HAIR, HEMLINES AND HEARTS

I haven't posted on my blog in a very long time.  So much has taken place since the last post.....sickness, surgery, preparing to move, a major move, unpacking (still in progress), more sickness, trips, etc. etc.  I am hoping to get back into posting more often.  I have a lot of ideas in my head but just need to take the time to get them on my blog.

 

As I was unpacking I found this poem (I use the term loosely) that I wrote ten years ago.  I thought some of you might enjoy it.  Don't laugh.  I don't pretend to be a poet but I do like the thoughts found in this attempt.

 

There was a young woman
Lived in a big house

With her nine children, her mother

And, of course, her dear spouse.
 

This was back in the ‘70's
With lots taking place.

There were hippies and communes

Difficult times for the whole human race.
 

Many cried "Peace"
While smoking their pot,

Others on harder drugs

Their chosen lot.
 

Aware of these facts
Was concern enough

But the young mother’s worries

Weren’t quite so rough.
 

Remember flower children and free love?
What a fix!

Then long hair and short hemlines

Came into the mix.
 

Long hair for the boys
Short skirts for the girls

Kept this mother’s mind

In a continual whirl.
 

She fussed and she stewed
Approaching her brood

They continued the trend

But to mother never rude.
 

The oldest two siblings
Paved the way for the others.

The mother kept yelling

"Poor examples for sisters and brothers!"
 

The battle continued for quite awhile
Till one day mother thought with a smile

"I’m stewing over short skirts and hair.

Hearts are where I should place my care."
 

From that day till this
Her focus did change

Their hearts took first place

And much, much was gained.
 

The children grew closer

To God and to man

The family was calm

As much as a large family can.
 

And, wouldn’t you know
The hemlines were lowered

And the boys long locks

In time they were shorn.
 

It’s been thirty years
The children all grown

All of them blessed

With children their own.
 

What happened to the leaders
Of the pack, you might ask

I’m happy to tell you

In their lived I can bask.

The oldest of the bunch
Now a grandmother of twelve

All hems I can attest

Fall well below her calves.
 

The second in line, a son
Has now reached age fifty.

Though bald on the top

He’s still mighty nifty.
 

These two to my joy
Are fine Christians today

And their siblings followed

I’m happy to say.
 

Now what would have happened
Had the young mother abounded

Focusing on trends

Instead of what counted.
 

I’m thankful to God
I realized my goals in time

With God’s guidance and mercy

He’ll receive their souls in heaven sublime.
 

 

By Drue Wright

2006

 

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. Deut 6:4-9 NIV

 

Numerous Love Affairs

I'm going to share with you a few of my numerous love affairs. One might think I would be ashamed to share such, but I am not the least bit ashamed. I only hope others have been as blessed as I with the numerous men I have fallen in love with over the years.

My first affair happened so early in my life that I cannot remember a time when I wasn't in love with him. His name was Henry Claude Ward, but I called him, "Daddy". Oh yes, I was the normal little girl who was definitely going to marry my daddy when I grew up. It was quite a shock when I learned little girls didn't marry their daddies!

Let me tell you a little bit about him. He was huge in my sight, but in the sight of others, not so. My hero was no more than 5' 3" and for many years only 125 pounds. He was 36 years old when I was born but could keep up with the youngest of dads. He gave me piggy back rides to town (we never owned a car), took me to work with him from time to time, listened to my problems, corrected me by talking to me (I only received two spankings from him and don't remember but one of them.) Often when I would get a "tongue lashing" I would beg for a spanking. Those hurt far more than a beating and were probably a lot more effective. My daddy was a lover. He never entered or left the house without kissing both my mother and me. He taught me many things.......love for family, love for others, honesty, morality, self-discipline and much, much more during the 23 years I was blessed with his presence. I only wish he had stayed on this earth long enough to know and love all of his grandchildren as he knew and loved his namesake, Claudia, and his first grandson, Allen. Yes, my love affair with my daddy continues in memory even today.

