BITS & PIECES

2026-02-22T21:45:48.481-05:00

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

Looking out over the ocean and up to the white clouds in the blue sky, I see the hand of a mighty and powerful God and remember He created all of this beauty. He spoke it into existence and controls every wave which crashes on the shore. He calms those waves as they move along the sands of the seashore but there is still his mighty power in them as they recede back into the sea carrying sand and shells back into the waters.

As I walk the sandy seashore, pray and meditate or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of my favorite place, I always notice the many footprints left in the sand. Each print is unique and represents a person or wildlife which walked or ran along this shore. There will be footprints, shoe prints, bird prints, dog prints, and some I can’t identify. Everyone and everything leaves an imprint in the sands until the tide comes in and erases all or some of them.

Sometimes I try to walk in a set of prints and wonder about the person who left them in the sand. Was it a woman, man, child or adult? Is this person old or young or somewhere in between? Is it a person who would lead me in the right path of life? Where would these prints lead me?

What kind of prints did I leave in the sand yesterday? Looking back on my footprints, I saw that they meandered along the shore weaving a crooked path following no particular plan. Knowing my thoughts during this walk, I knew that they too had meandered from subject to subject, worry to worry and were troubled and seeking guidance. I remembered I was praying, as I usually do on my walks, for guidance and peace in these troubled days.

However; these years in my life have brought me to my knees seeking God’s peace and guidance as I walk through these days . I know if I walk in Jesus’ steps, they will lead me to his Father, The Great I Am, and my Heavenly Father. Psalm 25:4 “Make me know Your ways, O Lord;Teach me Your paths.” is one of the verses I have been leaning on these days. As I study His Word and seek his guidance, I will understand his ways and know which path to follow as I walk through each day.

My Father, God always opens up His Words when I prayerfully seek his guidance and walk in his steps. Psalm 119:133 “Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me” reminds me to build my days on his Word and plant my life firmly in them, that nothing in this life can have dominion or rule over my life. What a joy to have this assurance!!

The 1st verse of the beautiful hymn by Mary B. Slade, "Footprints of Jesus" says it much better than I can:

“Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,

Come, follow Me!

And we see where Thy footprints falling

Lead us to Thee.

Refrain:

Footprints of Jesus,

That make the pathway glow;

We will follow the steps of Jesus

Where’er they go.”

Whose footprints am I following and what prints am I leaving behind? Questions I have to ask many times each day. I know without a doubt if I will follow the footprints of Jesus wherever they lead, read and ponder His Word, my steps will be anchored in Jesus and my footprints I leave will be straight and lead others to Jesus.

Thank you Lord for being my guide, comforter and Savior.

Amen

Frances

2025-10-04T10:11:00.003-04:00

SCHOOL DAYS ARE HERE

I loved school! My brothers enjoyed school! It was an opportunity for us to have other kids to play with because we lived out in the country and had no close neighbors. By the time the school year rolled around we had played with each other all we wanted to. Of course we had church activities and friends who visited but for the most part, we just had each other, the farm and our imaginations to keep us occupied.

Back in the olden days school didn't start until the Tuesday after Labor day. It was a day I anticipated and prepared for weeks. Mama would have been sewing for many days to make me new dresses. She would have gone to Liddell's, Weatherbees, and Williams department stores to buy pretty gingham checks and plaids to make me new outfits. I always wanted to wear them before she washed them and I loved the smell of new cloth and would preen before the mirror while mama plaited my hair or tied it in pony tails thinking I had to be the best dressed girl in my class because Mama was a master seamstress.

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The shoes would have been purchased from Myers in Selma and most likely were Buster Brown lace up or had a strap. Mama and daddy didn't think loafers were a good bargain so we didn't have them. We would go to Myers and put our feet under an x-ray thing which would show the bones of our feet and tell you which size you needed. We always bought about a half size larger than we needed so we wouldn't outgrow them by Christmas. You would stand up with your new shoes on, mama would press her thumb on the toe of the shoe and if she didn't have a thumb's width at the toe we got the next half size up. We had plenty of room in our shoes to grow. You just laced them up a little tighter or pulled that strap across the instep a notch tighter so they wouldn't slip up and down. I didn't wear them out of the store because I wanted them to look brand new on the first day of school with my new dress.

My brothers didn't have to have new shoes because most of the boys in Wilcox County Alabama didn't wear shoes to school until the 7th grade. They all went barefoot but in new jeans and knit shirts. The jeans were bought at Southern Wholesale in Selma through Mr. Leatherwood. Can't remember how we got this privilege but it sure helped out when outfitting 3 kids .

We would all five make the trip to Selma to buy our school clothes. The boys would get 6 pairs of jeans, 6 knit shirts - long and short sleeves, 6 pairs of underwear and undershirts, and a package of 6 socks. The jeans were always too long and rolled up to last all year. Sam was always difficult to get the right size for he was a skinny little rascal and they would always be too big in the waist and mama would have to put tucks in them or buy the ones with elastic in the back. I would get the underwear, cotton of course and sometimes mama could get some material to make my dresses.

I can remember those jeans smelling new and so stiff they would chafe the inside of the legs when you wore them. Mama would wash them to help but back in those days we didn't have clothes softeners so you had to wear them to break them in. They would look so handsome on the first day of school with new jeans rolled up, new knit shirts (striped of course), fresh haircuts, thanks to mama or daddy, and their new book satchels. The bare feet would be peeping out the bottom of the jeans with soles as tough as leather.

We would wait anxiously for the big, yellow bus driven by Mrs. Tubberville to appear over the little hill to our left. Hair shining, teeth brushed, clean as whistles, and jumping with excitement we waited impatiently. The bus would almost be full by our time to get on, but someone would always save us a seat. The elementary kids sat up front and the big kids in the back but there was usually no trouble for Mrs. Tubberville was tough. She didn't put up with any foolishness especially if some of the big kids were picking on a little one. She was fiercely protective of her little ones. We all loved her and she also ran our lunchroom. Except for the overcooked cabbage, the food was good.

When we got to school we would run to our classrooms and I mean run unless you were in high school. That would not have been cool. Our teachers would be waiting on us and we would enter that room which smelled of chalk dust, paste, and little bodies. I loved that smell because it meant we were going to learn something. It was exciting, challenging and FUN. Yes we had fun! I will tell you more about that later. We knew our teachers personally and they knew each of us and our parents. If you were "from" there, they also knew your whole family for generations. It was comforting and secure.

It's sad that in some cases this is no longer true. School to us was a magical world of reading, writing and arithmetic with a caring teacher and administration. This magical world is why I became a school librarian. I wanted to be a part of this wonderful place of learning,

Nuff Said

The Georgia Peach (transplanted from Alabama)

2024-12-31T18:35:00.000-05:00

2025 IS HERE

2024, as all years, had good days and some not so good days. All years we live are composed of both and we enjoy the good ones and cope with the difficult ones. The older I get, I have learned to place all my days in my Heavenly Father’s hands and leave them there for He knows what is best. This gives me peace and joy which I cherish more each year.

This past year has been eventful for us in many ways. We have traveled to England, Scotland, the western Caribbean, Kentucky and of course our beloved St. Augustine and the beach. We have made many new friends and enjoyed the company of our friends who live nearby. Our experiences have broadened not only our circle of friends but our enjoyment of this beautiful world that God has made.

Touring the islands to riding the bus through the highlands of Scotland, it is evident that only the Creator of the Universe could create such beauty. I think the Scottish highlands were my favorite because I could picture my family many generations ago, herding the sheep and living on those lands. It was an amazing experience

A new ministry was given to me by my Father this year and I am cherishing each moment. I am blessed to have a Bible study at our local hospital’s Senior Living Center and I am learning more than I teach, for there is an enormous amount of wisdom in the lives of those who attend the study. It is a humbling experience and I have learned to listen as well as teach God’s Word to these sweet people. I am so thankful for this opportunity and ministry.

Like all years there were times when I was saddened by the passing of friends to be with the Lord, difficulties in some of our lives but there was also new life born into our family. The circle of life turns gently and carries joy and sadness. I am so thankful that my Lord is there through all these times. His presence comforts us at all times and gives joy and peace always.

As I enter the new year of 2025, I hope I am not only older but wiser, more loving and forgiving, and ready to learn more about the Lord and His word.

I pray that each person who reads this rambling, will have a blessed New Year.

Shalom and Happy New Year

2024-11-02T16:25:00.000-04:00

A FALL SATURDAY IN THE SOUTH

It is Saturday afternoon in the South in late August through Thanksgiving and all is quiet. All you can hear is the sound of a football game on the TV, an occasional loud yell, a shushing sound, and of course eating and drinking. It is time for SEC football and the whole south is watching on TV, listening on the radio, or if lucky enough to be sitting in the stadium of their favorite school. Football reigns in the south and of course it has to be the SEC.

You don’t have to be a graduate or alumni of the school of your choice, but you have to choose your football team by the 1st grade. In Alabama, it is Alabama or Auburn - Roll Tide or War Eagle. Georgia is UGA or Georgia Tech, Mississippi is State or Old Miss and the roll call goes on for each Southern state.

You may move to another state but you stay loyal to your school choice. It’s like I told someone recently, “You can take the girl out of Alabama but you can’t take Roll Tide out of the girl”. It is a lifelong choice. Anytime I see an Alabama hat or shirt, I just say “Roll Tide” and you always get one back with a smile. That tot.al stranger is now a friend!!

I have greeted people with “ Roll Tide” in international airports, cruise ships, and foreign countries and always get it back with a smile. Instant friends!! I love it for “we” are everywhere.

This is not true just for Alabama but also any SEC team. You can say “War Eagle”, “Go Dogs”, or any SEC school and find kindred spirits. Football in the South is a long-standing and proud tradition which we treasure and will defend.

