The Missouri Mom

Step Back in Time at Stanton Hall: A Must-See in Natchez, Mississippi

2025-12-29T19:01:00.000-08:00

This past week Trey and I escaped south for a short getaway at my aunt and uncle’s house in the middle of Mississippi. Nothing like the south for the holidays.

We were just a short drive from Laurel, Hattiesburg, Natchez, and a few other historic towns that have some really cool attractions. If you’re planning a trip to Mississippi then Natchez, Mississippi should be on your bucket list—especially for history lovers and those who appreciate Southern charm. We took a pause and toured Stanton Hall, a breathtaking antebellum mansion that seems to take you straight into the grandeur of the 1850s. It is just stunning.

A Mansion of Unmatched Grandeur

Stanton Hall isn’t just a house—it’s a statement. Built between 1851 and 1857 by cotton broker Frederick Stanton, the mansion was originally known as “Belfast” after Stanton’s hometown in Ireland. This palatial residence occupies an entire city block in downtown Natchez and stands five stories tall, with soaring ceilings, giant Corinthian columns, and an elegance that leaves you in awe.

Inside, you’ll find richly adorned rooms with original and period furnishings, delicately carved woodwork, rare antiques, and elegant décor that reflect the opulent tastes of mid-19th-century America. Magnificent marble mantels, giant mirrors imported from Europe, and beautiful chandeliers are just a few of the standout features.

Living History: What a Tour Feels Like

When you walk through Stanton Hall’s grand entrance, it’s easy to imagine life in antebellum Natchez. You’ll see rooms that once hosted lively social events, parlors filled with family heirlooms, and details that spark curiosity at every turn. Guided tours bring the mansion’s story to life with fascinating insights into the Stanton family, architectural features, and how daily life unfolded in such a magnificent home.

Restoration & Preservation: A Stewardship Story

Perhaps what makes Stanton Hall even more remarkable is the story of its preservation - the story of its preservation is my absolute favorite part. By the early 20th century, this mansion had passed through many uses and owners, including operating as a young ladies’ school. But its survival was never guaranteed.

In 1938, a dedicated group of local volunteers known as the Pilgrimage Garden Club purchased Stanton Hall to save it from decline. They embarked on a heartfelt restoration project to return the home to its former glory, making it not only their headquarters but a place the public could enjoy and learn from. Their efforts ensured that this architectural treasure wouldn’t be lost to time—and because of their work the tours are possible.

Today, Stanton Hall stands proudly as a National Historic Landmark, a testament to community passion and the importance of preserving our shared heritage.

Tips for Visiting

Plan ahead: Tours run daily (often year-round) and are a great way to fully experience the mansion’s interior. The tour guides are amazing.
Combine with other historic homes: Natchez has many preserved sites, so consider a multi-house tour for the full antebellum experience.
Wear comfy shoes: Stanton Hall is spacious, and you’ll want to explore both inside and out.

Natchez has so much to offer, but Stanton Hall might just be its crown jewel.

Useful Goodness

2025-12-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

KINDNESS = USEFUL GOODNESS

This morning, I visited a church I hadn’t attended in more than 12 years—The pastor preached from Ephesians 4:31–32:

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

But what is kindness, really?

Is it simply the absence of meanness?

Do we confuse kindness with politeness?

He described kindness as “USEFUL GOODness”—choosing to do what is GOOD and HELPFUL for others, whether we like them or not.

That definition is not one I have ever heard before.

Are we actually living out useful goodness? Are we truly being kind in ways that matter?

My Self Reflect.....

Living in a rural small town—often described as “the middle of nowhere”—useful kindness isn’t optional; it’s essential to the health and success of our community. I’ve had to learn, sometimes the hard way, to set aside bitterness and hurt for the greater good. I may not have always called it “useful goodness,” but in practice, that has been the standard I’ve tried to live by.

Several years ago, I was asked to attend a meeting about our community gardens and how people could work together to support them. If you know me, you know how passionate I am about our free, pick-your-own fruits and vegetables. During that meeting, the conversation shifted to Easter egg hunts, and someone asked me, “When is the Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt?” I shared the date and time, assuming they were trying to avoid a conflict.

Instead, a woman seated behind me made a motion to hold their hunt at the exact same time as ours. The motion was seconded, and the group voted in favor—without a pause, and without regard to the fact that I was sitting in the room.

In the days that followed, I struggled. I still advertised the other hunt, even though it conflicted with the one my husband and I had planned. It took everything in me to walk back into that meeting room, knowing the decision had been made so casually and so personally. As I distributed Easter event flyers, I caught myself wondering whether I should quietly bury their flyer or skip tagging their event online. It hurt—but was that really being usefully good?

Before I take action, send a message, or even post a comment, I run it through what I call my “checkmate system.” I ask myself three questions: Who does this help? How does it help? And why does it matter? If the benefit comes back only to me, then it’s probably not something I need to do.

That’s the hard work of useful kindness—choosing what is good for the whole, even when it costs you personally.

Your Perspective Changes

2025-08-22T05:23:00.000-07:00

The way you focus on something establishes your emotions around it. This is the same photo at 3 different levels of zoom.

The first photo is an ugly tree that blocks the view. Makes us feel angry that it is there. You can’t even tell there is a beautiful field and a road behind it.

The second photo you only see the road and tree. It’s a little prettier. A little more life, but shows the human developments of this world.

The third picture shows it all. God’s glory shining down on the necessary road. The field full of crops to one side and the hint of a landmark business on the other side.

What you look at, how you look at it, what you are told (on repeat) is what you believe. Your heart takes note and it becomes bitter or filled with joy.

The problem in this world is the people. We forget to leave I out we and remember that I am not the whole story, I am a tiny speck that was put here on purpose with a purpose.

BUT that purpose was not written by this world or the people in it and that purpose will often be unsettling to those that do not understand it.

I love Psalms 103, prior to this week I hated reading the same scriptures over and over. I have been reading the book Psalms, reciting them, then I found a study on just Psalms 103. Every day I read just Psalms 103 out-loud and listen to the words.

It reminds me that our God does not hold grudges, keep marks, look for the bad, or constantly accuse us.

Our maker, our final judgement, our creator is not peeling through our life looking for our mistakes or trying to trip us up. I find comfort in knowing that.

God is Good even when the World is Ugly!

“The Lord gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone— as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children” Psalms‬ ‭103‬:‭6‬-‭17‬

Ps if you are picking through this post looking for things to throw darts at, I dare you to go read the book of Psalms.

Community Chronicles: The Chronicles of the Highway Haters

2025-04-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

In my rural community, our local community groups often feel like a scene from a bizarre sitcom. At least three to five times a day, posts appear, ranting about the roads. Each complaint has more dramatic comments than the last and I often paused to marvel at the spectacle.

“Why don’t the city fix streets anymore?” one user declared “too worried about putting in that useless “round about” and spouting off theories that could only be taken from a conspiracy novel. The peculiar part? The roundabout wasn't even in our town; it was on a state highway maintained by the state highway department.

I pictured the commenters, hunched over their keyboards, eyes wide, hair frizzed from frustration, thumbs racing to keep up with the chaotic conversation. A brave soul attempted to introduce logic, only to be met with insults—"You're just bitter!" they cried, blinded by ignorance.

Secretly, I regularly ponder creating a Pinterest board or a scrapbook to archive these rants— "When Misinformed Meets the Internet." One day, in the twilight of my years, I could revisit these wild declarations, chuckling at the absurdity.

