tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67838047441380326862024-03-12T22:51:43.939-05:00Marty's MusingsWith God, all things are possible.
Mark 10:27Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-29875672141970371332011-05-14T21:02:00.002-05:002011-05-14T21:11:07.489-05:00Uh-ohFor some reason, my post decided to end before I had intended. I am on my "new" refurbished laptop and am not real comfortable with it yet. <br /><br />Back to the storm. I pray that people will take the events of April 27 and make their lives better and make their lives count for more. We need to be more aware of our friend's and neighbor's needs without having a natural disaster to spur us on.<br /><br />I had meant to post more, but I think it is about time for me to get in bed. I am reading a series of Guidepost books and I have to find out what is happening on Heather Creek Farms. These are easy reading and very good. I find myself getting involved with the family and they are fictional. But the situations could be happening to anyone. <br /><br />Everyone have a good week. It is supposed to be on the cool side, but then warm up later. Alabama weather is something else. You never know what you are getting this time of the year, especially this time of the year. It doesn't want to quite give up the cooler temps, but then it hits with a very warm humid day. Only in the south. And I wouldn't live anywhere else.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-75124614600915999852011-05-14T20:54:00.002-05:002011-05-14T21:01:45.945-05:00She liveth, I thinkHello, world. Yes, I am still among the living. I have been without a computer since a week before the tornadoes and I have been so aggravated. HP is now on my list of companies to avoid. My advice is too avoid them. Their tech department is located somewhere in INDIA!!<br /><br />We were so fortunate to have no damage due to the weather. Actually, we hardly had even any leaves in the yard; however, my sister was not so lucky. Her car was hit by a tree and she only had two payments left. Her house was hit but not a direct hit. She was so upset. She nor anyone else was injured, so that was good.<br /><br />I know the storms were awful and people are probably wondering why God lets things like this happen. But things of this sort have happened since time began and God doesn't "cause" them and he could stop them, but that would not be letting nature do as it was designed. I know that sounds goofy, but I know what I want to say, I just don't know how.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-24817939185381145312011-01-06T13:41:00.002-06:002011-01-06T13:50:27.984-06:002011 - A Better Blogging Year (I hope)So far 2011 has been a good year. Joe and I are concentrating on each other for a change. We have decided that we are alone for the first time in our entire marriage. That only took 42 years. Joe has definitely became a "new creature" since his baptism. He is the kindest, sweetest, most considerate person in the world. Now, Trina, please do not faint, but it is true. He is not the daddy you grew up with. God is so good.<br /><br />Today is so pretty, cool, but pretty. I have just fiddled around today. It is almost time to get ready for work, my last night this week, but I have volunteer duty tomorrow. I love my hospital work. Three weeks from today I will become the president for this year. I am excited about it, but a little apprehensive, especially when I walk past the wall of past presidents and I see the people I have to follow. I will try my best and that is all I can promise.<br /><br />One of my favorite ladies from church, Jane Cleveland, is leaving tomorrow to move to Palestine, Texas. One of her sons and his family live there and since Roger, her husband, is not in the best of health I guess they decided to move where Jane could have help. She will be sorely missed. You talk about somebody that can give a hug, Jane was the BEST. I will miss her "Jane Hugs."<br /><br />I will try my best to be a better blogger this year. I know I have said that before. I think if I ever break down and get a laptop I will do better. I really am not real crazy about coming to the basement at night when Joe is upstairs and during the day it seems I am always doing something else. We will see.<br /><br />Trina and Karen, have a great week and beginning of your new term. I address you two, because of my lack of blogging involvement, you are my only followers. Who could ask for better?<br /><br />Have a good day and don't forget to spread a little sunshine as you go along.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-70257168454705508922010-12-13T20:54:00.002-06:002010-12-13T21:02:30.799-06:00Things happen in God's time, not ours.I have always heard that and I believe it to be true, but after 42 years of praying for Joe, I was beginning to think this was a prayer that was destined to be answered in the negative. Was I ever happily surprised on Friday afternoon when I found out that prayer was answered. When I got home Joe was here, of course, and he seemed kind of different in a good sort of way. Anyway, he told me he wa going to tell me something, but I COULD NOT tell anybody else. He said that over several times. I could not even begin to imagine what he was going to say next. And when he did tell me, I almost fell into his arms. He told me that he was going to have George, our minister, baptize him this week. I have loved this man for a long time and he has never told me anything that made me love him more than those words. Well, today at 11:00 AM the deed was done. Joe is a private person, so he chose to go this route. He only wanted one other couple to be there and that was the couple that basically were the first (outside of me) to ask him to attend church. I am sure the angels in heaven are still rejoicing. I am and will forever more. <br /><br />This is a short post, but I can think of nothing else to even begin to compare. Praise to God our Father for His grace, mercy and love.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-75410448150887131352010-11-25T14:37:00.002-06:002010-11-25T15:03:18.219-06:00How Blessed I AmToday has been relatively quiet. Joe and I had what I considered a good Thanksgiving lunch. I cook so much less than I once did, that I surprised myself when it all came together. Of course, I cooked more than enough, so I guess it will be The Left-Over Diner for a few days.<br /><br />I really have so much to be thankful for this year. First of all I am thankful that God has blessed me as He has. He allowed me to be born to a family that believed in Him and brought me up to do the same. They taught me to work and be honest, traits too many of the younger generation does not exhibit. When our nation realizes that belief in God and His ways are what it was founded on things will begin to get better. He has blessed this country and for a large part the country has thumbed their noses at Him. How sad our ancestors would be!!<br /><br />I am so thankful that I have Joe. I know there have been times that I could have put him on the proverbial slow boat to China, but I would have been swimming after it before it got too far from port. Pretty gutsy stuff for a girl that can't swim to be saying. That is just how much he means to me. I guess as we have aged together we have become more tolerant of each other. <br /><br />My children are most precious to me. Trina has always made us proud, not that she was perfect. Sorry, Trina, perfect children are just a myth. Seriously, Trina has made her niche in life and a very good one at that. She married the most wonderful gift from God and we love him dearly. She has been mother to Katy and Jessi and a very proud <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Granna</span> to Sam. Phillip and Lance are just a dear to her as are the girls. She has succeeded in becoming a great teacher and loves her job. She was fortunate to have had two of the best English teachers ever. I never forget to remind Jane <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mullinax</span> of her influence and were Ms. Smith still alive I would also remind her.