Remembering what in life is important

My Purpose Driven devotional this morning reminded me to adopt an attitude of what in life is important, to remember, if you will, that when we die, we don't leave home, but we are going home. To remind myself those I miss so much, are home and I should be glad for them and not feel so sorry for myself, that I would ever wish them back here. God is so Good and His mercy endures forever. With Hope and that Blessed Assurance I really can face my tomorrows. No matter what that may bring or what it has in store, I will trust, I must choose to trust the Lord. I know in Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him. For in my Father's House there are many, many rooms. Jesus said, I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come again, that where I am, there you may also be." Glory to God in the Highest, Peace on earth Good will to all. Let not your heart be troubled. He has come that we may have life and have it more abundantly. What really matters should be eternal, not eternally useless. (Purpose Driven Life) Do I want to lay up treasures in Heaven, where thieves cannot steal, and nothing can destroy, or am I laying up treasures here, where nothing lasts? Jesus said, For those who seek me, will find me. Is this my desire?
I am grateful for those who have gone before me, who sought to teach me His Way, the Way of Truth and Life. For indeed they have gone home, and one day we will join them. So this Christmas, I can remember with fondness their legacy and rejoice in their Homegoing. Just keeping track.

Keeping your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail.

The last two days I have been to Athens to St. Mary's hospital. My uncle is there. He was taken Sunday evening. my cousins thought he was having a stroke, (very scary) Early in the morning Monday they moved him to ICU, decided he was having a heart attack. Well I took my Dad to see him yesterday and today. This uncle is my Mom's brother. He is a very special person to my dad, as well as me. Anyway today he seemed better, more like himself. He was talking more and laughing. While we were there he had to be taken for a CAT scan and MRI. then had ultra sound on his legs. Now they are saying he will have heart cath and possible open heart surgery. Praying for peace and wisdom for all the family to make decisions. My grandfather, his Dad always had a joke about serious things, my uncle is no different. He was saying "I had a skitty scat scan," that is how my grandfather would talk about the cats around the yard. Also a "jack hammer was going over his chest" that was how it sounded to him, the MRI.
Anyway today we drove Daddy's vehicle and he has a CD of old gospel hymns. One of them has lyrics that say "Life is like a mountain railroad." one line says, "Keep your hand on the throttle, and your eye on the rail." Well my grandmother used to say that to me, especially after I started dating my husband. He lived in Dacula and to get to his house from where I lived in Hog Mountain, I had to go Dacula Rd. She and my Dad referred to this road as "Sims' Creek road." It was then a deserted and little traveled road. She would tell me, "Keep your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail." I often wondered where she got that from. Now I know, that old song. That CD has a lot of songs on it I remember her singing and playing on her organ. 'What a Friend we Have in Jesus.' Amazing Grace' 'In the Garden.' 'On the Wings of a Dove'
So friends, 'Keep your hand on the throttle and your eye on the rail as you go along.' That is what I am doing.

Where are my roots set?

As I was reading an email from one of my daughters, I was reminded just how thankful I am for my family. Even though my roots run deep in North Georgia, I am reminded that they go even further than this little plot of dirt. Scientist are now thinking we all come from the continent of Africa, the area around the Mediterranean. The Bible has always told that. I am always interested in "where my family came from", but not only 'where we came from,' where we are going. I am reading over one part of my Family Tree. (more exactly, my maternal grandfather) Just because this one I have the most info on, thanks to a wonderful cousin. She has compiled a lot of info and spent a lot of time tracing our roots. We have several pages that she compiled in 2000, then another part in 2003, she is still digging too.
I had the privilege to attend Homecoming at Bethlehem First Baptist today. Tremendous praise and worship, God's anointing, God's message through a splendid young man, whom I had the opportunity to witness his life as a child and teen. His legacy from his precious parents, one of whom is now in Heaven, and the other as friend and fellow follower of Christ, has afforded me the knowledge of how God works when we are obedient and (as he put it) "aware of God's Presence".
I came away blessed beyond measure, and renewed in my belief that God is indeed in the here and now, and IS already where we are headed. So I am encouraged by the scripture, 'don't grow weary in well-doing, because in due season we shall receive our reward.
At my home church this morning I was able to go to a ladies' Sunday School class. Ephesians 1-4, Paul was trying to teach the church about working in unity, both Jews and Gentiles, to achieve His Purpose. So my challenge as I walk and work in this life, 'do I work in unity with my family of believers, to accomplish HIS Purpose, or do I work to achieve my own agenda." Our choir sang "Feels Like Redemption." After all, that is really what our life is all about. Jesus said, "If I be lifted up I will draw all people unto Myself." Do I walk like I believe that?
Keeping track