Yet, beneath the humor lay a twinge of sympathy for the misinformed. Their words, immortalized in the digital ether, revealed a troubling truth: in a community so connected, understanding we are often overshadowed by misguided fervor.

Your Abilities....Your Distractions

2024-05-28T05:32:00.000-07:00

You have 500 to 800 abilities. What are you doing with them?

This is a touchy topic for me. It makes me rather sad to think about how much wasted talent is out there.

I am still working through Pastor Rick Warren's Study and yesterday was about using your abilities for God's Purpose and for Good.

There are two sides to this story - actually using your abilities and using them for God's Good.

I think first about the struggle to actually use our abilities. Are we really living to our full ability? Probably daily, I hear "I wish I had your energy" and "it is easier when you are your age and not my age"....Umm, okay, I am exhausted, my hip hurts, my shoulder hurts, I drink 90,000 cups of coffee a week, and I am still NOT living to my full purpose.

DISTRACTIONS is my greatest weakness. Yesterday, I really wanted to finish my bathroom paint job, organize my office, clean off my kitchen table, and get the 2 boxes of sidewalk sale priced and out of my house. At eight pm last night I picked up my brush, opened the can of paint and started painting. I flipped on the podcast for the third time that day and listened to the message on my abilities.

As I painted, I thought about how much time I waste on my cell phone. Scrolling Facebook is the devil....and I know I am down screen time significantly compared to others - even those in my own house. BUT I still waste so much time not doing work that I need to be doing. Not just work around my house and my shop but work for the good of God's Kingdom.

I put off writing all weekend. I was convicted all weekend, but I felt to bothered to write. I did, however, have time to make a lengthy reply on a Facebook post that really didn't matter.

WE as in our SOCIETY are addicted to our cell phones. I am going to throw my husband under the bus here - because I don't have an Apple watch. The continuous notifications are Satan's temptation. I was watching him drive the other day and his Apple Watch pinged, it was a notification for SEMO Alerts, so then he felt compelled to get his phone out - I said, "I will look" because I knew he "needed" to know. We interrupted our conversation to look at an alert for a fire alarm notification in Downtown Cape. Like we interrupted our time together for a pointless notification.

I could document a book where cell phones have prevented us from having time together, accomplishing task, interrupted our time with God, took away from family time, and cost us important things.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the grace that you give us. Thank you for loving us even though we fail so often. Thank you for giving use the tools that we need and the ability to work for you.

Father, I pray you cleanse our society of our addition to our screens. I pray that you open eyes to waste we have become as we sit, and we scroll. I pray you take that need to check notifications away from us. I pray that you silence the distractions so we can be focused on your mission.

Father God, I pray you work in my own heart against this temptation. I pray that you help me stay focused on what I need to be doing that it be working physically or working spiritually.

I pray that you help those in my own house. I pray you make our phones and digital connections not needed and you make our connection to you a priority.

God, phones are an addiction that takes away from you. We need you. We need to be working for you.

Your Daughter, Becky of Marble Hill

(If you landed on this page and are thinking what in the world is this girl talking about. I am a writer, I struggle to pray out loud, but I can write my prayers. Praying for my community, the people in my community, and for a hedge around my community is the best act of leadership I can do. This is my personal prayer journal titled "My City Prayers")

Follow Your Heart

2024-05-23T05:16:00.000-07:00

“Place your passions, desires, and dreams under God’s control so that you serve God through the way he has designed you.” ~ Rick Warren

Proverbs 27:19

As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.

Philippians 2:13

for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.

Colossians 3:23

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

God gave me so many talents! I have an amazing memory for things from age 2 to about 36. Beyond age 36 it is a blur. Recently a church from a neighboring community announced they were launching in our community. Their leaders immediately reached out to me as a leader in our community to get involved. The running line when I met with different leaders was “do you not remember me?” Some did, some didn’t. They do see thousands of people a year, but I remembered them, and their story was easier to follow than mine was as I don’t have podcast and a media team. However, this relationship forgotten or not made our working relationship so much easier, and we could work together to be the hands and feet of Jesus.

I am so good at making images and flyers for my community. I do this for many of the businesses and organizations in our community. God gave that talent to me, and I can use it for the good of my community and neighbors.

I am really good at photography! Yep, gift from God! My photos have been shared thousands of times. Drawing attention to a situation, a community, a place, an event - showing what God has given us and even sometimes a need.

I am a decent writer. Decent because often I tick people off, but I am decent and I often draw people to story - again, a talent from God. I use this skill to put God's word out, draw attention to a need, talk about something that needs to be corrected - BUT I can only be successful with it if I am doing it under God's Blessing. It has backfired before.

I see needs where others don’t see them. I remember when we were working with the tornado recovery, I saw things that needed to be fixed and was able to pray and advocate for those needs.

I can paint furniture! This is actually how I make my living. Yes, I can paint beautiful classic pieces of furniture. I love it, I love seeing the masterpieces when they go to their new homes! God continues to bless me as I continue to provide affordable quality furniture to the people of my community.

All of these talents and gifts are things God Blessed me with. I can choose to use them for him or not. We have our freewill, but when we don't use them for his good then we are not living under him.

I am not perfect, and I often forget “god or me” and have to remind myself “am I really doing this for the God’s good or is it for my own satisfaction”.

I am following Pastor Rick Warren’s Study “Following Your Heart” and learning about putting my talents and skills under God.

We often forget the amount of power we have, especially today with social media and instant messaging.

I encourage you to take 30 mins of your social media scrolling or pop in your earbuds while you work and listen to Part 1, it will wake you up as to why you might be struggling:

https://pastorrick.com/listen-online/following-your-heart-part-1-4/

Here are my takeaways from the study. Not all of these are me but help me see more light into circumstances and people.

Bitterness is the worst heart disease ever. It will eat you alive. It is worse than cancer. When you are resentful and thinking about how to retaliate it keeps you in the past.

Ouch, that hurts! It is easy to be bitter. It is easy to hold grudges. When I listened to this one person came to mind, it is a woman that hates me - I mean really hates me, for something I didn’t even do, but she believes with her whole heart that I did, no matter how often I attempt to correct what she believes. I pray for her, I pray God softens her heart, but also pray for her health and well-being. I have seen her in passing and she looks so miserable, so uptight, and the hate she is feeling is pouring out of her body. This kind of bitterness will take a person to their grave. When I am praying, I am not asking for a rekindled relationship, but I am asking for peace in her heart. She is an incredibly talented person, but her focus is hating for me instead of the great things she can do. I see that and I hurt for her.

Thinking about that, I also have to check my bitterness. I have GIANT wounds created by people. Being a woman in leadership, well women are really mean, and sometimes men are really mean. They do things to hurt me. I have a neighbor that I can see them sitting on their front porch from my bedroom window - he says awful horrible things about me on social media. Why? I don't know. It would be so easy for me to hate him and be bitter to him. I have to remember to let his hate and other's hate go, move on, and know that I am working for a greater power than this world.

Under bitterness, I would add assumption, jealousy, and standards. These emotions and actions often cause bitterness between people.

Assumption: We often assume that someone should do something that we want them to do. We may not know all the facts, or we might know them, but be withholding the facts. Assumption creates bitterness.
Jealousy: Social media creates so much jealousy. So much jealousy. I do not even need to explain this. We all can check ourselves at the door with this.
Standards: You will hold someone you dislike to a higher standard than you will your close friends. It is easier to pick your non-friend apart than it is to pick someone you adore apart. No explanation - Check yourself.

