … a whopping 166lbs. and the biggest pumpkin… 144lbs.grown around these parts….

And wonderful concerts…

Michael W. Smith and Steve Curtis Chapman were there on Wednesday night… would like to have been there, but I was at choir practice instead… we are working on THE CAROLINA CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION.. keep a look out for pictures!!

This concert and the one by Toby Mack was sponsored by our local Christian Radio Station…. WMHK http://www.wmhk.com/.

Hope you all have a great week-end… and remember…..

IF YOU DON’T HAVE GOALS IN LIFE…. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING?????

Received an award this week from Buck’s little church for My Blog Post that I did on their church (Palm Sunday Week-end in Pinopolis).

What a wonderful surprise!!

In Him,

Sharon

Kids on Marriage

2009-10-16T13:23:00.001-04:00

Fun Friday…….

Alan age 10 was asked, How do you decide who to marry?

“You gotta find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like sports, if you like sports, she should like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming!”

………………………………………………………………………..

Camille age 10… What is the Right age to get married?

“Twenty three is the best age, because you know the person FOREVER by then.”

…………………………………………………………………………….

Derrick age 8…. How can a stranger tell if two people are married?

“You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.”

……………………………………………………………………………

Lynette age 12… What do most people do on a date?

“Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen.”

Martin age 10… “On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.”

…………………………………………………………………………..

When is it okay to kiss someone?

Pam age 7…. “ when they are rich.”

Curt age 7… “the law says you have to be 18, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that.”

…………………………………………………………………………..

Anita age 9… Is it better to be married or single?

“It’s better for girls to be single, but not boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.”

……………………………………………………………………………..

Kevin age 8…. How would the world be different if People didn’t get married?

“There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there?”

……………………………………………………………………………

Ricky 10… How would you make a marriage work?

“Tell your wife she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck.”

Well …. That’s All Folks!!

Hope you have a great day!!

And remember it won’t be long before

THE GREAT PUMPKIN will be here!!

End of the 30 Day Challenge

2009-10-09T10:19:00.001-04:00

Instead of doing a post of my own today… I am sending you over to my daughter’s blog….

Earlier I told you that I was doing a Challenge to spend 30 days Encouraging my husband… the 30 days flew by…. but instead of wrapping it up myself, I am asking you to go here and read her post for today… Oct. 9, 2009.

Her husband is the ‘guest writer’ for today…

His words are not only an encouragement for her to continue the challenge but they also encourage me to do what God has called me to do, as my husband’s “Ezer Kenegdo”. To find out what this means… you will need to read the post!!!

Praying you all have a Great Day and a Wonderful Weekend!!

We will be celebrating our Grandson Patrick’s 8th birthday… all week-end long!! Yeah… it’s like that!!!

Something to Make You Go, Hmmmm

2009-10-02T17:11:00.001-04:00

I have a friend whose husband has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's .

Until recently they had been living in an assisted care facility, but now that her husband has this disease, he had to be placed in the Alzheimer’s unit.

Recently, those who care for these patients decided to take them on an outing. So they took them out to eat. But they only took the men, eight men with the same diagnoses.

My friend brought a picture of the group to Valley Voices for us to see. It was really neat, they had put red caps on their heads so they wouldn’t loose any of them.

After looking at the picture and expressing our excitement about the fact that they had been on an outing, we asked where they had taken them……

“Well, out to Lunch.” She said… “Oh, Where?” we asked….

Hooters!!!

One lady in the group asked….

“well, do you think they will remember?”

Remembrance

2009-09-29T14:31:00.001-04:00

“ A truly good wife is the best Treasure a man can find. Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down. She is good to him everyday of her life.” Proverbs 31:10-12(CEV)

He sat peering out the window into the garden. As I entered the room he called to me. “Tootie, who is that old woman out there?” “Now Granddaddy you know that’s Mammy.” “Oh, yes,” he replied as if he recognized her. But today, he didn’t.

