Across 45 Autumns

Met him in 1959. Fell in love with him that day. Never dated anyone else. Married him in 1965. Love him more each day! Can't believe God blessed me with him!

45 Years Ago Today

Excerpts from my life story journal on that date:
September 8, 1965
I awoke with the feeling that this was the day for which I had been born. At 10:00 I went to the beauty shop to have my hair done and a manicure (my first). I picked up the sheet cake and the flowers while in town and then spent a leisurely afternoon getting ready. Honoring tradition, I did not see or talk to Russell before the wedding.

At 7:00, time for the wedding, I was excited to death but not in the least nervous. I had not one second of doubt about what I was doing. I was consciously thinking, "Remember all this--remember how you feel and everything about this evening. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience."

There was an aura of unreality about the ceremony--an "I can't believe this is really happening, it's too good to be true, I'm the happiest person in the world" aura.

The girls wore mint green satin, full-length, sleeveless dresses, with matching pillbox headpieces. The men wore dark suits. Russell wore a black suit. I wore a floor-length white satin peau gown with an illusion veil secured to a pearl tiara. I carried white symbidium orchids from Russell on my white Bible that was my wedding gift from him.

The ceremony was brief--everything went perfectly. The ceremony was performed by Daddy, and Grandad walked me down the aisle. To the question, "Who gives this bride in marriage?," Grandad replied, "Her grandfather, in the name of her mother and father." (He had rehearsed his line many times and was quite nervous about his role.)

One highlight of the service was the "Home Dedication Ceremony," which required Russell to vow to establish and maintain a Christian home, including having a family altar. I vowed to support him in this.

When Russell placed the wedding ring on my hand during the double-ring ceremony, I saw my wedding ring for the first time. Tradition required that I not see it during our engagement.
Following the ceremony, the reception was held in the basement. The Frosted Lime Punch that Mother had made was delicious--it was so hot in the church that evening. There was a huge crowd; several were standing.

After the reception, there were pictures. I changed into my going-away outfit, a green wool suit that Mother had made, with matching hat. I transferred my orchid to the lapel of the suit.
My wedding gown, as well as all the bridesmaid dresses, were all handmade by Mother, in the six weeks preceding the wedding. The ring pillow was handmade by Mamo Eubanks (Mother’s mother).

Our first stop was Rolla, where we spent our wedding night in the Holiday Inn. The bill for the night was $9.27.

I felt that my whole life had just been a preparation leading up to marriage, and I was never so completely happy than when I realized I was finally married to the man I loved with all my heart, the one in God's plan for me.

 Today, celebrating with a nice day in the city--delicious lunch! The waitress (hoping for a nice tip, I'm sure) said we didn't look like we could even BE 45, much less have been married 45 years. Give that lady a hand!

Celebrating Labor Day Weekend Our Way

When someone asks me "What are your plans for the holiday weekend?," I have come to realize lately that my favorite answer is: "Well, church on Sunday, like usual, and then we are having our kind of holiday--we don't have ANY plans." Does that speak to our "age," or maybe to our "stage in life," to admit that our favorite plan sometimes is an un-plan?

On our property, Russell moved the fire ring and the picnic table up to a cleared spot a little "up the hill" from the previous location (it was close to the creek, and the weeds along the bank are so high that we can't see the water from down there). So, we enjoyed the beautiful outdoors yesterday evening.

The Circle of..........Blessings

                                       Mark 1973

There's no doubt we are enjoying a "season of blessing" at RiverOaks Church. We are reminding ourselves that we need to step back and recognize what God is doing, and be encouraged by it. Since our celebration of the baptism of 17 last Sunday evening at our annual Bapti-Q, we have been remembering that Mark actually baptized very many of the parents of those children, among the 145 we have baptized within the eight years of RiverOaks' existence. God is showing us that there is a reward of harvest that comes from "staying the course" and following His clear direction. The road has not been easy (near impossible at times), and we have had our challenges, as does any church plant.


Following the special evening last Sunday, Mark wrote a new tune and arrangement for "How Great Thou Art" (see his blog, "Thoughts to Think Through," link on my sidebar, for the details on the "birth" of the song). It was my blessing to be in the band (keyboard) today as we played/sang his new song. It's an awesome song of praise to God, "How Great You Are," born out of a heart full of adoration for God.


Also today, with the mountaintop of the Bapti-Q fresh in our minds, we were blessed to have a parent-child dedication service for five babies in our church. For me personally, I thought about 40 years ago when Russell and I dedicated our firstborn to God, in our church in North Carolina. Now, our firstborn is a pastor and leading our young families to dedicate their homes and babies to God.