 

My daddy around 1948

My next affair was with a much larger man than my daddy. His name was John Burie White, but I called my maternal grandfather, Papa. Papa was probably 5'8 or 9" and at least 250 pounds. We lived with my grandparents for a year before I started school. My love for Papa grew stronger during that year and it never waned. He was the depot agent in the tiny town of Dozier, Alabama and my cousins and I were welcomed to visit him at the depot any time we wanted. Papa taught me quite a bit during that year and the years following. He taught me, by example, to take care of others. There wasn't a time that I remember when someone other than he and Grannie were living in their home. They took care of his aunt, a distant cousin, two grandchildren and others during the years that I remember. I inherited (or maybe it was taught) some of my dry wit from him. He would make a comment and one didn't know if he was teasing or not until a wry little smile crept across his face. Papa also left this earth before I was ready to let him go and even though he's been gone for 64 years my love for him has lasted.

Pictures of my papa have been send to Huntsville so I don't have one available at this time.

And then I spread my wings a tad when I started school back in 1941. Of course my daddy was still my "main man" and my papa was a close second. However, there sat Billy Baker in "Miss" Elsie Hodnette's first grade class just waiting to be my next love affair. The two of us hit it off immediately and soon became fast friends. I don't think I knew what a sweetheart was at the time. I thought he was my boyfriend, as a boy who was a special friend. Soon people began asking who my sweetheart was and I realized, "why it must be Billy!" So, off and on from the age of 6 to the age of 15 we were sweethearts. Billy (he has grown up to be Bill now) taught me a lot of things about "love". I think the thing I learned most is the fact that a boy and girl can be very dear friends without the strings of intimacy. Oh yes, we held hands....and, don't tell anyone.....but we had a kiss or two....really just a peck. But, we were truly friends. I enjoyed being with him. I loved his parents (who also taught me a lot.)

A very important bit of information I learned from Billy happened when we were about 14 or so. Mrs. Tinsley, our Home Ec teacher, and Mr. Alsobrook, the Ag teacher, had their classes out planting flowers around the Home Ec/Ag building one day. Mrs. Tinsley told my friend, Nagel, and me to take the wheel barrow, go to Mr. Hatchett's and get it full of compost. We headed down the road and I asked Nagel what we were going to get. She said she had no idea. So we slyly went back to the school and I motioned for Billy to come over. I asked him what in the world compost was. He grinned (well maybe it was more like laughed) and told us to go to Mr. Hatchett's barn and fill the wheel barrow with horse manure! Thanks Bill, for steering us in the right direction without further embarrassment. And also thanks for being my friend from the ages of 6 to the ages of 80!

Billy Baker

I'm not quite sure when this was taken but probably late grade school or junior high.

I'll skip a few of my affairs.....one day I'll tell you about some very special uncles and other men who influenced me but now I want to conclude by telling you about the most important man that has ever blessed my life. His name, can you guess, is Doyal Clayborn Wright.

I could write a book about this fellow, but will try and make it brief. I was only 17 when he walked into my classroom at Opelika Vocational School. I do not believe in love at first sight for others, but it certainly happened to me. Something told me he was the one for me. We were quite different. I had just left home for the first time and was living with my uncle and aunt. He was 22 and had just served almost 4 years in the Army. I knew very little about "life" and he knew quite a bit. I had never traveled. He had been to several states as well as overseas. We were of different religions. We had very few things in common. But, God knew what was ahead for us. He knew our hearts. We met late September 1952, got engaged December 22, and married April 4, 1953.

Doyal, my lover and my best friend, has stood beside me through thick and thin. He has provided well. He has been the spiritual leader of our home and also a great servant of God. He served as an elder in two different congregations, served the Lord on foreign soil, preached while making a living as a Mechanical Engineer and has preached on a volunteer basis for a small congregation in Southeastern Indiana for the past 25 years. Oh how I wish I had the room and you had the time for me to tell you how he used the family to incorporate us in his efforts for the Lord. I never felt that he neglected us.

If anyone has close to a full measure of the fruit of the spirit it is my husband.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Galatians 5:22-25

So......how did that love affair work out? We have 6 children, 24 grandchildren and we're expecting our 38th and 39th great-grandchildren before the end of the year. Sixty-two years and counting!