He didn’t know his sons who later that day came out to bring the hospital bed that would enable her to better care for him. He didn’t know her, his wife of almost 60 years, (ten years his junior). The woman who bore him ten children. His wife who had stood beside him during the years of the depression. The person who had kept his household running as he traveled from Sawmill to Sawmill in his job. The woman who gleaned in the fields as Ruth and Naomi had, just to find a little food . Who worked the fields of others to help make ends meet. Raised chickens and milked the cow, tended the garden, to ensure that there was food enough to eat.

Made clothes for the children, fed them, clothed them, Quilted to make coverings for their beds. The mother who tucked them in bed and told them stories about Jesus.

No, he didn’t know her, but she was none the less important to his life. For in recent years she had been the one who had cared for him. Bathed him, shaved him, clothed him, fed him. His every, daily need was met by this person who had been his wife of so many years.

When he passed away, she cared for everyone else. Then one day a few weeks after his death, I walked into the room that they had shared to find her sitting on the bed wiping her eyes with her apron…. she had come into the room to feed him.

As I think back now on all that she did and taught others to do, I wonder… where did she find the strength, but in my heart I KNOW.

Her Legacy lives on.

In Him,

Sharon

42 Years and Counting!!!!

2009-09-23T09:27:00.001-04:00

When it all Began…………..

We were Just Two Young Kids……On a path that has lead to Forty Two Years of Marital Bliss….

Well… we have shared Bliss and we have shared sorrow… but I believe what makes it work, is that we SHARED, The Bliss and the sorrow and counted on Our God to sort it all out!!

I have heard that compromise is what makes marriage work. But after all these years, I have come to realize that it’s more about LOVE, lots of Unconditional Love and Understanding. Knowing that men and women are different and accepting and embracing our differences in order to cooperate with each other as we walk this Path of Life together!!

I know it sounds crazy after all the years that we have been together, but doing the Love Dare together this year really helped us to better understand what Unconditional Love is all about and why it is sooo important in a marriage relationship.

Partners for Life…. Partners in Life!!!

We are looking forward to many more years together.

When Papa retires we want to do a lot of this…

As you can tell from My Blog Post, this is a week of

Celebrations!!

Our oldest child celebrated her birthday yesterday,We are celebrating our anniversary today, and my grandson Jacob will celebrate his 8th Birthday on Friday!!

In Him,

Sharon

On the Day You Were Born

2009-09-22T08:38:00.001-04:00

On the Day that you were born the angels got together……..

On this Day in history…….

The Price of …

Bread: $.25 a loaf

Milk: $1.32 a gal.

Eggs: $1:18 a dozen

Our President was Richard Nixon

VP was Spiro Agnew

Hot New Toys were……………….

Mastermind Spilt Level Aggravation

Stay Alive Kicktail Skateboard

Top Songs………Go Away Little Girl, by Donnie Osmond

Joy to the World, by Three Dog Night

Knock three Times, by Dawn

People Born on Your Birthday….

Debby Boone

Scott Baio

Top TV Shows

All in the Family The Carol Burnett Show

Rowan & Martin’s Laugh In Mission Impossible

But for Us Our Own Little

Was Born

and now you are a Wife….

and a Mommy!!

Happy Birthday to our first born Child!

You are a Promise fulfilled and a precious gift to our world.

If you would like to learn more about this Amazing Young Woman…. go here!!!

In Him,

Sharon

Mister Cheese Rides Again!

2009-09-18T11:14:00.001-04:00

Funny Stuff for Fun Friday!!

Ramblings of a Retired Mind!

While thinking about the status symbol of cell phones, and knowing I couldn’t afford one, I just strapped my garage door opener to my belt!

I also made a cover for my hearing aid, and now I have what I think they call a blue teeth??

You Know, I spent a fortune on deodorant until I realized people didn’t like me anyway.

I was thinking about old age and I have decided that old age is when you have something on the ball, but you are just too tired to bounce it!

