“Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on.” ― Louis L'Amour
It seems many today have not the slightest notion
of those who gave their last measure of devotion
to secure for others, precious liberty
in our country, known as land of the brave and free.
Though our freedom might be a waning ember,
let’s take the time to reflect and remember.
Liberty is bought, it’s not totally free.
Courageous patriots died
for Americans like me.
5/30/22
When I was a young child, you were an old gray headed man that shuffled along slowly, aided by a cane. You never could move fast enough for me, and although I tried to hurry you, you would not be rushed. I looked forward to things like going to kindergarten, summer vacations and the holidays that never seemed like they would come soon enough. As I got older, I looked forward to graduating 8th grade, graduating high school, graduating college and finally getting married, but I was always waiting on you, for you were ever with me. Things just had to be done at your pace.
An amazing transformation happened to you after I got married. Suddenly you were much younger, and it seemed you and I were moving together at an almost equal speed. Now we were getting somewhere! We seemed to be in sync until I had my first child, at which point another alteration took place in you. You became even younger and seemed to have the energy of a teenager, while at the same time, I noticed that I was getting older. I was enjoying being a mother. There were days I just wanted to marinate in the experience, but you with your boundless energy kept pushing me forward. Before I even realized what was happening, my children were graduating from high school and growing up. Oh, you rambunctious youth! You just wouldn’t stop and rest even for a minute.
Then one day, I had an epiphany concerning you. In all honesty, you had been the same all along and had never changed. The only thing that had changed was my perception of who you are. You have been God’s faithful servant throughout the ages, and I am learning to cherish you more each day. I will do my best not to try and hurry you or slow you down or squander you, but with God’s help, I will let you run your course. You are precious to me, Time!
1/3/18
She longed to give a gift
although she was so poor,
to her second grade teacher
that she truly did adore.
Her teacher liked fine hot teas, she knew,
with store bought raw, clover honey,
but to buy a fine gift as that
she just didn’t have the money.
How warm and cozy the teacher would be
in a colorful, flannel robe,
but she settled on a present homemade
a sparkling Christmas globe.
To assemble all the ingredients
she knew she wouldn’t have to go far.
The foundation of her creation would be
her infant sister’s washed baby food jar.
She snuck into her tiny back yard
hoping nobody would see
as she took grandma’s sewing scissors
and got a snip from the evergreen tree.
Next she crept up to the attic
behind the ancient washing machine
and broke off a tiny gold star
from a long forgotten manger scene.
So with all her contents assembled
she set about fulfilling her task
and determined with all her might
for adult help she would not ask.
In her young seven year old mind
she was a master with a bottle of glue.
It seemed she was guided by providence
and knew exactly what to do.
But at last she had a perplexity.
Where would she get the finishing touch?
A spoonful of snow would make the gift grand,
but where could she obtain such?
She couldn’t think just what to do,
but alas, she was no quitter.
She thought and prayed. A solution came to mind.
Why not use some golden glitter?
After filling the jar with water,
she sprinkled in her makeshift snow.
The pleasure in her industry displayed
in her bright smile, it did show.
Laying in bed with anticipation that night
sleep just would not come to her eyes.
School time just could not come soon enough.
She thought the sun would never rise!
12/4/17
Heavenly harbingers hurriedly hover
heralding holiday happening,
harboring holy hallelujahs,
honoring, hailing hallowed hope.
12/5/17
Dear autumn time brings splendid holiday
in lovely shades of ginger and saffron.
Bright leaves announce Thanksgiving’s on its way.
Our crimson blessings we reflect upon.
With pies of pumpkin and amber chiffon,
cinnamon sentiments filling the air;
sweet loved ones and friends have gathered so near.
There’s frolic, feasting till the evening tide.
Of food and fellowship we’ve had our fill.
The umber sky, sun’s fire does now hide.
Our hearts are filled with gladness and good will
which does not dissipate with autumn’s chill.
And though Thanksgiving Day has come and gone,
the many colored memories live on.
9/9/17
There is nothing like the love of God, and I am truly grateful for it!
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
It has been over 5 years since my oldest brother Tom passed away. About a year after his passing, my elder sister announced to the family that she wanted to start a new Christmas tradition. She had had his Bible for a whole year. This was the Bible that our former pastor, Derrald Hilderbrand, had given to Tom as a gift before he left to attend Apostolic Bible Institute. I went to the same college at the same time as Tom and also received a Bible from our pastor, which I still have.
Anyhow, my sister thought it would be a nice idea to have a different family member receive Tom’s Bible as a Christmas gift for a year, and then pass it on to a different family member the following Christmas. Last year my daughter had the Bible, and she decided she was going to pass it on to her cousin Nick in Wisconsin. Since I don’t know when it will be my turn to receive it, and we live in the same house, I asked her if I could look through it before she sent it off. I couldn’t resist taking a few pics.
This Bible is a KJV Cambridge Wide Margin-perfect for adding notes, which Tom did.
I really enjoyed perusing his Bible, looking at passages he had underlined and reading through some of his notes. I’m glad my brother was into the Word, and although I still miss him, I would not want him back on this earth. Now he is with the Word, and one day, whether by way of the Lord’s coming or the grave, I look forward to seeing him again.
My pastor’s(husband) preaching last night concerning Simeon brought this post back to mind. I’m so glad Jesus came the first time, and I am longing, waiting for and planning on being ready for His second coming. Wishing all our friends and family a very Blessed Christmas!
Psalm 25:14
The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.
Simeon had a secret. It was something that God had revealed to him. We don’t know exactly how God told him. Maybe it was a dream. Perhaps he heard and audible voice. The Bible does not say, but the Bible does tell us what God revealed to him.
Luk 2:25,26
And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.
And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
Simeon had a wonderful promise that before he died, he was going to see the Messiah. How thrilled he must have been on that…
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I just wanted to share a memory of our most comical Thanksgiving which took place almost 9 years ago. My sister is actually making the stuffing again this year. We’ll see if history repeats itself.
“Did you take this out of the fireplace?”
“It tastes like you crushed some Virginia Slims in it.”
Jennifer just ran to the bathroom to spit it out.
These were just a few of the reactions to the burnt stuffing my sister brought over to my house on Thanksgiving. Have you ever cooked something that just really bombed? Such was the case with Kiki’s stuffing. (Kiki is my sister Karen’s nickname.) However, this Thanksgiving tragedy quickly turned into comedy. All day long we cracked jokes about this smoky sidedish. My brother-in-law(Kiki’s husband) assured us that he was going to chuck the whole pot out the window as they drove over a particular bridge on their way home. You might think we’re weird, but this really created a great Thanksgiving memory that none of us present will ever forget. Everything else my sister made was wonderful. She cooked a moist turkey with delicious…
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It’s almost time for my favorite holiday of the year! Whether you have little or much, here is a poem that helps to keep it in the right perspective.
HOW TO OBSERVE THANKSGIVING
Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.
~~Author Unknown.~~
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