Canning

Canning

This last weekend we spent the entire time preparing foods and canning them. We put up green beans, soup, peas, and turkey meat, just to name a few items.

I read and read the manual on how to do it. I asked cousins who have been canning all their lives questions. I didn’t just start peeling and cleaning the vegetables and sticking them into jars. I had to prepare – reading, gathering the vegetables, purchasing the canner, reading how to work it – to be able to perform my duties.

During the process I thought, “This is what learning to be a Christian is all about!”

We have to do Bible studies; we have to read our Bibles we have to ask those with wisdom and knowledge of the Bible questions to be able to learn.

Anything we do in life takes time. We don’t become perfect just because we are born again Christians. We are a process in works. An art form that God created. Some of us, it may take years to master or complete, others catch on very quickly.

Just like anything we do – whether it is canning or learning to speak a foreign language – we also have to study and listen and learn to become better Christians.

Gift Giving

Gift Giving

We decided several years ago to make our gifts. Many of the “little” receiver’s think our gifts are “boring” and haven’t been taught the manners that any gift is just that “a gift” and should be accepted with kindness in the manner it was given.

We haven’t always had the funds to go out and purchase. Thus, our decision to make our gifts. We want to give, we enjoy giving.

Gift giving is Biblical, I believe. When our baby Jesus was born, the wise men came with gold, incense and myrrh. (Mathew 2:10-11) These gifts didn’t come from the local Wal-mart. These were treasures that had been stored up.

We give gifts to glorify God. Mathew 6:1-4 “Be careful not to do your acts of righteousness before men, to be seen by them. …… But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.” See, even the act of sharing food with a neighbor is giving a gift!

In 2 Corinthians 8:7-9 Paul spoke to the churches who were giving him financial gifts so that he could continue his ministering about Jesus. Even though we are in tough economic times right now, we can still give to others – our time, volunteering, lending a helping hand, praying for someone, or just being a friend. Those are gifts that cost nothing.

I think we have allowed our society to tell us what all we should be “buying”. If you “make” that gift then it truly comes from your heart – you decided on that special gift for that special person. We shouldn’t think of Christmas as the only time to “gift”. I think the media has taken the true meaning out of Christmas – the celebrating that “God gave us his only begotten son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16) THAT is the greatest gift of all!

So, if we keep Christ in Christmas at all times, then we give to others, it would just be a natural thing to show love and gratitude all year long. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”

I love to give a gift – and I think I will stick with making them – because those come more from me and my heart – than anything that could be purchased at a store

Tis the season – Merry CHRISTmas – ya’ll!

Holidays

Holidays

Thanksgiving has come and gone. And, we are all gearing up for Christmas. So many stores were open on Thanksgiving for a pre-Black Friday. I didn’t like that.

I think that we should enjoy each holiday separately. There is a reason we are given the holidays. There is a reason for those days being set aside. Many people do not stop and be grateful for what they have, for who they are, for all their many blessings – but once a year.

It’s sort of like many don’t go to church except Easter Sunday when they can go out and purchase a new dress, shoes, bag, and/or hat and strut into Church like they’ve been there every Sunday.

I think of the 4^th of July and the thing most look forward to doing is popping firecrackers.

I look at Labor Day – how many folks really stop and think what that day was set aside for?

I think we all are like children – when we were young we foolishly wanted to grow up so fast – now that we are older I think we should take one holiday at a time, enjoy it – the company it brings and what it stands for – before worrying about the next.

25th Day of Thanksgiving

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! I am thankful for you who've kept up with my blog! Love ya!

24th Day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my adopted son, Travis, who is somewhere in the Marine Corp.

23rd Day of Thanksgiving

For meeting more cousins of the Garsee lineage.

22nd Day of Thanksgiving

I am grateful for the sales at the grocery store!

21st day of Thanksgiving

Today I am most grateful for my Mother. She loved me - in her own way.

20th Day of Thanksgiving

I am grateful for my cat. I didn't want a cat. She was dumped on me. But she has caught mice and kept me company.

19th day of Thanksgiving

I am grateful for my talents. I can sew, quilt, embroidery, make jewelry and sometimes play the piano.

18th Day of Thanksgiving

I am grateful for the food we have prepared for winter.

17th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful to attorneys -Steve Taylor and Calvin Garvie - for teaching me so much about my trade and allowing me to do the job I know I am capable of.