Favor with God and man

Today, with my sister's permission, I want to share something we both discovered about God's favor. I recently read a book about blessing people. Often we ask someone, "what can I do for you?" only to become judgmental in how we want to bless them. I believe if we ask someone that, then we should do what they ask as long as it is not illegal. Recently my sis asked one of our family member's, "is there anything I can do for you before I go," the response was, "will you go to the store and buy me a coca-cola and a pack of cigs. (cigarettes). So she did. Now we all know cigarettes are not good for anyone, but that is what was requested. For that matter, we also know coca-cola is not good for us either. While on her mission to buy these things, she was asked if she wanted 3 packs for a certain price, but she was only given $10. so she declined. Well when she came back with the afore mentioned supplies, she not only had one pack but three, the coke, and $4. in change to give back. While at the store she was shown favor, we believe because, first God saw her heart and her attitude, one that was truly wanting to bless the recipient. We both came away from the conversation, with a new revelation, 'not only did she bless this family member,' but she came away blessed, and then blessed me by sharing her story. So with her permission, I hope I have blessed someone also.
Just keeping track till next time. Truly in HIS grip of Grace.

Don't it make you wanna go home?

Yesterday I went to my Mom's family reunion. I always love getting together with family especially these cousins. There are first cousins, second cousins, third and even forth cousins. There is always lots of laughter, hugs, music and of course good food. We have this one a lot of years in the county where Mama grew up. Going out that road brings back so many memories, even though some of the landscape has changed. There is a new park, several new schools, and even a Civic Center, church and funeral home, but the little church off to the right where some of my ancesters are buried still looks about the same. Oh my what a flood of emotions as I drove along. I remembered going out that road as a very little girl, and then as a teen after I started driving. I am reminded of a song that was popular in 1969-70-71, "Don't it Make You Wanna go Home? He sings, "the whipporwhill roosts on the telephone pole, as the Georgia sun goes down. Well it's been a long time, and I'm glad to say that I'm going back to my hometown." Well this was my Mom's hometown, and we go back every year now since 1987 after my grandfather passed away. Joe goes on to sing, "Don't it make you wanna go home now, don't it make you wanna go home. All God's children get weary when we roam, don't it make you wanna go home?" But there is a four-lane highway down by the creek where my grandpa's cows used to graze, now the grass don't grow and the river don't flow, like it did in my childhood days. (my words not his) In the song there is a dragstrip where Grandma's cow used to graze. But now there is not even the dragstrip anymore. How good it was to visit again with these cousins, who were my friends and playmates as we grew. So many good memories. My daughters and grandchildren came too. I hope they will one day look back on these reunions with Nana and all her cousins with fondness. As I would introduce them to different ones the younger ones would just look and smile, and look to me for approval, then extend their little hand for 'high five' or shake. I would tell them, "this is my cousin, and your cousin too." One of the boys said, "yes I know Nana". One of my cousins plays several stringed instruments, and he with some of his friends entertained us with music. In that side of the family, their was always music when we got together. I especially remember my uncle, Mama's oldest brother, playing the guitar and my cousins would join him in song and playing whatever we could to make music. Another cousin was remembering how her brothers would come to our grandparents when this uncle was there and play football and then 'make music' as my great aunt put it. I ask this aunt once, "how did you and her husband get together?" Well she said, I had actually gone to a dance with his brother, my other great-uncle and her future husband was making music on the fiddle, well he kept making eyes at her and finally got a chance to dance with her, and the rest is history. My great aunt is my grandmother on my dad's side, sister. She married my great-uncle, my maternal grandfather's brother. One sister and brother married another sister and brother. So to recap, so as not to confuse anyone: my Granny's brother and sister, married my Papa's on Mama's side, brother and sister. Back in the 40's and 50's it was not uncommon for cousins to be one's only playmates. This was the case for my Mom. She was visiting her cousins and my Dad was working with his uncle in his sawmill. Well the cousins wanted them to meet, and the rest is history. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of the area where my grandparents lived. I long to go back there as often as possible.
So now, Don't it make you wanna go home?
happy memories till next time.