I have listened to this podcast 4 times in 3 days, I am slowly unpacking what I learn, journaling what I need to remember, and noting my own behaviors.

Quick add it is easier to love people if you see Jesus in them first. That’s Powerful!

Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us resources to help us see your light in the situation. Thank you for giving us tools to learn from and sources to use. Most importantly thank you for your word, the one true word, and the book to light our way. Thank you for the Bible.

Father, I am not without sin, but I rest in the fact that I have been wash cleaned by you. Thank you!

God, I pray that for those struggling or walking around carrying guilt, fear, bitterness, resentment, and more. I pray you cleanse their hearts and use them and their talents for your good.

Father, I pray you heal the wounds created by assumption, jealousy, and standards we have created in this world. I pray you help us navigate through peace and love.

Heavenly Father, I ask that you continue to use me for your work. I desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus. I desire to do your work and work for you in all I do. I appreciate the hedge you have wrapped around me and the life you have given me. I love you father with all my heart and soul.

Father God, I pray you continue to speak to me and allow me to use your word to impact our world. I pray that this message - your words - helps one person. Creates one more soldier

for the lord's army.

God there has been so many blessings for my community. I pray you continue to bless my community. There are so many good people here working to do good things. I pray if they march for you that you continue to use them. If they don’t march for you that you convict them, cleanse their hearts, set them straight, and use them for your good! I know they have incredible talents and could do so much for you and our community!

Your Daughter, Becky of Marble Hill.

Integrity, Decisions, Joy

2024-05-22T04:59:00.000-07:00

” Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me! “Psalms‬ ‭119‬:‭1‬-‭8‬

Yesterday, I listened to the Proverbs 31 Podcast "How Do I Know if I'm Making the Right Decision" with guest speaker Joel Muddamalle. I highly recommend this podcast even if you do not have a huge decision to make. It is more about making good everyday decisions than good huge decisions.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I am stuck on Psalms 119 this week. I have read, listened, and reread the book of Psalms Chapter 119 this week and I have found it speaks to every moment of my life.

Last week and this week have been unnecessarily stressful for me. While I love helping my community as much as I can, I hate being under the watchful eye of Satan. Yes, I am going to label it as Satan. Jesus will not critique you, complain at you, humiliate you, make unnecessary Facebook post about you, text your phone at 2am because you made a comment he didn't like, lie about you, mock you, or be mean to you. You see those behaviors are not of Christ they are of the devil.

Psalms 119: 4 & 5 says "You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!"

I sit as a semi-important position in my community. Some days it is important and somedays it is irrelevant. I have found it to be relevant to some when they want to use my position to for their own gain or if they want to get back at me for something they think I did or didn't do.

Last week and this week I was asked numerous times for my opinion on a certain subject; I had an opinion, not exactly the opinion everyone thought I had, but my opinion was irrelevant to the situation. None of the players in the situation were under my representation and none of them had asked for my assistance in the situation, so why did my opinion matter?

It didn't really, but my influence was sought. They wanted my influence instead of my opinion. Was it really fair for me to insert my influence without knowing all the facts of the situation - the facts as to which I was not privy to? Absolutely Not. It would have been unfair to all the players for me to insert my influence on a situation that impacted every single household in my city.

The whole situation felt icky to me, so I exited the situation by explaining that these individuals were not members of the organization I sit with therefore I stay neutral in the matter - BUT because they sought my influence more than my opinion this upset them even more. It was a lose lose situation.

Yesterday as I listened to the Podcast, I mentioned above, Mr Muddamalle talked about when we are decision making and seeking input on our decisions, we have to be transparent with those we are seeking advice from. "They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths" Psalms 1119:3

How do we hide things and not comprise with evil? We can't. I knew that while I was making the decision to insert my opinion or not insert my opinion there was more to the story than what was being told and/or what I was being told or they wouldn't have been come at me so hard seeking my opinion or information from me. Every request wouldn't have felt like I was being manipulated.

I find joy in the fact that I sought God's instruction on the matter. As the day neared and the time came close for the situation to be over, I spent my day NOT inserting my opinion, but instead fasting and praying for those making the final decision on the matter. I found joy that my action while not pleasing to the world could reflect those of Jesus and how he faced hard times. I found joy in knowing that while I didn't do everything perfectly - I asked God for guidance, and I obeyed his commands.

The world or actually Satan using the world hates when we fall back on the word of God to make our decisions.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the words of wisdom you have given us. The guidance that helps us find answers to hard and simple things in this world. Thank you for listening and guiding us in this world. Thank you for resources and Godly people we can draw from. Thank you for loving us so much even when we do not walk your path.

Father God, thank you for my city and the people of my city. Thank you for the growth and abundance you have poured down in our community. Thank you for the hedge of protection you have put around my community and sheltered us from some of the problems we do not know about.

God, I ask you to continue to bless our community and those in it. I ask you to open their eyes to how awesome you are in this world and help their lives not only be abundant but easier.

Father, you know those that are not following your word or living by your righteous regulations, I pray for them. I pray that their hearts are softened, and they are open to your word and wisdom. I pray that you become the most important in their lives and every decision they make is made with your wisdom.

God, I ask that you help me be more like you every day. When I stray or put me before I ask that you guide me back and remind me that you are knower of all and the hand the turns the world. In Jesus Name I Pray, Becky of Marble Hill.

Perryville Thrift Store & Psalms 119

2024-05-21T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today, I had to go to Perryville, Missouri for a meeting, that just happened to be blocks from the Thrift Store-Perryville MO Society of St Vincent de Paul! So, I made a short stop and scored this amazing painting and adorable flower water can! I was in awe. I love the things the Society of St Vincent de Paul does with the money they make from their little store - so I always try to stop when I am nearby!

Now, I know you really googled Thrift Store, Perryville Missouri and why am I talking about Psalms 119. Well, I was listening to a podcast about Psalms 119 when I decided to make the stop. Over the past few months, I have turned to listening to podcast and scripture while I drive long distances and while I paint. I get a 2 for 1 deal, God's Word and I accomplish my task in front of me. These are also my time with God. Time for me to reflect on myself and work through the things that have been bothering me.

Psalms 119, have you read it? Wow it is loaded!

I am worn out waiting for your rescue,

  but I have put my hope in your word.
82
My eyes are straining to see your promises come true.
  When will you comfort me?
83
I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke,
  but I have not forgotten to obey your decrees.
84
How long must I wait?
  When will you punish those who persecute me?
85
These arrogant people who hate your instructions
  have dug deep pits to trap me.
86
All your commands are trustworthy.
  Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause.
87
They almost finished me off,
  but I refused to abandon your commandments.
88
In your unfailing love, spare my life.

then I can continue to obey your laws.

Psalms 119; 81-88

There are times (more times than not) that I just become so overwhelmed by the overload of pressures from the outside world. I often hate my phone and I really hate social media. These devices are so full of sinful things. Images, thoughts, conversations, just garbage that takes a toll on our hearts.

Teach me your decrees, O Lord;

  I will keep them to the end.
34
Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions;
  I will put them into practice with all my heart.
35
Make me walk along the path of your commands,
  for that is where my happiness is found.
36
Give me an eagerness for your laws
  rather than a love for money!
37
Turn my eyes from worthless things,
  and give me life through your word.[b]
38
Reassure me of your promise,
  made to those who fear you.
39
Help me abandon my shameful ways;
  for your regulations are good.
40
I long to obey your commandments!

