LAST POST FOR 2014

Tonight at midnight 2014 will officially come to an end.  A new year will stretch in front of us to make of it as we desire. This post will mostly be random thoughts about the year 2014 and dreams and desires for the year ahead of us.

 

WISHING THE BEST TO YOU AND YOU AND YOU IN 2015!

Sorry to say I'm ending the year a bit under the weather.  Seems the older I become the more health problems I have.  I have never enjoyed complaining about my health nor have I enjoyed hearing others constantly complain.  With that in mind, I will simply ask for prayers for upcoming tests.  I'm praying, and ask you to do the same, for my problems to be healed soon so I can get on with my life both in preparation for our move to Huntsville and for my work for the Lord.

Several of my post recently have involved our great-granddaughter, Allison and her giving spirit.  Check recent blogs to see what she asked for her 16th birthday.  We are so proud of her unselfish spirit.  We felt sure she would be rewarded for her generosity not only by the joy of giving to others, but felt sure she herself would receive in accordance with what she gave.  Her 16th birthday was December 22nd and she is the proud owner of a "new" car! 

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

One of the big events of the year was finally deciding it was time to make a move.  Most of you know the reasoning behind it.  We are trying to make some adjustments to Claudia's house and move in with her.  So far we have added a large storage shed to her back yard and a fantastic screened in back porch that should be a great entertainment and fun area.  She, her children, grandchildren, other family members and friends are already enjoying it.  She surprised us by giving us a remodel to her front porch as a Christmas present.  She had new railings and a much needed hand rail installed.  This not only improved the front of the house but will be much more convenient for us to get up and down the front steps.  She has also come up each month since August and helped clean, pack and move quite a bit of our treasurers (junk.)  We have had other help as well.....Becky and Frank (our youngest son and his wife), Allen and Julia (our oldest son and his wife), Sharon (our youngest daughter) and Landen (our youngest grandson.)  I am probably forgetting some but not intentionally!  All help is greatly appreciated.

 

Huntsville, Alabama Here We Come!

I began the month discussing gift-giving and want to end it with another example of gift-giving that will never be forgotten.

Many times I have heard single women (either widowed, divorced or those who have never married) comment that it is hard to establish relationships with people at church, work etc.  I have encouraged them to invite us into their homes.  I am not concerned about Doyal being "exposed" to available women and haven't been for many years (if ever.)  He doesn't mind being with a bunch of women either as he usually pitches in and helps with the meal and clean up then leaves us to whatever we want to do and goes off to read or watch TV. 

I have also known women in this situation who open their homes not only to couples but to singles, college students, etc.  In my humble opinion there is NO excuse for people, especially Christians, to shelter themselves just because of their situation in life.  Open up to others and they will open up to you!

One prime example is my mother.

 

One of my favorite snapshots. Mother in her pink housecoat.

Mother was a prime example of a selfless giver.  From as early as I can remember she did little things for others.  We were not well off financially.  However, she found ways to do for others that most people wouldn't bother to do.

Here are a few examples.  Some of these I found out long after her death.

In 2000, a man in his middle 60's told me how he used to come to our house to get her to cover buttons for his mother.  Mother took all sorts of time with him explaining how her button covering machine worked.  He said,  "I'll never forget how much fun that was."  This cost Mother nothing, but was a gift no one else in our town could give a young boy.

I had a relative who was an alcoholic.  He had three children a few years younger than I.  After I left home, Mother "adopted" them.  She would have them come by for various things and on some occasions give them money from time to time for school trips etc.

As long as I was in school she was a room mother to my class.  She also served as PTA president even after I graduated.  She loved doing this.  She always took me shopping for small items to give to my entire class at Christmas.  My favorite memory of this was when we went to Montgomery for my doctor's appointment when I was in the Fourth Grade.  We went to Woolworth's where she found enough juice glasses for my entire class.  This was during the days when juice glasses were small (probably about 4 ounces.)  They were clear glass with orange and green stripes around the top.  Then we bought peanuts and filled the glasses and covered with cellophane tied with a pretty ribbon.

