Have a Merry, Merry Christmas...2008

A Christmas Version of

1 Corinthians 13

(thanks Jana for the pic... :D

If I decorate my house perfectly with big, red Christmas bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, lots of tinsels and glitter....but do not show love to my family and other people,

I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas cookies, candies and pies, preparing gourmet meals and arranging a beautifully adorned table at mealtime, ....but do not show love to my family and other people, I'm just another cook.

If I work at the soup kitchen, carol in the nursing home and give all that I have to charity,..... but do not show love to my family and others, it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir's cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.

Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.

Love is kind, though harried and tired.

Love doesn't envy another's home that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love doesn't yell at the kids to get out of the way, but is thankful they are there to be in the way.

Love doesn't give only to those who are able to give in return but rejoices in giving to those who can't.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails....but people do. God's Love is Perfect!

Video games will break,

pearl necklaces will be lost,

golf clubs will rust,

but giving the gift of love and kindness....will endure and is the reflection of Christ.

Help the world remember that....Forever, Jesus is the reason...
for this beautiful season.

Because of His grace...

we always have 'someone to turn to' when trouble hits.

Because HE LIVES...
we can live forever.

May you Celebrate, laugh & enjoy every fiber of His goodness. gifts and graces....of this wonderful holiday season of remembering the Birth of our Lord and Savior.... and may we all Bless others along the way!

with hugs....Merry Christmas!!!

Ring those Golden Bells...loud & clear!

Golden Wedding Bells that is....

Yes, this is OUR FAMILY PHOTO as we celebrated this past weekend our wonderful Golden Wedding Anniversary--what fun! What a treasure.

Front row: Matthew, Zoe, Josh

Second row: Kori, Papa & Grama GG (me)

Back row: Wayne & Jana; Kelleye & Dewayne, Eston

via~~~~ Jana's new awesome Cannon digital action camera

As most of you know, Music & Laughter is the very soul of my being and my life. Thus both come from wonderful PEOPLE!!! Times like this in life are sort of like... our Lord is up there in the Heavens and He sprinkles down billions of sparkling little stars of laughter, giggles, smiles and tiny little moonbeams that have sounds of musical notes.... floating freely about the skies above us all, then it suddenly gravitates ...to giant earth shaking, vibrating musical bells, like the ones in church bell towers...as if they are shouting out to everyone to listen: join the laughter, join in the song, sing with every fiber of your being. God is closer than ever!!! It's Christmas time! Celebrate Christ. Celebrate life. Celebrate Jesus!

Yes, this WAS the neat feeling of this weekend of celebration. Not just a 'moment to remember' but a lifetime of treasures...all shared with any and all. I am so thankful and humbly grateful to everyone that touched my life...our lives....not just the last 50 years for our lifetime.

However, now it is time for CHANGE. Change is not always easy to do. For most of us...it is somehow a lot easier to stay in our own little comfort zone. I have totally spent the past year preparing for this last weekend. I did this out of need to overcome....the physically & mental destruction caused by cancer and it's required treatments---each & all is very painful, very hard and often days get 'darker' than the night. No one knows until they wear the shoes...and every pair of shoes fit differently for each person.

So, to start off my CHANGE...today, I decided to WRITE. (or maybe it was God's choice???) I would hope that my honesty in self writing would be to bring some one HOPE,,,encouragement and/or possibly....identity of like situations to others.

Naturally, the freshest thing on my mind is 'Memories'. What is better than that? The GOOD stuff, makes us feel good....and then that bad/not so good stuff....well, that was usually horrible but THAT IS our most 'learning time' of life.,,and sad to say.... you're darn sure NOT going to Forget it all that easy! ha ha

So, in looking back at the last 50 years...I have fully determined that it has actually been like a "County Fair"...a carnival...3 ring circus...all combined. ha ha

First let me say, "I love the Fair". I served as an executive board officer for eleven years for the huge Heart of Texas Fair and Rodeo and loved being referred to... officially as a "My Fair Lady". The position had plenty of ups and downs and it wasn't always on the "Midway".ha ha Now today, I see my life actually BEING sort of like those awesome years---at the County Fair. ha ha

As a little girl, we always went to the County Fair. All my teen years I was fascinated by the 'barkers' out front of the entrance gates. They used to yell out ''Come, Come to the Fair. Everybody listen up! Laaaadies & Geeeentlemen Come see the Greatest events of the World, Come see the 2 headed pig! Come see the Lady with the 5 ft. beard. Come see the man cut in half by a sword and walks again. Don't miss the world Fattest man! Come see the lady that was cut out of the belly of a Boa Constrictor and lived...True stories, yes, yes ...True events....THINGS YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE and will never see again, Come to the Fair! Get your tickets right here. Popcorn, Peanuts...feed the giant elephant. Come see our beautiful Grand Champion livestock. Come TASTE the world's greatest pies. Come, come, come to the County Fair, Don't miss it."

Yes, all my young life, I heard THE CALL to 'go through the gates'...enter the awesome 'County Fair", see and live the 'greatest SHOW ON EARTH....(you know: love & marriage, go together like a horse & carriage....and 9 months later the baby carriage stuff)...come one, come all, join in, don't miss out!!!

So, as a 16 year old teenage girl and my love, a 17 year old, we wandered around OUTSIDE the gates of the county fair for two years. With starry eyes, sparkling smiles, laughter & giggles and tons of sweet, sweet kisses and few chocolate malts and burgers... in our 'hottest little rod car' in town...we WATCHED...from OUTSIDE the gates of the fair grounds. Two YEARS in fact.

Then on my 18th birthday and after graduating High School, my beloved gave me a tiny but beautiful little engagement ring! Oh, how I adored it. After alll...we NOW had TICKETS to go to the COUNTY FAIR....tickets to see the shows...tickets to get to DO and BE a part of this awesome exciting event that EVERYBODY had talked about alllllll of our lives. (MARRIAGE) Wow, It Can't Be any better that having a 'ticket to the County Fair". Wow, how blessed we were---or at least in our youth...this is what we thought!

Well, we stood in line for our tickets...it seemed to be sooo long....took so long....but FINALLY on December 6, 1958 at 8 PM, in our largest community church...all our family came together and we all had such fun as we 'entered the huge golden gates" of the beautiful COUNTY FAIR...(marriage) church bells rang, music everywhere, friends cheered, we quickly grabbed a bite of a beautiful wedding cake at the entrance and took a sip of their strawberry/pineapple Baptist punch and then we RAN as fast as we could....... to SEE it all....everything that the County Fair had to offer----to experience every part...to try our LUCK...to ride every ride on the Midway, to see the awesome animals...and even the freaky SIDE SHOWS....WE RAN as fast as we could ...yes, TO DO IT ALL. (in the distance all our family and friends bid us farewell, blessings and friendly waves for success in our venture.)