So, yes, I'm overwhelmed at this time, to think about, and praise God for, the Circle of Blessings. And I thank God, again, for the HUGE ways in which He shows me WHO HE IS, on a regular basis.

"The Worrywart's Prayer Book"

Recently while on vacation, I picked up a book just for me: The Worrywart's Prayer Book: 40 "Help-Me-Get-A-Grip God" Meditations and Prayers by Allia Zobel Nolan. I have not read all the book yet, but I have found many helpful "thoughts for the day." Right away, on page 1, I underlined this quote by Earl Riney: "Blessed is the person who's too busy to worry in the daytime and too tired to worry at night." I like that. I marked it, "Good one!" Now, I do want to be "blessed," so it looks like I need to be a little more "busy" in the daytime and a little more "tired" at night. 

Oh dear...

"Heat Advisory" Notwithstanding

In the midst of a heat wave, my son and grandson are biking the Katy Trail. They set out this morning and plan to bike around 150 miles in three days. They have been "training" for the trip, biking lots of miles a lot of days. Well, they're big strong "boys," and they will be fine, but Mom/Mamo has to not think about things like heat exhaustion, lightning and thunderstorms, sunburns, and dehydration. I said I was not going to think about those things. So, I'll just dwell on what wonderful guys they are, and how thankful I am that they are who they are. I'll also think about how glad I am that they can do this together. Russell delivered them to their "put in" location and then took this pic on Mark's phone just as they were embarking on the journey.

UPDATE: Reporting in Monday afternoon, they had biked about 40 miles and were "feeling good."

UPDATE #2: Tuesday morning, after waiting out a torrential rainstorm, they are off again. They have many miles to go today! (Gotta love those iPhone pics!)





Update #3: Today (Tuesday) was grueling--50 miles on the bikes, with a strenuous hike thrown in along the trail. Mark reports that it was pretty tough, and Conner stayed right with him. Yes, I am a proud Mamo.

 Update #4: Wednesday morning: The guys reported a wonderful and relaxing overnight stay at Grams', with an "amazing" supper, good rest, and great breakfast ("She's an inspiration," Mark says of Grams). Off again this morning, amid threatening weather, they sent this pic of a huge rock along the Katy Trail. Today they will ride many more miles, to their take-out place.

Final Report, late afternoon: Got a text from Kristy that she picked up the guys at their take-out; they are fine but tired.

Getting Into THE WORD

Yesterday morning, while on a "forced break" (an oxymoron, as was pointed out by my bright daughter-in-law) with my husband, I ventured out in the heat to a picnic table on our campsite. Sassi and I were looking forward to having our Quiet Time in the fresh air. It was a little too warm for her to lie on my lap, her favorite position, so I put her little bed up on the picnic table (now my study area). I thought about what a cute picture that would make, so I pulled the iPhone out of my study bag and snapped the photo below. She ventured closer and closer until finally she was right on top of my Bible (generally speaking, she is interested in anything that I am interested in). I took another photo (above) and emailed it to some family. Then, I thought about what a great illustration that photo would make for the topic, "Yes, it's a good place to be, IN THE WORD."

My First-born Grandchild-God's Special Creation

This little 4-year old girl (pictured here with her brother Conner) is turning 17 today! What a special product of God’s creation she is! Tory has always been so beautiful, inside and out. She is bright, cheerful, lively, sweet, loving, sensitive and caring; she has a heart that desires to serve God.

My verse for Tory today is the same as the one I chose for her for 2010:

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” 
– Jer 29:11 (NIV)

Afternoon addition--Adding to today's post, here is the beautiful birthday girl. Her brother's verbal "happy birthday" to her was so true...he said, "You are beautiful on the inside AND on the outside."

 

Looking Back—a Difference Made?

I suppose it is human nature. I would like to believe that I have made a difference. Of course, I do believe I can make a difference in the lives of my children and grandchildren, and I do believe that is part of “my calling.” I’m happy to have that responsibility, and I am deeply rewarded when I see that God has in fact allowed me to make a difference there. My children and grandchildren are wonderful about expressing their feelings for me, and that is just about the best blessing a mother or grandmother could have!

But, today, I’m thinking about the idea of “making a difference” in the circle outside my own family. For the years I spent as a teacher in public school classrooms, was that time well-spent? Did I actually make a difference? Realistically it’s not so much that I need to feel I made a difference in the WORLD... But in someone’s life?