She was widowed at the age of 53 and moved to live with us until her death at the age of 86 years, 5 months.  Until she was 74 she lived in the house with us.  Then we moved and she chose to live in a trailer next door to where we built a house.  At that time she was in her element.  I taught a ladies Bible class on Tuesday mornings and several of the ladies brought their children.  Mother took it on herself to take the children in a classroom each Tuesday and have a class/play time with them.  A friendship grew from this.  She fell in love with these children and they with her.  Later she decided to have one at a time come to her house for breakfast.  She made tiny biscuits and put tiny sausage or bacon inside.  Then served juice and she and the child had a blast for a couple of hours together.  I never did know exactly what they did or talked about other than having breakfast but do know that even today when we visit our friends in Pike County Ohio these children who are in their late 30's and some in their early 40's talk about the fun times they had with "Granny Ward."

On any given day, and at any time of day one could find Mother sitting in her rocker tatting.  She loved to tat and many, many people still have the cross bookmarks she so lovingly made and gave to so many people.

 

A book mark that Granny made.

 

None of what my Mother did cost a lot of money, but everything she did left memories that will not soon be forgotten.

Three hours from now we will be ringing in the new year in Indiana.  Let's think about the different ways each of us can give of self this next year.  The greatest gift one can give is to lovingly give of self.

Our Savior is the ultimate example.

Ephesians 5:1-2 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Galations 2:20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galations 1:3-5 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

GIFTS — WEEK #3

Here it is a week until Christmas Eve. Have you finished your buying, making, wrapping, decorating and all the things that surround the Christmas season? I finally got the last of our packages mailed a couple of days ago and was assured by our friends of the Lawrenceburg Post Office the packages would arrive before Christmas. Now, I have a few things to wrap for the children and grandchildren we will be with this Christmas. I also plan to make some of my special spiced tea recipe to give to special friends here. Then when Claudia arrives on Saturday we will quickly make about 12 jars of sugar scrub. This is her recipe that everyone who uses it loves.

This week I’m going to talk a little more about special gifts that children can give. These are gifts that have touched my heart over the years and ones that I will cherish always. To be truthful I don’t remember many of the gifts people have bought for me, but haven’t forgotten many of the ones that were made with love.

First, I would like to tell you something that will make your heart sing. It seems every time we turn on the news we are hearing and seeing horrible things that are happening in our world and many times right in our own neighborhoods. What is extremely sad is some of these horrible things are being done by teenagers. We bemoan the fact that all of our teens are headed for trouble if they aren’t already in trouble. I’m here to tell you that just "ain’t" true. (I only use that word for emphases.) My English teacher would turn over in her grave if she could see this even using it in jest.

Our great-granddaughter, Allison, will be 16 on the 22 of this month. (On a side note her Great-Daddy and I were engaged on that date in 1952.) All she asked for was a car. No, wait! That’s not right. That’s what most 16 year olds ask for. Here’s what Allison asked for. She went on Facebook and put out a request for shoes, clothing, hats, scarves, gloves, etc. for grade school children. I dare say she didn’t expect the response she received!

Her youth minister posted the following along with this picture.

"Meet Allison
She is one of my MYM manatees, and I couldn't be prouder.
She requested for her birthday, that instead of presents- people donate shoes to kids in need. The response was overwhelming.
Over 200 pairs of shoes at last count. Two vehicles worth of clothes.
Countless man-hours sorting and "just staring" at the mess.

We are not called to become perfect. We are to continually 'be becoming' who God wants us to be.
Very proud of you Allison.

It should be noted that this will embarrass her, and she hates the spotlight."

Allison posted this as a means of trying to thank the many people who donated and who helped her sort, label and deliver the donations to one of the local schools who have many children in need.

"I have waited to post a picture of the shoe drive donations because I cannot seem to find the words to describe how I thankful I am. I am blown away by the goodness of God. My prayer is that the donations are more than just a pair of shoes or a new coat to these families. I pray that compassion and love is seen through these items. Thank you to everyone who joined me and made this possible. Though I may never know how it impacts others, I know what God did in my heart through the drive and I thank Him for the opportunity."

What greater give could this 16 year old give than to give of her time, her money and her abilities! I am so very proud of this young lady!