Off we went. First, at the County Fair, we jumped from the beautiful sunlight of day, into the deep, lush, warm darkness of the 'Tunnel of Love'. The air had the scent of sweet sweet flowers and ferns. The darkness closed around us...sealing us away from the world...tiny little sparkling lights glittered here and there along the way & in the reflections of the smooth waters surrounding our Boat of Love" We clung together. And together we tasted the sweetest gift that God gives... as we traveled very slowly through that long, long tunnel of love.....magic and secret voices of two ....as one.

With joking humor...The World said we stayed in the tunnel much too long...but we...disagreed with the world and felt it was far too short a visit. Finally...yes, we are required to exit that precious warm tunnel and suddenly STEP OUT in the blinding brightness of sun rays...of change...of new events....new things to see and new things to experience ...all as part of the County Fair! We would jerk our heads to the left...to the right...we saw all sorts of wonderful...inviting things at the smorgasbord of events served at the COUNTY FAIR! It alllll looked so exciting and enticing. We wanted IT ALL!!! We stopped to taste the awesome pies, cakes, peaches and preserves at the baking contest...wow, everything tasted so good and boy did we love to eat--- at each and every display. The County Fair was such fun! And wow---We LOVED the music! The jazz, the Hobbyhorses Calliope, the noise...the excitement--bells, drums, horns & zingers-- on every corner and in every crevice. We loved it all. We tried to do almost everything.

THEN we saw the animals... We ran to them. ----Oh, how sweet, especially all the 'little baby animals'. How could anything BE any cuter? We watched and laughed at them all. They were so cute. We were especially drawn to the beautiful little red and white Texas Hereford bull calves. Blue ribbons around their necks. Champions! Their little white faces and turned up pink noses---truly tugged at our hearts. So precious...innocent...lovable and adorable!

Then suddenly the MASTER of ceremonies of the whole COUNTY FAIR...saw us watching the cute calves and He kindly walked over and said, "May you both be blessed, for I am here to bestow a very special gift to you. I have been watching you....as you watch all these little cute animals----I am here to 'present you a Free little calf of your choice to raise for the next 18 years because I know you will do your very best to take good care of this beautiful little thing.'

Quickly as we could, we chose the cutest one, took his little rope and led him away as "our own little precious Gift from the Master!

Sometimes our cute little calf loved to jump around dancing, always laughing, putting on a show....always the 'center of attention' everywhere we went. He loved to perform. He loved the cheering. Together my love and I laughed, hugged and kissed our precious gift as we watched every dance he made and treasured everything he did.

It seems like about 8 minutes passed and then in the other end of the barn of the County Fair we all three came across a pen of beautiful little tiny fluffy SNOW WHITE baby LAMBS that had tiny pink noses---just like the little calf----and I ran back to the MASTER and begged him to allow us to have just one of the little darlings. Much to my surprise...and my love....the Master said "oh sure...I KNOW you will give your best to take care of her and give her a good home"

Oh my, could life be any better? Two little gifts, both so cute...both so good...both the greatest of gifts from Thee MASTER of the County Fair. We were sooo blest!

Oh life was beautiful. The County Fair simply Could Not BE ANY BETTER! Then we saw the FERRIS WHEEL. The gigantic wheel twirled gracefully...up into the sky...into the floating white clouds. Could anything 'look' more beautiful. Absolutely not! The awesome music played the beautiful Vienna Waltz. Dreamy thoughts crowd the human mind as you look up to see the gentle swinging baskets of laughing riders....soft clouds float leisurely nearby as birds dip down to see the excitement below.

Oh WE MUST RIDE, too!

We safely tied our two little GIFTS, they were our treasures & special gifts from the Master ...so...after they are secured in safety, taken cared of---we joyfully climbed aboard the huge Ferris wheel at the County Fair!!! At first, our basket rocked a little in a fun sort of way. We quickly locked our steel bar for protection. The attendant stepped over and double checked our bar for safety.

The music starts, we begin to rise. Our hearts are racing. We look at each other. We laugh. We hold hands gently. I lean closer as we rise higher into the air. Somehow my chest seems to be about to burst in anticipation of the unknown---only fun and laughter can lie ahead. We have watched all the others before us. Around and around we gently flow. The soft gentle winds whisk past our faces, it feels so neat. Oh, this ride is so delightful...much BETTER than I even believed it was going to be! Wow, what fun. I lay my head over on his shoulders...he nussels his head back down upon my mine--we are lost in this sweet dreamland of fantasy. So sweet, so blessed.

BONK! We HEAR a loud clonk. We feel ourselves thrust forward! We hit the brace bar of protection and fly back against the now VERY HARD seat...that once seemed soft. The music has stopped. People are screaming! We are AT THE VERY TIP TOP OF THE FERRIS WHEEL...rocking precariously back and forth! We look down at the attendant. He looks up at us and yells...."everything is Okay, don't be afraid...we have a little malfunction...but all is okay, I'll have you going in just one moment."

Wow, that was good to hear. Our hearts were pounding...but once again we began to laugh because we trusted the man below to know that all was okay. We liked trusting people. Life was a blast. There we sat at the top of Ferris Wheel...sitting quietly....WATCHING the whole world below us.... we then looked to the east.... and saw the glorious horizon of beautiful trees, a distant city, the sun made the world glisten. How beautiful it is up here!!!

To the north we turned & saw the beauty of the awesome open prairies, crisp neatness of fields of grain....beauty that only God could create.

To the west were awesome gigantic purple mountains...we saw the beautiful snow caps...great ski lifts and rustic winter cabins, evergreens beyond belief...places where we had skied as a family, we saw amusement parks, forest, flowers, gardens, oil derricks, windmills, thousands of cattle, horses and to the south we saw beautiful oceans and seas where many ships and giant sails, majestic resorts, motor coaches, traveling friends and where we had walked the beautiful beaches, vacationed on massive cruise ships on the open waters of grace with its beautiful dancing porpoise and fish of every color, kind and shape.

Above us...from our view of the world on this Ferris wheel at the County Fair...were birds of every kind and sort, all gliding silently through the air, seagulls to cardinals, eagles to buzzards and falcons. There were also the giant recreational aircrafts (of family members and close friends)... floating liesurely through the clouds. It was awesome to view the world from the top of a broken Ferris wheel....on a 50 cent ticket.