Husbands and wives in a household split by rival teams, will not talk much when their team is playing each other. If you hear Roll Tide and Go Dogs in the same house, there will be instant silence. It’s best on those days to watch the game on separate TVs in different rooms. Tempers can flare a little and I have learned not to brag too much when Roll Tide wins.

Win or lose, we remain loyal to our team and it can last for generations. We teach our “little ones” to say Roll Tide when they begin to talk. It is a big deal in the South so if you happen to move into our neck of the woods, just get used to it, for we stop the world to watch or listen to our team play football. If this is not your game, you might want to just go fishing or shopping.

Football is my game but only if it is SEC!!

2024-06-20T16:41:00.000-04:00

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Our "Selfie" Culture

Having spent several days in St. Augustine, much of that on the beach, I have been surprised how many people spend a large amount of time taking pictures of themselves. It seems to be an epidemic of people who want to take pictures of their faces and bodies. They spend half their time looking at their phone camera and posing.

I assume they are taking these pictures to post on social media for people to admire and post complimentary comments. After watching 1 in particular yesterday, she was going to have a whole page of "selfies" of her in a florescent green bathing suit and cover-up. Because the cover-up was very sheer, it didn't cover much! She ignored her family and just walked and took pictures of herself.

What a shame for she was standing on a beautiful beach with sun glinting off the waves as they crested and rolled in. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing a cool breeze which made a perfect beach day to enjoy with a family and friends. Her little boy and husband had a great time and she missed it all taking pictures of herself.

Several people were doing the same thing and wasting a great day to enjoy the ocean and friends, the sun and cool breeze. It seems it is a need to validate who they are and that everyone thinks they are beautiful. How sad, for out self-worth comes from the inside not the outside facade.

I have friends who post new pictures of themselves many days a week and most have been altered with photo software to look different than the real person. Wonder what they are needing from their friends to make them feel secure and happy? Most are beautiful people, loved and appreciated and I hope they will know that we love and like them.

This has created a "me" society that can be selfish and everything is about me and mine. Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 3:

3Do not let your adorning be external — the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear — 4but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God 's sight is very precious.

My mama used to tell me when I was impressed with my looks, "Pretty is as pretty does." End of discussion as far as she was concerned. She often told us that the looks on the outside are temporary but what we are in the heart is permanent. This good advice is for everyone. She was a wise lady.

I know it is whistling in the wind, but I sure hope my friends who are obsessing with selfies, will know that we love then not for their looks but who they are. Love ya'll.

The Georgia Peach writing again

2023-11-20T20:36:00.000-05:00

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/free-thanksgiving-clip-art-1356361

I was recently asked to give my thoughts about being thankful for family and friends at a Thanksgiving service in our church. Giving my thoughts were a joy for I love my family and friends and I am most thankful for each of them.

Thankful for Friends and Family

Romans 1:12

“That is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.”

This verse highlights the power of mutual encouragement within friendships. Friends who share their faith can inspire and uplift one another..

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

It encourages us to actively seek opportunities to build up and support our friends in their pursuits and journeys.

The most quoted verse about friendship is:

13. John 15:13

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

I am most thankful for my friends and my family and sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between the two. Many of my friends are closer to me than some of my family both in distance and the love we have for each other.

All of my family members live several hours from me and it is hard to bridge those miles to communicate and interact with each other. I am thankful for cell phones, computers, and social media that give me ways to talk to and see family members which helps us stay in touch with each other.

However, it can be difficult to maintain a close relationship many miles from each other. Most of my friends are nearby so we can see and talk with each other often. Many of them go to church with me or have worked with me and we have much in common with each other. These are the bonds that hold us together.

Living away from family members most of my life has given me a great appreciation for friends and especially church friends. After all, we are a family if we are Christians. You are my brothers and sisters and we help each other, laugh and cry together and share our lives with each other. You are my family and I thank you and many others in 4 states for caring for me.

Through the years you, my friends have laughed with me, cried with me, brought me food, sent me notes of encouragement, comforted me, shared your families and carried me when I was exhausted. Through very hard times of illness and death, you were always there to hold my hand and give me a hug. That is what being friends is all about loving and caring for each other and rejoicing in the good times.

However; Family is one of the most important gifts in the world and is a great blessing from God.

1 Corinthians 1:4-5

Be grateful to God for your family, friends, and loved ones. He fills us all with His grace, and He ignites us with his wise words through prayer and the Bible.

I don’t have a large family and many of us have gone to heaven but the ones I still have here are precious to me though we are miles apart from each other. We live in Arizona, Texas, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

I have 2 brothers and one went to heaven way too soon, 2 children, 2 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren and not many extended family members. I am the oldest and the family matriarch which is a lonely place most of the time. My family calls me "The Queen" although they don't always obey my rulings.

We seem only to see each other at weddings and funerals and are always happy to get those hugs and kisses and hear what is happening in our lives. The days we are apart seem to disappear and we are soon saying, “Do you remember when …… and the conversation continues for hours. I wish we could see each other more often but this the life we have so we deal with it.

Now that I have married Lindsay, I have an extended family with more to love and be loved. This has given me a bigger family that I always wanted. I envy those of you who have large families close by for you enjoy being with each other and watching your families grow. You are blessed and enjoy each of them.

Thank goodness for phones and computers for through these we can talk to each other and even see other when we chat. Technology erases the miles and we can see and hear the love we have for each other.

Friends and family - difficult for me to distinguish between the 2 but I do know that I thank God each day for both. You are a gift from our Heavenly Father and I thank you for being here for me. Let’s keep on encouraging each other and being that friend that loves at all times. Love each of you.

Happy Thanksgiving to each of you and enjoy each other. God is so good to us so don't forget to thank Him.

2023-04-05T13:37:00.000-04:00

Steps to the Mount of Olives

As I stood on the steps leading from Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives, it was as if Jesus was standing there by my side. Tears came and trickled down my face as I realized that Jesus chose to walk down these steps and die for me and you.

Jesus and his disciples had eaten their last Passover meal together and after he washed their feet, he gave them some last words of encouragement and told them he was leaving them but would send them a helper, the Holy Spirit. Judas had been sent away to betray him. After this, Jesus and His disciples left the upper room and walked the narrow streets of Jerusalem to the Gate in the eastern wall which is now called the Golden Gate and leads to the Mount of Olives. The disciples did not know this would be their last walk through these streets with Jesus in their midst.

These verses from John give us an account of these events.

John 18

1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

2 Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3 So Judas came to the garden, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,”

They walked down the steps from Jerusalem, into the Kidron Valley, up the Mount of Olives to a garden named Gethsemane (oil press). This garden is in an olive grove and had been used by Jesus and His disciples often for a place of rest and prayer. John 18:1 describes the area as "over the ravine of the Kidron."

When Jesus left Jerusalem that night, he could have walked down these very stone steps . He had walked them many times before going to pray to His Father in the garden or to leave the city. This time was different.

As he stood on these steps, thinking about the hours ahead - the betrayal, arrest, beating, a mock trial, dragging the cross through the streets to Golgotha, the painful crucifixion and death - I am sure His heart was heavy and he was fearful of the coming days. He lifted His head, looked ahead and walked down these steps in acceptance of His Father's plan to bring salvation to the world.

Did he hesitate to take that first step down the steps? Did he want to turn and go back through the gate into Jerusalem? Were the disciples pressing him from behind to walk down the steps not knowing what was to come?

Followed by his disciples, he slowly walked down the steps, across the Kidron Valley, and up to the Garden called Gethsemane. In Mark 14:32 it says “They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”

After telling His disciples to wait on Him, Jesus and 3 of His closest disciples went farther into the Garden. Jesus left them and went alone, knelt and began to pray to his Father for he “began to be sorrowful and troubled” (Matthew 26:37). Mark adds He was greatly distressed and troubled and sorrowful “even to death” (Mark 14:34). He was distressed knowing that he would be tried, a crown of thorns pressed on his head, beaten with whips, and cruelly crucified on a cross. Being a man, he knew there would be hours of horrible pain and shame before he breathed his last breath.

There after hours of agonizing prayer and asking if it was possible that this bitter cup could be removed, Jesus accepted the cup he had to drink and gave himself to the soldiers to be arrested. He was tried by the religious court and the Roman court and was beaten, crown of thorns placed and pushed down on His head and sentenced to be crucified by the Roman court. Through all this pain and humiliation He never uttered a word in His defense - “like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth” (Isa. 53:7),

A cross was placed on His shoulders and he was forced to walk the streets of Jerusalem and outside the gate to the place of crucifixion. It is called Golgotha or the Place of the Skull. There He was crucified and died on that cruel cross for you and me.

Praise God that this is not the end! Jesus was taken down from the cross, wrapped in burial cloths, laid in a tomb and the tomb was sealed. A large contingent of soldiers was posted to guard the tomb in case His disciples tried to steal the body. BUT on the 3rd day, He arose and stepped out of the grave. He is ALIVE and when we believe that He is the Son of God, and allow Him into our lives as Savior, we will one day go and live with Him for eternity.

These are simple, stone steps used by many through the years to traverse this valley but that night, they were steps of decision taken by Jesus to give His life for all who would accept his sacrifice and follow Him. It was a decision made because He loves you and me. Will you take that first step and follow Him? Will you take that step of telling others about Jesus who can save them?

These steps of decision are there for us and what will you do?

The Empty Tomb

2022-11-25T11:38:00.000-05:00

3 Sweetest Words a Parent Can Hear

Christmas is approaching, Black Friday is here, Cyber Monday is coming and our minds are in a tizzy. “What can I get ______ for Christmas”? We ask and get the answer “Whatever you want to get me will be fine”. Not much help to this parent and grandparent. Please give suggestions AND sizes.