Now, I would like to share some gift ideas that mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers will cherish. Maybe not all will but this one certainly does. I wish I had all the gifts my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have given me over the years. I have many more than the ones I am posting here but they are already packed and have been taken to our new home in Huntsville, Alabama awaiting our arrival.

There are several ornaments hanging on our tree that the Ford boys painted for us several years ago. I just this year returned handmade ornaments to one of my granddaughters for her to put on her tree to enjoy. Already in Huntsville is a lovely homemade Christmas wreath with a paper "My Grandmother" that a granddaughter in Oklahoma made many years ago. I decoupaged a poem on a decorative piece of wood many years ago. It was from our youngest son and spoke lovingly of his mother and what she meant to him. It too is already in Huntsville awaiting our arrival. The following two pictures are gifts I will cherish and will one day return to the giver.

 

Our 41 year old grandson name this for me when he was 8 years old and it has had a prominent place in our home since.

 

Our "adopted grandson" here in Lawrenceburg made this music box at Lowe's Children's Builders and gave it to us.  It holds some of my treasures.

These are just a few more ideas of the things children can give. Those of you who are still rearing your children; remember the best gift you can give your children is your time and what better way than to work with them on making gifts for others.

Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

Acts 20:35 "......remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

GIFTS – WEEK #2

The post this week is a little different but it has me wanting to go back to rearing children and trying these ideas. This is definitely giving a gift of "self."

Perhaps what sparked the idea is the fact that we are realizing more and more that we can’t do quite as much physical work as we once did. Since we’ve both been knocked for a loop with whatever it is that we’ve had for several weeks, we have not had the energy to do nearly as much as we normally do.

At first your children might balk over this idea, but I do believe once they get involved they will enjoy it.

Here’s the idea/suggestion:

Have a family meeting and select an older person or couple from your church or neighborhood who does not have family to go to or who plans to come to them this holiday season. Invite them for Christmas dinner with your family. If you aren’t used to having "strangers" for your family gatherings it might be a little unsettling to think of having someone besides family. However, once the festivities begin I can assure you you will be happy you did. Have the children to make cards or some sort of gifts for them. Then......here’s where the entire family might resist! This is time consuming and a lot of work. BUT not only will it teach your children something valuable but will remind you of what giving is all about.

With the entire family along for the ride, plan a year or giving to this person/couple. List some things your family is willing to do such as washing windows (this is getting harder and harder as the years add up), scrubbing the bathroom (most will balk at this one, but it has to be done and will teach your children to "work with their hands"), mopping floors, cleaning the kitchen top to bottom, raking leaves and such like. Then make a poster (this doesn’t have to be large) with each month listed. Give it to them and tell them you would like them to give it thought, fill out the poster for one project a month and give the poster back to you when finished. They can wait till after Christmas so that they can think about it and get it back to you. When you get the poster back you can decide when all of the family can do the chore and contact your friends to make sure it is a good time for them.

 

 

Two sweet girls cleaning windows for their grandmother.

On my! I can hear Momma and Daddy whining about time and extra work and all that stuff. But, hey! What are we doing here anyway. We are teaching our children not only to work but we’re teaching them the JOY of giving of self. So many parents and grandparents are excellent it teaching their children/grandchildren the joy of receiving, but few are teaching the joy of giving. At least this is my observation of the many families I know. There are exceptions of course.

I can assure you that each one of you will benefit from this. Soon you will establish a relationship with these people (even if you have chosen your own parents, grandparents or great-grandparents) that you never imagined existed. The older folks will fall in love with the children and the children with them. Older people love to talk about the past, so encourage your children to ask questions and then truly listen. Most children eat this up.

 

 

Most older people enjoy talking about their youth and many of the younger generation "eat it up."

Yes! I’m talking about once a month here. Perhaps one or two hours a month to help others. Is that asking too much? I think not. And when you see the happiness it brings you will be amazed. But, when you feel the happiness and joy it brings to you and your children you will wonder why you didn’t start this sooner.

 

Ps 71:9 Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

Ps 71:18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation your might to all who are to come.

Prov 23:22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

Prov 12:14 From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him.

Prov 14:23 All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty.

Prov 18:9 One who is slack in his work is brother to one who destroys.