Watching the County Fair from the top of the Ferris wheel was an absolutely unexpected thrill...even sometimes when things got to be very, very scary when we thought we would fall to our death----but true to his earlier words---as the attendant called out "here we go, folks, got it fixed, enjoy the ride!" The music started up again and we gently rocked and rolled, around and around; it was so wonderful then slowly we then found our way back down to the bottom...to the ground ...to safety...thrilled to have had the awesome VIEW of the world...even tho it was rather scary at times.

Quickly we grabbed up our two little GIFTS...so thrilled that all was safe and secure, laughing and chatting...we made our way around the rest of the awesome Fair grounds. Lots of sights to see. Lots of things to Do. We saw the crazy man who 'ate the fiery swords'. We viewed the two headed pig...the pig that could count coins, the chicken that sang and counted. We saw the Fat man sitting behind the wind blown curtain. We bypassed the Beer Garden , the Strip booths and Girlie peep shows. Our Gifts didn't need that! (smile)

We saw the man cut in half; a lady get her head cut off and put back on, we listened to every type of music that was presented all around the Fair. We rode every ride that seemed safe. We tried every thing that seemed wise. We laughed, we cried, we fell down lots of time, we always got up and tried again. We travelled to every booth that we could. We played most of the games along the way. We played the games of luck---we lost some--we won a lot. We were encouraged. We were disappointed.

Then we came upon the 'Tilt-a-Whirl" ride. In my youth---I loved the speed of this machine, so when we heard it's music in the distance...we ran. We quickly bought our ticket. It cost a little more but we thought it would certainly BE WORTH IT...it will bring us the 'best time ever'. A friend walked by and called to us, 'you two please be careful...you don't want to get hurt.'' We yelled back, "okay' thanks, it's going to be fun."

Together, eagerly, we looked each other in the eyes and jumped right in, jerked down that protection bar...banged it shut...to make sure it was latched properly. The attendant did the same. Laughing our heads off---the motor reves up---just like a real live 500 lap race---we are tide in and READY TO GO!!!

We are laughing our heads off....knowing we are about to be beaten from side to side...but in reality that we wouldn't be hurt! The motor roars louder.....and louder! We spin and we spin....faster & faster...faster....suddenly wham---the machines slides us to one side...then the other...back and forth--twirling--- as we RISE HIGHER UP INTO THE SKY. We are twirling....we are sliding. We are laughing....screaming...holding on for dear life. We grip the safety bar with every muscle of our bodies. Swirling, laughing.....

SUDDENLY the safety bar Pops..... It flies out.... away from us. I grip it with all my strength. I cannot see my love anywhere. I am spinning through the air. I know death is below. I know that pain is coming. Instantly I Hit. then zero, blank, silence, alone, the unknown.

Finally I begin to awaken and feel nothing but pain. Pain from the top of my head to the tip of my toes....my heart hurts worst of all. I can't see my love anywhere--- but I can hear his voice, his moaning, his cry for help,. I open my eyes. My vision is so blurry...I can't make out anything at first. Finally I am able to see that he is right beside me. He is rolling in pain, groaning and calling my name. All I could do is whisper to him "I'm here".

We lay there ....together...in the dirt...people walked around us....over us...ON us.....no one stopped...no one cared... I could hear the laughter of others. I could hear the music but it wasn't playing for me anymore. I could feel the earth shake around me...as the people rushed by me and my love---- as we tried to dodge their huge feet ...their cutting shoes....each one that stepped on...crushing our broken bodies.

We saw old friends come and go,.... many actually stepped right on us and never looked back.... or even seemed to realize that they had actually stepped on a dying human being. Yet, there we were...someone no different from them--and no one would stop or reach down; they did not see.

We lay there together alone....hurting...as we had never, ever hurt before, undeserved pain but yet ours to bear, alone. We kept staring into each others pain filled eyes, knowing each others pain filled bodies... and yet helplessness to change our situation---as the world passed us by. We each dug our fingers deep into the earth around us..grabbing for anything....trying to get up...trying to raise our heads up---to find hope.

Without strength, we often fell back down into the dirt, feeling unwanted trash drifting near us and deeper we sank into the hardened ground around us. Dirt built up upon us as the people above quickly walked past throwing dirt into our painfilled faces. The dust filled our teeth...our noses...our mouths. We could not understand. We began to grip each others hand. Tighter & tighter we clung to each other. Slowly....very slowly....Strength began to imerge. We were soon able to gather both of our hands together until we could sit up in the dust of that dirty County Fair grounds that had once been our greatest JOY.

We now held both hands...we drew ourselves up to our knees in that filth and trash left behind by people who didn't stop or care. We prayed. All we could hear was Carnival Noise in return. All we could smell was burnt stuff, stale beer and bad breath of other people walking past us.

We still did not have enough strength to rise. We stayed on our knees, holding hands together---we continued to pray. We whispered prayers...we cried together, we cried our prayers even and held each other close but we still didn't have the strength to 'get up' and walk with the crowd.

We closed our eyes; praying on.... in each others arms.... and gradually from the unknown,..... the Master of the County Fair appeared. Gently He reached down ...and like two feathers...He lifted us to our feet. He quietly brushed away the dust that had gathered upon our clothes & broken bodies and with the sweetest, warmest voice.... whispered to us that "No, dear ones, I am here...I saw what happened and I am sorry.... because... I know... that you did not deserve what happened to you ...but I allowed it to happened so that YOU will help other people.... who might also be innocent and yet trampled beneath the feet of others. Innocent people get trampled everyday and no one knows what it is like until they too suffer. You see, I, too, was done this way and just like you I loved them, I trusted them and yet they turned on me too. Like you, I gave my all and I was spit upon and called names...but You now will find knowledge, compassion, understanding and wisdom from all of this.... and you will eagerly FORGIVE THEM...just I did a long time ago. Then, you will know the real meaning of JOY, Happiness and eternal peace---for you ARE MY creation and I love you".

As Jim and I celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary.... with lots of bumps and bruises.... we most dearly treasure all the good that has happened to us as we trodded year by years around this little 'County Fair'.... with 1000's of experiences, both good and not so good but mostly we KNOW we are blest and that we were CHOSEN.... and equally...that we have also earned many Degrees of Knowledge & wisdom (from the Master) from the hurts and pains of life.....that most people cannot know or have...until they are 'down in the dirt', helpless , hurting and hopeless.