Renew my life with your goodness.

I have found my heart hurting more and more these days from all the hate in this world. All the sin, but then I remember the sin has always been there, but we forget to focus on God to protect ourselves from the sin.

The Trashy Prayer

2024-05-20T02:30:00.000-07:00

This week I realized, I am not praying enough for my community. I mean thought filled prayers. Over the last 2 years our community has became so bitter with each other, so bitter that the outside world sees it before our inside world does. As a leader and a leaders wife this hurts. We have a community full of good people.

Tonight is our city council meeting; our leaders have an important vote that impacts a local business, but also impacts every single resident and business inside the city limits of our community. This is a HUGE decision.

I never felt my words needed to be spoke, but I knew my prayers needed to be prayed.

Today, I am reciting this prayer over and over. Begging for God’s Love and Mercy to pour over our community!

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray you guide the leaders of the City of Marble Hill to make decisions that please you. I pray that you breathe your wisdom down on them and they only see what you see and do what you know is best.

I pray that you give them courage and bravery. You protect their minds, their hearts, and the lives. I pray that every word they speak is spoken to them by you. I pray you consume them completely and you rule over over our city.

Dear Jesus I know you are the knower of all. You know every person involved in this situation. You know all intentions and meanings behind everything. I pray mercy and kindness for all involved. I pray understanding and wisdom. I pray for prosperity for everyone.

God my Father, I lay my life down for you, I worship your awesomeness, your love, and your being. Thank you for all you have done for me, my husband, my family, my community, and the world the surrounds us. I appreciate the hedge you will continue to build around us. I know you will protect us, guide us, and be our everyday savior. I love you father. I only desire to work for you. I only want to be the hands and feet of Jesus!

Your daughter waiting to be in heaven with you. ❤️ Becky of Marble Hill.

Rural Southeast Missouri Antiques: Cape Girardeau to Dexter

2024-04-21T18:04:00.000-07:00

Rural Southeast Missouri Antique & Treasure Trail: Mississippi River to Dexter, Missouri.

Fun fact, I lived in Cape Girardeau County (Jackson, Missouri) for ten years when my kiddos were cute and little (they are older and mean now) and we absolutely loved the Downtown Cape Girardeau

Area. I became quick friends with the Tourism Office (VisitCape) and did lots of short clips and we were featured in a Cape Girardeau Video when they promoted the new Bike Trail as well as a tourism magazine promoting the riverfront for families.

That all seems like an eternity ago. Laurie the owner of Annie Laurie's (although she probably doesn't remember this) was the first shop owner to tell me that my kids were WELCOME in her shop which gave me the opportunity to teach my kids an appreciation for a variety of vintage things. I drug my kids in and out of stores, art shows, fairs and festivals giving them not only letting them have fun but also giving them a taste of culture affordably and close to home.

Today as I chatted with a newer business owner on Spanish Street, I introduced myself as The Missouri Mom and told them what I do when I visit stores and shops. They thanked me, although that was not necessary, and I was reminded of the bigger picture and the times that the shops downtown were kind to me.

Here is my Rural Southeast Missouri Antique & Treasure Trail: Mississippi River to Dexter, Missouri. I am now the owner of Old Lutesville Emporium in Marble Hill, you are not required to visit my shop (that's not what this is about), but if you do, please ask for Becky, I would love to meet you and show you around my town.

Rural Southeast Missouri Antiques: Jackson to Dexter, Missouri

2024-04-19T18:49:00.000-07:00

Rural Southeast Missouri Antiques: Jackson to Piedmont

2024-04-19T18:46:00.000-07:00

Privacy….

2024-04-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

Recently a fellow mom said “you are the most public person I know”… I laughed and thought this person thinks they really know me. Sorry sister, you know the part of me I allow you to know.

Fifteen years ago on a paid press trip to a Family Friendly Resort, I learned the true meaning of “privacy”. A man, that I did not know, overheard or sought out enough information about me to convince the young front desk clerk at the (major chain) resort that he was my husband and he wanted to surprise me with beer and roses. After leaving my kids attended to in the water park, I walked into my room to find a man in my shower, a dozen of roses on the counter and case of cheap beer beside the flowers. I don’t drink beer. It was an epic fail on all parts.

I almost gave up my “influencer media role” that very moment and considered hightailing it to the safe grounds of Southeast Missouri, but instead I begin learning the middle ground.

Social Media Sucks! Yes I am on every outlet there is, I have more followers on X (formerly Twitter) than our regional paper, and I post so many times it’s annoying, BUT I also learned social media is necessary for business - no matter what business it is. So until I am ready to retire and sit at home and do nothing, I will be social on the media.

No One is safe from the intrusions of Social Media. AND really NO ONE is stable and free from letting sin (jealousy, lust, and bitterness) take them farther than they want to go.

SO as someone using social media as an information giver (press) or as an information receiver (reader/leaner/fan) you have to be aware of all the dangers and do some precautionary work and know you really don’t know the person on the other end. That man in my hotel room would never have really wanted to be my husband - I am far too mean.

So……Privacy.

You may or may not see all my posts on social media, I have the ability to change my settings to limit who sees what on every post. I do that. It’s my right and my power. I have extremely close friends and then I have people that are just neighbors or associates.
At one time you may or may not have known my last name. Now I don’t really have that need, but yes at one time I wrote and used social media under one of my very best friends last names. It was a protection thing for my kids - and he happened to be my date to every wedding while I was single, so it worked.
Your kids do not have to be on social media. They will not die if they do not have snapchat or TikTok! Neither will you! It’s not a necessary thing.
More marriages and friendships have ended over snapchat and Facebook messenger - those messages do not always disappear. Think before you send.
That end user is not always your friend or even a safe person. Often people will ask me questions and I will pick up the phone and call. Screenshots, text messages, phone numbers, ect can be altered. Ex. I once had a lady that told me she was shown a message that I had sent about her. I had never sent a message about her. When I asked to show me the message, it was an obvious alteration to the contact picture. Someone was jealous of what we were doing so they tried to destroy it. I have often wondered how many more times this has happened, how many people hate me for something I didn’t actually do or say.
I am in control of who I want in my life - even on my business pages. Guess what?!?! You annoy me. I can BAN your butt and live like a queen doing it.
I am in control of what I see! Guess what?!?! I don’t see that many posts on social media. 1. I don’t get on social media that much. It’s a time sucker. 2. I unfollow people, places, things that I don’t like or want to see. It’s amazing. And I can do a 30 day snooze if I just want to temporarily unfollow - I have actually shown people how to snooze me so they didn’t have to see Eclipse Post 900 times a day!
Social Media is NOT real life. It just isn’t. The lady down the street can be the nicest, most wonderful praise Jesus lady you have ever met on Social Media, but in real life she just isn’t and is out to hurt others and operating off bad intentions. You can’t know this unless you in person know her.
Social Media Fame is TEMPORARY! Even those influencers that have hundreds of thousands of followers, in 2012 it was thousands and I was the one with stats, something will knock them out of fame. A new product, a new dance, a new shop, a new friend, a life change - something will replace them. Because they are a fad and fame is a fad.
Take Breaks from Social Media and your phone before you get bad eyes and bad hands. ONE day a week I put my earbuds in and spend the whole day listening to podcasts (usually God and Family Centered) and I IGNORE the social media world. It is AMAZING! I am refueled and feel centered. Do this! Do it for your family and friends! Do it for yourself!
Read PAPER News! It still exist and newspapers will still smut your hands! Last week my husband asked “what are you going to wrap antiques with if the newspapers cease to exist”. Ummm that would be a problem! BUT why paper??? Because print doesn't change! Did you know an online post can be altered numerous times without you knowing it?!?! News Online is not final. Even though print is not always the most accurate, it can’t be altered, and is often used for sources in the future. We go all digital we can change history and the future.