Prov 21:25 The sluggard's craving will be the death of him, because his hands refuse to work.

Eph 4:28 but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.

Col 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

2 Thess 3:10 "If a man will not work, he shall not eat.

Until next week.....have a good one!

GIFTS

I decided to write a post concerning gift-giving each week during the month of December. Most of us have our minds on giving or receiving the perfect gift during the Christmas season. Many are stressed and exhausted with shopping for those gifts, decorating the house, food planning and preparation, parties and such like. This got me to thinking about the importance of giving.

First off, let me say that we didn’t/couldn’t go overboard with gifts nor could our parents. Perhaps had we only had one or two children instead of ending up with nine, we would have indulged them more. Funny though, they don’t seem any worse for not getting the abundance of things that some family get today.

I know several parents and grandparents who give, give, give. Not small things, but the very best. I’m not being critical, just stating a fact. I’ve been in homes where there was a room designated as "The toy room" and it was FULL. Before anyone gets on their high-horse about this, I must say we had a "toy room" in one of our houses. We bought an old house in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that actually had been cut in half and one portion sold and moved. Needless to say the half we had was ill arranged in many ways. Off our bedroom were two rooms . One looked as though it had been an original porch and the one adjoining that was a small sun porch. So Allen got the sun porch as his bedroom and the walk-through room that probably was once a porch was "the toy room." It was also my sewing room. ALL of the children’s toys were kept in a large toy box that Doyal had built and most days the box was tipped over and all those little toys were all over the floor! There were little cars, little dolls, little everything! Why do we buy little things! They are so much trouble to pick up! So, you see, I’m not opposed to toys or toy rooms. But I think there is something so much more we can give our children and grandchildren and that is what my post is about this first week in December.

I asked permission from both of the people involved in this story and they are fine with my posting it. I hope it makes all my followers think about their gifts this year.

Our daughter, Claudia, told me this story when she was here recently. Her almost sixteen-year-old granddaughter was a bit "down." It seems some of her friends that she used to talk with about God and his word  are not as interested as Allison. They are growing up and getting more interested in boys and such like. I’m sure Allison is also interested in boys, cheerleading and things like that but from an early age she has been focused on spiritual things. So, with this in mind MeeMaw stepped in and saved the day as all good grandmothers do. I asked her to write about it and the following is what she sent me.

Allison and I started off our "Strengthen Our Soul Saturday" with this prayer:



Heavenly Father,

I pray that you will give me clarity of mind and a pure heart to plan and commit this Soul Revival Saturday to You. Let Your plan become our plan to draw Allison and me closer to you. Let our walk be restored and our hearts awakened to love you with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. Let us feel Jesus’ companionship and true presence 24 hours a day. Show us your way. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

Then we ‘lit’ the candle you gave me on our Opelika weekend to symbolize Jesus’ true presence and had it with us in whatever room of the house we were in, and then took it with us the next day when we were out and about, and when we went to Monte Sano. While we were up there we looked over the valley and enjoyed God’s Awesomeness. The fall colors were beautiful! We found some heart shaped rocks and some pretty leaves that we brought back to the house. We are drying the leaves and will make a garland for next year.

 

I gave my best friend, Nancy, her daughter, Nanette and Claudia's best friend, and Claudia these $1.00 candles to remind us that our friendship has shown brightly for 60 years and I pray will shine many more.  I'm happy to learn this one is being used in many other important ways.

We shared our favorite scriptures and talked about how they have helped us in our down times and how they help us in the good times. And how amazing it is when a verse you’re reading is JUST what you needed to read at that particular time, how God truly speaks to us at just the right time!

We decided to do something helpful for someone else (Angel and family) and went to the store and got some fruit and cheese and crackers and some flowers. Then we went over to Angel’s and spent a little time there.

I hope it encouraged Allison and created a good memory as much as it did me.

Our beautiful daughter, Claudia and her equally beautiful granddaughter, Allison taken on top of Monte Sano during their "Strengthen Our Soul Saturday" outing.

Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV / For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord , plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me. When you seek me with all your heart,

Proverbs 8:17 ESV / I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.

I pray this story inspired you as much as it did me.

Until next week......reach out to others and have a fantastic week.

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.