When you’re a teacher, you have lots of moments of knowing, at the time, that what you are doing is valuable, that you are making an investment in the life of a child. Children are wonderful about letting you know that they think you are special. But, after the passing of time, I sometimes wonder if I made any lasting difference. Then occasionally, rarely actually, a reminder comes my way that tells me, “It was worth it.”

I spent twelve years of my teaching career with gifted children (K-8), in a small school in a small town. Those were special times for me, and I often remarked that I couldn’t believe they actually paid me to do that job. (I didn’t say it too loudly, because my husband was the superintendent). I had the same students year after year, as they progressed through elementary school. I loved my “kids.” I don’t even remember the “curriculum” that I made up for us to cover in my class. I’m not even sure I had a “curriculum.” My primary goal for my students was that they learn how to think for themselves (creatively and critically) and that they realize that they could do basically anything in life, if they would always do their best. It was so fun to see their little minds working away!

Recently one of them came to mind, and as I wondered what “became” of him, I employed the amazing tool that is the internet. I located some information about him and contacted his alma mater. They in turn let him know how to get in touch with me. I wasn’t even sure the “student” would remember me—my strongest memories of him are from his second-grade year, and that was around 1981. I did not expect to hear from him, but I was thrilled to learn from the internet search that he had become an engineer (that was my prediction, when he was a second-grader—seriously).

Today I received a special blessing. In my inbox was a note from him. He told me all about his education, his career choice, and what he is doing now. I was amazed to read about that little boy, all grown up and successful. Then, I read, “I wanted to say just how nice it is to hear from you, and I want you to know that the moments in your classroom still seem like yesterday to me and were highly formative in the direction my life has taken. Do you remember the program I wrote in BASIC on the Atari that played Jolly old St Nick? The pride you showed in me, drawing the principals attention to it... moments like that really pushed me to want to try to be better than average and that spirit has stuck with me for life.”

Tears streaming, I thought about this topic: looking back--a difference made? It seems so, and I am once again thankful that God called me to be a teacher and placed me in a position to influence children through the years.

America's "Lost" Virtue

Many of my close friends and family have often discussed the trend in our country, away from accountability. Actually, it's more than a "trend." It's a free-fall. That's the truth. But, I heard it put a little differently yesterday, and since it's kind of "stuck" in my mind, I'll write about it.

Listening to ESPN Radio as I drove into the city yesterday, I heard one of the commentators talk about our country's lost virtue--DISCIPLINE. Out loud, I said, "Amen." This guy admits he is not a moralist, and he certainly does not claim to be a Christ-follower, in fact quite the opposite. And yet, he sees it. He explained that he has lived his life according to a principle, and so far, though he has made many mistakes, he has never gotten himself into real trouble. That principle, he says, is this: "DON'T GO WHERE YOU SHOULDN'T GO; DON'T DO WHAT YOU SHOULDN'T DO." He proceeded to expound on the recent arrest of an individual who is in a position of administrative leadership in a major college.

The ESPN Radio show host gives excellent advice for living. He gave that advice without quoting Scripture, but of course the Bible IS the original source for that concept. The host also made another point, that also has its basis in Scripture: your sins will find you out, and you will reap what you sow. (Make no mistake, he did not use those words; but he did make that point.)

Let's be about the business of helping our children and grandchildren recognize and understand the value of self-discipline. And, if you need a fresh one-liner to throw in there occasionally, this one works: "DON'T GO WHERE YOU SHOULDN'T GO; DON'T DO WHAT YOU SHOULDN'T DO."

"It is for freedom He has set us free!"

Every year at this time I like to just think about the awesome blessing it is for me to have been born in America. Our country was founded on the principles of freedom, and many people, including my husband, have fought to keep our country safe and free. Lots of thoughts are in my heart tonight, and I may "opine" about all that in much greater detail at a later time, but for now, I just want to share that we enjoyed attending the Cardinals game last night, with their special emphasis on supporting our armed services. Folks were encouraged to bring posters and banners, so I threw together a couple of posters just before we left. Part of the pre-game festivities included parachutists landing in the stadium!

Makes me tired just thinkin' about it!

My beautiful Tory has been training for Cross Country Track this summer. This morning she ran FIVE miles without stopping. Her dad told me he is so proud of her! So am I!! Wow! Bless her heart--she doesn't even like to run, but she sees it as good self-discipline. She's so special!

My GranGirls

TORY

ALYSSA

My girls will be turning 17 soon. No, I cannot believe it.