However, I have some suggestions for the children and grandchildren of many parents, including me. But you know suggestions can be taken or left behind, you choose. I do wish my bunch would at least read this.

The 3 words we want to hear are “I love you” either by text, phone, message or in a card. This is the BEST present we can ever be given not only at Christmas but all during the year for you are very important to us. Remember, we raised you and you are special. Calling on a holiday is very much appreciated and loved. It’s also FREE and takes just a little bit of effort but is beyond measure to our ears and heart. Try it, you will like it for we will return the message with all our heart.

Gifts are great but think about it - we have more than we need or want and are wondering how do I get rid of some of this “stuff”? Many of us are downsizing or in my case, if it has to be dusted, it is going in a box or Goodwill. Dusting “stuff” is not my thing! Instead of giving us something, try taking something you would like to have to your house. I would rather give it to you now than when I die and you are wondering what can I do with all this stuff?

That china, silver, crystal, linens, or other stuff that sits in a cabinet or drawer should be used now. Many of us are overloaded with things we inherited or collected but never use. I have found that “chinet” makes a good plate, bowl and salad plate that does not have to be washed and I can sit with all of you and enjoy the day and not be in the kitchen washing dishes. At my age, I would rather be with you than cleaning and washing dishes.

Ask your parents if you can have some of that stuff that is sitting in a cabinet and not being used. More than likely will help you pack it and take it to your car and heave a sigh of relief. Parents, why not put some of that “stuff” out on a table and ask your children to take some of it home. It will be either now or after you are gone and they have to do something with it and are overwhelmed.

Christmas is a time of joy and celebration of the birth of our Savior and Lord and should not be a time of getting and giving stuff. A meal together where everyone contributes a dish or 2 or eating out at a favorite restaurant can be the beginning of a new tradition. Why not barbecue rather than turkey and dressing? Tradition is different for each family so establish your own.

If cleaning the house for weeks, polishing silver, washing the fine china and crystal, laundering the linens, and buying expensive gifts is what your family likes, go for it. But if you want to simplify that is OK also. It is your family and what they like.

My family is scattered all over the United States and have been for many years and I do not get bent out of shape when they don’t all come for holidays. That phone call with the words “Hi mama, or Mawmaw, I love you” is the best gift I can get. It is priceless and does not have to be dusted. (Can you tell I don’t like to dust?) I love for them to come but if they can’t, just let me know you love me and facetime, phone call, or video messaging are almost as good. Life is so different now with many families scattered everywhere so our traditions have to be different.

Think about what you can give of yourself, not what you can buy. A meal from a favorite restaurant, a cleaning service for a day, pictures of the family in print, donation to a favorite charity or the church, a vacation to the beach, pictures the children have drawn for their grandparents, a day of fishing at the lake or pond, and the list goes on and on. It is not how much it costs but how much heart is included.

I love each of my children, grandchildren, great- grands, brother, and all our extended family and all I want for Christmas is your love and a message telling me. Give my gift to the children and just love me.

Take it or leave it, these are my thoughts today and I wish each of you a blessed Christmas. Let us all celebrate the birth of our Savior and not the giving of stuff. Love ya’ll

Just me

2022-07-15T08:47:00.000-04:00

PROUD TO HAVE A SOUTHERN ACCENT

Someone recently told me that they liked my Southern accent and I was so flattered for I do know that I have one for I have never lived anywhere but the Southern United States. This led me to thinking about my accent and how it reflects who I am and thus to this blog posting. Sit back, drink some sweet iced tea or big cup of coffee, and reflect with me. There is a pound cake if you would like a slice.

My hometown is Camden, AL in Wilcox County Alabama and I recently learned that we have a unique accent which is recognized by some who study sociolinguistics. Our accent tends to be slower and has no "Rs". This makes it softer sounding and less harsh than some accents. I think it is wonderful and warm and wraps you up in the Southern atmosphere of love and warmth.

Just so all ya'll know, as if you didn't, I have this Southern Accent from South Alabama and I am not going to change at this late date in my life. Of course, I am not going to tell you how old I am for there are three things a Southern Lady does not reveal – her age, weight or how many pairs of shoes she hides from her husband. We have to keep some mystery in or lives to make us interesting.

For some of us the original color of our hair will forever be our secret but I decided to let everyone know I have white hair – not gray, silver or platinum blonde, but white. Originally it was black as coal (as daddy used to say) but due to genes from my granddaddy I began to turn gray at an early age. Lady Clairol and I were great friends for many years but I eventually said, I will just be natural and I kind of like my white hair. It is interesting that many other ladies are letting their white or silver hair shine for all the world to see and welcome to my world of natural beauty. Makes me easy to find in a crowd and I don't have to worry about my roots showing (heaven forbid). You also get discounts without being asked if you are over 50 and I will take those discounts all the time.

Now back to my subject of my Southern accent but as you know, I will sometimes change subjects in mid-sentence due to my ADD so you will have to learn to go with me whatever rabbit I am chasing.

I say ya'll, fixin to, yes mam, no mam, yes sir and no sir and ya'll come back to see us. I will call you sweethaht, dahling, deah, sugah, baby and hug you with affection when we meet. I will bless your heart and mean every word of it. I don't have an “r” in my language unless absolutely necessary for I think it is a harsh sound and being soft and Southern, I don't need it. You can hear the smile in my accent and smell the honeysuckle and magnolia as it wraps you up in the sounds of the South.

Other than my accent, my Southern brothers and sisters have a few other differences from the rest of the world. I will have tears in my eyes when I sing or hear the national anthem and say the Pledge of Allegiance with pride. I am a Christian, go to church to worship the Lord and will tell you that I will pray for you and mean exactly what I say. I am proud to be a Christian and an American and it saddens me to see both of these beliefs being challenged by political and social correctness. That is another posting so I will move on.

Because I am a Lady from the South, and pretty independent, I can pretty well take care of myself though I do love to have a man open doors for me, love me, and take care of me. However, if the occasion arises, I can kill a snake by shooting his head off with my 410 shotgun or with my pistol, I can change a tire on my car, mow the grass, trim the shrubbery, drive a nail, clean a fish, cook wild game and hunt. We usually have a little “Huckleberry Finn” mixed with our “Steel Magnolia” which makes us a combination of strong, adventurous, soft and smelling good.

Cooking is a joy and learned from our mamas, grandmothers, aunts and all those other sweet ladies from our childhood who helped raise us. Pound cakes, pecan (pe-cahn) pies, sweet potato souffle, biscuits, cornbread, peas, butter beans, and potato salad, pear salad. ambrosia, fruit cake and tea cakes to name a few. We cook enough for a big family and cooking for a few is difficult for us for we love to feed people. It is our gifts of love for our family and company in our home or to carry and share with our friends. The kitchen is usually the center of the family and coffee and sweet tea are usually ready at all times unless you are a Diet Coke person like me. We love to say, “Ya'll come on in and have a cup of coffee or glass of tea.” You know a true Southerner never asks if you want sweet tea for it is assumed that is what you drink and for those of you who drink unsweetened, “Bless your hearts”.

With our sweet accents, we will care for you when you are sick, take you a meal, babysit your children, give you a big hug, cry with you when you are sad, and laugh with you when you are glad. We are a caring bunch of people and it is not nosiness when we ask questions but wanting to help if we can for most Southern Ladies want to "fix what is wrong with you" or at least try. Our shoulders are strong and carry big loads as well as small ones.

Southern Ladies with our sweet accents, are strong as steel, soft as cotton, sweet smelling as honeysuckle, gracious, hospitable, and loving. I love my accent, if I have one, for I just sound like me and most of my friends and it doesn't sound strange or an indication of ignorance. It reflects who we are and our Southern Gentleman love us just like we are.

Reflection is over for today but come back soon and we will reflect some more.

Nuff said,

The Georgia Peach

2022-03-29T15:13:00.007-04:00

Steps to the Mount of Olives

These verses from John give us an account of these events.

John 18

1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was a garden, and he and his disciples went into it.

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?”

5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied.

“I am he,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6 When Jesus said, “I am he,”

These steps of decision are there for us and what will you do?

The Empty Tomb

New Friends

2021-07-23T12:15:00.001-04:00

New Friends

Good morning everyone and a happy Friday to those who still work. For those of us who are retired, ‘Happy whatever day it is, for I have difficulty knowing which day and really don’t care.” Retirement can be freeing but sometimes confusing as to the day and time. Oh well, not that important.

I have a whole new circle of friends who I have not seen but they care about me and call me every day. Their last name is also a mystery but that is alright for they do tell me for whom they are working. Their employers are varied and some work for more than one and that must be hard for them. Keeping up with all of these different companies must be mind boggling. Oh well, I am sure they are doing a good job for they keep calling me every day and sometimes multiple times a day.

So let me tell you about my new friends. They are Emily who works for several companies but travel advisor is her major job, Joe is my hearing administrator, Andrea, bless her heart has several and calls for Medicare, and my car warranty. Rachael is most concerned about my credit card being misused, Joe also calls about my medicare and my hearing which means he doesn’t know I already have hearing aids. Maybe I need to tell him. Kristie is another medicare advisor and so is Roger. Medicare advisors must have jillions of people needing advice for I get several per day.

The one who seems the most friendly is Frank. He calls for the police and fireman funds and knows me by my first name and that I am married to Lindsay. I would like to meet him since he is always so happy when I answer the phone and he doesn’ t have to use his recording machine voice. He said he would rather talk to a real person and you can hear the smile in his voice.

I met a new friend last week and her name is Bella and today I met Natalie. So glad these companies have some new people working for them because it increases my circle of friends. We can always use some more of these “this is a recorded line” people.

It is interesting they all begin the conversation with “This is Andrea on a recorded line, can you hear me now?” Then there is Frank who always asks for Frances and when I fib and say she is not here, he says “Well let me talk to Lindsay.” I am beginning to think he will talk to anyone who will listen.