It can be physical illnesses, financially brokenness, mentally depleted or spiritually wounded---a million forms of pain...never created by the Master of the County Fair---but He watches silently and steps in and brings back the sonshine, the smiles, the laughter, the joy of life...humbly,

forever and forever....to both the worthy AND the unworthy. God is Still God...Thee Master is Forever Thee Master!

I can easily say, "I LOVE the COUNTY FAIR; it is never dull, there is always something new happening and each new change will be a rewarding challenge to conquer. I do not plan to return to the SAME old Fair Grounds. My future goals are for newer adventures, greater experiences achieved by a weaker aging body but a heart that is determined to be all that I can be....see all that I can see, learn all I can and laugh and sing through every event....even my failures.

May you have a very Merry Christ'mas...as we all face changes for New things in our New Year to come....this being our #51.... hugs & blessings.

Thanks for an awesome 50th Golden Wedding Celebration...the unbelievable beautiful Professionally Perfect Golden Wedding Book of Memories and photos from & of all of the kids...Thanks a million. for all the compliments, gifts, phone calls, cards---we love you all----

& as Santa says "and to all a Good Night"....ha ha Be blest!!!

(this is me and our 4 grandkids decorating our Christmas tree at Thanksgiving....so dedicated!!!

Golden Wedding Anniversary....Golden Memories

As per daughters request:
50 Golden Years of marriage, 52 wonderful years of memories! This is a walk down memory lane. Saturday, December 6th will be hubby and my Golden Wedding Anniversary! How great is that! I am gloriously blessed and today I will share some of the old photos in my memory walk of 1958---backwards and forward. Black and white photos along with color...which, sad to say was fairly new at the time...thus photography colors 'faded' back then.


























Sipping Baptist Punch....strawberry KoolAid and Pineapple Juice"!
Wow, whatawildnight. hahaha As the roc n roll song said: "Raunchie, Raunchie!!!!


THEN...THERE WAS "the Bride"~~~in the awesome gown and veil made by the loving hands of my precious little Mom and the Bride whose photo was on commercial display for one year on main street of our fair city....just a few feet from where we had seen the one & ONLY>>>> Elvis Pressley, going to the movies as a handsome Soldier at Fort Hood, Texas. (instantly the whole main street BLOCKED and everybody was screaming out his name, as he laughs and waves----glad to be known as famous. ha ha


Plus...our "First Date" was to see Elvis in concert ....one of his first in Sept. 1956 at the Heart of Texas Coliseum, Waco, Texas....just so I could hear him sing ...."Love Me Tender, Love Me True, Tell Me you are Mine"....'I'll Be Loving You, Always" with... "Heartbreak Hotel, You Aint Nothing but a Hounddog... Don 't be Cruel....Don't step on my Blue Suede Shoes... and I'll have a Blue Christmas without You.... on and on and on....


While....one of my screaming cheerleading girlfriends totally got too excited and wet on herself and 2 tons of pettycoats....just left a huge puddle of water in front of the main stage...all because Elvis swooped down his hand towards their direction. ha ha M e r cy...
SOME memories are hard to fade. But this Bride always loved Elvis and the guy who took her to see him. Elvis sealed the Deal. ha ha

December 6, 1958 China Spring First Baptist Church
Red and white Christmas wedding (he was Sooo scared that his pants legs shook throughout the whole ceremony...and the guest sitting up front near where we stood started giggling....then he relaxed a wee bit.) It was a nice memory to laugh about.


Below: This was my 'hubby' to be....
on the school football field back in 1958. Great Smile & his laughter won my heart! *along with his being the tallest guy in school....and truly had one of the 'hottest' cars around. We dearly TREASURE our wonderful '1950's era, music & memories!!!

We were voted the Most Popular students

Wonderful Cheerleading Years!

One Classy-Chassie, 1955 Black/Chrome Chevy Hardtop, RED interior-hot 57' 4 barrell carb

BELOW:

I can honestly say that our wedding was one of my Daddy's Proudest Moments (other than standing for my high school graduation honors & scholarships). All of his brothers and their families all came in from South Texas to join the fun. I have 3 sisters and I was the only one that my Daddy got the honor of walking 'down the Isle" to give away his daughter for marriage in a formal church wedding. He and my Mom, along with my favorite sister, couldn't have been more excited. After all I was the youngest child (the baby of the family-ha ha) so they were probably secretly saying, "Halleluia, now--- some time for us-- finally....no more kids to raise". ha ha All great memories & treasures for me! Esp. that my beloved Mom made/created my wedding dress and I absolutely couldn't have LOVED it more!!!! Perfect for me & my personality!

I remember it all just as if it was yesterday. Candles, lots of candles, flowers, floral scented air of the church, fresh ferns, organ and piano music was soft and very touching....and tons of happy smiles and laughter/kidding!!! (and.....er er er and our friends stole our car and covered it in beer cans, old brogan boots, paper and tons of writings....and NOPE, neither of us ever drank, folks... and that's WHY, the kids dearly loved to 'rag out on us'...and we loved it!

So, please, now....won't somebody please tell me..."how can 50 long years pass away SO FAST. 50 years should have taken much longer than this!!! It doesn't seem possible.

My daughter wanted some old photos on my blog for some project that she is working on ....so we may have to dig out more for her...who knows? She is very creative, so we look forward to whatever she is up to!!!

Below....my daddy & me...

Being an avid & very successful Rancher....I had NEVER seen my Daddy when he was NOT wearing his COWBOY BOOTS....and true to form....this wedding got him out of his western leather vest and kaki clothes into a beautiful suit .....but he still wore those cowboy boots....and I loved it dearly. (he did sacarifice his Cowboy Hat tho. ha ha) this was a special moment for me...because from the time that I was a tiny little cotton-top girl, he always grabbed me up and yelled out ''This is my girl,.... she's MY baby"!

(&...just as an added note about my Daddy....which I thought it was sooo funny at the time when......He loved pranks and jokes & talked to almost anybody...anywhere....and once nearly caused a SHOCK WAVE in down town NEW YORK CITY, in 1948 when he walked through grand CENTRAL PARK & 5th Avenue....of NEW YORK CITY,...dressed totally in his usual cowboy attire from head to foot.

My Mom laughed & said it was so funny... because 'every head jerked ....to gaze upon that Texas Cowboy who loved talking to everyone on the street with a huge German broug with Texas slang. (remember in those days...NOT everybody pretended to be a cowboy or Country Western Singer or Texan--as it is so popular today.