<br /><br />Our Eddy is another story. I love him with all my heart, but he is a very troubled soul. All his life he had great ambitions, but for some reason he never was able to capitalize on them. It could be that his particular ambitions changed so readily. I realized early on that Eddy seemed to have some kind of attention problems (this was <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">pre</span>-ADD/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">ADHD</span>), but everyone kept saying that he would outgrow it. You the reasoning: Limit his sugar intake, don't let him drink <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">caffeine</span> drinks, etc. Guess what he did not outgrow it and hence, we have been burdened with many problems. His self-esteem is minus 100 at the best. I tried to get some counseling when he was around 9 years old, but was unsuccessful . All I can do now is let God have him and pray for the best.<br /><br />Over the last ten years, I have become so involved with so many things. And I love all of it. When I retired, I began going to the ladies' Tuesday Morning Class. Loved every minute of it. We have grown since then and do a lot of service projects. My thing has always been that if Jesus came to earth to be a servant for us, how can we expect to be like him if we don't become servants too? <br /><br />Now that I am volunteering at the hospital I feel my life has become even better. I work with people that are true God believing people and don't care for talking about Him to anyone that will listen. I feel that my faith has grown so much for this experience. I know I am where I am supposed to be and I love it. The little twelve hours a week I work is just icing on the cake. I would do it just to get volunteer hours, but the extra pay is good. <br /><br />My friends through the years are some of the most wonderful people. There have been times when they were just what I needed. Our "bunch" from school still get together about every 2-3 months and have a girl's night out. We would probably do it more often, but some of them have become grandmothers and they have to coordinate their goings with the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">grandchildren's</span> activities. Oh happy days!!<br /><br />My plans for my days off this week were to do some much needed sewing. Have I? No. Why? Too much other stuff to do. I HAVE GOT TO GET SOME SEWING DONE. MY FABRIC IS GOING TO DRY ROT IF I DON'T!!<br /><br />Hope everyone has had a great day and that the upcoming holiday season will be just as blessed. Try not to stress out. Just spread some sunshine and everything will be fine.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-52922973853633170482010-11-09T21:11:00.002-06:002010-11-09T21:22:47.932-06:00Today was Up and DownToday did not start off in such a happy way. Eddy was here overnight and it seems lately when he is here, it never is a happy way. I am at my wit's end on what to do and even wonder at times if there is anything to do except to just exist. Oh well, brighter days are surely not too far off.<br /><br />Things improved greatly when I got to our ladies class. Always does. It is so refreshing to be around my "sisters." We had a wonderful discussion on several things before we ever got to discussing some of the things from the Beth Moore study book. The study series was so great, even the second time around. After class several of us went out for lunch. We always have a good time then and usually end up staying much longer than the waitress prefers. We always tip well.<br /><br />Then, I had my six month check up with my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">hemotologist</span> and I don't go back for six more months. She was so excited about my lab work. Numbers on my blood count were high, which was very good. Numbers on my kidney lab was low, which was very good. After nine years it is about time.<br /><br />Then I got to go to work. Yea!! I love my job at the gift shop, but I think you all have probably already figured that one out. My manager (I'm old enough to be her mother and she actually calls me Mama Marty sometimes.) is a sweet young lady and anytime I put a display out she always will compliment it and is always thanking me for coming to work. She is a pure joy to be around. I think this satisfying that urge I once had to have my own business, but I don't have to worry with any of that boring stuff like payroll, taxes, ordering, etc. I think that is called the best of both worlds. <br /><br />Time to call it a day and go snuggle with my little four legged boys. And they are excellent <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">snugglers</span> and on these cold nights I really appreciate them.<br /><br />Have a great day tomorrow and don't forget o spread a little sunshine along the way.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-32006332397972617942010-11-06T19:30:00.002-05:002010-11-06T19:41:53.848-05:00looking forward to a new weekYes, I am definitely looking forward to a new week. The last couple have been hard, but after hard times, the good times seem even better. And there will be better.<br /><br />I am so sorry the Tide did not roll today, but I still love them and think they are the best. They always show class and that is just as important (well, almost) as a win. You know what I mean.<br /><br />The last three days have been absolutely beautiful even though the temp today was just a wee bit too cool. If the wind had not been blowing, even the temp would not have been so bad. The skies were so pretty - just a few wispy clouds around. My God is so awesome when he paints His canvas so full of beauty.<br /><br />Our gift shop is beginning to look like a Christmas wonderland. I don't know where Melissa got all the ornaments, but we have got them, everything from angels or all kiinds to fishing Santas. We even have some shoes and purses for all the girly girls out there. I am having a blast with all the decorating and seeing what else will pop out of the stock room.<br /><br />We plan to have an open house this next Friday. One of the companies we order from has sent some samples that we can prepare to offer to customers in hopes they will then buy the product. Sounds like fun to me. The foods of the holidays are one of my favorite things. <br /><br />Our younger Chi has been shaking for several days now so I dug out his sweater and he is much better. He is our funny boy whereas Mule is our more sedate laid-back fellow. These two boys have given us some very enjoyable times. You should see them get after animals on the TV. You would think a war had broken out and they were our only line of defense. It is even funnier when Dingo turns and gets onto Mule because he is also barking. It is a hoot.<br /><br />OK, I have had my shower, got my flannel jammies on, lotioned up my feet and put on my sleep socks and then put on Snuggle slippers on, so dear blogging friends I will bid each of you a pleasant nights rest until the next time. Have a wonderful day with God tomorrow and spread some sunshine wherever you go.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-83133754073127664762010-11-01T20:19:00.002-05:002010-11-01T20:31:22.287-05:00Just some thoughtsIt appears that arrangements for Elizabeth's funeral have been made. Joe talked to the oldest son this afternoon and he has almost convinced them to have the visitation and service all on the same day. Their dad, Joe's brother, just does not handle death well at all. When his dad died and again when his mother died, he totally collapsed, so I can not imagine what it is going to be like with his daughter. Right now it will be on Wednesday mid-day. Please keep the whole family in your prayers. They are going to need all the support that can be gathered during this difficult time.<br /><br />In addition to this already tragic event, Joe comes in and tells me that his younger brother, Cordell, says that his son, Chris, is not doing well at all. Chris was born with heart problems and at age four had open heart surgery. He has since had several other surgeries. Now it seems that his body has begun to retain too much fluid. It seems his heart is doing fine, but the veins are the problem now. I really don't know what would happen to Cordell if anything happened to Chris. Chris is his only son, his only child. He is 37 years old. Please pray for this family as well.<br /><br />Our family is making it, but times are still tough. Eddy has lost all interest in life. My son has been through a lot, most of it from his own undoing, but a lot from a system that is all wrong. He no longer cares much about what he looks like - wears sloppy clothes and doesn't get all done up nice anymore. He has gained so much weight, too much actually and his blood pressure is out of sight and I doubt very seriously that he is taking his medicine. He has even said he didn't see any reason to even try anymore. I pray that he will come around and get better.