16th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for the men working on my addition - their skills and hard work.

15th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for insight and wisdom and common sense -

14th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful to have the freedom to be able to go wherever I wish without having to ask permission.

13th day of Thanksgiving

I am grateful for my past because it has made me who I am today

Saving the Best

Saving the Best

My grandmother grew up and even as an adult was poor as a church mouse monetarily. She “saved” everything. She used to get beautiful gowns and sheets for birthdays and Christmas. She’d never use them. “I’m saving them for a special occasion.” Her special occasion never came. She was put into a nursing home, then the hospital, then in a coffin.

When we cleared out her house – there were at least 3 dozen sheet sets still in packages – gowns with tags still on them – never worn or used.

I have had ladies who got china when they were married and never used it - waiting on the “special occasion”.

I think life is a special occasion – each and every day. If we have it – we should use it. If it’s given to us – we use it. If it’s too small – give it to someone who can wear it or take it back for a different size.

Our families are special enough to use that china on – or those fancy placemats – or to use the new quilts. If family and friends aren’t the special folks in our lives on a daily basis then who is? Who are we “saving for the special occasion” for?

God isn’t going to let us bring our worldly goods to Heaven. Hopefully we’ve earned our Heavenly home and all it’s glory. I think I’m going to start using the china and anything else I have – if it’s still good when I’m gone – then the kids can enjoy it too!

12th day of Thanksgiving

I'm thankful for the blessings I receive each and every day.

11th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for the food in storage for this winter & for the hands who prepared it

10th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for the weather. It could be much worse. I think of those who have to stay in because of the inclement weather.

Doris

Doris

I took Doris to the grocery store. Dropped her off and we went down the street for breakfast. We came back to do our little shopping to find her checking out. When we’d gotten through the entire store – she was still checking out. She was “having problems” with her debit card. Her food stamp card was for only $50.00

She had to return everything – and they had to re-ring her groceries up. She picked what all she really needed and the bill came to 50.13. The store covered the .13.

That pretty much broke my heart, to think that we live in America and have so many taking advantage of the “system” yet; people like Doris needs and cannot have.

“Doris, I’m not being nosey, but what do you get a month?” I asked

“I get $674 including food stamps and I pay rent, gas, water, lights, phone and my groceries and it don’t leave much for anything else.”

Friday we had boxed up 2 boxes of food for the food bank. When we got to the food bank – it was closed. Today the 2 boxes went to Doris. I figure there is a rhyme and reason to everything that happens and with everything closed – Doris was the winner.

God did take care of Doris – she may not have gotten all the food that she wanted at the store – but He saw a way for her.

Poor as a church mouse – with a heart and smile bigger than Texas. She doesn’t worry. She takes life in stride. Today, Doris taught me a lesson in relying more on GOD for my needs than on myself.

“So do not fear for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

9th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for new friends and people I meet each day.

Worry

Worry

There just seems to be so much unsteadiness around us – folks are sick, folks are dying off, the financial crisis of the world, kids have turned against parents – so many things that can keep us in turmoil.

I think of the stories my grandmother told me of the Great Depression – they had many of the same fears then as we do now. They worried about feeding the kids, keeping a roof over their heads, paying taxes and just surviving.

I think many times our problems are not so much from a corrupt nation, but corrupt leaders. And, perhaps that is because we didn’t pray and earnestly ask God to guide our votes.

Or perhaps our fears are compounded because of all of the media attention to the negative.

In comparison to the Great depression or the woes of the past compared to today’s life’s strife there is one thing that is ever lasting in it all – God’s mercy, grace and blessings.

I’m learning not to fear tomorrow – but to live for today and make it the best I can possibly make it.

Isaiah 41: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

And Proverbs 3:5 tells me to trust in the Lord “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”

Wow, between those two God tells me – I don’t have to worry – HE is going to handle it all for me!

8th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for Jess and all the things he does around and for me.

Beauty

So many of us look for the beauty from the outside. We worry that our make-up isn’t just right – oh – let’s make sure all that hair is perfectly in place and use the best of the hairspray to keep it that way. Ah, did my lipstick smear? I can’t have allergies today, the tears make my eyeliner run!

We worry about the clothes that we wear. Does it make my rump look too big? Oh does this sweater enhance the boobs?

Surely you’ve asked yourselves a few of those questions or even thought of others and made statements similar.