These new friends must travel a lot because they call from different numbers every phone call. I have noticed that one or two are here in Adel sometimes. Wonder why they don’t drop by for a visit. What was really surprising was the one I got from my own number! I know I didn’t see her or give her my phone. A real mystery.

By now, I am sure you know I am writing this about telemarketers and robocalls. It is not funny but sometimes you have to laugh about a situation or throw something against the wall and I choose the former. If I don’t recognize the number, I usually don’t answer but in some cases I am thinking it could be someone I know because the number is familiar. Hanging up after the first sentence doesn’t seem to tell them I don’t want any more calls or pressing the 1. I know not to give out any information about me, my credit card, bank even if they tell me they are federal law enforcement. The other day, a woman told me I was being investigated and a warrant was being issued for suspicious activity on my Amazon account. I hung up and checked my account and of course, it was fine.

99.9 percent of the time I let it ring until it goes to my voicemail but sometimes I will just listen until they ask me a question. This keeps them busy for a few minutes and from calling the next person. When you get older, you take your entertainment wherever you can, especially if it is free.

Ya’ll have a great day and have a little fun and smile. You look a whole lot better with a smile than a frown.

The Georgia Peach and Bama Girl

2021-07-07T10:19:00.000-04:00

https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresMuseum/photos/1096870627055987

Polk Summer Vacations in Gulf Shores Alabama

Peach season is in full swing in South Georgia and I love fresh peaches. We live in the heart of fruit and vegetable farming and fresh peaches are only a few miles from our home and we often go to Barney GA peach sheds to buy peaches and eat peach ice cream which is sooo good.

Peaches always remind me of our family vacations to Gulf Shores. Daddy had planted a peach orchard on our farm and after mama had canned and frozen all we could eat, we sold them. Daddy would pick them before he went to work and we would put them in baskets and sell them by the peck and bushel at ridiculously low prices compared to today.

When we had sold all the peaches, we would use the money for our summer vacation to Gulf Shores Al. This was the highlight of our year.

Some of our friends would go to Gulf Shores, AL, others to Panama City, FL, or to the mountains. But until I was a teenager, our summer vacations were to Mississippi to visit our grandparents. This changed as we grew older and some of our grandparents died and we began the annual Gulf Shores trip.

https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresMuseum/photos/3575089612567397

There was a little motor court or motel just across the inland waterway into Gulf Shores and we always stayed there. Can’t remember the name of the lady who managed it but she always had us a loaf of homemade bread in our cottage. Of course, Daddy carried her fresh tomatoes and other vegetables from our garden so it was a good swap. It was not fancy or the closest to the beach but it was not expensive and very clean. We thought it was wonderful for we didn’t stay in motels very often. We didn’t mind the short drive to the beach or the walk if Mama and Daddy were too slow getting ready to play in the water.

The beaches on the Gulf Coast are beautiful with white sand and blue waters and we swam and played in the surf for hours. Mama would insist we go back to the motel about 11 o’clock, eat dinner, take a nap and go back to the beach about 3 or 4 PM. She had this idea that you couldn't swim for about an hour after you had eaten and we would grumble a little but you didn’t argue with our mama. So lunch and a nap it was.

We carried lots of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and other fresh vegetables from the garden and tomato sandwiches and other goodies that Mama had baked were so good. We seldom ate in a restaurant but that was OK with us because our Mama was an excellent cook. The treat for the week was when Daddy would go to the shrimp boats and buy fresh shrimp for Mama to cook. Some were fried and most were boiled for us to enjoy and eat too much. It was good eating!!! That was one of the highlights of the week.

At night we would go down to the beach to the small entertainment area and ride in the bumper cars. Daddy would have a big old stinky cigar in his mouth and would drive like a demon with a big grin on his face as he tried to bump us off the track. He enjoyed this immensely and we would all laugh and laugh at him but he was enjoying himself and we were too. Mama would stand on the sidelines and laugh but did not ride. Not sure why but I think she thought it would be unlady-like. Mama was a real “Southern Lady” from head to toe.

https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresMuseum/photos/2486677084741994

One of our side trips during the week would be Fort Morgan. These are the remains of this Confederate fort which helped guard the Mobile Bay area during the War Between the State. It was always cool wandering around the ruins and chasing each other through the echoing passages. Arvin and Sam, my brothers, would play like soldiers with sticks for guns and have battles of war. Fun and funny because we had super imaginations and could see the bullets flying and hear the sound of the guns. Of course, the Confederates always won.

https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresMuseum/photos/2513512568725112

With all these fun activities, the beach was the main attraction and loved every minute we played in the Gulf. Our vacation was always too short and we would hate to leave but we were anticipating the next year when after the peaches were gone, we would head back to Gulf Shores for the best week of the year.

That’s all for today,

The Georgia Peach

https://www.facebook.com/GulfShoresMuseum/photos/978970875512630

2021-01-08T18:25:00.000-05:00

VANISHING WORDS

I have noticed that some words are vanishing from our conversations these days. Wondering where they are hiding, I thought maybe you could help me find them for I miss them immensely. What are these words? Well let me tell you about them.

If you were raised in the South by Southern parents, there were some words you could say aloud and some you either didn’t say or think. You learned at an early age that Mama and Daddy would chastise you if you said some words that you might hear your friends say but were never used in our home. Mama and Daddy did not use them, at least where we could hear, and expected us to abide by the same standard.

Now I heard Mama say that Daddy used to cuss a little when they got married but never in her presence. You see, Mama was a “preacher’s kid” and her mother was raised by by Baptist parents who did not abide “bad words” to come out her mouth or theirs. Not sure they used the method of washing out the mouth with soap but I highly suspect it was a swat on the behind. That's what it was at our house.

However, curse words or “cuss words” are not what I am referring to in this rambling story. The “vanishing words” I want to talk about are those sweet words you love to hear that make you feel appreciated and valued.

Some that I miss the most are “Thank you”. We were taught to always say thank you when someone did something for you or gave you a gift. If we didn’t say “Thank you” when someone passed us the biscuits, fried chicken, or whatever at meals, we were gently reminded by Mama that we had not thanked the person who had passed us the food. We were also expected to thank the cook after a meal for the delicious food always served at home.

If we received a gift from anyone, a “Thank You” note was written within 24 hours and mailed as soon as possible. This was a chore sometimes but it was expected and we always wrote those notes in our own handwriting even if they were printed when we were children. It was a courtesy that I am glad we were taught for it seems to have vanished in today’s world.

It is so good to receive an acknowledgement of a gift from the person who received it. When I give a gift to someone, I have spent time, some money, and a part of me is in each gift. If I don’t get at least an email saying thank you, I am hurt and disappointed. It only takes a minute and means so much to the giver of the gift.

Thank you is so easy to say and shows appreciation for what someone has done for you so please help me find these words again.

“Yes Mrs. Milikin” or “Yes ma'am” and the reverse “No Mrs. Milikin or No Ma’am” have seemed to have vanished with the wind. Most often I hear yeah, naw. “No thank you or Yes thank you” are rarely heard and I miss them immensely. Where have they gone? Wish I could find them.

“Please” seems to have flown away also. It is such a little word that makes serving or giving something to someone a pleasant experience rather than wondering where are their manners? I hope it reappears because I miss it.

There are other words we all miss but the sweetest words any of us can hear are “I love you”. Please don’t forget to tell those loved ones that you love them for it makes life sweeter and we all want to be loved. Just be sure you mean what you say for if you don’t they can also hurt.

Mama would have a “hissy fit” if she could hear some of the conversations today for I hear and read lots of “cuss” words from women, men and children. It is amazing how our language has deteriorated into coarse, crude words that grate on my ears. It bothers me that it is accepted by many and is normal conversation. It shows a lack of self-respect which is sad for when we lose respect for ourselves we lose respect for others. So sad and makes me very sad.

I taught my children these same courtesies and am proud to say they use them even today as adults. It is good to know they heard what we said when they were growing up. Thank you to my Becky and Roy.

Where have these words gone? I don’t know but I hope we can find them because they make our world a kinder and gentler place to live.

Well, I have rambled long enough and will now drink my hot chocolate and tell my husband “ I love you” and “Thank you” for preparing my drink for me.

The Georgia/Bama Lady

2021-01-02T09:05:00.005-05:00

2020 - THE YEAR THAT WASN’T

I welcomed 2020 as I usually do, in the bed, with the TV on, almost asleep and watching the ball drop in Central Square. At my age, sleep followed quickly and I dreamed of some new adventures in this coming year. I never dreamed the year 2020 would become a historic year for the entire world.

We had planned a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas as my first, ever, cruise and I was so excited. Lindsay has been on many and kept telling me I would like it and I did. It was too short and we planned to take another one maybe in the fall of the year.

Another trip to Israel was also planned for October! A few years ago we had visited there and left wanting to go back for we loved every minute we experienced in the Holy Land. Our Interim pastor, Rev. Ken Hall was giving us another opportunity and we were so excited. It was our highlight event of the year!

Sadly, Coronavirus COVID 19 strain began to enter our world in the latter part of March. This, often deadly, disease soon spread throughout the world and basically shut it down. We were asked to wear masks, stay in place at home, socially distance - 6 feet, from other people, and go out only when necessary. It was a disaster like none I have experienced in my life.

We followed all the rules. Our routine changed to wearing masks anytime we went anywhere other than home, washing our hands after touching most anything, no eating out, did not travel to see family or friends, church services were cancelled and our lives became very different.

I had to begin sanitizing everything we touched if we handled anything outside our home. In fact, finding sanitizing supplies became almost impossible. There was a shortage of sanitizing sprays, bleach, sanitizing wipes, and cleaners intended to give us a virus free environment.