<br /><br />I am going to get ready for bed and see if I can sleep and maybe things will be better by morning.<br /><br />I will try to spread some sunshine tomorrow.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-84153439065449208472010-10-31T14:34:00.002-05:002010-10-31T15:03:27.530-05:00Life is fragile . . .. . . handle with prayer.<br /><br />Yes, life is indeed fragile and as the Bible tells us it is only a vapor that will soon disappear, but to have such a young life be snuffed out is hard to understand. I also know that all things are not meant to be understood; however, as humans we can't always grasp hold of that concept. The old church song, "In the Sweet By and By" pretty much says it all.<br /><br />I am referring, of course, to our niece's untimely death on Thursday due to an accident as she was going home after picking her two oldest boys up from school. Everyone was properly buckled in and suddenly a car cut her off. She was unable to control her vehicle and left the road. She, according, to the paramedics died instantly. The oldest and youngest of the boys were shaken up, but not badly hurt. They were transported to the hospital for observation. The middle boy was in the seat behind Elizabeth and was air lifted to the hospital. The last report Joe got was that his face would have to undergo complete reconstruction. <br /><br />I do not know why the person in the other car came onto the highway as they did, but for whatever reason it could not be important enough to take a person's life and deprive three young boys of a mother. To make the situation even worst was the fact that that person did not bother to even stop. Were they so oblivious to what was going on that they did not realize what had happened? Being a very busy stretch of highway and being the time of day it was there were several witnesses and a description of the car as well as the tag number was given to the officers. I hope that now that person will be apprehended and dealt with properly and in a timely manner.<br /><br />Last Monday, the 25th, the baby turned one and next Sunday, the 7th, Elizabeth would have turned 37. Will it ever be the same around this time of year for them? Sadly not for some time yet.<br /><br />As we approach the holiday season, I most always get very sentimental, depressed or whatever term you may choose. It will be twelve years on the 11th since my dear sweet Mother left this world of pain. My Momma (my forever name for her) is missed every single day that I live and so many times I think of something I need to ask her. That will never go away, I guess. Momma was so sick, both physically and otherwise. I think she just simply got tired and worn out and was ready to go to a better life. Even though I miss her terribly, I would not bring her back unless she could come back the way she once was. But, once again, "In the Sweet By and By."<br /><br />The weather is finally beginning to feel like the fall and I am so happy. Basically I am a cool weather person, not necessarily cold, but nippy cool. I love the way the coolness will tingle you face when you walk out in it. It is so rejuvenating. I can get so silly during this time of the year. Heck, my manager at the gift shop told me Friday I was silly all the time. Oh well, I have fun.<br /><br />My never seen friend, Karen over at Karen's Korner is having a give away. She will be drawing for it at midnight tonight. The picture of the unfinished basket looked too good and I just believe I could really appreciate everything in it. I love surprises.<br /><br />Our shop is beginning to look like a Christmas shop. Melissa and I spent all last week putting up stuff and pulling out our Christmas stock. We have ten skinny trees that we decorate with ornaments in a particular theme. One is animals, one in Alabama/Auburn, another is for young kids and I don't know what else we will have for this week. One of our tables has some really pretty pieces of dishes that are too cute. Of course, there are our Christmas aprons. You all did know I have a fetish for aprons, didn't you? If Melissa thinks I have been silly before now, she ain't seen nothing yet!! I promise,Trina, someday I plan to try and grow up but not anytime soon.<br /><br />Our annual conference for hospital volunteers was in Mobile this year and we stayed at the Renaissance Plaza and it was wonderful. We did not have to leave the hotel until we left if we didn't want to. Pat, my cohort in crime, and I did go out walking one afternoon and really enjoyed looking at some of the older things around that part of the city. Our state project for the association is Alzheimer's Disease. We had a wonderful speaker on the subject and I intend to learn as much as I can about it. Our hospital has a support group that meets once a month or once a week, can't remember which. It designed specifically for the caregivers who the speaker said is the most affected from this terrible disease. I can well see how that may be from what Trina says. <br /><br />I promise to be a more dedicated blogger and not wait for a month or more between posts. I mean well and you would not believe how many blogs i write in my head as I wait for sleep to overtake me at night. Some of those actually sound quite good. Too bad I can't remember them once I waken the next day.<br /><br />Until next time, always remember to spread a little sunshine wherever you go.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-61346701073448584302010-10-09T10:04:00.002-05:002010-10-09T10:10:06.252-05:00just some rambling thoughtsThe weather is really pleasing me lately. Only complaint is that it warms up in the afternoon. It will be really nice when it stays in the low 70s and high 60s all day and with a breeze and sun shining. I guess God doesn't have to have me to do His weather planning, but maybe just a little hint won't hurt.<br /><br />Joe and I are leaving shortly to go to Cullman. Today is the last day of their annual October Fest, the only one world-wide that does not serve beer. They seem to have great crowds and lots of stuff going on anyway. We will end up the afternoon by going to Rumor's Deli for a German style meal. Having never been to Germany, I have no idea if it is authentic or not, but Joe, having been to Germany, says it is close. <br /><br />Well, this is probably the world's shortest blog post, but Joe is ready to leave and I don't want him to change his mind. The weather is good, I've got my walking shoes on and nothing is hindering us. Will give you a report later among some other thoughts.<br /><br />Life is good, God is good. Thank Him for the first.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-52420147354217836412010-09-18T13:00:00.002-05:002010-09-18T13:15:18.801-05:00Karen's questions1. What is your favorite season and why?2. Do you have a Bucket List and what is one thing you have on it?3. Do you go to Starbucks(or another coffee chain) and what is your favorite drink there?4. What book are you currently reading(or just finished)?5. Do you take pictures? What kind of camera do you have and share a current picture with us!6. What is your favorite genre of music and favorite group, band, individual from that genre.7. Where was your most favorite vacation and what made it your favorite?8. What is your favorite thing to cook/prepare and share the recipe<br /><br />Hey Karen. Thanks for the chance to share with you. After the answers you may think i am a hum-drum person, but here goes.<br /><br />1. Favorite season has to be the fall/autumn because of all the seasons this is the one that shows the wonder and awesomeness of my God. I know there is not a paint mixer anywhere that could match what He puts out there.<br />2. I do not have a Bucket List. Just haven't taken the time to make one.<br />3. Don't go to Starbucks much since we do not have one close by, but i do frequent our coffee shop, Lobby Lattes, at the hospital. My favorite varies.<br />4.It is a book by terri Blackstock, "Last Light" (I think.) Anyway, it is a mystery set in Birmingham.<br />5. I do take pictures but not a lot. My camera is a Kodak digital and I would love to share some of them if I knew how.<br />6. My favorite genre of music is country/gospel. Right now I am listening to a lot of the Gaither CD's. I am going to the concert in B'ham in December so I am practicing so I can be in fine voice that night.