I have gotten the dreaded furniture disease. That’s when your chest falls into your drawers!

It’s funny when people see a cat litter box they always say, ‘oh you have a cat?’, just once I want to say, ‘No, it’s for company.’

Employment application blanks always ask who is to be notified in case of an emergency. I think you should write…A Good Doctor!

Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are you suppose to do… write these people? Why don’t they put their pictures on postage stamps so the postmen can look for them while they deliver the mail? Or better yet, arrest them while they are taking their pictures!

I was thinking about how people seem to read their Bible a whole lot more when they get older. Then it dawned on me, they are cramming for their finals. As for me, I’m hoping God grades on the curve.

My wife asked me, “Whatcha doin’ today?” “Nothing”, I said, to which she said, “You did that yesterday.” I said, “Well, I guess I wasn’t finished!”

Enjoy your Days & Love Your Life, Because:

“Life is a Journey to be savored”

Funnies Compliments of Rick our the Music Doctor, who leads our senior choir at SVBC… The Valley Voices.

Always,

Sharon

The Storm

2009-09-09T14:41:00.001-04:00

Once I was Young, but now I am Old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. (Psalm 37:24)

For days the storm had been brewing… the clouds had gathered but still no rain. On the 3rd day there was thunder but no lightning to be seen.

Then the skies cleared, the sun was shining and all was right with the world … suddenly without warning the skies were dark as night and a hush had fallen all around. There was no thunder or lightning, just a torrential downpour. It seemed that it rained for hours. Then night fell and there was darkness. The rains fell, the thunder rolled, the lightning crashed, and the wind howled, whistled and moaned. And at times the house shook and groaned from the effects of the storm.

The Storm had settled in for the night. There seemed to be no letting up.But in the light of day the house still stood firm.You see the house had a firm foundation, it had been through other storms. Each time a storm had shaken the house the owner had been quick to check for cracks and if there were any to shore them up.

Storms come and they go, some take us by surprise, but many can be seen on the horizon. Those that take us by surprise often leave us running for cover. But those on the horizon… shouldn’t we prepare for? How can we prepare for even those that take us by surprise? Shouldn’t we be prepared in some measure for those too?

Yes, Life is like that. Storms come and they go. Some take us by surprise and others can be seen on the horizon. But there is help and there is hope, and there are preparations to be made.

Where did you say? Where do we find help and hope and answers to the storms of life?

In the arms of a Loving God who always makes provision for us… help may come in the form of a friend,a family member, a co-worker, a promotion, a new job, or our pastor. But most often it is found in prayer and studying the scriptures. If we allow it, God’s word can be alive and active in us.

This old house has seen many a storm. Some that seem to come out of nowhere, and others that could be seen on the horizon. There are stories that could be told of the storms and at some point may be shared, others are still unfolding, but I know that God has a plan.

Like the little song says… “Build your house on the Lord Jesus Christ”, and it will stand strong even in the face of adversity. Yes, there will be times when the effects of the storm will make you quake and shake, but our strength comes from the Lord maker of Heaven and Earth.

In Him,

Sharon

I Have Accepted the Challenge

2009-09-01T08:55:00.003-04:00

My Daughter at TrulyCaptivating.com is hosting a challenge for women to Encourage their husbands…

If you would like to Join the challenge go to her blog for more details….

The challenge starts today, so hurry on over.

In Him,

Sharon

This Is A Test…

2009-08-29T22:33:00.001-04:00

Nana has changed her email address since the inauguration of this blog. We are updating her blog profile with new info, and this post is a test to see if it works. CROSS YOUR FINGERS!!!

Thank you for your cooperation…

- Assistant to TechnoNana (aka “Susanne”) ;-)

Early Morning Visitor

2009-08-28T13:48:00.001-04:00

5:50 am, I wake from a sound sleep. I realize that Papa is in the master bath… so I skip quietly down the hall to the half bath. Usually I don’t turn on a light because there is a night light in there. But this morning the sun was just beginning to peak out…so I throw up the switch… Looked down before sitting….

this is what I saw sitting on the toilet seat. (sorry, the batteries are dead in my camera)

Imagine my surprise… but as my friend said, I would have been more surprised if I had sat down before looking!!!!!