avoiding pitfalls

"The Bible says we're wise to look ahead. By doing that, we'll be prepared to spot the pitfalls when they come into our lives." There are four specific pitfalls we all will face: cultural distractions, voices of doubt, tempting shortcuts and discouraging delays.-Rick Warren-Purpose Drive Life' devotional for today. so true> Just like driving, we must constantly look ahead.
Saturday night I was driving home from Acworth, I75 S to I285 toward Greenville, merging onto I85 N. I have to say this is always stressful for me, but especially at night. Thankfully I am able to look ahead enough to avoid 'pitfalls' or other people's calamities. Life lessons to be learned on the 'highway of life' as we travel familiar and unfamiliar roads. I am thankful I can still drive along those highways, that as a younger driver, were more familiar to me than they seem to be now. For years as a young wife and then as a young mother, I drove to Perimeter, Cumberland, Northlake and even Lenox Square areas without hesitation. Now however, it is a different story. Fear can engulf me, and my muscles literally are in knots, but I have learned to pray with my eyes wide open and to trust, God Who sees and knows, and then a little of my own "good sense". Not to follow too closely the car in front, and not to become intimidated by the aggressive drivers around me. I try to remember not to get in too big of a hurry that I make careless mistakes. So hopefully, I will continue to maneuver, these highways and avoid potential 'pitfalls'.

reflecting

Friday night I spent the night with Lisa. I could not go to sleep right away so I got up and wrote some things down, that I wanted to remember.
"As I was laying there, contemplating, I was inspired to jot down a few thoughts. I am recalling this summer. As some of you know, Kimberly's family hosted a boy from Ukraine, Yura, and his chaperone, Iryna stayed with me the last week they were here. Yura not only lived in their home for a month, but will live in our hearts for a long time to come. I have to say I found myself caring for her as a mother. I was reminded of when my daughters were welcomed and treated while they were so far away from home a few years back. Lorie lived in China for a year and Kimberly in Salt Lake City for almost 2 years. I remember Kimberly saying, "a new friend, named Cheryl was like her Mom away from home" And knowing she had Cheryl as a friend, 'this Mom' really appreciated her. And Lorie being in China, there were a couple of people who 'mothered' her.
I was just telling Lisa tonight, "how hard it was to send them so far away, but that I also remember having such a peace about it about them being there. I had a telephone plan to call to China for a little less, so on Sunday nights I would call Lorie and then do 3-way to Kimberly. It was always so good to hear their voices. I recall talking to Lorie one morning vividly. The phone rang and the person on the other end did not speak right away, but it was as if The Holy Spirit, (if you will) spoke to me, prompting me to wait, and sure enough soon, I heard Lorie's voice. What a beautiful sound. Another sweet and vivid memory, on Mother's Day weekend, Kimberly and Todd surprised me by coming home. WOW! God is so faithful. And now Michael lives in Atlanta, and has a motorcycle. Some ask, "don't you worry about him?"
Surprisingly, I have the same peace about him. I know God is taking care of him, just like HE did for Lorie and Kimberly. I never wanted to make him a cripple and dependent on me. (to borrow a line from a graduation card) I gave them roots, so they know where they came from, but I give them wings so they can fly. God really is my refuge, and strength. I don't have to worry. When I start to worry, I am reminded,"Well what if this or that happens?" What will I do? Most likely I will eventually turn to God, so why not go straight to HIM in the first place and lay it at HIS feet?" Beth Moore used this in one of her books. All my 'what ifs' might not ever materialize, so by worrying what have I gained.
I am reminded, 'we do entertain angels unaware', getting back to Yura and Iryna. God placed them in our lives at this strategic point. We are blessed to be a blessing. I often think, "why am I allowed to go through certain things, because in so doing, maybe what I experience can help someone else along the journey.
Refection is good therapy, so love till next time.