Of Fireflies and Toy Stories

My littlest grandchild, four-year-old Dawson, has begun to enjoy talking on the phone with Mamo. What more delight could there be in a Mamo's heart than for one of her precious grandchildren to want to talk with her. So, at this point in time, Dawson and his Mamo have a "mutual admiration society." He likes to talk to me, and I like for him to talk to me. Last evening, his mom sent me a text with a photo, and an audio note from Dawson that he had caught some fireflies. Later, he called me. We had quite the conversation about the fireflies ("They are orange and green and red.") and his first movie ("Was it Saturday, Mommy? Yes, it was Saturday."), "Toy Story 3."

He loved the movie, and he asked me "What was your favrit movie when you were a kid, Mamo?" I didn't have the heart to tell him I didn't really remember getting to go to a movie when I was a kid, but I do remember getting a television for the first time when I was about 8. I saw a "movie" on that TV, so I said, "Peter Pan." He said, "I like 'Peter Pan.'" He wanted to know what was my favorite book when I was a kid. He didn't seem to understand "Tuffy the Tugboat" or "Babar the Elephant," but we found common ground a bit with "Peter Rabbit." Anyway, WHAT FUN!! At tne end of the conversation, his mom told him he could talk to Mamo some more later. "How 'bout tomorrow," he said.

THIS is what I'm talkin' about!

Slow Down, Time!!!

No, it can't be possible that my grandson is already 15!! I'm quite sure it was just yesterday when I first saw that little head with already-red hair in the nursery at the hospital in Texas. Well, it was for sure only yesterday when he was four and explained to me that the reason his dad had disciplined him was because "He's just a frustrated dad, I guess." But, for him to be already 15 is almost beyond belief. The good news (for him, because he still likes birthdays) is that he really is 15. The good news for the rest of his family, and everyone who knows him, is that he really is still the same incredibly bright and sensitive and loving "child" (at heart) that he has been since the day he was born (yesterday).

Father's Day

My hubby had a special day and shed lots of tears while reading the cards from his two very special children.

If I have a "child" who is "over the hill," what does that make me?--Don't answer that!

"Daddy--my favorite word in the world," he said.

Honestly, though, where in the world do the years go?

A Relaxing Getaway

This is me playing golf! :-)

June 14-17, we escaped to our campsite to spend a few days. Beautiful weather! Our son and grandson joined us for an overnight guys'-getaway (including fishing and golf).

"Pishing" Today

Today is a good day. Our daughter's family is coming for a visit. Our grandson Dawson (4) called us Thursday evening. He wanted to call Mamo, but as my grandchildren are prone to do, as soon as I answered the phone, he said, "Mamo? I wanna talk to Grandad." He wanted to tell Grandad that when he comes to see us, he wants to go with Grandad and Sassi in the Mule down to the creek to go "pishing." So, guess what Grandad will be doing this afternoon?

The "Little" Things

One of my favorite sermons that my Daddy would sometimes preach (he passed away in 1988) was "Little Things Mean a Lot," the title taken from an old song. I won't go into the points of that message today (a good one, by the way), but that topic, of "little things," comes to my mind today.

Sometimes God shows Himself in HUGE ways. Quite often He does that, actually. And I'm always amazed at His awesomeness and usually remember to praise Him and thank Him at those times. But sometimes, like today, He shows Himself in smaller ways, and I don't want to miss those reminders of how He cares about me and takes care of me and those I love.

Just this morning, He sent me a couple of reminders of his presence. They are "little things," but I love these "little" reminders of His grace.

(1)This morning, my little grandson had outpatient "surgery" to clip a shortened frenulum. The procedure did not require general anesthesia, and we knew it was not going to be anything "major," but his mom (my daughter) and his Mamo (me) were still emotional and stressed about our little guy. God answered our prayers. The procedure only lasted 10 minutes, and Dawson was shortly enjoying a Popsicle as he rode home with Mommy and Big Sister, having made it just fine through the surgery. (Mom made it fine, too--another answer to my prayer!!)

(2) Last night my mother (82, independent and active) lost her cell phone (her "little Barbie phone," she calls it, as the cell phone and the calling plan were a gift from my husband and me a couple of Christmas-es ago). Now, it might not seem like a big deal for someone to lose a cell phone. But, Mother has so "latched on" to her phone that it has become somewhat of a security blanket for her. Even though I told her I would bring a replacement phone to her when I see her this weekend, that didn't help. She wanted her phone. She was literally physically ill with disappointment that she had lost her phone. Now, playing into this level of stress for her is the fact that she is pretty seriously visually impaired, and it was very challenging for her to learn how to use this phone, and she could barely stand the thought of having to learn to use a different phone. So, since her frantic call to me last night, yes, I have prayed that God would help her find the phone--not because the cell phone is a necessity of life, but because of how extremely upset she was about it. This morning, she found it. With tears of joy, she told me, "I found it, I found it, thank you, Lord." And she meant it. I thanked Him, too!