<br />7. Gosh, all of the vacations Joe and I took were favorites, but I guess the most favorite was when he surprised me by taking me to Buffalo NY where my dad was from. We even searched until we found my grandparents old home. Was I ever disillusioned when I saw it. It looked like the house, but not like it did when I was 11-12 years old. <br />8. I have cooked so little lately I just don't know. Let me see. I guess it would be the old stand by chicken casserole and I think everybody has that recipe. I have learned a little trick from one of my friends. Use both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups and add sliced water chestnuts. Also, put a layer of the Ritz crackers on the bottom of the pan. Yummo!!<br /><br />Thanks again, Karen.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-56000572597039984272010-09-06T14:50:00.002-05:002010-09-06T15:09:13.823-05:00What a beautiful day!!That is my feelings about today. This is supposedly the official end of summer. The temp isn't quite cool enough yet, but it is getting there. Now when the leaves start doing their grand show, this girl will be one happy person. I have ALWAYS loved the fall. I <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">used</span> to say it was because my birthday is in the fall, but no, it is just my kind of weather. It gets cool and the air has a certain feel about it. It feels so good to go out and you get this little tingle on your face and the air smells so clean kind of like I remember when we took one of our trips out to Utah, Idaho and that area. When you took a deep breath all you could smell was clean air. <br /><br />I attended a Beth Moore class a few weeks back. Missed the last one because of my new found career, but I have continued to do the book study here at home. One day, my study was from Psalm 130. Let me tell you I feel in love with that particular Psalm, particularly verse 7. And from reading that verse, my love for God went up about umpteen million billion points. In my paraphrase it says, " God's love in everlasting and his redemption is full." That tells me that He loves me longer than forever and that He forgives ALL my sins (of course, I have to ask His forgiveness), not just some of them, but ALL OF THEM. I know that God's favorite thing for us to do is to love others as much as He has loved us. But that verse just about knocked my socks off. Don't ask me why that verse at that exact time. I don't know. I think it is what I like to call a "God thing." I have been having a lot of those lately and it just makes me feel so wonderful. I know my Redeemer lives.<br /><br />God's <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">beauty</span> and goodness is another reason I love the fall. No one can duplicate the colors He paints on the trees. They are so vibrant and so pure and so, so, so . . . I can't even come up with the words to describe them.<br /><br />I guess football has gotten here in full force. Alabama won, the other school won, Jacksonville State really pulled a biggie and little old <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Oakman</span> High won. Guess that about covers my knowledge of football.<br /><br />Life in the gift shop is going great. I have an idea working in my head for the baby section. It needs a make-over and I hope Melissa will let me do what I have in mind. Some of the baby items are so cute that I keep trying to <span style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffff00">find</span> expectant friends and family to buy for. I know I have Jimmy Dan and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gina</span> and Libby and Jay. Some of the things are in the keeping category rather than clothes. Seems like they always get more clothes than baby can wear. <br /><br />Our collegiate things are coming in and Melissa and I began setting up each school's displays. Wish we had room to do local high school displays, but we are not big enough to afford to stock items to cover all 7-8 schools in the county. Maybe we can think of something. We keep things for people to buy for patients, but people don't realize that hospital gift shops carry things for other people as well. Next time you need a gift try your local hospital gift shop. You might be in for a surprise.<br /><br />Time to get back upstairs and get our meal (late lunch/early supper) ready. Got most of it put together already, but still got the potato salad to make. <br /><br />Have a good week and enjoy God's upcoming display.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-7107747045442053022010-08-23T22:04:00.002-05:002010-08-23T22:26:42.017-05:00Never say NeverI believe it was Sir Winston Churchill that once said, " Never, never, never, never say never." I fully understand what that means now. Back in June 2000 when I retired from my job at the elementary school I said I would "never" go back to work, at least not in a paid position. Well, guess who has had to eat her words? Yep, yours truly. It was just too good to pass up and the way it happened was just like it was meant to be. As you know I have been volunteering in the hospital gift shop for a little over three years and just love it. The part-time night clerk decided to quit and this was made known to me quite by accident and it just hit me that I might be interested. I talked to the manager and she explained how to apply online. I did and I am now the night clerk and I still love it. I only work four nights a week and three hours a night. It is not hard work, I get to meet a lot of people and sometimes I get to just listen to people as they want to talk. So far I don't think Joe minds. He doesn't act upset and even acts like he might like the idea. The pay isn't that great, but I didn't go into it to get rich, not monetarily anyway. So just remember to Never say Never.<br /><br />Things in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Staggs</span>' household have not been all fun and games lately. You know that Eddy has a chemical addiction, even though I really believe he has got that under control. But he will be released from Tuscaloosa County jail tomorrow after serving a 30 day sentence from two years ago. He could have avoided it by simply going down there and taking a certificate showing where he had completed the program at a state run rehab. He chose to not do and leave it in the hands of his attorney, who of course did not do as he said he would. Another lesson learned: never pay an attorney his full fee up front. They can tell you anything, but since they already have their money, don't count on them keeping their word. Bottom line is that it was ultimately Eddy's responsibility to take care of it and he didn't. Time to grow up, Boy.<br /><br />Sunday our congregation is celebrating our 20<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> anniversary. It is hard to believe that it has already been that long. I was not there for the first six months, but am so glad that I am there now. It has been a wonderful time for me especially in my spiritual growth. I have developed some of the most wonderful friendships and love all the projects that I am involved in. It is such a good feeling to be able to do for people that are less fortunate than we. <br /><br />I am going to try to do better about posting, but I think I said that the last time, too. I have good intentions but we all know which road is paved with good intentions. It really is a long time past my bed time and tomorrow is a long day. Ladies' class is in the morning and then work at 4:00. Joe has to see his cardiologist in Birmingham for his check-up tomorrow so I don't have to make lunch for him. <br /><br />Until the next post, stay cool and enjoy life.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-45617872752698001422010-06-03T09:27:00.002-05:002010-06-03T09:59:26.552-05:00Aging - It's only a process of living.Aging is somethng most people do not like to talk about, but face it folks, we all face each and every day. As a matter of fact, immediately after letting out that first scream we begin that process and it continues until we draw last breath. That probably sounds very morbid or something like that, but as I approach my 68th year, those things jump out at me more often. <br /><br />I do not fear death. The thing about death is that it frees someone from all of life's troubles, pains, sorrows and whatever else may burden them and allows them access to a new life that is eternal. These are based on the condition that your are a saved sinner. Non-Christians don't have that to look forward to.