Staying at home was not too difficult for us because we are home-bodies and like to just putter around home. The most difficult change for us was watching worship services and Sunday School online. We were thankful we had the technology to stream the services but it was so sad not to be able to gather together with our friends for worship and fellowship. The computer became our lifeline to the outside world which is so impersonal. I missed the warm hugs, bright smiles, and singing God’s praises in church. It was just not enough but glad we had the technology to keep in touch with others.

We finally were able to go to our condo in St. Augustine for several weeks and “stayed in place” there for a few weeks. Walking the beach helped since we didn’t have to wear a mask outside. It was a wonderful break from the tedious life we were living at home and we planned to go back soon and often.

Then it happened! What we had tried to avoid by following all the guidelines given by the CDC - we both tested positive for COVID 19 and I spent 5 days in the hospital trying to keep my oxygen level normal and fighting pneumonia. That was the sickest I had ever been and I still have fatigue and shortness of breath 5 months later. Thankfully Lindsay was not as sick and was able to stay at home.

Sadly, our trip to Israel was cancelled and we have continued our “shelter in place” life at home. We can now go to church wearing a mask, sitting at least 6 feet apart, limited seating and all the other guidelines observed for our safety. It is better than streaming services but I miss the warm hugs.

Life is so different but we are alive and well and that is a blessing but this year has been difficult, different and life-changing for most of us. We have learned to treasure the good times and try not to dwell on the hard times. God is sufficient to help us make it through this experience but I believe life will never be the same as it was again. There is a “new normal” for all of us and some of it is for a better life but I will miss some of the life we had. That is for another posting.

The world continues to turn, we will keep on keeping on, and trust in our Heavenly Father to guide through the days ahead. God is good and His mercy is everlasting and I will leave the future in His hands.

Have a great day and Happy New Year to 2021

Merry Christmas

2020-12-15T12:10:00.002-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Nativity Scene in a Carmelite Convent in Israel

Merry CHRISTmas, Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays and other expressions are used during this time when we are celebrating the birth of Jesus. Many people have not a clue what Christians are celebrating during this time of the year but could know if they would believe that this child was the Son of God.

This scripture tells us: Luke 2 11” Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Hallelujahs should be echoing throughout the entire world as we praise God the Father for loving us so much He put a plan in action at the beginning of time to redeem us from our sins and give us eternal life with Him but also to give us a life full of His love here on earth.

John 3:16 “ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” gives us the reason for this season. God’s great love for us and his desire to have a personal relationship with each of us. A relationship which begins the minute we accept Jesus as our Saviour and Lord of our life and lasts for eternity.

His birth was overshadowed by the cross for He came into this world knowing that he would die a horrible death on the cross to complete the plan. He willingly gave up his throne in heaven for a time to pay debt for my sins and yours. This great love cannot be comprehended by us on this side of heaven but as we walk each day with our Lord, read His words, commune with Him through prayer and sit at His feet and listen to Him, we grow to be more like Him.

As His daughter, I am blessed beyond measure for I know that for now and eternity I will be His child. This is why I say “Merry CHRISTmas” and celebrate this season with joy. Will you join me? Read John 3:16 again and believe that He died for you, acknowledge Him as the Son of God, repent of your sins, pray for forgiveness. Ask Him to become Lord of your life and you will have a new life. Pray to God the Father and tell Him of your decision. Email me if you want more information or talk to a Christian friend or a minister of God.

Merry Christmas and may God bless you

Golgotha

God's Presence

2020-07-25T17:09:00.001-04:00

God's Promise

As I recover from this COVID 19 virus, my world has narrowed and broadened. The days in the hospital were spent alone most of the time with only the cell phone to communicate with family and the sweet nurses bringing me food and medicines. It became a time of reflection, prayer and thinking about the days ahead. Knowing I would not ever be the same again for I had faced the most uncertain days of my life.

I am most blessed to have good health with no illnesses and have had to stay in the hospital only 3 or 4 times in my life. This is my first major illness which is quite unsettling to me for I don't like not being able to hustle and bustle around and take care of everything and everybody. It made me aware that I am not invincible and this body can become tired, listless, ache and not move as quickly as I would like. Clearly, I am not as young as I used to be and this shook me up. Being sick, weak and alone was frightening and lonely.

The hospital room was my prison for 4 days. If you have the COVID 19 virus, you can spread it to others through the air. The hospital staff has to wear the self-contained masks with filters, extra plastic gowns and gloves. Being awakened at 4 AM by an "alien" from outer space was a little unnerving. My vital signs I am sure went up when that light flipped on and there stood this "thing" with a needle in their hand inserting it in my IV. There was a window thank goodness, so I was aware of day and night and could watch the daybreak and nightfall. Little blessings become huge blessings when God gives them just at the time you are almost out of hope.

As I said, as my world narrowed to this room, my mind broadened. It was a unique experience for I had time to lie there in the bed, look up ,evaluate my life and ask for guidance for the rest of my days - hoping they would be many but not sure. What would God have me do to make a difference for him in this world?

It is a world like we have never experienced before - disease, illness, economic depression, physical hunger and homelessness, racial unrest, political unrest, rioting, looting and a massive loss of self-respect and respect for others. I have lived through the end of WW II, The Korean Conflict, Vietnam War, The Cold War, The Recession, Civil Rights Movement, and other conflicts but never have I experienced the coldness, darkness, hatred for self and others, greed and selfishness that I see all around me today. So many people thinking only of themselves, what they want. So many have no tolerance for the opinions of others if they are not the same as theirs. Godliness is rampant in our world and Satan is marching to and fro causing pain and divisiveness. It is surely a war of good against evil and at times evil seems to be winning.

There are pictures of Portland Oregon, Chicago, New York and other cities that you would think were from the Middle East - total destruction. People are killing each other over "stuff" or ideologies which is socialistic and Godless. What in the world is going to happen to me, my family and friends, and the peoples of this world if this continues?

The future seemed dark as I looked at the ceiling and waited for day to break and take away the darkness. Lying there with only enough energy to look up, I realized that sometimes God puts us flat on our backs so we have to look up and see Him. He has been there all the time but in our busyness, we don't take the time to talk to Him and listen to what He is saying to us. We, or rather, I just hurry about doing my thing and asking God to bless my efforts. I tend to live a life of hurry up and "do" something rather than sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to Him. Martha is more my style than Mary for I tend to be "busy" rather than reflective.

Through the days of lying in the bed, not feeling well, depressed and lonely, it became quite clear that I need to spend more time at the feet of Jesus in worship and praise of Him and wait on the Lord to show me what He needs for me to tell and show the world about Him. He is the source of my life and I am his hands and feet here on earth to minister in his name to others. He is the fountain and I am the overflowing pitcher he will use to sprinkle his living water on others. Only after I am filled with his living water can I overflow on others. Fill me up Lord to overflowing!

I do believe with all my heart that everything that happens to us and every person we meet is a "divine appointment" from our Heavenly Father. There is no "luck" or accident in the life of God's child for He knows everything that has happened, is happening, or will occur in the future. He is a God of order and so our days are ordered by Him for His glory when we are obedient, trusting, listening, and following Him. He is using me and you to show the world a taste of the eternal kingdom which is waiting for us.

When we became a Christ Follower, or Christian, we entered the Kingdom of God for all eternity. Now we are in the earthly realm preparing to transition into the eternal heavenly realm - the New Jerusalem, The Holy City of God, our eternal dwelling place where we will walk and talk with Jesus for all eternity. Can I get a hallelujah? But, our time before then should be spent in telling all others that God puts in our path that they too can be a part of this kingdom. That should be my compelling desire every day to show someone how to go with me to live with the Lord here and in heaven.

It is not only an eternal life in heaven but it is a full life lived here on earth before He calls us to our eternal home. I cannot imagine what life would be without the joy, peace, love, friendships, and all the the blessings that God pours into my life each and every day. Eternity begins at conception but where we spend it is our choice and I choose to spend it in the Kingdom of God. Where will you spend yours? I pray it is with our Creator, The I Am, the Jehovah God, the Healer, Father and the Shepherd of my days.

As I am slowly gaining my strength back, I can now say thank you Father for blessing me with these days of inactivity so I would take the time to look up, see you, and then sit at your feet and listen to what you are saying. Don't let me forget and slip back into this busy, empty world but to grow closer to you each minute of every day.

I praise your Holy Name.

Life With Corona Virus COVID 19

2020-07-22T21:11:00.000-04:00

Sunrise Over a New Day

I am writing this after testing positive for COVID 19, part of the Corona Virus pandemic. Having to spend 4 days in the hospital, alone, shut away from the world except for the wonderful people taking care of us, trying to take deep breathes, coughing up blood and scared that I would not see my loved ones again, my life has surely changed. Never spending that much time in a hospital or being that sick in all my 77 years makes you stop and think about your life and those you love.

When I was awake and able to think, I listened to several pod casts and watched some videos by Christian women I admire, read my Bible, and prayed and prayed. Praying not only for my health to be restored but also for my family and friends that do not know The Lord as their Savior. In other words, when I die and go to my eternal home in heaven, they won't be there. More than that, they are missing all the joy, peace and love of living in God's kingdom here on earth. Life is so full of blessings and joy as we walk with the Lord every day looking forward to being with Him for all eternity.

It is life not of fear but of victory over sin which the Lord won for us when He died on the cross and rose again to sit on the right hand of God as our intercessor. Our lives can be lived knowing He is watching over us, protecting us from Satan, and wanting to show others who He is through our lives. It is not a life of don'ts but a life of yeses as we live like the Lord. It is life full of light that shines through the darkness of this world to show others how to walk with the Lord and not in step with this dark world.