So, little things? Yes. I have several huge prayer requests going on in my prayer time currently, too. But, I don't want to miss these "little" answers that God sends my way to remind me that He has those things covered, too!!

Oh, yes, God cares about the "little" things.

"Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered." Luke 12:7a (NIV)

Balancing (not the checkbook)

While it's an awesome time of life, to be retired and able to choose what I WANT to do everyday, it's also a challenge. When I was teaching, it took no measurable amount of self-discipline to go to my "job" (that I loved, I might add--maybe that's why it took little discipline). The evening's activities were also pretty much "set" (fix supper, go to evening school activities with kids, clean house, do laundry). But, now that I can choose how to spend my time, it requires a huge amount of self-discipline to maintain a good balance in my life. For example, if I really did just exactly what I WANT to do each day, I would "work" (that's how I describe it to my hubby) on "my" projects--I would scrapbook, or learn new crafting techniques, or better yet, add to my wish list of crafting supplies that I pretty much need to have! Meanwhile, the lesson I need to prepare for children's church, or the Bible study book I need to read, or even the laundry, or the meal preparation--those would almost always take a back seat....if I only did what I WANT to do that day. So, I'll take the "bad" (the need for self-discipline) with the "good" (the freedom to choose how I spend my day) and remember that I love a challenge. At the top of my planner page for today is just one large word: "BALANCE."

Scrapbook Layout--Outdoor Adventurer-ers

Completed this layout a few months ago. Our grandson loves to go riding on the Mule with Grandad, down to the creek! He's a little bigger now, but he still loves it!

Scrapbook Layout--Birthday

Getting all the photos I want to include in a two-page layout often means sacrificing space that could otherwise be used for fancy stuff....but, for me, the pictures really are the "main thing." I sometimes cut apart the greeting cards to use on my pages, but occasionally, a card is so special in its entirety that it must be preserved in an acid-free pocket, within the scrapbook page. Such was the case with my children's Mother's Day cards to me this year, and such is the case with this "very special card" from my sweet son.

Scrapbook Layout--Easter Dinner

I am determined to work on the technique of photographing my scrapbook layouts. I'm certainly not "onto" it yet. I have chosen a few layouts to share, but I have two huge 12x12 albums for each year, so I obviously only "post" a small sampling.

Sweet Birthday Gift

What a great idea! My sweet daughter-in-law took my favorite verses and put them on cards for me. Along with a Vera Bradley Journal (for prayer journaling), I have a wonderful birthday gift from my son's family.

Funny from my Grandson

Just received this in an email from my daughter:

The other day, Dawson said to me: “You look like a WOMAN, mommy.”

I said, “Really. What makes me look like a woman?” (I’m thinking – this should be interesting….)

And he said, “Well, I’ll tell you……………it’s your underwear.”

Scrapbook Layout--My Brother's Family Here

Just finished this layout tonight! My "Everyday Paper Dolls" cartridge arrived today, just in time to use the little golf cart and the puppy dog. I transformed the "golf cart" into a "Mule" by cutting the image from cereal box and then again from patterned paper (then glued onto the cereal box).

Our Little Sassi Girl

Yes, she is as spoiled as it would appear.

Bulletin Board for VBS

Directing our church's very first VBS is quite a challenge! This is the bulletin board I created to promote it.

Memorial Day at the Campsite

We spent the afternoon and evening with our son's family, as they are camped at our "annual" campsite, at Mark Twain Lake. Our campground has a fishing lake, and the "guys" caught enough fish for our supper!

Scrapbook Layout--Dawson's Birthday

So, here's my most recent scrapbook layout--from Dawson's fourth birthday party!

First Ever Post

No, of course I do not know what the heck I am doing. That has never stopped me before, at least when it comes to technology--so here I go! This is my first post ever!!!

I'm not even sure yet what I want to do with a blog: post scrapbook "stuff," family photos, "opine" with my philosophies, journal (I already keep a "life story" journal)...??? But the idea intrigues me. Perhaps it plays into my "what I have to say is important" philosophy of life.

For whatever reason, I will experiment with this idea for awhile. After all, I never have to share it with anyone if I so choose.....