Happy Fun Friday, Everyone!!

Seriously Speaking

2009-08-24T13:26:00.001-04:00

I have a petition that I have set before The Lord many, many times..with seemingly no answers… until Today!! How faithful is My Lord and My God!

Last Thursday He told me my prayers are dangerous, and that I should Never underestimate the power of prayer!

Ask.. Call for it… Seek.. Stay alert, look for answers, anticipate… Knock… Ready yourself to do what The Lord says… Go for it… Jump in… Do the work!!

“Whatever He tell you to do, do it.” John 2:5.

Ask, Seek, Knock.. Get serious… He says…

“in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” Romans 8:26

Groanings too deep for words, yes Lord they are!!

Don’t be slack, even now captives are calling my name, I want to answer their prayers through your obedience… the thought strikes me, their prayers depend on MY obedience?

Then Friday He says… “don’t get hung up on direction” the writer of the devotion says ‘many times we are waiting on God to do something, and HE is Waiting on us! This all but jumped off the page at me!

Do the Work!!

“The Lord is not slow concerning His promises as some count slowness, But is patient toward you, not wishing any to perish.” 2 Peter 3:9

Then today--- I sit in my Quiet Spot waiting on My Lord to give me wisdom and knowledge, and He does NOT disappoint… Listen my friends to what He said….

“Open your hands, Come to me for My eyes are on you, and My ears are open to your request. Do not worry if the ears of others are not open to you. I will make a way when there seems to be no way. Draw near to me and I will draw near to you…. bring your concerns and your burdens… Everything that weighs you down, everything that is heavy on your heart… Release each one into my care with your prayers. For I Am The Faithful One… The One on whom you can rely, lean, rest in.

It is written, "Those who Trust in the Lord will NOT be disappointed.”

As you lift your face to My face, Seek Me, Wait for Me.

Can you see the tears streaming down my face?

Seek Me… Wait for Me… Through this time you will prepare yourself to hear from Me(so that’s what the waiting is for Lord?).

Hear My Action Plan.. for I have wisdom for you and Spirit inspired actions that will bring about a shift, facilitate a change, rearrange things. Is there anything too difficult for Me?

(this is where I shout praise to The Lord God Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth!!)

But wait, He has not finished speaking…..

“In the secret place, I have secrets to tell you, Pearls of Wisdom that usher in New Things. New Light for your understanding. New steps for your Path. New Strategies that will secure MY WILL and RELEASE MY GLORY!

Open Your Hands- Your Arms- Your Heart, says the Lord, Open them Wide for I have good things to release to you.”

Remember My Words………….

“Do Not Be Afraid little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32

As The Lord spoke with me today… He impressed upon my heart that I was not the only one who needed to hear this message…

In Him,

Sharon

Celebrating with Karen and Justin

2009-08-17T21:27:00.001-04:00

The Family………

The Toast Daddy’s Little Girl

Surprise for Justin… 2 garters.. Carolina one first!!!

What’s this? YMCA

Git down with your bad self!! All the Single Ladies!!

Let’s Dance Papa! Cutting the Cake

The Sistas! The Reeders

The Jacksons We are Lookin’ Good!!

You ‘bout ready to blow this popsicle stand?

Sam Pressley and the Doctor’s Visit

2009-08-11T08:36:00.001-04:00

Our grandson, Sam, will start ‘big school’ this year, he will be attending kindergarten and going to public school with his sister and brother.

In preparation for this Sam had to have booster shots yesterday. His mommy didn’t want to deal with ‘weeping, wailing, and nashing of teeth’, so she only told him that he had to see his doctor before starting ‘big school’.