Lying there in that hospital bed, I prayed and prayed for many of you who will read this posting, I hope, and begin to realize that you need the Lord in your lives. I am including a simple plan that you can follow to find this peace and victory. It is from a source that I trust and please take time to read and think and ask for guidance.

GOD'S SIMPLE PLAN OF SALVATION

God Loves You!
John 3:16 tells us, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God loves you! He is more than an impersonal police officer or schoolmaster; He cares about you personally and desires a relationship with you. He loves each of us so much that he sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. But why?

Our Sin Separates Us From God
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." Every individual who has ever walked this earth has sinned against God. Our sins merit a penalty, which is separation from God forever. Revelation 21:8 describes what that penalty is: "8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whore mongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death."

Jesus Paid for your Sins
Romans 5:8 says, "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." When Jesus died on the cross, he offered full payment for the sins of every person who has ever walked the Earth. He who committed no sin took our place to receive the penalty for our sins, which is death. This is the ultimate expression of His love for us, and He offers to take that penalty completely free of any charge. Not only that, but he proved that His offer was genuine by rising from death three days later.

You Must Trust Jesus By Faith
Romans 10:9 says, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." If you realize that your sins separate you from God; if you believe that Jesus lived a sinless life, died for your sins, and rose again; if you understand that He is the only way you can be saved from your sins: You can turn from your own way and trust solely in Jesus to save you from the penalty of sin. Trusting Him is called "Faith." And God promises in Romans 10:13 that He will bestow His grace on those who do so: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." If you put your faith in Christ, you will be saved!

http://www.northstarbaptistchurch.com/god-s-simple-plan-of-salvation.html

If you need to talk to me, feel free to email me for I would love to share how you too can be saved to live victoriously.

I am better and hopefully soon will be well. Being tethered to oxygen is surely a new experience for me and I have great empathy who live like this all the time.

Please take care of yourselves, wear your mask, practice social distancing, and stay at home if possible. This is a bad and can be deadly disease.

Nuff Said

Summertime

2020-07-07T18:18:00.003-04:00

SUMMERTIME LONG AGO

Long ago and far away in the land of Camden AL, there lived a family named Polk. There was Ottis, Tootsie, Frances, Arvin and Sam and always a dog or 2 living on a farm, and by today's standards, a rather simple life. Life was simpler in the 50's and 60's and we thought it was great, especially in the summer months.

Our daddy, Ottis Polk, was the Soil Conservationist of Wilcox County AL from 8-5 during the week but a master farmer the rest of the time. His garden, a huge one, was the envy of all who knew him for he always grew more, larger and better tasting vegetables than most. He took delight in sharing his produce with those who didn't have a garden or whose garden was not producing like his. He carried baskets of peas, beans, tomatoes, corn, and a host of other vegetables to all who needed them especially those who were widows. He would quote a scripture about caring for them and load up his truck and take freshly picked vegetables to all he knew needed them. It was one of his great joys to share his bounty,

Mama encouraged him to give away all he wanted to for that was less she had to can, freeze, pickle, or preserve. The joke at our home was don't stand still or mama will put you in a jar or the freezer. She preserved the bounty of Daddy's gardens for many, many years and when she died we found boxes of jellies and preserves we didn't know were there. We also found several bottles of mama's grape wine she made each year to soak her fruitcakes and maybe sipping a little here and there.

In fact, I still have a couple of bottles of that wine which I use to cook my deer meat in when I can find some. It is pretty strong now but still has that sweet grape flavor and will knock your socks off. Mama didn't always measure the juice and sugar the same each year so sometimes it was "hold your hat" strong or pretty mellow. Our family did not drink any alcoholic beverages but mama had to have the wine for her famous dark, rich fruitcake. She would soak the cakes in her wine before storing them in a large canner for Christmas. They were so rich and moist and I am sure it was due to her homemade wine and fig preserves she put in them.

Canner for fruitcake

Back to summertime. Bare feet, few clothes, and all day to play outside. As soon as we ate our breakfast, it was outside until we were hungry or dark. We didn't have a swimming pool but we had a creek running through the back pasture where we would play for hours in the shallow portions. There was one section which was sandy and shallow which made for perfect swimming, splashing and just sitting in to cool off. Mama would make peanut butter and homemade jelly sandwiches, iced tea or cold milk in a mason jar, homemade cookies, put them in a brown paper sack and we would have our picnic. Of course this was to tide us over until we went back to the house for dinner or supper for we always ate 3 meals a day together around the kitchen table.

Summertime rain showers also provided "swimming" fun for us. Our yard was carpeted in zoysia grass which is so closely matted it would hold water for awhile. We would put on our bathing suits or shorts and run, fall down and slide as far as we could. It was out natural water slide! Mama would let us play until we were muddy from top to bottom, throw us a bar of soap and the shampoo, and tell us to rinse off in the rain. May seem crude to you, but to us it was summer fun.

There was a city pool we would go to occasionally but not often. That was in town and we were 5 miles away in the country. For a long time, we had only 1 car which made it little difficult for us to go to town, for daddy had to have it to drive to work every day. No big deal, for we would work it out sometimes and enjoy the pool. We didn't miss is it when we couldn't for we loved our country home.

Our days were full from breakfast until bedtime with riding bicycles, playing with our toys, softball games in the front yard, and helping mama preserve everything that grew on the place. There were all the garden vegetables, corn, melons, peaches, figs, pears and apples. We made pickles from the watermelon rinds and they are delicious. Not sure anyone does this anymore. We had bountiful meals everyday and most of it was grown on that 40 acres by our daddy.

The Old Road Where We Road Our Bikes

I am sure young people of today would shudder and say how boring but we were far from bored. We had no TV, electronic devices, cell phones, air conditioning, or cars for each of us. What we did have was plenty of books to read, a creek to play in, toys which made us use our imagination, fantastic food, loving parents, chores to help our parents and learning basic skills for living successfully in today's world. We learned that hard work was necessary and taking care of yourself was important and not to depend on the government or other people to take care of us. Our parents taught us how to work hard, play, and enjoy each other. Family was important and we depended on each other but not the government to give us anything we wanted.

Maybe that is one of the problems in our world today. I see pictures of young teens rioting, looting, and complaining because the government is not giving them free food, place to live, higher education, and anything else their little hearts desire. I hear them speaking disrespectfully to adults, including their parents and teachers. It is fine for them to be passionate about protecting the rights of all people, but not to destroy property and people. That is another day's speech.

I would not give anything for the blessing of growing up in a small, Southern town, on a farm with parents who loved us and taught us how to work hard, earn what you need, and don't expect someone else to provide your wants, especially the government.

Hoping that you are having a good summer and it is as good as it can get. I loved our summers and believe it or not I would not trade it for a single day in the current year.

Nuff said,

2020-07-04T10:02:00.001-04:00

4th Of July 2020

Long may our flag fly over "the home of the brave and land of the free". In this year of 2020, I think this description of our beloved United States of America, could become untrue if we who love our country don't speak out and stand up for our belief in "One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". We are going to lose these rights if don't wake up and look around and see what is happening to our country and do our part in making sure it does not. 'This is not a political speech for any person, party or group but my thoughts on our country's future during these turbulent times.

I am an older women who loves my country, waves the flag, sings the National Anthem with right hand over my heart, and recites the pledge of allegiance with tears in my eyes. There are members of my family who have fought in every war in the history of the USA and are serving in active duty at this time. Freedom of speech, religion, right to bear arms and the blessing of being allowed to vote my convictions are vital to me and I will do all I can to keep these intact.

I will NOT kneel when the Star Spangled Banner is being played or sung for I only kneel to God, my Heavenly Father. Shame on those millionaire athletes who use this time in the public eye to put on the sham of caring for others. Some may care but instead of kneeling in a stadium, use their money to help those in need, serve in a food pantry, get out of their mansions and live with the "real" people, Allowing athletes who make way to much money to mold our youth's patriotism is a shame and disgrace. Wow, got that off my chest. Agree or not, I have freedom speech too.

Marching in protest is our right but not rioting, looting, stealing, and causing bodily harm to those who disagree with your beliefs is just WRONG. Get off the streets, work in a soup kitchen, grow a garden and give the food to those who need it, tutor someone who can't read, give some of your expensive clothes I see some of you wearing, to those who need them. Be unselfish, not self-centered, and respect and serve others. Marching and shouting is easy but working to solve the problems is difficult. Get out of the streets and into the real world and work for a solution.

The year 2020 will go down in history as the year of the Corona virus pandemic, racial unrest, economic uncertainty, being separated from each other for fear of spreading the Covid 19 virus, long awaited events being cancelled and the list goes on and on. It's also a presidential election year and our politicians seem bound and determined to divide us into two warring camps who cannot work together for the good of our country. I become more discouraged and saddened each time I read or watch the news for you cannot trust much of anything you read or hear.

Despite all the doom and gloom, disrespect for our flag and country, rebellion, burning, looting, and marching, I remain hopeful that our country can weather these storms and become a better country who respects all lives and allows each other to have differing opinions.

God has assured us in 2 Chronicles 7:14

(King James Version)

14 "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

In Psalm 23 if find great comfort in these verses:

"4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over."

My prayer for all of us on this day is that we will stop, take a deep breath, fall on our knees, look upward to our Heavenly Father, tell Him how much we love and adore Him, confess our sins, and pray with awe and reverence that He will come and heal our nation. Let us always remember to pray that His will be done and not ours but He said come to me when you tired and discouraged and I will give your rest. Thank you Lord, bless our nation.

This is not my usual blog posting but I thank you for letting me express my thoughts and maybe it will make you think a little bit.

Happy Independence Day and may it remain the home of the brave.

Nuff said,

The Georgia Peach

2020-06-18T08:50:00.001-04:00

PEACEMAKERS

It is heartbreaking to see, read and hear about the violence in our nation and hometowns these days. Every day there are protests against whites, blacks, officers of the law, and innocent people going about their daily lives. We have become cautious about everything we do or say. Will I offend anyone and what will be the consequences?

