Day after Christmas Reflection, 2008

This is nice, having the day after Christmas off and no where to be until about noon. I plan on having lunch with Bill & getting the oil changed in my car. And that is it!! No shopping and taking advantage of Black Friday II. I paid cash for every single gift and grocery item for Christmas and don't intend to break that record today. Plus there is absolutely nothing to be added to the gifts I received this year.

You may know we celebrated Christmas twice this year. Once the first weekend of December when the Florida kids were up and then again yesterday with just the locals. And one day was just as special as the other, just different.

Some of the highlights from yesterday:

Our oldest granddaughter, Ashley (FL) sent a package to NJ with gifts purchased with her very own money. Her economics class at school (3rd grade) held a Holiday Bazaar stocked with merchandise made by the students. Each student was to earn "investment capital" at home, purchase supplies, consider man hours etc to determine the retail price of the item. Whew! What are they teaching kids these days? To become productive, contributing citizens or what? We received a decoupage patriotic plate - perfect for the mantle in our Patriotic Christmas Tree room! We also had a great phone conversation earlier in the day with both Ashley & Emily. Always a neat tradition.

And then, our local kids arrived and we had an early dinner. I missed the 3pm sit down time by four minutes!!! And all the food was hot and no burned rolls!! Amazing.

We gathered around the kitchen table, all 11 of us. Oops 10, Brayden (6 mos) took a nap during most of the meal - good boy!

We served sparkling cider in wine glasses, including a shorter glass for Mackenzie (3 yrs). She looked so cute picking it up by the stem and taking sips. And picking it up again and again. Monica (mom) had to move it from her reach and work out a deal. Bite of food, sip of juice. It was really cute. Sorry no camera at the table, darn!

The first gift Brayden opened - with big sister's help - had a clear front on the package. Brayden was sitting on his mommy's lap at the time and when he saw the package he leaned forward and put his face right to the plastic mouth wide open. Inside was a set of teething keys we are sure he wanted to get to, right away. It was cute. Oh by the way, he got "two front teeth" for Christmas and he knows how to use them. Ouch!

Sometime later, after dessert, Pop Pop and Mackenzie retired to the library to do puzzles. Brian (Kelly's boyfriend & police officer) slept through dessert. He worked the night shift Christmas Eve and had to go back to work at midnight. Mom just needed her chair and ottoman, and I think she dove right into her new set of crossword puzzle books (gift from Kelly & Brian).

The rest of us started a game of Scattagories with Teams.
Team One: Kelly & Sara
Team Two: Andrew & Kevin
Team Three: Monica & me

Team One just about walked away with the win! Team Two came in second with some really weird answers. And poor Team Three. Me, 57 year old grandmother and Monica, exhausted young mother with infant in arms while we played. What were we thinking?

But it's funny to see the personalities through the responses to the different catagories. A dice is tossed indicating the letter to be used for the beginning letter of all answers in the round of 11 or 12 topics. My favorite: Companies using the letter G.
Team Three (mommy & grandmom)? Grayco (baby furniture & equipment).
Team Two(boys)? Goodyear (car tires).
Team One(girls, ie shoppers)? Gucci! DUH!!! I think they made a date to go shopping this weekend with thier winnings!

I chuckle even now.

Too soon, for me, the evening came to an end. I had a bit of closure loading the new dishwasher and visiting with Mom and Bill before we retired to our separate living quarters. And then to bed - at 9:30!

It was a good day! A really really good day.

Thanks Jesus for giving us a reason to gather and to give and to enjoy.

Visit Boomtown!

My third book for review for Thomas Nelson Publishers was a juvenile piece of fiction called Boomtown: Chang's Famous Fireworks Factory. Author Nowen N. Particualr has done a bang-up job of drawing a smile to the reader's face telling tales of the citizens of Boomtown, Washington, USA. The folks of Boomtown include everything from fireworks to Hen-Grenades and Rocket Reindeer at every event and celebration. You never know what will blast the town into a new day.

I did find the sub-plot, a mystery, is a bit vague during most of the story. Also, one character's participation in the mysterious events could have been developed a bit more, maybe to let the reader in on a bit of the secret.

I appreciate the author using a vocabulary above children level. Always appreciate the opportunity to expand kids' vocabs. Examples? Hortaculture, canopy, stoic, plundering marauders. See what I mean?

I can just see Adam Chandler as the pastor who is, I suppose, the main character of the story. I think it would make a good comedy. A Laurel and Hardy kind of film for the new millenium.