Everything was fine up until it was time for the ‘shots’. Just before the nurse came in to administer them, Susanne told Sam that he would need some ‘shots’ so he could be ready for school. But being a caring mommy she didn’t go into details, she only told him that he needed to be a big boy, that they might hurt, but not for long.

When the nurse entered the room, Sam said, “I’m going to be a big boy.” That was until the nurse unsheathed the needles. Immediately Sam’s eyes were fixed on the needles in the nurses hand. His mommy tried to distract him, but he watched intently as the nurse administered the first of his shots.

He turned and smiled at his mommy, “It doesn’t hurt that much Mommy, I’m a big boy.” But the second inoculation was not so pleasant, it lasted longer and it stung as the medicine was injected.

At first Sam said, “It’s not too bad”. Then the stinging began and so did the crying… “Mommy, this one really hurts.”

In the end, I think that Sam was a very Big Boy… I mean how many of us enjoy getting a shot??? I don’t care who you are, they are not ‘fun’. Necessary yes, and Praise God that there are medications that inoculate us from certain illnesses.

Thinking about this reminds me of a saying I read one time… “If you don’t get everything you think you want, just think of all the things you didn’t get that you didn’t want.”

Leaving you now with some Fun!!!

As the wedding approaches, this is how the Father of the Bride is feeling…… poor man… but at least this is the last Daughter!!

Due to the wedding and the fact that our house will be filling up with guest… I will not be posting for awhile.

Wishing you all a wonderful week…..

In Him,

Sharon

Ramblings of A Mother’s Heart

2009-08-09T23:31:00.001-04:00

“Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old they will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22: 6)

Many of the young mother’s I know are preparing to send their little ones back to school, or to send their oldest or youngest child off to school for the first time. To a mother these are heart wrenching, bittersweet days.

You know in your heart that this is just a sign that they are growing up and growing up is natural and it’s what we expect them to do. But sometimes these times sneak up on us. It’s like the days and years just zip by so quickly. One day you are their world, the next they are out in the world.

From the moment of birth, children are set to become independent of their parents. But at that moment this fact eludes us. We expect one day that they will grow and learn and then set out on their own, but when the time comes most of us are not prepared to let go.

Think about it, we are programmed as mothers to try to fulfill our child’s every need. It’s who we are, it’s what we do… we tend, we love, we nurture… it’s in our nature to care for our young. It’s Mothering, and it’s a hard habit to break.

But imagine what the child’s life would be like if mothers never let go, never allowed their child to grow, mature, become independent, never become a productive part of society.

It’s an odd fact of Mothering that we live for them to ‘get out of diapers’, ‘grow out of the terrible twos’, and for us to ‘live through their teen years.’ And then we bemoan the fact that they have grown independent of us. We are odd beings are we not?

Papa and I used to tease our youngest child and tell her we were going to put her in a box and never let her grow up. I wonder if that is why she fought so hard to become independent of us at such an early age.

On Saturday, August 15, our youngest daughter will be married. Though it is hard to let go… it’s time. After all we are not loosing a daughter, we are gaining a son.

(and hopefully more grandchildren, one day)

Thanks for Listening to my ramblings and for Keeping us all in your prayers!!

In Him!!

Sharon

The Neighbors

2009-08-05T23:14:00.001-04:00

“But he wanted to justify himself,so he asked Jesus, who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)

As many of you know my youngest daughter is getting married in just a few days. Due to this fact and the fact that she has sold her house, we are busily getting her things moved out.

In combining households,there were many things that she and Justin would not be able to use. So this past week-end, her future mother-law and I helped her put on a yard sale at Justin’s. We determined that the proceeds would go into the Honeymoon fund.

On Friday, before we could even start the sale, one of Justin’s neighbors came over and asked if he could shop early and we agreed!!There was a huge heavy television cabinet that he wanted, and we were only too happy to see it go.

There were many people who came by on Saturday, but few of them bought anything. We were left with quite a few things that we needed to get rid of.