(My daddy never, ever met a stranger....lots of strange ONES...but never a stranger) He loved talking to the New Yorkers on the street and equally...Mom said they seemed to enjoy his chatter and didn't mind ...when he walked in specifically.... like Jed Clampitt and bought a brand new bright green pickup (remember black was the main auto color then) right off the assembly line and paid cash. He loved doing that... & he rapidly made even more friends. (Sometimes green backs can change the tone of conversation--ha ha.) He loved to tell about that thrill for him "& Mutheraa". (it was so wonderful that he & my Mom were married overf 65 years before he passed away---but I don't think we will live that long. ha ha, so no sweat there --ha ha But my parents..... and hubby's grandparenhts.... each, gave us sooo many, many treasured memories/parties and lots of inspiration. )

So...below is a photo of a special memory of... just my 'Daddy & me' in our special 'moment in time"!

BASKETBALL (& VOLLEYBALL)......Four District Championships...plus tons of awesome tournaments. We loved that our coach called us the "Fierce Five". We were all SHORT...tallest was 5 Ft. 5''---Basketball...not the norm! (I am the one with long hair) We also won 2 District Championships in Volleyball which I loved even more than BB & was Captain. Fun times!!!

I felt so special when Coach referred to me as his top 'little gazelle''. He constantly encouraged me & truly made a great impression upon my life in trying to challenge the impossible. Back then...Stupidly, I would've jumped off a bridge if he had told me "You can do it". haha

However, today... I also thank God that he can't see me. ha ha (most likely he would change his wording to something more like... 'old goose'...instead of gazelle. ha ha (now, I can say this...but yall can't. ha ha just kidn')))

This was my senior year. Team Captain, 2 college scholarships and nominated by Central Texas coaches as All State player/nominee (only one other player named from our area of Texas) This means a lot nowadays= when I'm old, battling cancer/pain/chemo-drugs... hummm....& where the walking cane becomes your best friend!!! ha ha

Below: The only Championship boys team for our school era. 1957 Boys District Champs and hubby is standing, 3rd from left. He was 'tallest' guy on team (which I always Loved) and yet he slumped for the photo grr...but he could "pop' that net beautifully with... 3 point style shot used by todays rules. This was a Great group! Coach: Mr. S.V. Dickenson

Happy Golden Wedding Anniversary ....to us....

December 6, 1958 - 2008

(God created it....and said, "It is good"......)

Run, Turkey, Run...(Thanksgivings on the way)

Run, Run, Run....stop the man with the gun! Save the wild turkeys!!!!!

WILD TURKEYS.....THIS WAS THE SIGHT WE RECENTLY HAD from my BEDROOM WINDOW a few days ago!!!

Five awesomely beautiful WILD Black Turkeys were.....slowly...moseying..(sp), strolling around in our backyard and beside our house. My hubby was just driving into our driveway and called me on the cell phone to 'quickly LOOK out the bedroom window. (it was a cold, rainey day...I was hurting for most of my day and had curled up into a fetal postion in our cozy fluffy bed---which hubby knew about and he had been calling off and on during the work day to check on me...so, when he said "quick...look''...I KNEW it HAD TO BE something MIGHTY DIFFERENT.) AND IT WAS!

We live on a populated hillside, near a very busy highway....yet these beautiful animals FELT safe enough on our property....(probably our back pasture full of tall Johnson grass. mesquites and cedar trees helped) ha ha They seemed so perfectly AT HOME!!!

Both hubby and I sat mesmerized..... on our cell phones...watching....all five of these unique wild black birds...slowly walk with confidence, grace and obvious pleasure back and forth in our yard outside my bedroom window. They quietly pecked the ground, eating this and that and .....just as quietly and peacefully as they moved about....I suddenly felt a very warm, CLOSE touch...something magical...as if God Himself was whispering to me..."this is just for you....to help you remember me... and not think about the pain...these are my creations...their beauty is for your pleasure...soooo enjoy".

And...enjoy I did!!! Hubby and I felt very 'honored' ....silly as it may sound....to have this unusual CLOSE visit from the wild black turkeys. And then.... just as they had suddenly APPEARED....equally so...very gracefully, they marched in a straight line....with one 'fanning' out his tail...as if to say "goodbye...it was a nice to visit with you'.... they then ventured down the fence line of trees and through the over growth---until out of sight on the far hillside and into an earth tank, obviously to get a drink of water...or to their hideout among lots of trees.

We do have jillions of cayotes that have a 'path' exactly WHERE the turkeys strolled...so these HAVE GOT TO BE some mighty SMART turkeys...to outwit MAN....evil GUNS and the cayotes.

I put out lots of feed for wild bird all year and have had so many different KINDS of birds to come to eat outside my window. For a year we have had 3 different kinds/flocks of DOVES that came ....one group at about 9 am..., another @ 10;15 and 3rd around 11 am each day--huge ones---...UNTIL September 1st....DOVE SEASON...and pow, pow, pow, every morning...gun fire on every horizon.....I now only have about 4 small doves left which have lived & returned. Sickening...unless they are actually used as 'FOOD' for someone...but that's not usually the case, sad to say. His creations, His gifts, for food or beauty.

I recently heard on the game show "Are you smarter than a 5th Grader?" that the wild black turkey was originally suppose to be America's National bird as set by our 'founding Fathers" because it was beautiful and plentiful in our nation. I'm equally very proud that the American EAGLE was chosen for it's Biblical meaning. (love it-in fact).....although after watching this sight the other day,....I can very easily SEE how our forefathers wanted this majestic animal to represent us as a nation.

So, as always, I am grateful for America's celebration of our THANKSGIVING....but it's a bit rough for the poor turkey's of our country....even tho their 'yummy flavor is great'...especially when slowly smoked. yum yum. But...This year...in honor of the above...I think I will just enjoy eating that yummy dressing, gravy and pecan pie...and let the other melt my mind... back to 'my special memory'...of a very special day....'when God sent 5 wild black turkeys to my bedroom window' to bless my day to remind me that HE IS OUR HOLY CREATOR, FATHER and Lover of our soul.

May your day be blessed...everyday! Glory 2 Him
(even Turkeys know:) Psalm 119:105 "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path".

Welcome back, Kotter...

Well, it's been a while (sort of like...June 2 to October 1st since I have blogged)...whew, where did that time go?

The 'Dog Days of summer have past and the Autumn Leaves are beginning to fall. It's an exciting time of the year! I LOVE IT. THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS is on the way. (Baylor Choir is already singing the awesome Christmas Carols....and lots of Concerts on the way...fun fun fun!)