Size of snow storm? Irrelevant!

Our Florida grandchildren brought their parents to NJ for an early Christmas this year. Before arriving the girls, Ashley and Emily, had asked for and hoped for snow. They think once it's cold in NJ, snow is a given.

We had a lovely day with food, all our kids & grands and presents. What did we do for entertainment before children? They certainly kept us smiling. They are better than any game (video or otherwise), sports event or movie on TV. We just love them and their antics.

About the time we were done with the usual holiday activities, Bill took a look outside to discover it was snowing. Well, to be honest it was really just dusting or flurrying. Certainly not what we North-Easterns would call a snow storm. But to our girls, including Mackenzie from Philly, it was a bonafide, get-bundled-up, hurry-before-it-stops event. And that's just what they did. Their dad, Jeff, even changed out of his shorts into jeans to join them. Me? Oh I stayed inside with the camera, thank you very much.

Oh the joy! They ran, they gathered, they stuck out their tongues for a sampling. And then they did what a NJ kid might not think possible. They built a snowman. Uh, a snow mini-guy? We really don't know what to call it. They used our snowman kit, complete with wooden carrot-shaped nose and black pipe. Even a big red heart.

The inscription on the box that holds the snow man pieces says: "To build a snowman with somone you love, will surely warm your heart."

It sure warmed ours to see the girls enjoying themselves so much. Maybe the best Christmas present we gave this year. Thanks Accu-Weather for the surprise and God for the supply.

We are looking forward to Christmas 2008 II on Dec 25th with just our local kids. I'll have to get my boots ready and fill in for Ashley & Emily and give Mackenzie a hand should snow fall again.

Uh, maybe we'll do play-doh snowmen. They're always fun, right? Oh I am getting sooooo old.

My Little Girl by Tim McGraw & Tom Douglas

What a cute little book! The story is of a daddy & "his little girl" spending a day together. A Daddy-date! Though Katie expected something "spectacular" and prepared for it, the day was quite different than she imagined.

This author (daddy, Country singer Super Star) could have written about any of the extraordinarily expensive days he most likely has spent on and with his daughter. But he chose simplicity to show the SPECTACULAR love he has for his daughter. And the love all daddies (and moms) can show to their children without breaking the bank!

And the illustrations are adorable. Art gallery quality, with love.

Another book worth placing on your bookshelf.

Book Report - Haven't done one in years!

I have recently enrolled in a program with Thomas Nelson Inc. publishers, to read and review (on my blog) one of their recent books. I chose "Billy" an "untold story of a young Billy Graham and the test of faith that almost changed everything".1

I don't typically read non-fiction, but as the Reverend Billy Graham nears the end of his earthly life and grows closer and closer to Heaven I thought I'd like to read this now rather than later.

What an excellent choice! I pray you will take the time to read it. This relatively short book covers only a portion of the evangelist's life, but probably the most powerful, life-changing portion of his life.

"Billy" is brilliantly told in a narrative style of Rev. Graham's early life, from high school through the time of his early tent meetings in 1959. The flash-forward chapters of a deathbed interview with one of Billy's dearest friends in 2001 brings intrigue and insight into the powerful Christian's "crisis of faith"2.

Even being aware of the amazing career of Rev Graham, the book was a real page turner! All will be blessed by reading.

I now hold a greater appreciation for this man of God's walk with the Saviour and his desire for all to know Jesus.

Blessings as you read, Carole

1,2. Cover of Billy, William Paul McKay & Ken Abraham, Thomas Nelson, 2008

What bumps?

James 2 (Young's Literal Translation)

The Royal Rule of Love

James 2:2-4 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

2nd Annual Pumpkin Patch Trip

Mackenzie is just three years old but she re-taught me a lesson on our trip to the Pumpkin Patch a few weeks ago.

Our favorite place to go for our Harvest (Halloween) pumpkins is Emery's Blueberry Farm in New Egypt, NJ. We frequent the farm and farm store often throughout the year. I love their pies, just not the blueberries. If you know me, you know I don't like any berries, much to my mother's chagrin. I don't believe Mom would count life necessary without berries, especially straw & blue.

The Emery family offers a wagon ride around the farm, bypassing the actual pumpkin patch returning their guests to a field with rows of pumpkins "planted" for easy pick up.

Families also spend time looking at farm animals and taking pictures with the large cutout Halloween and farm-like characters.