When Yahoo and Microsoft Messenger was created the world forever changed. There were no more simple days. We no longer had the pleasure of stepping away or laying our phone off the hook for some private time. It is like a 24 hour party line that wants to exploit you for good or bad.

Your privacy is important. Your down time is necessary. Your heart is tender and needs you to be aware of what is lurking out there. Take some time to snooze me and millions of others. Make a goal to have in person conversations. When necessary, limit who sees what you post online. Only those that want to pry into your privacy will be mad at you for demanding your privacy.

Rural Southeast Missouri Antique & Treasure Trail - MEGA LIST

2024-01-30T06:23:00.000-08:00

Rural Southeast Missouri Antique & Treasure Trail

Created by The Missouri Mom

Discovering Rural Missouri Towns One Stop at a Time.

Marble Hill, Missouri

First Street Minis: 206 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Old Lutesville Emporium: 205 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Second Time Around: 110 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Marble Hill Trade Company: 160 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Marble Hill Trade Company: 112B First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Bill Peters Hardware: 313 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

EC Reed's Mercantile: 301 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Twin City Pharmacy: 106 North First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

The Personal Touch: : 205 St Hwy 34W, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Bollinger County Coop: 200 State Highway 34 W, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Bollinger County Veterinary: 18448 BCR 302, Marble Hill, MO 63764

The Rusted Vault: 107 High Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

J & R Resale: Main Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Sunset Floral & Garden Market: 115 State Highway 51 North, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Serenity House Floral & More: 214 Conrad Ave, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Leopold
Leopold Country Store 16730 Main St., Leopold, MO

Glen Allen/Grassy

The Mason Jar at Mesta Meadows: 12005 State Highway 34, Glen Allen, MO 63751

Grassy General Store: 4834 State Hwy 34, Glen Allen, MO 63751

Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Annie Laurie’s: 536 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

The Corner Grocery Store: 439 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Annie-Em's at Home: 42 N Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Atelier: 221 B Independence, Cape Girardeau, MO

Brick Street Gallery: 19 N Spanish St, Cape Girardeau, MO

Spanish Street Mercantile: 26 N Spanish St, Cape Girardeau, MO

Mississippi Mutts: 609 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, MO

Pastimes Antiques: 45 N Main St, Cape Girardeau, MO

Mollie Paperie: 2121 Broadway Cape Girardeau, MO

Jackson, Missouri

Heartland Harvest Market & Antiques: 3277 State Highway 72, Jackson, Missouri 63755

The Old Pioneer Market: 2008 West Jackson Blvd, Jackson, MO 63755

High Street Station: 1106 South High Street, Jackson, MO 63755

Teen Challenge Thrift Store: 1985 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson MO 63755

Safe Harbor Thrift Store: 3862 E Jackson Blvd, Jackson, MO

Crump, Missouri

Ava Craft Center 2.0 SEMO: 134 State Highway U, Burfordville, MO 63739

Knowlan Family Farm: 3243 State Highway 34, Burfordville, MO 63739

Greenville/Piedmont

Northtown Thrift Store: 154 N Front Street, Greenville, MO 63944

Frankie Mart: 250 E Maple St, Greenville, MO. 63944

Richard’s Supermarket: 110 Main St., Greenville, MO 63944

Soul Threads: 95 State Hwy 143, Patterson, MO 63956

Angie’s Stop n Shop: 106 N Main St, Piedmont, MO 63957

Johnson's Farm and Pet: 13303 State Highway 34 Piedmont, MO 63957

Piedmont Florist: 227 N Main St, Piedmont, MO, 63957

Rick's Pawn: 115 N Main, Piedmont, MO, 63957

The Nature Cottage: 302 Legion Park RD, Piedmont, MO 63957

Marquand/Cherokee Pass

Woodall’s Mercantile: 6525 Highway A Marquand MO

Yellow She Shack Mercantile: 117 N Whitener Marquand MO 63655

Num-Nums Sweet Shop; 103 South Harding Street, Marquand, MO

Green's Flea Market: 8512 Highway 67, Fredericktown, MO

Arab

Arab Station: 3725 State Highway 51, Zalma, MO 63787

Puxico

The Midway: 260 E Richardson Ave, Puxico, MO 63960

Aquilla/Bloomfield

Yoder's Market & Deli: MO-25, Bloomfield, MO 63825

Yoder’s Garden Market: 22864 MO-25, Bloomfield, MO 63825

Stars and Stripes Museum 17377 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825

Country Pickins’ Flea Market - Bloomfield: 801 MO-25, Bloomfield, MO 63825

Dexter

Trinkets & Treasures: 10 E Stoddard St, Dexter, MO 63841
Old Timers Antique Mall: 16655 N Outer Rd, Dexter, MO 63841
Stoddard County Gospel Mission: 207 N One Mile Rd, Dexter, MO 63841

Bernie

International Hope Thrift Store: 601 S Walnut St, Bernie, MO

Kennett/Morely

Judts' Treasures: 108 N Kennett St Morley MO

If you would like your business or businesses in your community listed, please complete this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAi2eK7PoY28J4Wfh6rix2FN8dA7DWob0c4d_Zp35TZzz3Pg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Happiness is a Choice - No Matter What.

2023-06-29T07:11:00.002-07:00

You can be happy no matter what happens in your life if you don’t let others control your attitude. This is a very deep statement. How can we live like this? How do we apply this theory to our life?

Over the last few months, I have seen a lot of unhappy people lash out on social media, because of what they believe is going on, not what they researched, not what they have facts on, just what they believe is going on from comments and gossip.

Recently over lunch a friend of mine said “you must have skin as thick as steel for all the things that get thrown at you.” I pondered on that the rest of the day. A Bible Study on the book Philippian that I recently completed came to mind.

In Philippians 1:15-17, Paul shares with us four kinds of people that were impacting his ministry while he was imprisoned in Rome. There were his friends and “co-workers” that supported and encouraged him in his work. Others were busy criticizing, competing, or conspiring against his ministry.

Paul wrote “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.” Philippians 1:15-17

There is nothing that robs your happiness faster than being criticized while working hard or feeling like others are working against us. Why? We want approval and to be liked. It is human nature.

Paul goes on to say in Philippians 1:18, “It does not matter! I am happy about it — just so Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy.”

During the recent tornado, I made a post at the direction of another emergency management organization, regarding clothing donations. The post was posted, I logged off, and went on about my business. As I was sitting around a table with some new friends from Missouri Baptist Disaster Relief that were ministering to a woman who was at the brink of having a nervous breakdown, my phone rang, it was the EMD calling to chat with me about the post I made.