<br /><br />Death is a breaking of life long relationships and that is the sad part. Those left behind find a deep void that cannot be filled. Usually the grief is from a deep longing for the person that has gone and missing all the time you had together. And another thing, with death most unhappy memories no longer exists. You only remember those happy times and that helps to soothe the hurt. And time does ease the hurt; it doesn't eliminate it.<br /><br />How did I get on this tangent? I was going to do aging. Oh well, I guess the two are very closely related.<br /><br />I can remember when I was young and there were four generations living in one house. The house started out many, many years ago as a two room log house. By the time I was born, it had become a much larger house. My great-grandmother, my grandparents, my parents and I (along with my three siblings) lived in this one house. I can remember when we first got electricity and the house never had indoor plumbing. Somewhere along the way after we had moved to our own house, my grandparents did manage to get water into the house. But you know those years - we moved out when I was nine - were the happiest I can remember. I know times were hard and things were not always easy, but in my mind I cannot see any of that. We had plenty to eat thanks to the gardens and chickens and pigs. We had a place to live, not a palace but a mansion of love. We had clothes even though most of them were either hand me downs or home made by grandmother. We had plenty of room to play whatever games our imagination could find. Ever built your very own playhouse from pine straw? You ain't lived if you haven't. No, I did not slip grammatically. Some things are just better said like that. And the Sunday afternoons when Granddaddy would take us on a hike up the "mountains" behind the house. We would get to the top and he would begin to point so and so's house and mr. somebody's fields. It was awesome how smart he was. .<br /><br />When I started school, the second time, we had to walk about half a mile to the highway to catch the bus. Didn't matter if it was hot, cold, raining or the dogs were following. It was down the road we went. I said the second time, because, Mother had enrolled me the year before in the little one-room school house, but I had to be taken out because that was the year the age requirements said you had to be six on or before October 1. That didn't happen to me until November. That was OK since the school was right next to my other great-grandparents house and we visited there a lot and I was allowed to visit the school. Those were golden days.<br /><br />But as time went on and as I begin to "age" things began to not be as such. This thing called unhappiness began to creep into my life and I did not like it. I did find out as I continued to age that that was just part of life and I did survive. May have not liked it, but survive I did.<br /><br />And even as I grew into adulthood and eventulally married and began a family, things were not always joy and fun. I can hear my Mother talking about how it seemed that after her children grew up and went out on their own, she was kind of forgotten. I guess it is called making your own nest. I tried to make it a part of my life to include her in as much as I could. If there was a band competition, she was always happy to go. She and I had a ritual for a long time. I would get up on Saturday and get Joe off to work. Then I would get ready, pick Momma up and away we woulod go. First stop was Hardee's for breakfast, slow and no hurrying. Then we would just ramble for quite a while, usually at Wal-Mart and then do some grocering shopping. I would drop her off at her house and come on home. Those were happy times, times that I miss.<br /><br />Aging goes on until we can't go anymore. Then our bodies will revert back to from whence it came. Sometimes I think how wonderful that will be, but then I think of the things I would miss. Fortunately, I won't know I am missing them.<br /><br />I will be back on this subject later. I am glad I have gotten back on my blogging. Lazy I was for a while.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-13978871163818402412010-05-31T13:35:00.002-05:002010-05-31T14:04:17.120-05:00MEMORIAL DAY 2010I hope everyone is enjoying your holiday, but PLEASE remember WHY we have this holiday. It cost some people a lot, like their lives. They may have survived whichever war/conflict they may have been involved with physically, but do you ever stop to think about those that have and are still having problems dealing with the things they endured? Our idea of today is a cook out, time at the beach/lake, visiting with family and friends. This is all good, but somewhere we need to stop and think just how we got to do all these nice things.<br /><br />I guess I am on a real giant size soap box lately, but all these political ads have just about got the best of me. Tomorrow is election and I will be so glad when it is over. This is just the primary and if a run off is necessary it will be starting over on Wednesday. What floors me is that today, there are say two/three candidates running for the same office on the same ticket. They are blasting each other for all they are worth - name calling, mud slinging, you name it. Then come Wednesday and time to begin campaigning for the run off. Those same people that could not endure each other today are all buddy buddy on Wednesday. How do you account for that?<br /><br />And another thing. Why do people long at you like you have four heads if you happen to not agree with their political agenda? Those people that I spoke of earlier gave me the privilege to vote and to vote for whomever I please without fear of reprisal. And I love my friends that are not of the same persuasion as I, but I don't ever recall forwarding them an email that is knocking the people/party I happen to be supporting at this time. I say at this time, because I do not vote party, I vote person. I know of no president, governor, senator, representative or any other elected official that is perfect or above reproach. We all have/will sin and fall short of the glory of God. <br /><br />I received an email today that was blasting President Obama really bad. My Daddy, a veteran, said that even if you did not vote for the sitting president, he still deserved your respect by the very nature of the office he held. President Obama has been in office less than two years. Now tell me this. How did he create a trillion dollar plus deficit in that length of time? And the health care reform stuff has been floating around for years as in more than two. And I received an announcement from Medicare last week that said this new act would be a savings for people and the government. Oh, I forgot, the person that sent it is a Republican. I still love her and think she is a wonderful Christian lady. And that is another point. Since when do I have to be a Republican in order to be a Christian? I am first a Christian, then an American. My salvation was bought with the blood of Jesus and my freedom was bought with the blood of a soldier. I don't think that anyone has the right to try to impose on me their political views. I feel like I am a fairly intelligent person and perfectly capable of making my own decisions. They may not always be right, but they were nonetheless, MY decision. <br /><br />I have also been told numerous times that when President Bush was the sitting president that he was there with God's blessings because God set in place those that should govern us. Does Presjdent Obama not have those same blessings? Evidently from the way some people talk, not so. <br /><br />I will probably anger some people and they may think me a lunatic, but so be it. I have sat around for eight+ years and had things stuffed down my throat and rather than cause a conflict, I have just let it pass, but the email this morning just put a big crack in the straw on the camel's back. Glad it didn't break!!<br /><br />My sisters that I meet with each week are so dear to me and I would not hurt any of them for anything, but I guess I am just full up today.<br /><br />This is not going to be a happy face week. Nothing to say on it just yet, later though. <br /><br />I definitely need a good attitude adjustment and don't know where the adjuster is right now. I guess the blog will have to do. However, I don't think anyone ever reads my posts, but so what? I have got a lot off my mind and I do feel a little better right now.