One of the neighbors came over to see how the sale was going, and after being told what we were doing and why, he left and returned with his wife. They began to make purchases, and then more neighbors came by. One of the neighborhood children, just kept coming over and buying things!! He was just too cute!! I think he probably broke his piggy bank!

In the end the neighbors had just about cleaned us out.

Justin’s and soon to be Karen’s neighborhood is a fairly good mix of people groups, and all of them very neighborly. It was wonderful to see just how good they were to each other, even helping to carry things to each others homes.

I can’t say if it’s just the dynamics of a small town or just a very caring neighborhood. But it was truly a blessing for Karen and Justin. I wonder if my neighbors would be that interested in the lives of others. I would surely like to think so!!

It’s Your Gift

2009-07-28T00:11:00.001-04:00

“Many, Oh Lord are the wonders You have done! The things You have planned for us no one can recount to You. Were I to speak of them they would be too many to declare.” (Psalm 40:5)

The word gift has many definitions… thing given, present… natural ability or talent… the power to give… gifted, talented, intelligent.

Have you ever receive a gift that first of all you weren’t sure you wanted, or that you were worthy of?

The Gift…..

There was a very light tapping on the door as it opened, and a young man of maybe thirty entered the hospital room.

“What’s going on in here?” He asked as he entered. Then he extended his hand to me and introduced himself. “I am a chaplain here at the hospital.” I introduced myself to him and then turned to Mama and introduced her. Mama did not respond to either of us. In fact she had not been responsive to me for most of the day.

“So what IS going on?” he asked again. I began to tell him that Mama had been ill for over three weeks and in the hospital for most of that time. And now I needed her to help to decide where she was to go. The Doctors had said that they would release her to a rehab center, if she would try and get well. But if not, they would only release her to a nursing home, she was not well enough for me to take home to my house.

He watched her for a few moments, waiting on her to speak, then he said,”Sweetie, your Mama is tired.” “I know.”, I replied. “She’s ready to go Home.” Again I agreed. “ Mama knows that I am not keeping her here.” “ Then, who is?” he asked.

I looked around the room. “I am the only one here, and Mama knows only too well that I love her too much to keep her where she would not want to be.”

“It’s Your Gift.” He said…

I didn’t have to ask what he meant. Only moments before he entered the room, I had been praying and asking The Lord what to do. I knew instinctively what he was saying to me. But this was a gift I wasn’t sure I wanted, nor was I sure that I knew exactly what to do with it. But most importantly… Was I Worthy of It??? I am not the first born, should that gift not go to him? But I knew in my heart what My Lord already knew… I was the only one to give it. It was a heavy gift to bear….

“Call your brothers,” the young man said.”Tell your family to come, she needs to know that she has their permission to go.”

There it was. The statement I knew was coming.

He left quietly, while I was conversing with The Lord.. I stepped out into the hall to tell him good-bye and Thank You… but there was no one there. Had I dreamed it? No, I was wide awake, standing in the hall of the hospital.

Then the thought came to me… he was a messenger… whether a real angel or an earthly one, I will never know, but his message was clear, and I knew he had been sent by God.

I called them all, and they came, loved on her, kissed her, and told her how very much she was loved. All of them, but One. He missed her by a day. “ My big brother…..”I knew.” he told me, “I knew when you called me, that she was going home.” Maybe she knew she already had his permission.

That night for the first time in awhile, Mama watched TV with me. We watched “Touched By An Angel.” Fitting??? I think so. This night was a quiet night, she did not call to me like she had on other nights.
”Margaret, are you there?” “No Mama, Aunt Margaret is not here.. it’s me.” I would answer her as I put my hand out to touch her. “Of course it is, Sweetie.” She would pat me and seem to go off to sleep. Some nights she would call out…” Nikki?”, “No Mama,” “Oh, yes , My Sweet Child, I know it’s you.” Even this was a part of the gift.

Just before sunrise on that July morning, my Mama went HOME. Home where she longed to be… Home to Heaven… Home to Jesus, Home to Daddy and her own sweet Mama and Daddy.