weekend with family

We returned from Gatlinburg today, well actually Pigeon Forge, we stayed in a cabin. This is a tradition Daddy and Mama did for a lot of years, So since Mama's death, we have taken Daddy just about every fall. He really likes it and doesn't mind too much that we almost 'freeze' him. I hope I did not stress anyone too much, since I am so hot-natured and had ceiling fans and ac going. The first night Daddy did not find a blanket so he did almost freeze. However we found him one for Saturday night. After all he is 80 and he cannot help he is always so cold. Another thing, Daddy is an early riser, but he did wait until 6 o'clock to come out of his bedroom. Fortunately we were not far from the Cracker Barrel so we ate breakfast between 7-8 both mornings. We laughed and ate, then ate and laughed some more. Played a lot of pool and even walked and shopped some. Rode up toward Sievereville (not sure about spelling)Saturday night after stopping by the Krispy Kreme for "HOT" doughnuts. Yummy. That place does the business. I bought some cute Christmas presents, even, at a little community called Olde Mill, and of course we had to get some fudge at the Fudgery. Also watched some football, Dawgs vs Vols, yeah Dawgs. and then watched SC beat ALA. too bad, hoping it would have been the other way around. Well so much for the update, love till next time, I keep track all over again.

keepingtrackalloveragain: starting all over

keepingtrackalloveragain: starting all over: "'Starting over at what?' you might ask. Well Larry has a new job again, 3rd one in 2 years. He stayed with the same one for 20 years, so why..."

Not sure how to start a new page, so here goes. I think I will write and share how God is dealing with my heart. Maybe writing it down, I will be able to see when and how HE answers and where my priorities lie. So bear with me and thanks for journeying with me.

Most days my most urgent prayers are for family, who just have not gotten "there" yet, in their relationship. So as to not be judgmental, I want to be "about the Truth, with Grace" as our Pastor so eloquently put it one Sunday recently.

For example my prayer today began, (as always I try to remember), Praise- to our Lord and Savior. HE is the only True King! {Revelation Song} HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is the Lord, God Almighty. Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain, Who was and Is and Is to come.

Forgive me Lord, my unbelief. I know and am persuaded that YOU, Oh Lord are able to keep that which have committed unto YOU against that day. Lord I lift YOU up, and as we lift You up, You will draw all unto Yourself. Thanks be to God. For it is YOUR will that none should perish, but that all should come to repentance. So Lord, I pray, "open their eyes to see clearly, open their ears to hear with understanding. Soften their hearts to receive YOUR Truth, Holy Spirit". With a grateful heart, I lay them at your feet, knowing YOU are faithful and just! God You are Mighty to Save.

starting all over

"Starting over at what?" you might ask. Well Larry has a new job again, 3rd one in 2 years. He stayed with the same one for 20 years, so why not? I have been providing childcare again, 'full-time' for the last year. It looks like I will keep on for at least another three years, just agreed to keep another newborn next school year. After 35 years of taking care of children in my home while their parents work outside the home, has been my life. My oldest was just a baby when I started. After a short stint at teaching preschool and then substitute teaching in the public schools, I got back in to childcare in 1991, took a short break in 2006, and restarted in 2007. So here I am starting all over again.