We get so wrapped up in what other people think of us that we forget the real deal!

I’ve told my son, “Remember, beauty is only skin deep but ugly goes all the way to the bone!”

“Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:4

Perhaps it is time we all look at our inner selves because the greatest beauty is what God sees and not our outside appearances.

7th day of Thanksgiving

I'm thankful I have a decent vehicle to drive that doesn't break down on me all the time.

6th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my home. I see the homeless and realize how very very fortunate I am.

Common Sense

Common Sense

I have often wondered about common sense. Is it something that we learn as we grow; is it something that we are bestowed when we are born; is it something that just happens?

I have seen a lot of folks with all sorts of degrees and book learning, as I call it – which has not a lick of common sense. They can’t come out of the rain even if it is pouring outside. They have no sense of direction.

I have wondered which was the best to have lots of common sense or lots of degrees and book learning.

I am thinking it’d be nice if we all had a little of each – but if I had to chose between the two – I’d take common sense. I consider common sense part of wisdom.

I think it is best for us to follow leaders with good common sense or wisdom. The Bible says, “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.” Psalms 37:30 and in Proverbs 1:2 “For attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight…”

I believe I will take common sense over book learning any day.

5th day of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for my job. Even though I have to work 2 and there are peaks and valleys - I'm grateful for the attorneys and Judges who give me the opportunity to work.

Making Potholders

Making Potholders

I’ve been quilting for quite sometime. Well over 50 years to be exact. I’m going to be teaching a class next week, so decided to make a sample of each step of the project.

About halfway finished I stood there looking and realized I had forgotten a step. An important step to making the certain block that I am teaching.

I wondered what would be different about me if God had forgotten to take a step in making me. I laughed and thought when I had my cesarean birth of my son, that God forgot to put a zipper in me so I wouldn’t have to be cut on. I was only jesting.

I’m not perfect in my eyes – just as some of my quilt blocks aren’t perfect – and I know I’m not perfect in others’ opinions either. But isn’t it wonderful to know that our maker made us JUST the way He wanted us – and that no two of us are alike? Think how dull the world would be if we all looked alike, same color hair, same size, etc.

I love to read Psalms 139. That tells me that God knew me when I was still in my mother’s womb. He knew the most intricate parts about me….. and He had a plan for me before I was even ever born.

I’m not perfect – but I’m perfectly made in God’s eyes and he never missed a step in forming me.

4th day Of Thanksgiving

I am thankful for our country and the ladies, who 90 years ago paved the way for me to be able to vote.

Praying for Caregivers

Someone I know and love has the beginnings of Alzheimer’s. I started seeing tale tail signs a few years back. Of late, I am seeing more issues.

One of the first things I noticed out of place was my deodorant in the refrigerator a few times. He doesn’t remember saying things or doing things. He has to be reminded several times regarding tasks. He can’t be given a list or that confuses him and only partial parts of each item on the list will be done – not anything that would finalize a task before he goes on to the next one. He gets confused to the days of the week. He forgets places we have gone. He forgets.

To cover his “disability” he sticks close to me. He will order exactly what I order so that he doesn’t have to make a decision. Sometimes, I will have to say “Oh I thought you were going to get the lasagna instead of the manicotti!” And, then he will change his mind and say, “Oh yea I was.”

I am trying to learn to take on a new role. I am learning to be a caregiver in many ways. I have to learn to assist without being angry or getting upsets. I have to learn a new line of patience. I have to learn to juggle issues for him, me, and my company and clients. I have to learn to be independent and strong.

Many people go through caring for someone with an illness. Many go through years of worrying about someone with Alzheimer’s. Yesterday, broke my heart when he asked, “if I get real bad will you just get rid of me?” Lord knows that question almost buckled my knees. We have foggy days and not so foggy days.

I’m working toward the goal of the most High… and in doing so; I garner my strength from Him. Pray for the caregivers of those who are ill, they need prayer as much as the one who is sick sometimes. I know God isn’t going to put any more on my shoulders than what I can’t handle – and I know God has a purpose in all of this – there is always a rhyme and a reason.

3rd day of Thanksgiving

3^rd day of Thanksgiving

I am grateful for family and friends. I have learned over life that we are born into a family – but family is really what you end up with in the end.

Many of my friends – I consider family. I love them unconditionally. And, that feeling is reciprocated. Many know me better than the majority in my family. Many of my friends understand me – and even if they don’t – I’m still loved.