<br /><br />I am going upstairs, take a shower, get dressed with a minimum of make-up and go for a manicure. My hands are hurting so badly and a couple of my fingers feel like a tooth ache. The manicurist I use is great and I do hope they are open today. If not, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow will be another day.<br /><br />Remember our veterans past and present. I am honored to have had a dad, uncle, brother, husband and numerous friends to serve. And as always may God bless the United States of America.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-47319773230953531872009-06-30T20:47:00.002-05:002009-06-30T21:02:24.215-05:00Hola! Mi Amigos<span style="font-family:verdana;">Well, I have returned from Mexico. Actually we got back on June 20th. Our trip began on Saturday, June 13th when we left our church building at 4:00 AM (ugh) and headed for Birmingham International. There were only eleven of us that flew out of B'ham; the other seven flew out of H'ville. Yeah, there were only 18 of us this year, but guess what. We made it fine and I think a small group does better since everybody has to pull their weight. And our bunch did just that. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The weather, as usual, was absolutely wonderful. No humidity, temps in the 70's during the day, maybe low 80's and then when the sun went down, it was time to get the light weight jackets on. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Anyone that has ever listened to me after one of these trips knows just how much I love the people of the Baja. They are really a people that appreciate all they have, which is not much not by our standards. But they are the happiest people you will ever see. They don't have so therefore, they don't miss it. True, there are those who will do without the neccessities just to have a cell phone or something like that. That is a trait tha exists everywhere. And those are mostly the younger ones. The older people just do the best they can.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We were able to do a little home visiting this time and that was so great. The two houses our group went to was of two of the ladies from our congregation. The last one was so special and such a lovely lady. I have pictures of her that I will try to post a little later. Her name was Janet and she is a widow. Her 61 year old son will come to visit some. She has a stiff leg and must use a walker, but her house was clean as a pin and so neat. No only that, when we got there she was working in her garden, which a lot of our farmers would have stood and drooled over. She had lemon, lime, orange and I think, apricot trees, flowers, and vegetables. And she does this while on a walker!! Can you see anyone here doing that? No, they would probably be filling out disability forms.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I coould go on forever, but it is getting late, for me anyway, and I have to be at the hospital for a volunteer meeting at 9:00 in the morning. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Verdana;">After nine years, I am tackling the #1 item on my to-do-list when I retired. I am cleaning out my basement. Now, I didn't say I was finished or even close to finishing, but at least I have started. Hey, give a girl credit for that.</span>Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-17104852391161809052009-05-04T20:09:00.002-05:002009-05-04T20:34:20.451-05:00Where Did April Go??As far as that goes, where does all my time go? I know I must be accomplishing something since the house has not yet been condemned by the health department and no one has reported me to the ASPCA for not taking care of Mule and Dingo and Joe has not suggested that I start reading my cookbooks (of which I have MANY).<br /><br />Today was no different from most Mondays. I was up at 5:30 to get ready and be at the hosptal by 7:00 for the book sale. I left there at 10:00 and went by the bank and then went downtown to the First United Methodist Church for their Tasting and Fashion Show. My "partner in crime" at the hospital gift shop is a member of the UMW group and she invited me as her guest. Each lady in the group made recipes from their latest cookbook and we were privileged to sample them. As Rachel Ray says, "YUM-O." Then the fashion show began - it was a blast. The lady that modeled her Easter dress had plastic Easter eggs in her bonnet; the lady that modeled her pill box hat had a "hat" that was loaded with pill bottles, needles, etc and her "handbag" was a first aid kit and she was dressed in white scrubs. There were about fifteen more ladies with their fashions. Let your imagination run with these: a sun dress, a Christmas dress (would you believe a Christmas tree dress and gift box shoes?), bell bottoms, sack dress, etc. It was real cute. Then it was on the the clinic for my monthly CBC. Then I just fooled around a while and came home around 5:00. <br /><br />We received some bad news over the week end. Joe's uncle married a lady from our church and before they moved to Monroe County, the four of us would go out to eat a lot. And we have been down to visit them several times. Anyway, several years ago, Betty adopted two of her grandchildren and raised them up as her children. Sammie, the boy, moved down to Monroe Country about six years ago, married a young lady and had a little girl. He was working and doing OK. Saturday, he suddenly died from a massive heart attack and he was only 31. Joe and I are going down in the morning for the services. Betty and Louis are not dealing well with it. Don't guess anybody would.<br /><br />There just isn't anything real exciting happening around here. It was stormy most all week-end, but fortunately, no damage was done that I know of. <br /><br />One of my blogger friends, Karen, posted here 200th blog today and is having a give away to celebrate. Drop over to her site and enter. <a href="http://stillmagnolias.blogspot.com/">Karen's terrific giveaway</a> will take you to her blog, so jump over and enter. However, I fully intend to win simply because I NEED SOME PAMPERING.<br /><br />Until I have time to sit down and write more, I am calling it a day.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-82152722088422250382009-04-09T08:43:00.002-05:002009-04-09T08:55:55.440-05:00Guess Who!!It has been another busy week up on Mockingbird Hill. Make that two weeks. Between doctor appointments and other things we just about meet ourselves coming and going out the door. Oh well at least life is not boring around here. Oh, for boring!!<br /><br />Our Faith in Action campaign on Sunday was wonderful. We started out with breakfast in the fellowship hall, prepared and served by th Boy Scout/Cub Scout Troops we sponsor. Then we went to worship service, which is the highlight of my week. After worship, each team met at the work sites. Our site was the elementary school where I attended, my kids attended and I spent 22 years as secretary/bookkeepper, etc. So it was a labor of love for me. I was a sight - work gloves, bright purple T-shirt (our signature FIA shirts) and a pollen mask. We made three flower beds, sans flowers due to the impending freeze, painted the poles along the side walk and cleaned around the side walk. All went well and very little rain. The agribusiness class put the plants out for us yesterday. After work, everyone went home, cleaned up (well, everyone was SUPPOSED to go home and clean up) and went back to the building where the Scouts had grilled burgers and dogs for supper. Everyone then gave reports of their day of work. It was a fast and tiring day, but one that had God written all over it. I only hope the communities that had work done in them saw Him.<br /><br />Even with the "sneeze mask" I managed to have a sneeze fit Sunday night. So for the remainder of this week, I have been in a fog of sorts. At least the sneezes have been kept at bay, somewhat.<br /><br />The dogwoods have really been putting on a show around here. The woods are simply beautiful. Everywhere you look there are little white patches peeking from the still barren trees. And the red buds have been strutting their stuff as well. Just another of God's wonders. How do people look at the beauty of nature and not believe? Beats me. <br /><br />Got to run. Washer has turned off, pups are waiting for reading time and I have got to at least vacuum the floors. Will mop if I feel the need. And of course, the sewing room is crying for some attention. Oh, me can somebody please give me a week's worth of maid service. Oh no!!! That would mean I would have to clean the house before I would dare let them in.