They explained to me that people complained I was not easy to work with. I was completely caught off guard, I had just finished hugging a sobbing woman, and building a plan to add more showers to a community without water and electricity. I took the “whipping” and hung up the phone. Still in shock. As I stood there for a moment my phone began to ding. Text message after text message with screenshots of horrible things being said about me. I was a dictator, a glory whore, someone who controls everything. It wasn’t me. Not really. I probably would have never made the post unless directed, but it was a post that needed to be made. Clothing can be a disaster within a disaster. I can share more another day on that.

This post has spiraled numerous times, grown wings and became another post, and brought on additional rumors and gossip about me. While many of those posting are declaring “they love Jesus.”

As my friend and I chatted about the critics in our community (hi critics), I thought about Paul’s message in Philippians 1:18, “It does not matter! I am happy about it — just so Christ is preached in every way possible, whether from wrong or right motives. And I will continue to be happy.”

I have adopted this motive for my community work over the past few months. It does not matter what others do, just so the good in my community is shown everywhere as much as possible, and as loud as possible.

Start fifty new Facebook pages with fifty new groups; maybe 50,000 new people will see something about our community and drive to our town and fall in love with it. Talk about me on threads and tell people what you think - every time you do, someone new comes into my shop to figure out who I am, and guess what, I get to show them the love of Jesus.

Happiness is Choice

I am happy as I choose to be! If others are unhappy with me, that’s their choice. If I don’t have someone’s approval now, I am probably not going to get it. And I am going to be miserable if I try to live for the approval of everybody else or those that simply don’t like me.

Paul explains in verses 29 and 30 of 1 Philippians why you can be happy no matter what: “For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it” (NLT).

Paul tells us it is a privilege to suffer when you’re doing the right thing because you’re most like Jesus nailing you to a cross and trying to get at you.

I can be happy no matter what happens if I look at every problem from God’s viewpoint and never let what other people say or do control my happiness.

Mississippi River to the Backroads Antique & Treasure Trail - Downtown Cape Girardeau to Dexter, Missouri

2023-06-25T20:43:00.003-07:00

Follow the trail to find unique stops through southeast Missouri. 70 miles of fun and beautiful scenery/

Pastimes Antiques: 45 N. Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Annie-Em’s at Home: 42 N. Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Back Porch Antiques and Collectibles: 27 N. Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Premiere Antiques and More: 19 N. Main Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Spanish Street Mercantile: 26 N. Spanish Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Brick Street Gallery: 19 N. Spanish Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Annie Laurie’s: 536 Broadway Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

River City Coins and Jewelry: 713 Broadway Street, Cape Girardeau, MO

Lodging Options in Cape Girardeau: www.visitcape.com/stay/

The Old Pioneer Market: 2370 N High St Jackson MO

Heartland Harvest Market & Antiques: 3277 State Highway 72, Jackson, MO

Knowlan Family Farm: 3243 State Highway 34, Burfordville, MO

Ava Craft Center 2.0 SEMO: 134 State Highway U, Burfordville, MO

The Rusted Vault: 107 High Street, Marble Hill, MO

Sunset Floral & Garden Market: 115 State Highway 51 North, Marble Hill, MO

Serenity House Floral & More: 214 Conrad Ave, Marble Hill, MO

Second Time Around: 114 First Street, Marble Hill, MO

First Street Market: 206 First Street, Marble Hill, MO

Old Lutesville Emporium: 203 First Street, Marble Hill, MO

Unique Treasures: 112B First Street, Marble Hill, MO

Bill Peters Hardware: 313 First Street, Marble Hill, MO

Lodging Options in Marble Hill: www.bocomochamber.com/p/bollinger-county-missourilodging.html

Leopold Country Store: 201 W Main St, Leopold, MO

Arab Station: 3725 State Highway 51, Zalma

MK T's: 105-C North Oak, Advance MO

The Midway: 260 E. Richardson, Puxico

Yoder Garden Shop and Deli: 22864 State Highway 25, Bloomfield, MO

Stars and Stripes Museum 17377 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO

Country Pickins’ Flea Market - Bloomfield: 801 MO-25, Bloomfield, MO

Trinkets & Treasures: 10 E Stoddard St, Dexter, MO

Old Timers Antique Mall: 16655 N Outer Rd, Dexter, MO

The Midway, Puxico, Missouri

2023-06-11T07:51:00.004-07:00

A friend of mine sent me a Facebook post about The Midway and said, “you need to try this place out.”

It had my brain intrigued; I love a good small-town place that hasn’t been blasted by all the news media outlets.

The Midway in Puxico, Missouri - town population 873, business rating 10 Star - “I am not in Missouri anymore standards.”

We were greeted at the front door by who I later learned to be one of the owners, this was by chance, because there was no way he knew who I was, and no way I knew who he was. He showed us the dining area on the main level, but then suggested the Goat’s Pen upstairs. Live music, fun seating, and full-service menu! My friends and I are always out for a fun time!

The owner, still not knowing who I was, escorted us upstairs. We chatted about the building and his business! Stop, Note, if you love tastefully decorated places with a mix of antiques and modern, this is YOUR place! This building is beautiful and perfectly laid out!

As we arrived upstairs there were four of us and the only tables left were 2 seaters. We were willing to squeeze in, but they fixed that, he pushed tables together and made it work for our party of 4. They had live music play, they had people visiting, and the environment was well done!

Their menu, add a little hillbilly word to a New York City Menu and that’s it! Spoon & Spout is what they called the kitchen serving us, they have sections that do special menus, almost like a Wall Drug Store but with restaurants.

Appetizer: Goat Tags, usually cut potatoes, smothered with all the things that make them good! This was the perfect appetizer for all four of us to share! The price? Comparable to the big chain restaurants that buy in bulk. Win Win Goat Tags for Dinner!

Not just Goat Tags, the waitress presented their menu and my jaw dropped. How in the world do they afford to serve this kind of food in this kind of building for this kind of price! You will NOT go bankrupt eating there! I mean you could, but not likely!

I chose their advertised Mediterranean Stuffed Pork Tenderloin - the tenderloin is stuffed, then topped with a balsamic glaze. It is served with Gouda mashed potatoes and a side salad. Okay the Gouda mashed potatoes are not served, they are presented! Like for kings and queens, carefully placed on your plate in a beautiful design. The flavor of all was absolutely “I am not in Missouri anymore standards.” Ding Ding, Stuffed Pork Tenderloin for dinner!

Trey decided to try the Pork Ribeye - the pork ribeye is topped with an apple cider reduction glaze and a pineapple, with a side is a warm potato salad. I snuck a taste! Again, “I am not in Missouri anymore standards.” I see people driving from Texas to eat this food! It is that good!

Dessert? The Custard Coop is their opening soon frozen custard shop, but until then they have dessert handled. I ordered a warm blackberry cobbler, it was as good as Grandma made it. I ordered a chocolate peanut butter parfait thing for Trey (yes, I decided for him) and it was amazing! The best I have ever had! The presentation was beautiful as well! Again, “I am not in Missouri anymore standards.”

After dinner we took a peek around their gift shop and the downstairs dining room. I may have also taken a seat on their vintage furniture after all, I am an antique expert, sorta.

I do highly recommend taking a trip to The Midway. Make it a weekend trip to Southeast Missouri.

Close by to The Midway: Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Duck Creek Conservation Area, Yoder’s Garden’s Shop, Lake Wappapello State Park, or follow the Rural Southeast Missouri Treasure Trails.

Disclosure: I was not paid or compensated for my review. When I arrived at The Midway, they did not know who I was. It was not until after I left and I posted about The Midway that my identity was known. I prefer to eat and visit places that do not know me; that way I get authentic service and see how they really treat people.