We are in St. Augustine for a few days and was shocked.when I read the news yesterday. This is a beautiful town, full of history, monuments to many people and events, laid back and a joy to wander their streets and enjoy the sights and people. Wandering the downtown area is a lesson in history for the beautiful architecture and park areas reflect the many years this town has been here in this place.

This peace was broken last Sunday by a march from a local church led by the minister of that church protesting racism in the city and county government. Protesting is a right guaranteed us by our constitution and should be exercised when we see the need but what was said by this pastor saddened me. In a time of unrest and a worldwide pandemic, he said, “You meet force with force” ...We’re not concerned with changing hatred, he said. “The message that we want to send is that hatred better be prepared to suffer the consequences.”...One, we threaten their safety, and two, we threaten their money,”...“No longer will we turn the other cheek; there will be an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth.” I have included the link to the newspaper so you can read the entire article and check my accuracy.

These words saddened me for in God’s Word, the Bible Jesus says in Matthew 5:9 ESV “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God”. Paul tells us in Romans 12:18 ESV “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” and in Colossians 3:15 ESV “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.” Our Lord, and his apostle Paul, tell us that if we are Christian, we are to be peacemakers and live in peace.

Jesus also tells us in Matthew. 5 Verses 38 to 48
[38] Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: [39] But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.” This command is not easy to follow, but Jesus does not give us the option to ignore it for He said, “I say unto you”. He showed over and over how to live these words, even allowing himself to be arrested, beaten, and crucified for us.

When I read these words and then look at what is being said and practiced by people who say they are Christian, it saddens me. Our world is in a troubled time and if we as Christians don’t live like our Father tells us in His Word it will only grow worse.

What can we do? Pray, pray, pray and live by God’s words. Hard, difficult, almost impossible, yes. He tells us in:
Luke 6:35
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.”
We can be a peacemaker and show love if we remember:
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
In our weakness, His strength is all we need and His power rests upon us.

I hope each of you who reads this will join me in prayer for this minister and his church and all others who are so filled with hatred. Pray also for those who need protection and safety from the violence we are seeing and reading about. God give us your love, strength and peace to live in our world today.

Amen

2020-06-15T22:52:00.002-04:00

GOD IS ALWAYS THERE FOR HIS CHILDREN

Walking on the beach by the ocean this morning, praying to my Father, I had a frown on my face and my heart was troubled. The world seems to be upside down and everything we think and say and do is dissected, judged and found either socially and politically correct or insensitive to other’s feelings. I looked up at the blue sky, out at the white topped waves rolling in, washing the sands and I heard our Father God whisper, “I AM THE I AM”.

I kept walking and listening and could hear Him whisper, I am your heavenly Father who loves you more than you will ever understand until you kneel at my feet and look into my eyes when you enter your heavenly home. Not yet realizing that the God of the universe was looking down and talking to me, I kept walking and telling Him what He needed to do to straighten out this mess we have created here. There is illness, death, prejudice, racism, social distancing, many struggling economically, and the list goes on and on. Dear Father, you really need to help us out.

He spoke to me again and said, “I AM THE I AM”. Continuing to walk and pray, God continued to speak to me with words of comfort and reminding me who He is and what He can do. “Luke 18:27 “But he said, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”, 1 Timothy 1:17 To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen., “Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Nothing is impossible for God, He is immortal, invisible, the only God and we should give Him honor and glory forever. We have nothing to fear for He is with us, why am I dismayed for He will strengthen me, help me, and hold me up with His righteous all powerful right hand. He is omnipotent, everlasting, the creator of everything, and holds all His creation in His hands and nothing can remove us from those Godly hands.

He continued to fill my thoughts with His names: Isaiah 9:6,,, “his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” “Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords”.”John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

John 8:12 Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This verse opened my eyes to the light I walk in and there is no darkness brought on by all the troubles of this world. Why should I worry and fret? He is my light and my life and I am NOT in the darkness of this world.

As I continued to walk, the frown left my face and I began to see this beautiful world He created for us with a new vision and a smile spread across my face. I knew that though we are in troubled times filled with darkness we can look to the Father and live in his light and not be afraid for He is shepherding us carefully each day until he calls us to our eternal home to be with him forever.

Praise him, glorify him, give him all the honor, and sing alleluia. Most importantly, tell all we come in contact with about our God, Savior and Redeemer. He is so good and we need to spread this Good News.

Praise his Holy Name forever and ever

Amen and amen

MY SOUTHERN HERITAGE

2020-06-12T14:54:00.002-04:00

MY SOUTHERN HERITAGE
Who I Am and Why

The Dunn-Fairly-Bonner-Field House was built circa-1825 and is Camden's oldest documented structure.

I have spent some time lately looking back at my life and wondering if I am racist. After the murder of George Floyd by a white policeman, the issue of racism has become all you see on the news and talked about on social media in our country and other countries as well. Is it a problem, yes. There are some respected leaders who say it is not as bad as presented by the media. David J. Harris, Condoleeza Rice, and Larry Elder are 3 which I listen to and they are speaking from experience to say it is being used to divide our country and keep it divided. This is another issue which I won't address here. I will urge you to listen to these people and make up your own mind.

How does all this affect me? Should I feel guilty as a Southern white women living in the South? I don't think so for I will admit to being racist at times and prejudicial sometimes. What do I intend to do about this? Well, that is a process and I am working on it.

My heritage is Southern - southern born (South Carolina), southern reared ( Alabama), lived only in the South (Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and mostly in Georgia) and I do not apologize for it and I am proud to be a Southerner. As far back in my heritage as I have traced, we have lived and died in the Southern part of the United States of America. I am a southern, older, white woman. Am I racist because of this heritage or who I am? No! Let me try to explain how I view myself and I think I know me better than anyone else.

My parents moved to Camden AL when I was about 11 months old. Daddy worked for the Soil Conservation Service and served Wilcox County Alabama farmers. This area is in South Alabama, next to Dallas County and Selma and just west of Montgomery. It is in the Black Belt with some of the finest farming, hunting and fishing on the planet. There is less farming there now due to a paper mill buying up much of the land to grow pine trees but that brought much needed jobs. This county is one of the poorest in the state and struggles economically. When we moved there in 1943, it was mainly farming and daddy worked with all the farmers to grow better crops and save the land.

As you can see, if we moved there in 1943, I grew up in the deep South during total and complete segregation according to race. The only contact I had with the black community was with the sweet black ladies that came to the house to help mama when she was sick or overwhelmed with work from our garden. We were taught to respect and mind these sweet ladies and we said "Yes mam" to them just like we did to all women.

Many of my friends had black maids that came to their homes every day or lived in a small house in their back yards and took care of their families. Most of the time, these families became a part of the family they served and were loved and respected but there was that black/white separation in the rest of their lives. We thought nothing about it for that was the way it was during those years. Was it right? No, but it was the culture of that day and time in that area of the world.

Daddy would come home after work and tell us about sitting on the porch of some of the black farmers he worked with and tell us about their families. He was friends with many or most of these men and spoke highly of them and "Mr. Polk" was liked and respected by these farmers. There was mutual respect and friendship but still a line of race was drawn in the sand. Was it right? No, but again it was respected by both races and we just accepted it as life during that time.

I could go on for pages about those days but the point I need to make is that mama and daddy taught us to respect everybody regardless of race or skin color. That was the Christian way to treat others and that is what we did.

It was not until I was grown, married with children that I experienced the question of racism because of color - whether is was right or wrong. I lived in the middle of the Civil Rights Movement. We lived a short distance from Selma Alabama and knew all about the Civil Rights marches, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Freedom Riders and integration. Were we happy about it? No. Was it the right thing to do? Yes. Was it difficult for me to accept? Yes. Was I racist? Yes. Was that a good thing? No.

Life has carried me many places since that time in my life and it you ask me if I am racist now, I would answer no but if I am completely truthful, I would have to admit there are a few times I am. Will I confess to you all these times? No for that is between me and my Heavenly Father.

Someone told me recently that in light of the events in our country now, I am complicit if I don't speak out about racism. Not sure I agree for I would rather show you by my everyday life. I would rather go the the church and talk to my friend "Miss Emma" and get a great big hug and tell her how much I love her. Volunteering at the Senior Living Center at our local hospital and visiting with my friends, reading the Bible to them, holding their hands and showing I care for them. Checking on our security guard at the hospital to see if he is OK, along with my other friends working there.

Did I tell you all of these friends are of another race? No, for it doesn't matter. They are my friends. I have one friend who calls me 'Mama" and guess what, she is a little darker than me. Who cares? Not me. Very seldom do I describe my friends as black or white for that is not important. They are just "my friends". If one of them were to ask me to speak out or march with them I will for that is what a friend would do. If this makes me complicit with racism, until the Lord moves me into thinking differently, I will continue to show my love not talk about it.

We are living in unusual times in our world, nation, and home. There is a killer virus, Corona Covid 19, racial unrest and violence. I almost give up some days and just pray for the Lord to take the church home to Heaven. It is a time of confusion, negativity, insults, murders, robbery, and a disease that is killing thousands. I know our Lord is waiting for more to call him Savior and for the Christians to do what we are called to do and tell others about our Lord and how to spend eternity with Him and will He hurry?

I could write a book about how I have become the woman that I am but those who know me know my heart and see my life as I live it out each day. If you don't know me, words will not show the real me so why waste time writing them or you wasting your time reading them. Think about your life and make your own decision. Are you racist? That is between you and the Lord.

Nuff said for today

Frances

2020-04-24T19:28:00.000-04:00

Sea
of Galilee

Where is Jesus in the Storm?