Thank you so much ...to those of you who have asked me about WHEN that I was going to get back to writing. Thanks, your words encourage me and I appreciate you. However, this summer was busy and for me... it is easy to 'get "OUT of the habit of bloggin....just as it is to get... addicted TO...BLOGGIN. ha ha And like many of you have shared, sometimes it can also get tiring and taxing....being on the computer... when there are more important things that need to be done. It goes both ways I guess. But again, thanks....I DO appreciate you for asking me about my blog. Maybe I can 'get my groove' back on. ha ha whatalaugh!!!!

So, for today may the pictures speak for themselves....Blessings 2 U and yours!(isn't 'Mother Nature....and Father God....THEE best! so cute....

The tricky Power of the human mind...or weakness???

This is a fun way to see just what the human mind can do if we let it go.

However....to a degree... I disagree with the last line because..... Spelling may not be important for our own reading, but it DOES sends a powerful message to whoever reads our words...(much like the way we choose to dress...says so much... about who we are).

It's also funny that I find that the older I get... the more I often un-intentionally MESPELL words...ha ha---so this little test helps me feel better about myself. ha ha Hope you enjoy it as well. Also...this is WHY that I LOVE blog-world....proper grammar/most standard strict writing rules are cut or abbreviated.

Run on sentences are SUCH FUN. HA HA ===(I had a LIFE TIME of the other...)

This is a bit weird...but reflects the power that God gives us via the human brain....

---------------------------------------------

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too
Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.
i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Smile...how well did you do?

I bet you were pretty awesome! Have a happy day, everyday!

Moses, Moses, Moses...God's gentle voice ...to a duck hunter.

Moral of this story is that when we are attacked and troubled...to just remember that Satan does not attack....what he already controls.... (and that's why he tries to beat us up and break our faith) Hang on tight...keep up the fight....but enjoy every blessing in the day...life!

Our local newspaper has been printing some awesome Civil War stories of local families. I have always loved anything that has to do with our history, heritage, and geneology, these stories draw my quick attention. Sometimes OLD photos tell MORE of the true story of our nations shame...than what we read in history books.

Equally, I have also loved hand carved figurines of artwork of the OLD SOUTH and the black culture working in their daily task such as around the old black washpot, the little black boy with his fishing pole and string of fish, etc. So, naturally, these true local photos and stories of our slaves that SETTLED and BUILT this wild arena called, Texas... Waco, Texas to be more specific...goes straight to my heart.

The following is a TRUE story (tho...not in our newspaper... but certainly should have been) that happened during the Civil War. It is a beautiful tribute to the faith, the wisdom and the hearts of many black Christian slaves who suffered greatly, worked diligently for their masters but their stories carry such a great message from God to man....back then....as well as today!

In this story...MOSES is a very large black man who was a slave, like his parents, to a very rich plantation owner. Moses was always obedient to his masters and mistresses of the plantation. On this particular day, the rich plantation owner had decided to go 'DUCK HUNTING' and as was the custom, he took Moses with him to do 'the work" and help gather up the dead ducks as well as ...endanger his life in the alligator/snake infested nearby lake, rather than the master.

As they walked through the high grasses, weeds and reeds...they began to talk as friends, not just as master and slave. However, with a bit of arrogance, the white plantation owner asked Moses a question.

"Hey, Moses...why is it that you always DO all those GOOD things...you know...good deeds for everybody else....you don't cuss...you don't ever sin...you always do whatever we tell ya. You are really a mighty good man, Moses. So why's it that YOUR GOD lets you remain a SLAVE to suffer so badly... and work all day from the break of dawn till the sun goes down?"

"Well, Sir...Mr. Bossman, I can't say...cause en... I jes don't know", Moses replied gently.

Hours passed, the rich man had shot a large number of ducks on the lake and they slowly floated to the shore. Moses quietly did his job, picking up and bagging the ducks for his master.

Finally, towards the end of the day, Moses turned to his master... "Sir, Mista Boss man, I been thinking about what you asked me about earlier...about 'why God do what he do" and I guess that after thinkin about it...I really DO know the answer after all...you know... why I has to suffa"

"What's that, Moses"

"Well, sir...it's sorta like those ducks out there on that beautiful lake. You know, you and me can SEE the dead ducks that you shot---now they are DEAD. But now you look out there at those OTHER ducks---their living. Yes sir, their struggling, they be afraid...they be swimming hard to get away from the evil of yor blastin gun that killed all their brothers. But sir, I guess my God knows that I feel like dim ducks...cause, sir...I'd lots rather be a working and a swimming away from the troubles....being ALIVE and not DEAD floating around in des waters."

****Like dear sweet Moses...God has a plan for each of us....we may not always understand or know "why". things/stuff happens to us.....but by His Grace and goodness...we DO know that we are still blest and alive. So, grab a smile and your umbrella and let's face the storms...we have so much to be thankful & humble over. I hope you enjoyed Moses' sweet message & story.

Have a happy duckie...day, today & everyday!

Ten Most Important Things that I KNOW that I will NEVER forget in life...

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

(Oh well, OK...er, er, Never mind...)

50th HIGH SCHOOL REUNION for old Codgers, ooops, I mean COUGARS

50th HIGH SCHOOL REUNION....

the Cougars arise again...

wow...canya believe it?

Where did the time go? How can it be? May 16 was an awesome memorial date for my beloved and me! FINALLY ...our HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION! (and now they tell us that it has been 50 LONG YEARS! That seems absolutely Impossible!

Yes, now I am planning ANOTHER PARTY...one of my favorite things to do in life. I love planning reunions for our class, our school, our family, friends and groups....I JUST LOVE to plan parties.

Naturally...in planning the party....I've called and spent hours on the phone with all the old (ouch) classmates and friends....and families. What fun! Everyone's life has been so different, but ever so interesting, each in their own way!

Some have been awesomely blest... while others have been the greatest blessing...even when the ladder they had to climb in life had a lot of broken rungs...and some even collapsed during the 'paint job' itself. (ha ha)

But they are still tops and have a special Message to Man from God by just their walk through life. Each Special.

I have had the absolute JOY of blessing my dear, dear friend who is in the depths of descending Alzheimer's disease....whom... in a broken voice and flowing unstoppable tears of brokenness...she cries and shares how HORRIBLE this dreaded diseases is to accept...to live...to endure...even with God...with prayer...with dear family and friends. PTL...she has always been one of the most devoted Christians that I have known throughout the years...but again---ONLY GOD can really know the depths/heartache/pain of ANY disease. Pain is truly not something that can be explained. It comes to us physically, mentally, spiritally by forms... but millions of ways. But it is NEVER FUN!