More Photos from our visit to The Midway Available Here: https://www.facebook.com/100057663506972/posts/pfbid022yQ8kmFmSo4bjiC7UcAZEacamYs1FcpPwdh9AEJH59iVQNNy1tsfe8EWgju2Svysl/?mibextid=cr9u03

What will it cost? Actions of hate, bitterness, destruction?

2023-06-10T05:05:00.007-07:00

If you are serious about getting a focused life, you need to ask three questions: 1) What will it cost? 2) What am I willing to give? 3) Is it worth it?

The greatest use of your life is to invest it in something that will outlast it. Jesus said, "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" (Mark 8:36 NIV) Don't begin working toward your goals until you've counted the cost.

This was my Bible Study this morning, but fit my life and the trials that I have been thrown.

There is a lot of cost to the actions people take and words they say. Your temporary emotion of anger, hate, bitterness, jealousy, envy, or lust can sink a ship that you believe is unsinkable.

Written words do not go away. We have screenshots these days!

Currently there is a woman on social media that refers to me as “the mayor’s wife” as if I am nameless and unknown to her.

That woman is my eldest sister. She is very angry with me because over the past few years I did not allow her opinions or beliefs dictate my life, my family, and sometimes my community. I stood firm for what is right and good.

After outburst of anger and her partnering with lies, I blocked her from seeing my Facebook. The one time she did text me to tell me what to do in regards to caring for my Dad - I refused to answer her. I didn’t need instructions and could talk directly to my Dad about his needs. My Dad is the expert at being my Dad and what he needs.

My sister is blinded by anger. She has wrote torrid tales about the “Mayor’s Wife” and how the “Mayor’s Wife” has done things. Yet, she don’t really know what I have done or said other than the screenshots from people who feed her anger.

While I mostly ignore her rants and dictation of what she believes is right; I feel sorry for her.

This is not a new concept, read the book of Genesis and how many families and friends were torn apart and how far people would go out of anger.

Cain murdered his brother Abel over jealousy. (Genesis 4:1–18)

Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, they were jealous. (Genesis 37:18-36)

I am not concerned about being murdered or being sold into slavery; God’s will be done.

My concern is what if I am the only match for a kidney transplant for her? And my family is left to make the decision?

Would their hearts forgive her for the awful things she posted and screenshot and ranted? Would they forgive her for the fact that we no longer have family dinners with my parents and it has become a great competition over who takes my Dad to the doctor - because one can’t let the other shine brighter? Although I typically sit out on the competition, it’s just too exhausting.

Would they forgive her for the turmoil in my community that she added to?

While I have no doubts they have good hearts; I also know that to find current peace she is blocked by them on every outlet of social media and they refuse to read her text message. So if the call comes it may never be received.

This is sad for me.

Even sadder is, my sister (and many others) are highly intelligent people that could do so much more good than bad, but instead they spent their last 3 days looking for bad, spreading bad, and being furious about what they thought happened - but really didn’t.

They could have spent the last 3 days getting real answers (like I did and have the facts in my email) and bring truth and peace to our community.

I don’t blame my sister, while she is the one did the act; there is a greater power working behind the scenes. A power who wants destruction and no one to have peace. That power is Satan.

I pray my sister and others find focus and see the cost of their actions. I pray that they see spreading hate, fueling fires, and living for destruction is not healthy or good - it will in the end destroy them.

Restaurant Reviews by The Missouri Mom

2023-06-09T07:25:00.002-07:00

I was recently asked why I rarely review a restaurant in my own town. I really do want my town to be the most successful it can be, but there is authenticity to my reviews and a level of biasness I hold for my community. It is hard to give a non-bias review to people you know.

Here are my rules to restaurant reviews:

I rarely announce I am coming. I like to catch the wait staff, owners, and chef by surprise. I don't tell them who I am, but once I leave, I check in at their establishment and share an instant review. Then I follow up with a full review and send it to the place as I am posting it on my own social media. They have no way of changing my review or asking for favors.

I rarely take compensated meals. I occasionally work with tourism offices and accept gift cards that are good at any restaurant and once in a while a restaurant like Madison's Cafe in Jefferson City did before will recognize me or invite me back for a visit and I will accept it. I do love the calamari at Madison's Cafe.

My reviews are not professionally written and pitched to magazines. Occasionally, the review will run in our local paper as my column, but I am not doing this for money, I do it for fun. and I love to support small businesses.

I do not do reviews for favors. Please do not send me your restaurant and ask me to come. I do take tips on good places to eat from locals or others in the area, but I will not accept a meal in return for a review. It is simply impossible to be authentic in that case.

If you have seen me at your restaurant and I have not written a review; I either had an okay experience with okay food or I simply was not in the mood to write. Don't take it personal. I will likely be back.

Please follow me on Facebook at The Missouri Mom for more reviews!

Sunset after the Storm

2023-04-07T19:00:00.001-07:00

Black River Electric Crews in Glen Allen, MO

60 Seconds or Less

2023-03-29T18:34:00.002-07:00

Did you know that the crew at McDonalds is expected to have your order ready and through the pickup line in 60 seconds? Sixty seconds. One minute. That is insane. Some of us cannot even walk across our living room in

sixty seconds. Me, I am some of us, because I will trip over things, but that is another story.

I pulled up at the drive thru window at McDonalds the other day and the girl was rushing to get my drink, take an order, make change. She must have been barely sixteen. Stress was all over her face. I sat there as she shuffled, giving me my drink, straw, and change. I smiled and told her to have a nice day, but the automatic window slammed shut. It was a sad scene from an unpersonable world.

When I grew up there was a different dining joint that sat where McDonalds sat. The only thing that came in sixty seconds was the next tall tale, the smoke clung in the air for more than sixty seconds, and the grease on the wall was older than me. The food was as good as the now popular AJ’s (I do recommend AJ’s, tell Rob hello, and ask if he is working hard), the staff was sometimes as friendly as the late Jer (I miss Jer), and you could feed the whole family for less than a thin crust pizza from Harps.

Now I am not downing McDonald’s; my own daughter learned customer service there or as we sometimes call it customer patience. Some of you might remember her or she remembers you - as you might have yelled and cussed her out when she asked you to pull forward or advised that the ice cream machine was down for a third time that week.

The first time I saw her walk the other way in the grocery store away from a well-known and respected businessman, I questioned her. She said “Mom, that man is the most hateful man I know, he uses words I didn’t know existed over ice cream.” I chuckled, but was sad at the same time. What businessman cusses at a group of part-time teenage fast food workers making minimum wage that has 60 seconds to get your order ready?

I wonder if that man cussed out the workers at the 3-Way Cafe? I know he dined there a time or two, I sat at a table diagonal from him at least once.

Then I wonder if he would behave that way at the grocery store, the bank, the doctor's office, or anywhere else that normally hires adults? Would he walk into my business and yell and scream at my employees? Most of them are other local business owner’s teenage kids working part time for me.

Is he the only one that doesn’t have it his way in 60 seconds has a toddler-like meltdown? I can answer that - NO, follow any local Facebook feed and you will see pages of rants on our local McDonalds, Dollar General, and the price of eggs at Harps.

60 seconds or less to have our order right, must be $5 cheaper than Walmart even if it cost $10 in gas to get to Walmart, and must have 42 professionally trained people working for free to keep up with never ending stock trucks and lack of manpower.