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-66990109634911744452009-03-28T14:46:00.002-05:002009-03-28T14:50:28.935-05:00I can see clearly nowWell, at least I can see clearly in my right eye. My cataract "surgery" went just great. It took longer to get prepped than the actual procedure took. I prefer to call it a procedure since it was only 5-7 minutes in length. People seemed amazed that I was at church Wednesday night. My six month dental check up took longer than this and I would much rather have this done than to have a filling put in my tooth. I really don't know what all the fuss was about. But I can hardly wait for the next eye to be done. I am in hopes that I can either put my glasses away totally or else just wear readers. And have you priced readers? El Cheapo. I may even have a different pair for each day of the week. Pink one day, yellow, blue, green and how about some rhinestones?<br /><br />Got to run. Joe and I are going to ride down to Tuscaloose and goof off for a while. Will probably go by Sam's. That is always fun because I can always find something I just have to have.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-66524817143963623002009-03-21T09:03:00.003-05:002009-03-21T09:13:25.859-05:00It has been a good weekGood morning. I hope all of you have had a good week. The weather has been so nice. It is like the weeks we had when I was still working and the kids and I were both out at the same time. I would put them in the yard to play and I took one room a day and totally tore it down and cleaned it, top to bottom and side to side. Boy, that was a big job and one I have not tackled in a long time.<br /><br />Joe's biopsy went well on Tuesday. A friend of ours from church rode over with us, even though it wasn't necessary. She thinks Joe and I are her "other parents." Her parents also live around here, but have only been back a couple of years so she let us fill in until they moved here from Montgomery. Trina also came up.. He heard from the doctor yesterday and everything is OK. I sure am glad to hear that and I only hope that Joe is telliing me right.<br /><br />I have my cataract surgery on Tuesday. They will do the right eye then and about four weeks later will do the left. I started the drop routine this morning. I hope this will eliminate glasses all the time, maybe altogether. There is a new implant that can do that, but since I have worn glasses for so long, I will probably still reach for them every morning. Oh well, at least my vision will improve.<br /><br />Got to run. Do I ever get through going to pick things up. I think I have it all done, and wham-m0 something pops up.<br /><br />Nine years ago this week (spring break week) I made the decision to retire and it is a decision I have never looked back on. I love not having to stick to a schedule as far as being on the job at such and such time and staying somedays until who knows when. Take my advice. When it is time to retire, do it. Do not wait a few more years to up your monthly check. Time is far more important. I actually stay busier now than I did when I worked, but it is a different kind of busy. A freedom busy. Of course, I do not get a lot of things done that I should, but my projects aren't going anywhere and if I don't ever get them done, the kids can have fun wondering what I was saving all this junk for and then they can toss it or whatever. No, I seriously intend to get them all finished. Now if the stores would just quit selling fabric, crochet thread, notions and I would not subscribe to sewing magazines, etc. What's the fun of life if you can't enjoy it. <br /><br />Have a good week, friends/Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-64197669795054860352009-03-14T13:46:00.002-05:002009-03-14T13:53:00.731-05:00Happy Birthday, MommaI wonder what we would have done today for your birthday. You always said it was just another day, but I know that you loved the gifts and attention. And most of the time it was a chance for you to have all the kids around you. Oh, how you delighted in the grandchildren and when the great-grands started coming along, you really loved it. <br /><br />I miss you, Momma, more than anything in this world and there are times that I just want to tell you something and then I realize I can't pick up the phone and call and say, "Guess what." or "How do you do this?" or a hundred other things.<br /><br />Today has been rougher than most for some reason. I guess the gloomy weather may have something to do with it. You would be "biting at the bits" ready to get out in the garden or whatever. <br /><br />Each year when your roses bloom I think of you. We have tried to keep them pretty, but I just don't have the same ability you did.<br /><br />Momma, I love you and miss you. Wish you could be here, but I honestly, would not want you back with all the pain and suffering you were facing. I will see you someday, so until then, I love you.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-32995495308458753542009-03-07T16:05:00.002-06:002009-03-07T16:27:34.933-06:00Another Awesome RetreatThis was my home congregation's ladies retreat and as is always the case it was wonderful. Our speaker, the first one anyway, is the mother-in-law of one of our elders. She is an amazing lady. She is so filled with the love of the Lord, and her family, that it just pours from her. She did her lesson on the book of Esther and it was so good. She showed how even though the name of God is never mentioned in the book, He is working throughout. His providence was there in every aspect of the events. Then this morning in our <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">devo</span> before leaving, she told her story about how the providence of God had worked in life and eventually led her to her Christian life. I wish everyone could have heard her,.<br /><br />As I mentioned above, we also had another speaker. She is a young mother of three and also a music teacher in the Jasper City System. Our minister's wife also teaches with her and knew her story. It seems she gave birth to baby Jake in December. She had had a normal pregnancy and normal delivery. That was for about 15 minutes or so. She took a bad turn and began to bleed uncontrollably as she said, "from every part of body that blood could come from, except my eyes." The whole story came down to the fact that she "died" and she said she saw herself walking beside Jesus. She said she didn't really want to leave her family, but if it was His will so be it. She said she saw other people, but not their faces and that she felt the most wonderful peace she could ever imagine. Anyway, after many days of just hanging on, she came back around and is now back to teaching and doing great. She gave the name of the condition she had, but I sure couldn't begin to tell you what it was. Anyway, only a very small number of women survive even the first hour after it hits. Now this is not some kind of far out freak type person. She is just an ordinary lady that loves her family, her job, and God and totally believes in Him. At one point she said her blood pressure dropped to 40 and that is just barely alive. She had her two sisters and her Mom with her last night and of course, Baby Jake and he was just gorgeous. Slept pretty much through the whole program, even the skit. <br /><br />The weather was perfect, the food wonderful, the fellowship too good and the angels in heaven could not compete with our singing. I am not saying it was that good, it was so from the heart. And isn't that what it is all about - praising our Father for all the wonderful things He has done in our lives. Not all of them are pleasant, but they are all for our "refining." I think it is all in how a person deals with the "fires" of their lives that determines the outcome. Maybe I'm wrong, but we all have a free will to choose our actions. Some just choose the wrong way.<br /><br />I am tired. Just can't take these 1-2 AM bedtimes much. Joe and I are getting ready to go eat Chinese and then I am setting all the clocks ahead an hour and probably crash as soon as I take a nice HOT shower and get in my <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jammies</span>. <br /><br />I hope all have a wonderful day tomorrow. We will go to worship and bask in the glory of Christ. Until next time, God bless.