Now as I look back over the days and years before. When I would be called to come to Florence to take her to the doctor, or to rehab, or just out to lunch… I know it was all a part of the Wonderful Gift!!

Those days would usually be spent with us in the doctor’s office in the morning and then having the afternoons to ourselves. To go to lunch, to sit and talk, to visit with my daughter and granddaughter. Oh What a Precious Gift.

The few months before Mama’s death when she actually did live with me were even more special. We shared special times together before bed, saying prayers and then I would tuck HER in.

My Mama was the very first person to whisper that Name into my ear!! She sang to me, read me stories, helped me memorize scripture, and prayed with me….

Oh, Mama, Thank You for the Gift!!

Oh Precious Lord, Thank you for The Gift. I still miss her, I miss her just as much today as I did on that very first day. But How I Thank You for her, for the gift of her life… for who and what she taught me to be.

In Need of Peace Today

2009-07-21T08:41:00.001-04:00

I have a little book that I often pick up and read when I need a little ‘pick me up’, Every Day Deserves A Chance, by Max Lucado. Needing some peace and comfort today… I gleaned some uplifting thoughts, and again Max did not let me down!!

DayLifter

Two types of voices command your attention today. Negative ones fill your mind with doubt, bitterness and fear. Positive ones purvey hope and strength. Which ones will you choose to heed? You have a CHOICE, you know. ‘We take every thought captive as that it is obedient to Christ.’ (2 Cor. 10:5)

Do you let anyone who knocks on your door enter your home? Don’t let every thought that surfaces dwell in your mind. Take it CAPTIVE … make it OBEY CHRIST, if it refuses, don’t think it!!

Negative thoughts never strengthen you!!

How many times have you cleared traffic by grumbling? Does groaning about bills make them disappear? Why moan about your aches and pains, problems or task?

‘Be careful for nothing, but in Everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God.’ (1 Thess. 5:18)

‘Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.’ (Prov. 1:13)

Lastly…. keep this verse in the forefront of your mind! WRITE IT DOWN… place it where you will continually see it………

‘Let the peace from Christ Jesus, rule in your hearts, deciding with finality all questions that arise in your mind.’ (Col. 3:15 The Message)

In a nutshell……….

Let The Peace of God Rule in Your Heart!!

The Lemonade Stand

2009-07-09T16:39:00.001-04:00

Ahhh, Summer!!!

This past week-end, Papa and I attended a wedding on Lake Murry… it was at 7pm, the temperature was 97F. It was Hot, Sticky, and Muggy!!! If you live in the south or have visited here often, you understand!!

The Lemonade Stand at the reception saved the day for Papa and me… I mean we NEEDED something coooool to drink…. and this was some ‘slammin’ Lemonade!!

Today, I made Lemonade like I do most days in the summer, I mean, I love my Iced Tea… but, Lemonade is my choice for a refreshing drink in the heat of the summer.

While making the Lemonade, I was reminded of my ‘Little Girl’, and her friend Katie. Every summer when she was small, Kay Kay and Katie, had a Lemonade Stand, or they sold homemade Potholders, or made some other something to be sold on the street corner. Yep, even then she was enterprising!!

Funny how memories can be brought to mind just from some small thing like Lemonade!

Well, in just a few short weeks, my little girl will not be mine any longer… on August 15, her daddy will place her hand in her husband’s hand and as they say…”give her away”.

Though we gave Justin permission to marry her, I wonder if we will truly be giving her away…. it will be oh so hard for her daddy and me, partly because she is the ‘baby’, and partly because we have had her with us so long.

Oh yes, she went away to college, and she moved in with a friend, but this child was like a yo-yo for awhile, coming and going and finally a little over a year ago, moving out on her own.

I know in order that their marriage work they must "leave and cleave”, and truly I am okay with that…

Justin, I do trust you to Love her, and take care of her, but please remember that you have a big part of our hearts… and that it won’t be easy for her or us.