Mackenzie allowed us a quick visit with the penned animals but was totally focused on choosing pumpkins. One for herself and one for Brayden, her four month old brother. She wasn't interested in the wagon ride either, so directly to the field we went.

We adults all know the complexities of carving a not-so-perfect pumpkin. If you don't find the flat bottom and the fully rounded, flawless surface to carve, you might have a lopsided looking jack-o-lantern.

As we adults tried steering her to our opinion of the perfect pumpkin, Sweetiepie had different ideas.

Cute picture, right? Well, look at that pumpkin! Bumps all around it! How do you incorporate that into a typical jack-o-lantern face? May I be crude and call them zits? pimples? But Mackenzie didn't notice. And her parents, God bless them, did not even try to point them out. To bring attention to its flaws may open Mackenzie's eyes to the "flaws" of her family, friends and neighbors. And grandmom! Oh please let her love me with my gray hair, extra pounds, imperfect complexion and not the most "today" wardrobe, and my silly jokes etc etc.

What a lesson in the pumpkin patch! What ever our fellow men wear - or look like - or smell like - or talk like - or _____________, welcome them! Into your house of worship, your fellowship, your home, your circle of friends and family.

Thanks Mackenzie, Grandmom needed that!

"Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,.." Hebrews 12:1

Washington DC - October 26, 2008 - Marine Corps Marathon
As Andrew hand-cycled from the starting line 10K course, Bill and Sara and I took off on foot - as the crow flies - to the finish line. Much less than 10K for sure, but felt like more to me as I only walk on an as-need basis.

When we came to "the dreaded hill" near the finish line, Bill & I decided to stop mid-way and wait for Andrew.

As we cheered on other athletes, we kept a careful eye for Andrew on his cycle. Finally our son was at the bottom of the hill but not advancing upward. He'd cycle back a few strokes and then forward hoping to get the momentum needed to continue up this hill that all the runners dread.

Seeing my son struggle I ran to the bottom of the hill, all the while shouting. "Come on Andrew, you can do it. Come on Andy. Go, Go! Buddy push - harder! You can do it!"

The crowd of spectators began shouting with me.

"Go Andy, Go!"

A Marine in uniform came behind Andrew, put his hand on his shoulder and gave just enough support to get him started up that hill. And then a runner took over, with both hands on my son's shoulders he took Andrew to the top of the hill. There he asked Andrew if he needed more help, but Andrew wanted to, and did, cross the finish line on his own.

I have attached a picture of Andrew and the Marine helping him. But look closer, look at the other runners. The couple in front of Andrew - is clapping. There is a runner behind Andrew in a pink shirt and another in a green and white shirt, and they are cheering Andrew on as well! (Sorry the picture was shrunk to fit my blog spot and these runners may not visible. I'll send you the picture through another vehicle if you wish. Just let me know.)

These are not bystanders, spectators like Bill & I. They are people in the race with Andrew. Feeling the pain, knowing the hill, up-close-and-personal.

Much like the "cloud of witnesses" we read about in the book of Hebrews. Those witnesses knew, up-close-and-personal, the struggles of being a Christian in a society of persecution. They faced hills, even mountains of adversity and trials. These witnesses were not merely cheering spectators!

I pray that today, we find opportunities to share how we completed a race of our own with God's help. Let's be transparent with our lives. Share our struggles, tell how God put His hands on our shoulders and helped us up those hills and through those dark valleys.

Let us be among that 'cloud of witnesses". We may just be the "push" someone needs to reach the top of their hill and finish their race.

Blessings, Carole

A Single Pink Sapphire Earring.

1 Peter 5:7 "Casting the whole of your cares, all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (Amplified Version)

Faith 101, right?

Dedicating your life to Christ, your children in service to the Lord, signing papers allowing your only son to become a Marine, taking steps in re-marriage, facing a health crisis or awaiting the return of your severely injured son from Iraq. All opportunities to cast your cares upon Him.

Friday afternoon, Tampa, Florida September 2006. Since the weekend guests had not started checking-in, it was quiet at the Double Tree Suites. In fact I found myself alone pool side, praying about whether or not to follow Bill's lead and return to NJ now. At this point in Andrew's rehabilitation we were no longer needed. In fact we may have been hindering Andrew & Sara's transition to living with his quadriplegia.

Suddenly I noticed I was missing an earring. One of the pink sapphire earrings Bill gave me on my first Mother's Day 30 years ago. And then Christmas 2005, he presented me with a custom designed necklace to match. My first jewelry ensemble - other than inexpensive boxed sets.