 

 

Happy Father's Day to all the men in my life, both past, present and future, but especially to my one and only....Doyal Clayborn Wright.

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." 32 This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. Ephesians 5:31-33

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our First Baby!

Today, June 15, 2015 brings back so many memories!  Sixty-one years ago today we welcomed our first baby into the world.  What a welcome it was!  I weighed a whopping 95 pounds the summer of 1953 and a 9 months later gave birth to a 9 pound 3 ounce, 21 inch perfect little girl!  I had always planned to name my first little girl Claudia after my daddy, Claude Ward.  Then I came up with the bright idea of naming her a name beginning with "D" since we were Doyal and Drucilla.  So, for the first day we were thinking of Claudia Denise and calling her Denise.  My daddy came into the room and I was telling him our plans.  He seemed a bit disappointed but reminded me of the problems he and I had always had being called by our middle names and suggested we use the first name Denise.  Did I really want to do that, I thought.  NO!  I had always wanted my first girl to be named Claudia as I had always wanted my name to be.  So......we scrapped the idea of all "D's" and named that beautiful bundle of joy, Claudia Elizabeth for my sweet daddy and Doyal's wonderful mother.  I have never regretted the decision and I don't think Claudia Beth has either!

 

Henry Claude Ward

This was taken a few years before he died.

Claudia was just over 3 when her Granddaddy Ward died.

 

 

Millie Talsie Elizabeth Wright a couple of years before her death.

Claudia was 29 when her Big Mama died.

 

 

Is Claudia our favorite?  Ask her.  Then ask the others.  We hope all six of the children think they are the favorite.  To tell the truth each one is definitely favorite in his/her own special way.  But, when they get together and discuss this subject along with which one we love the most Claudia always gets the last word by reminding them,  "I'm the one they've loved the longest!"

 

 

Here we are surrounded by our children on Christmas 1988.

Paula on the left front, Sharon in the middle and Claudia on the right. 

The boys, Frank, Allen and Frankie in the back. 

Every time they are together Claudia reminds them that she is the one we've loved the longest.

 

I want to use this post to thank our first-born for many things.

 1.  First of all; thank you for teaching us things that only a first new-born can teach.  Things like, how to quickly and efficiently change a very poop-filled cloth diaper.  What to do when that first child throws up all over her mother and the car just as they drive in the parking lot at church.  How to "sterilize" a pacifier.  (For those who don't know take a guess.) How not to panic when the child is running a high fever and you have NO idea what to do.  How to handle a colicky  baby.  So many, many things that precious new-born taught us!

 

 

Claudia began teaching us the joy of parenthood from the day of her birth.

 

 

 2.  Next, the joys of early childhood.  Allowing, yes encouraging, her to bond with both sets of grandparents and not to be too concerned with their spoiling.  How not to panic when there were falls, bruises and scraps.  Learning that the term "Cleanliness is next to Godliness" is NOT in the Bible.  It is okay to get dirty!  Quickly learning that it is a good thing to insist on a child hold your hand when out in public. (By the way, she now insists on holding my hand.....what goes around, comes around.)  Using a child as an excuse to have pets and teaching them to take care of them.  Whoa!  That's a stretch, isn't it?

 

 

 

 

She loved pretty dresses.

 

 3.  And then that child became a sibling!  Claudia taught me the joy of being a sibling, as the closest I had ever come was having cousins that I loved dearly.  She was the best big sister ever (and still is.) Twenty-one months after she was born along came Allen.  Then, two years after that was Paula.  Next, after a two and a half year wait here came Sharon.  By this time Claudia was a little over 6 and she claimed Sharon as her own.  Those three siblings weren't enough for her so after another two and a half year wait along came baby Frank.  And what do you know!  We acquired another sibling later when 11 year old Frank (we still call his Frankie) Hazelman entered the family.  Not only did Claudia show us the joys of being a sister, but the others taught me a lot about rearing a big family......just what I always wanted!  On a side note......what if we had gone along with our first idea of naming all the children with their first names beginning with "D"?  That would have been a mouthful.

 

 

Happy siblings, Claudia and Allen.

 

And then there were 6!