There are some real champions in our community. I don’t always know their names, because sometimes they hide their name badges - I would too.

At McDonald’s you will find 60 Second Match Winners; they take your order, work hard to get it right, and often take 3 more before you get to the window. They take your payment with people talking in their ear, and they make sure you have enough or little enough ice to make your day right! Cheers to you Marble Hill McDonalds! You are my People!

At Dollar General; Patton, Marble Hill, and Arab the 900,000 Pallets of Freight Winners. Dollar General is the second largest retail store in our county - never a slow day of customers. They get Christmas merchandise in July and Easter at Thanksgiving. Their card machines are broken 90% percent of the time and this is a nationwide problem, go to any Dollar General anywhere. So yes, I once made a joke about their hours, but in truth, it’s not them, it’s corporate and our local people are working hard! Thank you for serving our county!

The Heart-Filled Harps Team! The sad truth is Harps bought Country Mart at a bad time - Covid 2020. The shortages, inflation, stock changes, remodels, supplier changes, no toilet paper, no beans, egg prices up, egg prices down, egg prices up, are they going down again? I have seen front row Christians say horrible things about one of the largest non-tax funded employers and their staff in our county. A business that hires and trains young men and women from stocker to management. A business that is one of our largest sales tax producers in the county - sales tax that supports our schools, road and bridge, and law enforcement. The Harps team works hard, they are knowledgeable, giving, and care about our community. There has never been a time that I have had to ask for extra supplies for our community gardens, because Harps covers it. They also cover free food giveaway, Senior breakfast, and many more activities. They love our community and still take a beating.

Corporations make a lot of decisions for big local businesses, but the people who work there are still our people. They still matter. They are still part of our community.

So the next time the ice cream machine is down at McDonald’s remember that might be a future customer of yours, sir.

Mam’ the next time you don’t have it your way, remember that Facebook post might be read by your former customer, as they might not be your customer anymore.

Take those 60 seconds, Give Grace.

Not a Lumberjack

2023-03-15T19:12:00.002-07:00

April 3, 2013, just after moving home (with my kids), my Dad had me

follow him across the farm to where a tree had been cut down.

When we arrived he handed me sledgehammer and a wedge; then told me to “learn how strong you really are.”

After I split the log up he said “document this, so you never forget how strong you are and where you get that strength from.”

Every hard day, I try to remember that day and the lessons I learned:

* Carry the biggest hammer you can swing.

* Your arms will wear out, but your heart will keep you going.

* My Dad is my Cheerleader no matter what.

* I am not a lumberjack.

Rural Southeast Missouri Antiques & Treasures Trail: Jackson, MO to Piedmont, MO

2023-02-26T17:25:00.007-08:00

Rural Southeast Missouri Antiques & Treasures Trail
Jackson, Missouri to Piedmont, Missouri
67-mile scenic drive filled with treasures and unique stops.

The Old Pioneer Market: 2370 N High St, Jackson, Missouri 63755

Heartland Harvest Market & Antiques: 3277 State Highway 72, Jackson, Missouri 63755

Knowlan Family Farm: 3243 State Highway 34, Burfordville, MO 63739

Ava Craft Center 2.0 SEMO: 134 State Highway U, Burfordville, MO 63739

Bollinger County Coop: 200 State Highway 34 W, Marble Hill, MO 63764

The Rusted Vault: 107 High Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Sunset Floral & Garden Market: 115 State Highway 51 North, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Mercantile At The Commons: 309 Presnell, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Serenity House Floral & More: 214 Conrad Ave, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Second Time Around: 114 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

First Street Market: 206 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Old Lutesville Emporium: 203 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Unique Treasures: 112B First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Bill Peters Hardware: 313 First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

Twin City Pharmacy: 106 North First Street, Marble Hill, MO 63764

The Personal Touch: : 205 St Hwy 34W, Marble Hill, MO 63764

The Mason Jar at Mesta Meadows: 12005 State Highway 34, Glen Allen, MO 63751

Grassy General Store: 4834 State Hwy 34, Glen Allen, MO 63751

Northtown Thrift Store: 154 N Front Street, Greenville, MO 63944

Frankie Mart: 250 E Maple St, Greenville, MO. 63944

Richard’s Supermarket: 110 Main St., Greenville, MO 63944

Trail's End Coffee and Cafe: 101 Main Street, Greenville, MO

Soul Threads: 95 State Hwy 143, Patterson, MO 63956

Angie’s Stop n Shop: 106 N Main St, Piedmont, MO 63957

Johnson's Farm and Pet: 13303 State Highway 34 Piedmont, MO 63957

Piedmont Florist: 227 N Main St, Piedmont, MO, 63957

Rick's Pawn: 115 N Main, Piedmont, MO, 63957

The Nature Cottage: 302 Legion Park RD, Piedmont, MO 63957

Born a Female, Made a Feminist

2023-01-20T04:47:00.002-08:00

Sunday over lunch I told my family “I am a feminist” and they laughed at me.

As I sat there, I remembered we have forgotten what a true feminist is. It’s not someone fighting for entitlement; it is someone fighting for equality.

I was not born a feminist; I was born a female. As I got older, I realized there was “man’s work” and there was “women’s work” in some folk’s eyes. I did both. I mostly didn’t have time to wait on a man or there wasn’t a man around to do the work.

When I was a young adult, I realized that some folks expected me to do “man’s work” for a “woman’s pay” even though “woman’s pay" really didn’t exist in any employee handbook.

Once by accident a new co-worker slipped up and told me his hourly wage amount. He was making $2 more an hour for doing the same job as me. When I questioned the supervisor, they claimed the man had “more experience” than me. Okay, he was older, and he was male, but he had never worked in the field we worked in, and I had to help him do everything.

Instead of owning up to the fact that I was getting paid less than a newer less experienced employee, I got called to the office and questioned about knowing another employee’s hourly wage. I laughed and said, “oh you mean because of his little notebook he has that he shows everyone how much he grossed every week.” I was verbally reprimanded but pushed back with “why am I paid less than a newly hired man with no experience” ….

They quickly realized I was not going away, and I would be treated the same as my male co-workers.

On that day I got a raise, and I became a feminist.

All people are equal. Pay is based on experience and skills; not gender, not race, not body type, not religion.

Responsible for Sunflowers?

2023-01-19T20:52:00.004-08:00

Today, an elderly couple walked into our shop, and we started chatting about what was here and what is here now in our little town. So many things have changed over the years. The Dime Store, Wallis Family Store, Ricketts Boot Store, Chandler Drug Store, Barkers Furniture Store, ect.. Names of the past, but not forgotten. We established kinship. Who she knew that I was related to and who I knew that she was related to. This is normal in a small business.

As our conversation continued, she looked straight at me and said, “are you the lady responsible” and I stopped her, I said, “mam, I am not responsible.” She laughed and said, “I am not here to complain, I was going to say the sunflowers during the summer.”

I sighed a huge relief; she loved the sunflowers. They brought her joy. Her husband quickly chimed in and told me he is “forced” to drive by them daily while they are in bloom.

Being responsible is a hard thing. When you are responsible you usually carry a heavier load. You are the one that feels the force of what everyone is feeling - good or bad. People feel you can deal better, handle more, and take their load with your load.

I personally hate being responsible. I often dream of less responsible days.

Days when I danced in the streets.

Days when I ran in the rain.

Days when I was carefree.

But then who would be responsible for the sunflowers?