Henry Seale

I rarely meet a stranger, especially when it seems we have something in common. Met a couple this evening at the Chinese place. The lady and I were giving the fried crabs a run for the owner’s money. I asked her, “how come you are so neat and I have a huge mess over here?” She laughed and said, “No I have a mess too!”

We cut up back and forth like that for almost an hour as if we were old friends. I learned that they live in Jasper, Texas. I mentioned that’s where my grandfather used to be a gunsmith. Henry knew exactly where the place was.

We talked about fishing. Henry likes saltwater fishing. I told him about our last fishing at the island – where we’d been fishing all day long – and a motor home pulled up – the kids got out and second cast scored a 40lb drum. We all laughed.

Nancy said he had to take things easy because Henry had 4 heart attacks. I asked, without even thinking, “what ‘s making your heart bad?” He said, “I’ve been moved up to the top of the list for a heart transplant.”

Without batting an eye – I said, “well hold that thought and let me get you on a prayer warrior’s list.” I called my prayer warrior, Willie Mae and gave her the information.

We all exchanged names and email addresses before they left. It was as if we had made new friends. I got hugs from both of them when they left.

I figure life is about helping and praying for others. Tonight I met some new folks and during this time I was able to pray for them. I think that is what we are all supposed to do for each other. Color, race – none of that is suppose to matter.

So, tonight and until I hear differently, I’m going to pray for Henry Seale. I’m going to pray to the Great Physician and hope that God’s will be done. I just feel it in my bones that if Henry is given another heart – that he will do great things. As I told him, “God ain’t through with you yet – and there is a purpose for your life. “

2nd Day of Thanksgiving

2^nd day of Thanksgiving

Today I am thankful for health. I may be overweight, have a few dark spots that could probably be burned off – but all in all for 57 years old – I’m in relatively good health compared to others. I’ve not had anything that was life threatening happen to me. I’ve had a few bumps in the road – allergies and asthma – but nothing to be alarmed about.

Without our health, where would we be – besides miserable?

Thank you God for my health.

First Thirty things I'm Thankful for

November

November is the month that everyone thinks about turkeys and dressing and time off from work or school. I’d like to take each day in November and think of things that I am truly grateful for. Will you join me?

Today is November 1 – first and foremost – I’m grateful that Jesus loved me enough to die for me on the cross and save me from my sins.

In saying that, Christians are not perfect. They are flawed. We are human. We make mistakes. We allow our emotions to over take us at times. A saying I use is, “we allow our alligator mouths to overload our hummingbird butts” a lot of times.

Jesus was the only perfect person who walked on this earth. I’m far from perfect and far from the person I’d like to be. I am a work in progress. And, I am grateful that I am forgiven and I am loved and I am watched over by the one who loves me the most.

Teach our Children

Had a parent at my garage sale wishing she could purchase an antique wrought iron bed for $125.00 for her daughter. The mom’s nails were manicured with artificial nails, she carried a new iPhone 4, and was driving a decent- but not new – vehicle.

She said, “I want to buy my kids everything they want, but I’m not working right now.”

She didn’t buy the bed. I did sell it for $200 to someone who knew the worth of the antique.

I thought about the things the lady had said. She was an unemployed schoolteacher. Yet, when I asked her 4 year old “can you write your name?” She shook her head “no”.

I think it is real sad that parents have lost sight of what is important in the lives of children. I wonder, if that school-teacher mom had spent at least 2 hours a day with her child teaching her math, writing, reading, alphabet (she also couldn’t even do her ABCs) how much the brain of that child would have absorbed!

When I asked, “what do you do during the day?” The child said, “Play outside.”

There’s a scripture in the Bible that says, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I’m sorely afraid for our children this day. Many parents aren’t making good memories, instilling knowledge in their children – simple knowledge like baking cookies or making kool-aide together – but instead – they choose to let the television be their babysitter and someone else to teach their children.

My clients are defendants in the criminal justice system. Pretty much each has told me, and it’s been confirmed, that they raised themselves – had to learn things on their own - about life – living – and surviving – and in the end – many will only come out of prison in a box.

I pray for the children of today. I prayed for this child the entire time I saw her and even, now, 2 days later – that somehow this mother will see the injustice she is doing to the child – not only in making memories and helping her grow – but putting her behind other children and her peers in the classroom.

Pray for the children of our Nation.