 

 4.  A few years later our first child began teaching us the joys and trials (at times) of rearing teenagers.  These were fun years!  I understood how a female teen felt, thought, acted and all that good stuff.  Because of this it was  frightening at times.  She was the first to grow into womanhood, the first to wear make up (way too much blue eye shadow at times), the first for us to be concerned about the length of skirts, the first to date......and all that goes with what a first teen teaches their parents.

 

We learned to rear and enjoy teens beginning with the first teen in the family.

 

 

 

 5.  And then, Claudia became a mother teaching us the joys of being grandparents!  Not only were we being taught, but our other children were learning to be aunts and uncles.  When that first grandchild (and all that follow) is placed in your arms for the first time you are transported to the first time your own baby was placed there.  Claudia, thank you for presenting us with our first grandchild and allowing us to be a part of his life from his birth until now!  And thank you for giving us four more Fords!

 

Thank you for my first grandchild!

 5.  Now that this first baby is grown she is not only my daughter, but my friend!  Thank you for teaching me that a daughter will always be a daughter, and in many ways that baby....little girl....teen....young mother, but can grow into one of the best friends a mother could ever imaging having.

 

My daughter, my friend and, in this case my nurse.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

 

Okay, Drue! Remember Your Motto!

I have come to the conclusion that I need to take my motto seriously.  Remember what it is:  "Remember, It's Not All About Me!"

 

Since July, I have had health issues with little let-up between them.  Recently I have been in severe pain from time to time with something much like gallbladder pain.  However, my gallbladder went to wherever bad gallbladders so almost 7 years ago. On January 9th I had an "attack" that lasted from about 10 at night and was still with me at 5:30 the next morning. I went to the hospital where I was admitted from early Sunday Morning on 10th and put through all sorts of tests from then until Monday evening around 7:00 pm when I was dismissed.  Nothing new was found!  So, we're treating "nothing" at the time by eating lightly and all that good stuff.  So, poor old pitiful me......I've had "me" in the forefront now for 1/2 year and I'm tired of keeping that sort of company.

 

After my last major attack a couple of nights ago I did what I should have done 6 or so months ago.  First I prayed (of course I've been doing that) and then the Lord and I decided the best thing to do is to get busy at least thinking of others whether I can do a lot for them yet or not.  We decided I would no longer wallow in pity about people not doing what I thought they should be doing for me, but to be thankful for all that is being done to make me better.  Then we decided I need to study His word more and I'm trying to do that as well.  And finally we agreed to get in my old habit of laughing!

 

That's what I want to share with you today......just a few personal funnies that have come to mind that you might find a bit humorous. I'm one of those odd ones who enjoy laughing at myself.  In fact, sometimes I crack myself up!

 

My mother once told me that when I was about 2 or 3 Daddy was teasing (he was a BIG tease) and said,  "I'm going to turn over a new leaf around this house."  She said I looked up from whatever I was doing and commented,  "Well, Daddy, then I'll just have to tear it out then."

 

Again, when I was in grade school the following happened.  My sweet, kind, loving aunt had a husband that I considered a grouch.  He might not have been, but that was my perception. One Thanksgiving he swallowed a turkey bone and had to go to a hospital 50 miles away for surgery.  He was there several days and when he came home I went over to check on him.  He seemed to be a changed man.  I couldn't wait to get home and tell Mother,  "Mother, you won't believe this but they cut all the grouch out of Uncle Clarence!"

 

 

Here I am at 7-years-old

 

 

Later, in High School I was asked to enter a speech contest through the American Legion using the title,  "How to Keep Our Youth in the South."  I wasn't the least bit shy (can you believe that!) but told them I would think about it.  I mulled over it for a few days and decided not to.  However, I went to hear my friend expound on the topic.  Boy, oh boy, oh boy am I ever thankful I didn't agree!  My thoughts were staying youthful such as exercising, eating properly, getting plenty of sunshine, etc.  Think about it.....that was NOT what they had in mind. I saved myself and the American Legion in Notasulga, Alabama a lot of embarrassment by turning down that invitation!