Now, I diligently looked in all the obvious places and every not-so obvious place for the lost earring. I slowly walked the shallow end of the pool with sensitive feet, feeling for something on the bottom. Not being a good swimmer, I walked the perimeter of the deep end looking through the still water for the small earring. I retraced steps eyes peeled on the tile, checked the hotel room, checked my clothing. Nothing.

I didn't panic, although in another time and place I may have. I had just thanked the Lord for His work in Andrew's body and asked also for His guidance, so this lost earring didn't seem like such a big deal. Although I was sad about the loss.

Fast forward to Sunday. I had the pleasure of attending a church service with my new friend Crystal, a member of the hotel staff. The pastor's sermon truly helped in my latest worry - when to return to NJ. God spoke in a mighty way to me through the message. More on that another time.

While driving back to the hotel, my daughter Kelly, also staying at the hotel, called on my cell to say she was at the pool. There were more people compared to Friday but one gentleman swimming with his granddaughter looked at Kelly - out of all the folks poolside - and asked if she had lost an earring.

Kelly quickly responded, "My mom did! A pink sapphire one!"

And, there in that little child's hand was my lost earring.

In my searching on Friday I don't remember praying specifically for the earring. But I had "once and for all cast my cares" on Him. And once again God proved His "watchful" care of me. His watchful eye saw even to the bottom of that swimming pool.

I wear those earrings and necklace almost daily now. Pink after all "is the new black" or was last year in the fashion world. I reach for them often to make sure they are there. To be honest Bill had them refitted with screw backs upon my return to NJ. But each and every time I feel them securely there I remember my security in my heavenly Father's love, faithfulness and care for the huge things and the small.

Even as small as a single pink-sapphire earring.

To twitter or not to twitter. Now there's a question.

Hello friends, Today a discussion ensued on my online Writers' Group about
using the new online communication vehicle called Twitter. Twitter.com.
Be sure to read the Surgeon General's warning as to the addiction side
effects of said site.

As the conversation continued I couldn't help myself. I had go to dictionary.com.

twit-ter - verb (used without object)
1. to utter a succession of small, tremulous sounds, as a bird
2. to talk lightly and rapidly, esp. of trivial matters; chatter
3. to titter; giggle.
4. to tremble with excitement or the like; be in a flutter.
- verb (used with object)
5. to express or utter by twittering.
-noun
6. an act of twittering.
7. a twittering sound.
8. a state of tremulous excitement.

So there we were, a group of novelists, columnists etc twittering about
whether to twit or not to twit.

Personally?

I twitter (#2) and have for years. Anytime, anyplace to anyone with ears.
At the office, at home, in the line at the store. I should be about twittered out,
dontcha think? My kids say I twitter too much. Especially to strangers.
"You are embarrassing us Mom."

If I went to a site to twitter, I'd twiddle away my day and get nothing else
done. And I am so ADD or ADHD or OCD or some other D
that if I started twittering I'd get hooked and never see the light of day.
I am of course using verb definition #2 here.

I have been known to twitter (#4) but I take medicine for that at my age.

I never #3. I am more of a hearty loud somewhat obnoxious guffaw.
Which I guess could be birdlike - Big Bird.

Well enough of this. I must get going to Bible Study where
Thou Shalt Not Twitter!

Altho sharing prayer requests can be a bit ....

ENOUGH CAROLE! - SIGN OFF

Seeing the picture of the bench on our front porch...

Reminds me of the time...

Andrew was on his first deployment with the Marine Corps to Iraq (2004) when he called home in August to ask if we were doing anything October 23.

"Ummm, why?" I asked. Since his return was expected early September, I was thinking vacation or family reunion.

"Well, Sara and I have chosen October 23 to get married." was his response.

Looks like I will not be going to my high school's 35'th reunion planned for that evening. I was on the planning committee this time, but not really fond of reunions, so I was not terribly disappointed.

So we have a wedding on the calendar.

Circumstances became such that Sara was staying with us when Andrew returned from that deployment in September as scheduled. A week or so after his return he had purchased a ring and was planning on officially proposing and presenting the ring. Olive Garden was their favorite restaurant and the plan was to propose there. However, Andrew not needing a jacket and not wearing loose fitting pants had no pockets to hide the ring box. Plan B?

On the way out the door, Andrew tossed the ring to his sister Kelly and whispered, "Take this, set up the front porch with all the candles you can find in the house. Make it look romantic. Oh, and record a bunch of songs on a cd. Country music, including our song, ... Put your cd player and speakers on the porch."