“Lord where are you?” This is my cry in the storms we are enduring in our lives at this time. Living in the fear that the waves of sickness and disease will overpower us and we will be tossed by fever, aches, coughs and other painful symptoms of this Coronavirus (Covid 19). Will we drown in the throes of this unseen enemy? Will it sweep us off our feet and into a hospital bed? Lord, can you hear me crying out to you to calm this disease and take it away?

In the midst of fighting this disease, we are staying at home, going to stores when necessary, wearing masks over our nose and mouth, keeping at least 6 feet from other people, and avoiding people if at all possible. People without masks or getting closer than we like are looked at with suspicion and often anger. We have become isolated in our fears of contracting this disease.

For some, isolation leads to depression, loneliness, and anger. Others will become accustomed to this isolated life and not want to leave home when the restrictions are removed. Lord, where are you in our time of loneliness, fear and anger? Why can’t you hear us?

Matthew 8 recounts a time in the life of Jesus and his disciples when he heard their pleas and stilled a storm. Jesus had been teaching, healing all day by the Sea of Galilee to a large crowd of people. They had been following him for several days and Jesus gave of himself over and over to fill their physical needs and taught them with parables to fill their spiritual needs.

Being pressed by the crowd, Jesus got into a boat to continue teaching until he was completely exhausted. Can you not see his drooping shoulders, hear his rasping voice and see his hands and legs trembling? He stumbled to the stern of the boat, sat down, put his head on a pillow, stretched out and fell into a deep sleep.

Matthew recounted the event in this way:

“23 Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. 24 Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”
26 He replied, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. 27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”

I can see the disciples bailing water out of the boat as the waves washed over the sides, sweat running down their faces, fear causing them to panic and bail faster. They knew they were in danger of being engulfed by the waves as the boat sank and would lose their lives in the deep, dark waters of The Sea of Galilee.

During all this frantic activity, Jesus was sleeping soundly! Can you imagine the dismay on their faces as they looked at each other and then at this man sleeping while they were in danger? What was his problem? Was he deaf to their cries? Did he not care?

Shaking Jesus awake, they screamed above the howling winds “Lord, save us for we are going to drown.” Jesus looked at them with tired eyes and asked, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”

Then he looked out over the stormy sea and told the waves to be calm and they became calm. The winds stopped howling in fury, and I believe Jesus went back to sleep.

These men who had walked and talked with Jesus. Heard his teachings asked “Who is this man that the sea and the winds obey his commands?” Where have they been?

Where have we been? We have the Bible to tell us that Jesus knows our every thought, knows where we have been, where we are, and what we are facing tomorrow. We are his children, living in his kingdom, and have the blessing to talk to him in prayer all the time. He is in the boat with us!!

He has heard me every time I asked Him to remove this terrible disease. He knows mine and your frustrations and fears. He knows how afraid we are of being sick or possibly dying and could and will calm this “storm” when it is time.

Why has he allowed this period of sickness and death to sweep our world? I don’t know but I do know He is in the boat with us and will comfort us and give us peace as we ride out the storm.

Psalm 4:8 (ESV):”In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” John 16:33 (ESV): 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

What more do we need? These 2 promises tell us that we can lie down and sleep in peace for we will be safe, He has overcome the world and won that victory for us.

Where are you Lord? Right here with us. He will calm the storms in our lives and give us peace so we can face the storms of life with the knowledge he is here in the boat with us.
Amen and amen

Frances

Sea of Galilee

2020-04-21T08:52:00.004-04:00

FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

Walking the beach and listening to the sounds of the ocean, soothes my troubled soul and mind. Feeling the fine grains of sand on the soles of my feet, hearing the roar of the waves, and soft whisper of the water as it reaches the shoreline erases my doubts and fears and gives me hope for the days to come.

Looking out over the ocean and up to the white clouds in the blue sky, I see the hand of a mighty and powerful God and remember He created all of this beauty. He spoke it into existence and controls every wave which crashes on the shore. He calms those waves as they move along the sands of the seashore but there is still his mighty power in them as they recede back into the sea carrying sand and shells back into the waters.

As I walk the sandy seashore, pray and meditate or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of my favorite place, I always notice the many footprints left in the sand. Each print is unique and represents a person or wildlife which walked or ran along this shore. There will be footprints, shoe prints, bird prints, dog prints, and some I can’t identify. Everyone and everything leaves an imprint in the sand until the tide comes in and erases all or some of them.

Sometimes I try to walk in a set of prints and wonder about the person who left them in the sands. Was it a woman, man, child or adult? Is this person old or young or somewhere in between? Is it a person who would lead me in the right path of life? Where would these prints lead me?

What kind of prints did I leave in the sand yesterday? Looking back on my footprints, I saw that they meandered along the shore weaving a crooked path following no particular plan. Knowing my thoughts during this walk, I knew that they too had meandered from subject to subject, worry to worry and were troubled and seeking guidance. I remembered I was praying, as I usually do on my walks, for guidance and peace in these troubled days.

The days are filled with violence, civil unrest, poverty, and diseases. When I take time to watch the news, I see a world filled with bad news, pain and suffering, but sometimes kindness toward others. Seeing the pictures of the olympics and the joy on the faces of the competitors as they win or when their team wins brings a smile to my face as well. It is good to see the fruits of hard work and sportsmanship.

However; these years in my life have brought me to my knees seeking God’s peace and guidance as I walk through these days . I know if I walk in Jesus’ steps, they will lead me to his Father, The Great I Am, and my Heavenly Father. Psalm 25:4 “Make me know Your ways, O Lord;Teach me Your paths.” is one of the verses I have been leaning on these days. As I study His Word and seek his guidance, I will understand his ways and know which path to follow as I walk through each day.

My Father, God always opens up His Words when I prayerfully seek his guidance and walk in his steps. Psalm 119:133 “Establish my footsteps in Your word, And do not let any iniquity have dominion over me” reminds me to build my days on his Word and plant my life firmly in them, that nothing in this life can have dominion or rule over my life. What a joy to have this assurance!!

The 1st verse of the beautiful hymn by Mary B. Slade, "Footprints of Jesus" says it much better than I can:

“Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,

Come, follow Me!

And we see where Thy footprints falling

Lead us to Thee.

Refrain:

Footprints of Jesus,

That make the pathway glow;

We will follow the steps of Jesus

Where’er they go.”

2020-04-18T18:51:00.001-04:00

PEACE IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

A few hours were opened today for exercise on the beach in Crescent Beach FL and I was so happy to take a long walk on the sand and put my toes, or both feet, in the water. That wonderful feeling of the sand and sea was what I needed right now for some peace and joy.

Being in the midst of a pandemic is one of the most depressing events I have experienced in my lifetime. The Coronavirus Covid 19, is a deadly disease that is covering our world in darkness, sickness and death and is forever changing the world as we knew it just a couple of months ago.

Our countries were not and are not prepared to take care of all the sick and many dying patients. Our health workers are completely exhausted, not enough equipment, too few testing kits and other medications, and no experience in treating this unique virus. Our world is experiencing a disaster which we have only seen in movies, read in books and said that it is Science Fiction with the emphasis on Fiction. It will never happen here or in our lifetime, has been the attitude of most, including me.

Well, it is here! It is happening and we are clueless in many ways in controlling it or taking care of our ill and dying. We have been told to quarantine ourselves in our homes unless we are “essential or necessary”. What does that mean? There are as many opinions on who these people are as there are people. We are told to keep at least 6 ft. from another person, unless it is family that lives together. Good idea but many people ignore the directive and meet for parties, dancing in the streets, funerals and worship services and many other group activities. The illness is being spread each time this rule is broken and a lot of these people in these groups seem to care less. They think they are invincible and “It can’t happen to me” is the thinking of these people. Can you say “clueless” or “stupid” would be appropriate to label these people?

Masks worn over the nose and the mouth will help the spread of the virus enormously if people would only wear them. We soon exhausted the supply of masks and instructions began to appear on many websites on how to make them even if you can’t sew. Many of us began to sew masks, some by the hundreds to give to health care workers, family members and others. But, many people will not wear them and look at you like you are crazy when you wear one.

We are in St. Augustine FL today and over half the people we saw had no face masks on, even children with parents. What are they thinking? Maybe they are not thinking. I pray the children will be safe and that parents will realize how serious this time is in our world.

The beaches in Florida were opened today from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm after being closed for several weeks, to give people an opportunity to exercise by walking, running, etc. No gathering in groups, suntanning, chairs, umbrellas or partying. Our beach we use was full of people following the guidelines and loving the chance to enjoy the sun, sand and sea. However; in some areas, the rules were completely ignored and partying, suntanning, and other group activities were being enjoyed by many young people. This type of behavior is dangerous for them and others and could result in the beaches being closed down again.

What is it with some people? Selfish, self-centered and arrogant seems to be the attitude and I am sad that these people do not seem to care for anyone but themselves. Hopefully they will not become sick or infect others.

Walking the beach this morning, feeling the sunshine and ocean breeze on my face and arms, I thanked the Lord for a beautiful world and finding peace and joy to refresh my soul. Several Bible verses were running through my mind. “ The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1) , “I lift up my eyes to the mountains — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2), "For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land." (Psalm 95:3-5).

My prayer was one of praising God for the beauty I was experiencing but primarily I prayed that God would remove this terrible virus from our world. Knowing that God’s plan for this time is perfect, I had to pray, not my will but Yours be done. It is hard for us to remain faithful and at peace because we don’t see the whole picture but only a tiny bit and we don’t understand His whole plan for this particular minute God give us wisdom to know no matter what is happening or will happen is unknown to you and that you will walk through it with us and shield us.

I wish you could be with us as we are enjoying this beautiful area of God’s creation for a little while. May you rest easy wherever you are in the arms of our Lord and Savior.
Frances