Kay Kay and Justin, we will always be here to Love and Support you… just like we have always done in the past!!

“Let us Love one another, for Love is from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” 1 John 4:7

Always,

Sharon

What’s Love Got to do With It?

2009-07-01T12:42:00.001-04:00

“Be completely humble and gentle, be patient, bearing with one another in Love.” Ephesians 4:2

For the past two days my master bedroom and bath have been under going reconstruction… so that meant that a lot of things had to be cleared out. In the clearing and sorting I found some materials and books that I had put away… one of them is Better Together by Rick Warren. It seems that God has an agenda for me today… it could be that I have been asking Him to help me prepare for a lesson on Grace for Sunday morning… or then again… He just might be trying to get something through my thick head. Because…. my devotions for the last two mornings have been on being Loving, patient and Kind to your mate.

In both cases, God reminded me that the way I love and care for others, especially the ones in my family, is a HUGE part of my witness.

He reminded me that Love changes our motivation for Living…"Your Love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35

“The whole world is watching how we love one another.

Jesus gave the world the right to judge the authenticity of our faith by how much we love one another. We prove our faith in Christ, not by the rules we keep, but by the Love We Give. Notice Jesus didn’t say,’Love Me’, as proof of our discipleship. He said,'Love one another, and that will show the world you belong to me.’ Our Love for one another is a tangible and contagious reflection of God’s Love…. allowing the world to witness the power of transformed lives.” (Rick Warren)

And then this morning as I was learning how to be kind… He gave me this…

“ Jesus creatively described the kindness of Love in The Parable of the Good Samaritan. Luke chapter 10”

A Jewish man was attacked by robbers and left for dead. Two religious leaders came by… both respected by their people, but they walked right back.. choosing not to stop and help… Too Busy… Too Important. But a common man came by… this man was a Samaritan… the Jewish people and Samaritans had little regard for each other… but this Samaritan sees the stranger in need and is moved by compassion. He bandages his wounds, put him on his own donkey, carries him to safety, and pays all of his medical bills out of his own pocket.

As part of the Purpose Driven Life we were asked to review our answers to these life questions…

* Did I put Jesus at the center of my life?

* Did I develop His character?

* Did I devote my life to serving others?

* Did I communicate His message and fulfill His mission?

* Did I love and participate in His family?

“Our goal is to measure up to God’s plan for us.” (2 Corinthians 10:13)

Off the Radar Screen In South Carolina!!

2009-06-26T21:43:00.001-04:00

I’m sure many of you are wondering what happened to me, I can assure you that I have NOT pulled a Mark Sanford!! I have lost nothing in Argentina!!!

I shouldn’t make light of this situation… it’s terribly sad for the family!!!

June has been a very busy month for me thus far, and the coming weeks will just be busier yet with the upcoming Wedding in August.

We have celebrated birthdays, taken a vacation at the beach with all of our grandchildren and their moms, came home from the beach to do this with Kay Kay….

Wedding Shower for Kay Kay

The week of June 15-19, I was here…..

Doing VBS with 35 to 40, 5th and 6th graders!!

It was a great week, we had visitors from DownUnder, a couple from Sidney, Australia who were here in Columbia, SC, visiting with their daughter and grandchildren.

We were asked to pray for the children in Australia because they do not have Vacation Bible School DownUnder.

On Monday of the same week I was with Kay Kay while she had her Wedding Portrait made…. where???

The Grounds of The Governor’s Mansion, of course that was before the discovery of the Affair!!

This week we have had Pool Camp and Night time VBS with the grandchildren.

Nick at Night VBS Gator Games

This VBS was more like Church Camp!!

The older 3 have been swimming for the last two years, and now Sam and Nathan are learning to swim, by the end of the summer they will probably be going all over the pool with the older ones!! Of course it has been too hot to really do much else!!

Well that’s about it from The Holladay House in Northeast Columbia….. Now Ya’ll come back, ya heah!

Oh… just a little FYI… you can now check me out on Facebook!!