These many years later I can't remember the name of their song but it had something about blueberries in it I think.

"I'll call you when we are on our way home, almost to the house. Light all the candles and turn on the music and skidaddle." were Andrew's final instructions.

So Kelly & her faithful accomplice (me) did exactly that. Kelly worked on the music and the cd. I scrounged up every nice candle we had. Can you believe I even had a heart shaped one? I think we counted at least 40 candles.

Phone call came as they were close by, we lit the candles and watched for the headlights coming up the street. Kelly pushed play on the cd player and we dashed in the house, making sure no lights were on in the front rooms, careful to give them additional privacy.

So did the accomplices go to their rooms? Downstairs out of earshot and sight? I should say not! We did duck under the dining room table, which is that front room. Andrew had told Sara to close her eyes before they got in front of the house and he led her from car to porch and then said, "Open your eyes." It was such a lovely romantic scene. We had even placed the ring box next to the heart shaped candle on the white loveseat (bench mentioned in previous posting).

And there we were, Kelly & I, in the dark, listening and peeking as the sweethearts commenced to promise unending love to each other. Sara squeeled and giggled. (We stiffled ours.) Andrew softly proposed. (Kelly and I shushed each other.) We couldn't hear it all, but we sure tried. We would pop our heads up from our hiding spot to take a peek. We noticed Sara wiping tears from her eyes. Not wanting her to ruin her makeup and get all red nosed, Kelly quietly opened the front door and tossed a box of tissues out at the adoring couple, then hurried back under the table, belly laughing at this point.

The jig was up.

To end the event Andrew asked for two cups of hot chocolate served on the porch. I tossed in a lovely throw as the night was getting a bit chilly. I even took a few pictures for them.

Kelly and I knew it was time to "skidaddle" at this point and left the couple to continue their night to remember.

I wonder if they remember the event in quite the same way?

We went on a date last night!

Bill and I still date, occasionally. Yes we do!

Sometimes we go to WaWa for a cup of coffee soon after dinner trying to leave the Tastykakes alone and just sticking to coffee. Similar I guess to the Gilded Age, when folks would retire to the drawing room, enjoy coffee, tea, and mutual conversation for perhaps a half-hour. But we fill our paper cups, pop on the lids and return home in our Dodge Ram Pick-up. Often you will find us ending the date on the bench on the front porch, until the bugs start biting. Then we retire indoors to enjoy television, computer time and a good night's sleep, unless, we drank regular coffee.

Or we may go to The Home Depot or Lowe's for something. We are known for this date place. Recently friends of Andrew sent us a thank you note including a Home Depot gift card and they told us to "have a nice date". Wonder who tipped them off?

Reminds me of the time we went to Lowe's. Or was it the Depot? None the less, Bill needed a new tree pruner. I knew this was not going to be a short date when we found several brands and styles and prices from which to choose. Bill needed the long handled kind, with the telescoping pole to reach up into the trees. His unrepairable pruner was more than 20 years old.

As Bill examined, re-examined and read every word of the packaging on every pruner, I started roaming around the store as I often do on these excursions.

When we first had entered the store I noticed a lovely white bench assembled for display and purchase. I thought it would look quite nice on our front porch, replacing the antique church pew that really needed to be refinished and brought out of the weather. I pointed the bench out to Bill and he gave it a cursory glance and continued to the gardening tool section.

As I walked around the store I stopped by the bench, testing it for comfort and visualizing it on our front porch. Our home is painted Federal Blue with white shutters and this would be perfect. The porch is not too wide, not too long so this love-seat size bench would fit just right.

Bill continued to examine pruners. I spied power washers nearby. We don't have one and that blue siding on the house could use a bit of a clean up, especially if we are going to take home this bench.

As I continue to roam Bill is oblivious to what is about to happen to his wallet. I really admire his shopping style tho. Peering through the blister packaging, pulling the rope, clamping the jaws of the pruner, he will decide which one will work the best, last the longest and most importantly, be the easiest to repair. Bill can repair and assemble just about anything! Except his old pruner. Oh and the kids' Speak and Spell (circa 1980) but that's another story.

I spy a nice piece of outdoor carpet, about 6x10. That will go great in the screened-in porch on the pool side of the house.