My friend has had her car keys taken away....so sadly....because she has always been so independent ....driving in the impossible Houston traffic with ease for years. After a very successful life, they now live in an awesome new home in rural private estates--country life atmosphere... She built her own beautiful 'little prayer garden' to God's glory...where she spends her favorite times. (she's always made Him an altar in her home thru the years) Physically, she is tiny in stature... but she is a giant in her Chrisitianity.


The day she lost her car keys, started off innocent. She simply went to the nearby grocery story for a can of tomato soup. The store was only about 5 blocks away....and SOMEHOW, SOMEWAY....she found herself in northwest Houston...about 100 miles away...driving around ...not knowing where in the world that she was...what she was doing???

With greatest humor and laughter...she so cutely tells that she saw a POLICE CAR and so she stopped her car and him....and told him, 'Sir...I have Alzheimers and I am LOST, WILL YOU TAKE ME HOME?"

She said the man was soooo very nice....took her keys---which she handed to him first...he looked into her glove compartment for her insurance information/address--(she couldn't even remember her own address/name/phone number.

Thus the policeman kindly TOOK her home....100 miles away. (as she said she 'rambled on and on in embarrassment and graditude to him...and kept telling herself to 'shut-up' but she couldn't shutup.)

Later her son went back to Houston and got her car.
But on our phone call she went on, very acutely & shared about 'this freaky/horrible disease of confusion... her constant fear...horror, desparation, confusion and being so ashamed and guilty....for a disease that she has absolutely no control over even by taking tons of medications...that so often don't work.

Equally important to share.. because EVERY human being needs to know and realize the horrors of this dreaded disease. Throughout our years...50...of friendship....and esp. since she has been told about having this disease....she has constantly told me about 'how awesome and wonderful that her husband...our school mate &...dear friend from childhood....about HOW GREAT he was to her in taking care...helping her...his kind heart, love, etc. etc.

Yesterday however, her first words...(remember the disease)....'Oh, Gloria, I am so glad that you called, (over, over & over) ....you have no idea but all I have been thinking about is you.... and I WISH I HAD MARRIED YOUR HUSBAND...I know ...with all my heart that he would be so kind to me and not like my husband. My husband is soooo mean....soooo this ....that....on and on ....and on & on it went....

All the opposite of 2 months ago...and years of past. The disease had her tears... rampant...I say disease because....NO way....was this my old friend. (yes, the good part...but not the negatives... that have OVERTAKEN her once positive brain cells of appreciation. This disease is unspeakably horrible. It tortures everyone that cares for you...plus you!

Needless to say...my response was stuff that only God could bring forth....humor...old memories and silly jokes/events of the past ...things that she dearly loved....dearly needed...severely deserved. She was roaring in laughter. Her tears turned to those of hilarious joy... and memories that 'just NEEDED to be brought back INTO her brain...for survival. (I have to say...it was such a joy for me as well. So wonderful to hear her laughter once again...as we had as kids...as young MOM's...as retirees. Wow, God is so good, while satan is so rotten!

My heart very deeply went out to her poor husband (along with my friends own dear hurts and heart)....because most likely.... he is giving or has GIVEN HIS ALL ..or all that he CAN give..but this disease won't let her see/realize the truth. This is certainly a case where DEAFNESS is a blessing. (he was a very successful Houston Contractor building sky scrapers, lost hearing due to jackhammers.)

Anyway, today, I just wanted to pay a special tribute in writing to all dear families who are hit by this wicked disease that steals the human brain first...then the body... then the life---but regardless.... for my friend....GOD has her forever!

Also, another of my phone calls to another classmate was where I found her also crying as well because they had just called to tell her that her beloved brother (our neighbor) had just died also.... from Alzheimers. He, too, has suffered for about 8 years...along with his family.

So, again in that phone call, God allowed me to minister with MEMORIES of funny events that we had all done back in our youth and childhood days. Again, God turned sorrow to laughter. If I could say 'what I learned yesterday....it would have to be....'TREASURE EVERY MEMORY of life---esp the funny stuff'....because someday you may be able to HELP somebody else (even 50 or 60 years down the line..ha ha) get through their bad time or horrible health situations. We never know how we will be called upon to 'be God's instrument' to help and heal our brothers, sisters, friends, enemies and strangers.

So...for the party....it's STILL ON. Our Lord wants us all to 'make the best of everyday' and.... SO.... we, Old cougars....OLD cheerleaders...Old football, basketball and baseball players, OLD HIGH SCHOOL FRIENDS....and EVEN.... our favorite homeroom TEACHER...(who is also in stage 5 cancer and my best buddy/friend...but fighting like a warrior) .........
WE SHALL CELEBRATE to the max....THAT 50th HIGH SCHOOL REUNION.

We chose to have a simple Dinner together, followed by a small River Boat Tour/Trip of the beautiful beloved Brazos River. (remember the song..."Across the Brazos at Waco"...well, that's our plan. ha ha) (we've done this a couple of times before in our family and it is so wonderful and beautiful...peaceful drifting along....

oooops I drifted off...just thinking about it. ha ha

Well, we'll update the blog later down the line...after the event.
Meantime...may God bless your day ....in a very special way.
Please remember to pray for all those in need....as well as for...YOU and Me. hugs/smiles. g

Professor Sox...School of Hard Knox...

Hi there folks....it may be hard to tell

but I'm just a little bird ....that's doing very well.

You see daily my 'Job is to tease a Fat, ...Lazy Cat"

And on Helleson's Hill...I DO EXACTLY THAT!

Scroll down and below you will see...

The VICTIM of my daily.... activity.

It's...PROFESSOR SOX...so SPOILED and yet so smart

But...Proves to be outwitted by ME,---- right from the start.

Upon his masters king size bed... he constantly lays

Sleeping on fluff...snoring away

Then into the window...I love to peek

I scratch the screen and let out a loud squeek

And then, the Mighty Professor awakens with a blast

Instantly he glares at me, as my wicked spell is cast.

I flutter, I chirp......I'm just inches away...

He quivers & shakes, ...my body ready to slay!

But just as he arises from his... lofty little nap

To make me his snack---my wings quickly flap

And I am then gone.............. GONE with the wind...

Only ....to return...when the great Professor...goes to sleep again!

