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.'"

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.