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-52797209231434748602009-03-01T15:34:00.002-06:002009-03-01T15:44:13.833-06:00What a beautiful dayIt was indeed a beautiful sight this morning to watch the snow falling. We had very little accumulation, but just the sight of falling snow has always been something that is just too beautiful to put into words. Another one of God's awesome creations. By the time we were out of church, the sun was out and all snow was gone, but the air was COLD, especially when a gust of wind whipped around you. <br /><br />One of the blogs that I so enjoy reading is Karen's Corner and in the wee hours of this morning she posted six things that made her smile. I thought I would give that a shot. Here goes.<br /><br />1. The first thing is definitely a newborn baby. For that moment in time I am able to look into the face of God or the nearest thing on earth to His face. And for those precious moments (plus a few short years) I can also look into the face of a perfect person. I mean perfect in no bad thoughts or behavior. I also realize there are times when a baby is not always perfect physically.<br /><br />2. A falling snow makes me smile. See above statement.<br /><br />3. Greeting my "sisters" at church or wherever I happen to meet them.<br /><br />4. Being with my own children, which has become few and far between times.<br /><br />5. My pups. Those two are always doing something to put a smile on your face. Their funniest thing is when Dingo decides that Mule is a cushion and sits on him.<br /><br />6. Any show of patriotism makes me smile and oft times I also have tears in my eyes.<br /><br />Smiles just don't happen as much as they should. Nor do good old "belly" laughs. I love to laugh so hard that tears form and your side starts to hurt. Nothing will boost my spirits much quicker.<br /><br />Got some other stuff to do so until the next time, have a good day and God bless.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-63378475788663332862009-02-28T18:45:00.002-06:002009-02-28T19:24:45.754-06:00I'm BackWell, back safe and sound at home. The retreat was great as are all Christian retreats. We left Jasper around 10:00 A.M. after waiting for a down pour to pass over. We got to Cullman and HAD to stop at the All Steak for lunch. If you have never been to All Steak, you should really make the effort to go. The food is absolutely wonderful and the visit is topped off by a basket of orange rolls that are to die for. Everyone from around these parts know about them. If you leave this restaurant hungry, it is your own fault.<br /><br />After lunch we decided to stop in part of historic Cullman where there are some antique shops. However, before arriving there I spotted a fabric store. Trina knows the rest of that story without me going on. I browsed through that shop while the others were looking at the old stuff. I did find a piece of fabric that I just could not leave. I am into aprons and this piece is just too cute. It is a coffee theme. I guess I have enough stash to make at least twenty aprons. I have even toyed with the idea of making them to sell. After seeing the prices on some in Guntersville, I think I should consider it. I even have a name for them : Lillie Belle's Aprons. Lillian was my Mother's name and Belle was my Grandmother's middle name. I am thinking real hard.<br /><br />When we arrived in Guntersville, we stopped off at a shop that has been there forever. Its name has changed, but other than that it is as always. There have a ground level floor that is packed with all kinds of things from fabric (didn't find anything this time) to novelty gifts, clothing for all ages and sizes, luggage, candies, cookies, you name it. But in the basement there is a lot of things, but they may be irregulars or close outs or out of season items. But the prices are super. I got Eddy a pair of Carhartt carpenter jeans for $17 which ain't bad!!<br />After I went back upstairs I happen to find Joe a pair of Haggar slacks that have the hidden stretch waistband and they were only $15. <br /><br />We stopped off at McDonald's to get a small snack and something to drink before we went on to the state park. Dinner wasn't going to be until around 7:00. We got checked in and kind of just rested for a while. \\<br /><br />When we got to the area where the meal and sessions were held, it looked like a big girls pajama party. You would not believe some of the things these ladies had on. It was hilarious. And the meal was so good. And the carrot cake for dessert was soooo good. <br /><br />The theme of the retreat was: Designing Women, God's Way. Of course, you can guess that the TV show played a large part in it, with scenes complete with Julia, Suzanne, Charlene, the whole gang present. <br /><br />The scripture verse was Psalm 139:14 - I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.<br />Just thing about that. We are made each made by God in His image and He had this all planned even before my body was formed in my mother's womb. How thrilling is that thought? God had my life planned before I was even born. I love Jeremiah 29:11 where God tells us that He knows the plans he has for us. That is such a comfort.<br /><br />When the session was over we all went to our rooms. My roomie, Edna, and I crashed and almost did not get up in time for this morning sessions. For some reason, we failed to order a wake up call and had one of the other "girls" not knocked on our door, we might have still been asleep, but we put ourselves in to gear and made it with time to spare. Our breakfast buffet was a good old country breakfast and was so good. The speaker this morning told us about some of the things that might not have been part of our design plan like sickness, death or terrible accidents. She related a story about a friend of hers that never married until she was 42 and was hurt in an accident that left her paralized from the waist down. The young lady did not let it tear her down, but became stronger for it. She and Joni Tada Erickson have become friends and one of Joni's books, "Hope. . . the Best of Things" is dedicated to her. You see even though God has designed us, there is not promise that things will not come into our lives that will give us grief, pain and suffering, but He also designed us with the ability to overcome these obstacles, if we so choose to do so. This is a reminder to me that Satan is prowling around just waiting for us to use a mishap to blame God and then he will step in and take over. Our lives and hope for eternity can quickly become ruined.<br /><br />We had some beautiful singing and prayers. Imagine what a chorus of God's loveliest creatures all lifting their voices in praise to him. It was incredible. As always I came home refreshed and ready to start serving Him for another week.<br /><br />WOW. Snow possible tonight. Is there anything more scrambled up than Alabama weather? But ain't it wonderful.<br /><br />Think I will go take a nice hot shower and put my pj's on. I have got to give my little four footed boys some lap time. And to say I am just the least bit tired would definitely be an understatement.<br /><br />Everyone have a blessed Sunday and God bless.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6783804744138032686.post-41480372718597931802009-02-26T22:22:00.002-06:002009-02-26T22:31:41.586-06:00Past my bedtimeJust a quick note before turning for the night. I will be gone until Saturday. A group of 7 other ladies and I are going to Guntersville State Park for a retreat. We will be leaving at 9:30 in the morning. I am really looking forward to it. I NEED SOME DOWN TIME.<br /><br />This week has been a killer. We met on Tuesday for our ladies' class, but instead of a Bible study we cooked for hospice. We put up 100 plates plus we also ate lunch. We had dried butter beans with ham pieces cooked in them, cornbread, freezer slaw, sweet potato patties with butter and brown sugar, home made mac and cheese and dessert. We were dog tired when we finished. Then we had to come back about 2:00 Wednesday afternoon to prepare our final fellowship meal which was sphaghetti, salad, garlic toast, dessert and drinks. Then today was six month dental check. Then I had to embroider a blanket for my brother to take to his grandaughter's first birthday on Sunday. So it is now 10:30 and I am going to bed.<br /><br />Will post next week and let you know how the retreat turned out.<br /><br />Have a blessed week end and God bless.Ms. Martyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01037975064010854297noreply@blogger.com2