 

Soon after we married I was walking down Railroad Avenue in Opelika, Alabama and noticed a display out in front of one of the stores.  There was a stack of bed pillows on a table with a large sign, "Beat This!"  I picked up one, balled up my fist, drew back and realized that was NOT what they meant!  Beat the price.....NOT the pillow!

 

I know most of you are wondering if I passed this amazing ability on to my offspring.  Well, I definitely did to a couple of them. 

 

When we moved to Huntsville from Baton Rouge back in 1961 we contracted to have a new house built.  Each day we drove out and watered the lawn as there was supposed to be a lawn in place before the final papers were signed.  So, each day we loaded up the family (we only had 4 children at the time) and headed out to take care of our soon-to-be property.  There was a portion of Mastin Lake Road that was not paved at the time.  Once we came up on a truck that was watering the road to keep the dust down.  Three-year-old Paula asked,  "What is that truck watering the road for?'  Before we could answer she replied,  "Oh I know.  It's to make it grow!"  It must have worked as it wasn't long until the road was no longer dirt but was paved.

 

Then another time about the same time as the above Paula was standing with the refrigerator door wide open looking inside.  I said,  "Close that refrigerator door."  She looked puzzled and reminded me,  "Momma, my name's not 'Door'."

 

Sharon, who was our sensitive child, was sitting on the front steps with Rose Coleman when we were visiting them in Hamilton, New Zealand back in the mid-1960's.  Needing attention she looked up at Rose and said,  "Rose, feel my head and see if I have a headache."

 

Sharon has also passed this ability down to her children.  Makes a Momma proud.  When her oldest, Sarah was in first grade her teacher knew her well as they were members of the same church as Sharon and her family.  Sarah was a talker (I keep wondering where she inherited that!)  The teacher had asked her to quit talking several times and finally said,  "Sarah, this is the last time I'm going to tell you to be quiet." Sarah was so relieved and replied, "Oh good!"

 

I'm full of remembering my special "funnies" today and could share a lot more but you might not enjoy them nearly as much as I do.  So.....until next time......See you later and have a wonderful God-filled day. And I'll keep remembering......"It's Not All About Me."

Proverbs 17:22....A cheerful heart is good medicine: but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PONDERING

I have been in deep thought most of the day.  I wonder if it is just me, or if others who will be 80 next month have the same problem.

There are days when the oddest things escape me.  Yes, there are things that escape my mind often, but I'm talking here about odd things escaping my body.  When I am at home I barely notice when such things happen.  But, in public it's a whole different ballgame.

Take this morning for instance.......We were up very early for us.  Awoke at 6:30 and was out of bed soon after.  Doyal put on coffee for later and I fixed myself up to get to the hospital for an ultra sound.  Why in the world with a 7:30 appointment would an old lady bother to put on make up just to get on a narrow bed and have a nice technician squirt some jelly all over her upper body and roll a little ball all over to take pictures that we had no idea what they were? 

But, I get off the subject. By the time I got to the hospital I was having chest pains.  Mind you I knew what they were.  They had nothing to do with my heart!  And, by the time I got on that little bed they were worse!  Oh my!  How I wanted to be home where I could relieve myself.  I've never quite understood this.  If I had to burp I would have burped as quietly as possible and uttered a sweet, "excuse me."  But no!  I couldn't let that other bodily function escape me!  Not in that small room with just Doyal, the sweet technician and the old lady in the opened back hospital gown!

All the rolling and mashing and rolling and pressing was done and I had succeeded in "holding it off."  And then, horror of horrors, the sweet technician asked if I could roll over on my left side and face the wall.  Guess which side was exposed to that sweet young girl.  So, prayer was all that did it.  I'm not being frivolous here.  I was praying to keep holding off for awhile.  So....she rolled and mashed and rolled and pressed all over the right side of my back.  I'm so happy it was the right side as I don't think the left side could have survived.  Or, at least I don't know if she could have survived!

She was finished!  I was allowed to change into my clothes and leave.  I couldn't get out of there fast enough!  All I can say in conclusion is I have never been so thankful for an empty elevator with a closed door!!!!  And suddenly the pain around my heart vanished!

 

 

 

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.'"