(secret to my story---I love my job!)

Signed: The little Bird....

Well, I'm THE PROFESSOR SOX....

and I may look like a nerd... in others eyes.

But that bird's an idiot and is really just my entertainment...

as he flutters and flies.

And what he does not know....

and some day.... will become his own demise.

That screen is busted... because... his Ancestors...

also thought they were.... EVER so WISE!

(What's for supper tonight?)~~~~ ; )

Wisdom of Aging---laugh a lot

Oh, me....Wisdom from Grandpa....and Grandma's world....

As Jim and I wander around this year ....trying to live long enough to celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary in December...we find that we laugh constantly...at the stupidest junk under the sun. It's a good thing...this thing called laughter....but even WE wonder/wander ....ha ha... ''are we doing this out of our SURVIVAL instincts...or are things.... REALLY that funny?".

Maybe we have BOTH just 'lost it' together...because we are constantly... daily... laughing our stupid heads off at big things...little things...everything. (ourselves as much as others).

Each night at supper it seems we spend much toooo much time...reviewing...our ('Jeff Foxworthy') ...events of our day...you know STUPID stuff that happened that day. (our OWN blunders/flops, etc)

Sometimes it's just plain stupid people...and SOMETIMES...it's SMART people saying and doing absolutely STUPID stuff.

Sometimes it's to the point that you wanta say, "knock, knock...are YOU in there?" : )

Naturally----I AM NOT referring to ANY ONE who READS MY BLOG. HAHAHAHAHAHA (you know me better than that! or at least I hope so anyway ha ha)

Yes....since I am NOW a senior citizen...., yes, I camp out.... daily in some sort of manner with my beloved friends...SENIOR CITIZENS.

(some are a bit senile...some a whole bunch.... and some super awesome...... and my Lord knows that I treasure each one!

It's just that some make me laugh because of WHAT they say/do...sometimes it's intentional... good old wise humor...and yet....some speak in humor and greatest entertainment...... and THEY DON'T even know it.

(hummm, is there a mirror around here somewhere...mercy I hope not.)

But the funny part about aging...or least with Jim & me...we 'fall out' in laughter...just trying to do 'everyday things'...such as help each other 'get to bed' at night. We can easily laugh til we cry...however.... instead of the HOT romance of years gone by...it's truly... panting for a breath of air...you know real oxygen---that wonderful stuff that keeps us alive....give me my darn breathing MACHINE and "shut up...your confounded laughing and popping old age jokes about our physical inadequacies. compromises, & comparisons with our high school prom night or wedding night...both of which drew zero's even back then---though 2 children later... proves the electric current was always there...even tho, today....(oh, mercy, I shant go there)...or I'll be laughing again in hysterics... and not be able to complete my blog. Anyway....The fire's still there...the memories as well....but as anyone over 50 can tell you... just like your car....'sometimes...ya need new tires.' ha ha enough on that.

But life has been wonderful...we have been so very, very blessed throughout our wonderful 2 years of being popular high school sweethearts and 50 years of wandering over 'hill and dale' together...in the moonlight...in the hot summer heat and a whole heck of a lot of winter storms/ice...snow...HAIL...regardless how you spell it. (these are 'the LEARNING times, you know) ha..... We have learned a lot together on this 50 year journey....but the best part is that the JOY out numbers the sorrow and that's what counts. We are sooo very blest!

*poeticly said...

I thank God for our laughter....it's carried us through the years..

I thank God for my troubles....erased by His special gift of tears...

I thank God for my unmerited worries.... with His Grace for my sorrow...

For so greatly He has blest ....my yesterday, my today....and my tomorrow .

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now before I get all mushy here in my poetic world that I love...below is the purpose of this blog...to make you smile and have a chuckle for the day. My Blessings, in His love, glory-b

Wisdom comes through the years.....wise things to Ponder!

Trouble in marriage often starts when a man gets so busy earnin' his salt..... that he forgets his sugar.

Too many couples marry for better, or for worse, but not for good!


When a man marries a woman, they become one;
but trouble starts when they try to decide 'which one'.


Whether a man winds up with a nest egg....or a big fat goose egg...
depends a lot on the kind of chick that he marries



If a man has enough horse sense to treat his wife like a thoroughbred,
she will never turn into an old nag!


On anniversaries, the wise husband always forgets the past---but never the present...


Only a foolish husband will say to his wife; "Honey, you stick to the washin', ironin', cookin' and scrubbin'. No wife of mine is gonna work.


Many girls like to marry a military man - he can cook, sew, and make beds and is in good health, and he already used to taking orders.


Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.


Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know 'why' I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't even paved!


How old would you be..... if you didn't know how old you are?

You know you are getting old, when everything either dries up or leaks.


Old age is when former classmates are so gray and wrinkled...
and bald that they don't even recognize you.


(hope you found one or two that gave you a laugh---TWMA--have a happy day, everyday!) g

God's Beautiful Women...

Maya Angelou and Mother Teresa are two of my favorite Christian women. (along with dear...
but blunt... haha ..
Joyce Meyers...
smile...love her humble honesty)


Each of these super women have hearts .....that reflect God Himself to the world. Their hearts are shown by their actions...and I love it....I love the examples, their courage and their open/honest hearts for Christ and all mankind.

Each one is different....serve (d) God so differently... but they are each " awesome women of God" And...just as He teaches ... THEY reflect to the world a glorious fact that...race is never a factor...for there is only ONE RACE..... the human race... that He created us all to worship Him.... and to be Blest BY Him...of which He does daily. Amen & amen again ; )


Maya's writings and her inspiring words are always... very s l o w l y spoken, very intensive, ....soul penetrating and... constantly brings honor to our Heavenly Father.

This is one of my favorites.... and today...(OR anyday) is perfect for sharing one of my keepsakes with you, my delightful blogger friends. Enjoy!

Beautiful Christian Sister

By Maya Angelou

A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ...

that a man should have to seek HIM first..... to find her.

when I say..."I am a Christian' I'm not shouting 'I'm clean living' ....
I'm whispering "I was lost, now I'm found and forgiven'.

when I say...'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

when I say..."I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong.

I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

when I say... "I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success.

I'm admitting I have failed an need God to clean my mess.

when I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect.

My flaws are far too visible... but, God believes I am worth it.

when I say... 'I am a Christian' I STILL feel the sting of pain...

I have my share of heartaches...so I call upon HIS name.

when I say... 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou.
I'm just a simple sinner....who received God's good GRACE...somehow!