Bill has finally made his choice and I have returned from my roaming. I point out the power washer and Bill suggests I go get a cart. By the way, this purchase decision only took a few minutes. He must have researched power washers on a previous trip. With that in the cart and the pruner propped with more than half its height over our heads, we continue to the carpet piece. Bill agrees, good price, good idea, in the cart!

On the way to the register I whisper in my sweetheart's ear, "Bill what do you think of that bench? I saw there are only two left boxed on a shelf."

A bit more urgently and touching his shoulder I say, "Oh, another couple is looking at our bench! Look, she's sitting on it! What do you think, Hon?"

Oh the passion!

"Go get a bigger cart!" Such a romantic that husband of mine.

Did you know a simple pruner can cost upwards of $500? I never said I was a cheap date!

Oh, I forgot to tell you about last night's date. Another time. Soon, I promise. It was a bit cheaper.

Thelma & Louise? NOT!!!

So, I received one comment on my blogspot yesterday from a very dear friend, Susan.

Hearing from her reminded me of the time she and I took a road trip together. It was the return leg of her trip to Florida to attend her daughter Jennifer's college graduation and wedding.

Jennifer lives in W Palm, Fl which is on the East coast. Susan picked me up at my daughter's home in Sarasota, West Coast.

And then we drove to Orlando, Central Fl - then on to St Simon's Island Ga - more Eastward. Then we bounced to Atlanta, GA - then to Richmond VA and then home to NJ.

Don't remember the price of gas back in 2002 but it was do-able on our meager budget.

Did I mention that Susan's vehicle at the time was a 1985 Ford Pick Up? Well, yes, that was our mode of transportation. And we shared driving. Susan doesn't like to drive much and I am a bit of control freak so we balanced each other out.

Highlights?

• Reading Lisa Samson's Women's Intuition. Started reading it aloud to each other while taking turns driving. Started just outside of Sarasota and finished it 5 miles from home.

• St Simon's Island - Methodist Camp - Lighthouse. Beautiful!
  

• Cypress Gardens. Did you know it had already closed (out of business) by 2002? Well we found that out as we passed through the gates. It was sad for Susan as she had seen the Gardens in its glory days years ago. I was just glad we did not get arrested for trespassing when the owner caught us driving around.

• Wycliffe Bible Translators - tour of facility - very inspirational. It is wonderful to see how the Word of God is being translated in so very many languages.
  

• Driving into Atlanta at 8PM which is still rush-hour there. Yes I was driving. Felt like we were a ball in the pinball machine on those interstates, winding around and into the city. Felt like someone else had control of the wheel. Well, He did and did quite a good job of getting us safely to a friend's home.
  

• Driving Susan's truck into Peach Tree (Atlanta) to visit my company's corporate office. I got lost. When I got lost I went into a UPS store and asked if they could put me and my pickup into one of their brown trucks and they could deliver me to my destination. Cute young man at the counter said, "Mam, we don't do that here." Very cute.

• I caught up with a cousin I hadn't seen in years. And Susan spent some quality time with her friend, our host Leslie.
  

• Visiting with a friend's grandmother and aunt in Richmond. Such a sweet time with these dear ladies.

I am sure there is much I have forgotten, we did not journal. Maybe Susan did. Maybe she has pictures. However, without details secured in my memory, I remember it was great. And unlike the ladies in the title of this blog - I didn't see the movie and know nothing of them, except - we returned alive, well, and smiling.

Did I tell you about my overnight stay at the Atlanta airport on my way to Sarasota in the first place?

Another story, another time.

I love to tell the story...

As the old hymn goes, "of Jesus and His glory!". And I do, I really do. And I believe that in telling my story, I am telling of His glory.

Being closer to 60 years old than 50 (how's that for not giving you my exact age?) I have lots of stories stored up inside me.

When chatting with friends and family I hope I don't sound as if I am doing the one-up-man-ship of story tellers, ie, you tell me about your day, I have one worse, better, more exciting, more boring, Your kids did this, mine did that. You get the idea.

It's just that your story reminds me of a story, a time, an event in my life that brings me joy to think about and talk about. Well not all bring me joy. Some stories bring embarrassment, some tears but hopefully all show my humanity and His divinity. I also hope you see my dependence on Jesus for the outcome of every event and recognition of that dependence.

Most times the spiritual aspect of the story is not overtly revealed. But always, He is at the core of every tear and smile.

I believe He has gifted me with the art of storytelling and I pray He'll allow me to bless you with it.

Hang in there (here) you may read about yourself on these blog pages. I'll change your name when it's time to "protect the innocent".

Blessings, Carole