Merry Christmas

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. We do things at Christmas that we seldom or ever think about doing. This morning I sat at my table and drank Browne & Ashley Lemon Tea and ate Hershey’s Extra Dark Chocolate with Pomegranate flavored pieces. These were gifts from our neighbor who always brings us food during the year. Sometimes freshly made food just for us or sometimes leftovers from his family. Both are always delicious, however, he sent us an extra special food gift for Christmas. The tea, the chocolate and lots of fruit, most of which he grew.

Last night Brenda, Chris, Chesed, Chara, Jonathan and Ashley, Judah and Kimberly, Charis, McKinley, Brandon, Madelyn, Mauri, Brady and Madison and Aunt Sarah came and had supper with us. I have not decorated this year. I have two poninsettas, a candle behind a small nativity scene and a Florida football Santa. Still the Christmas Spirit was here. Lots of fun and laughter very few gifts. Chesed wanted to give her gifts before she left to go to North Carolina to spend Christmas with Patrick and his family. She gave us a DVD of all the Thanksgiving pictures to which she had added music and captions. I know we will enjoy that.

Papa and I have had fun this Christmas season making goodies of which I have eaten way too much and am feeling the consequences right now. We have made TV Trash, Puppy Chow, Spiced Pecans, two Coconut Cakes, White and Chocolate covered peanut, pretzels and peanut butter crackers and a pound cake. We have delivered the two coconut cakes and the pound cake. The pound cake has become an annual Christmas gift to our local mechanic. We bake it and Papa takes it to Mr. LaOrange while it is still hot. He stands in pretty good with Mr. LaOrange. Delivered a sweet potato pie for Seth who will be coming home tonight. Still on our list is a tray for Ben up the street. He’ll get a tray of assorted goodies. Jerry Brogdon will probably get one too. Tomorrow we plan to make pralines for Uncle Bob. That is about it for the food part.

This morning I sat down to do my daily devotion. It was so good I want to share parts of it with you all. It is taken from a my devotional book “Morning and Evening” by Charles H. Spurgeon, a gift Cheri gave me last year. I have really enjoyed it all year. Hear is an excerpt from today’s devotion.

“The night also is Thine.” Psalm 74:16

Yes, Lord, you do not abdicate your throne when the sun goes down, nor do you leave the world all through these long wintry nights to be the prey of evil. Your eyes watch us as the stars, and your arms surround us as the zodiac belts the sky.

The night of affliction is as much under the arrangement and control of the Lord of Love as the bright summer days when all is bliss. Jesus is in the tempest. From the first watch of the night even unto the break of day the eternal Watcher observes His saints, and overrules the shades and dews of midnight for His people’s highest good. We hear the voice of Jehovah saying, “I create light and I create darkness; I, the Lord, do all these things.”

Gloomy seasons of religious indifference and social sin are not exempted from the divine purpose. When the altars of truth are defiled, and the ways of God forsaken, the Lord’s servants weep with bitter sorrow, but they may not despair, for the darkest eras are governed by the Lord, and shall come to their end at His bidding. What may seem defeat to us may be victory to Him.

“Though enwrapt in gloomy night,
We perceive no ray of light;
Since the Lord Himself is here,
‘Tis not meet that we should fear.”

I've enjoyed the Christmas music so very much this year. One of my favorites is “Mary Did You Know.” Another is “O Little Town of Bethlehem." Long, long ago in the little town of Bethlehem Jesus was born. He was and is Emanuel, God with us. The words to "O Little Town of Bethlehem were written in 1865 but the words are very meaningful for us today. Here are some of the verses of that song

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above the deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in.
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell,
O come to us, abide with us,
Our Lord Emmanuel.

Merry Christmas To ALL

New Adddition to Our Family

Today we have a new member to join in the animals of our family. Chara now has a new cat named "Sophie" Welcome Sophie. You are in the minority with all the dogs but you will have some cat cousins in New Harmony. LOVE YOU Chara

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SARA

Today is Sara's 30th birthday. 30 years ago was one of the happiest times in my life. Papa and I went to Knoxville and helped take care of Mary Jo and Sara. I enjoyed it so much. Mary Jo pretty much let me do whatever and I played and rocked. Sara you are a wonderful person. One of the most thoughtful people I know. Hope you have had a GREAT BIRTHDAY!! LOVE YOU. papa and ma

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARY JO

A BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR BABY DAUGHTER

We LOVE you Mary Jo and hope you have had a wonderful birthday.

Questions

Questions?? Questions?? Questions??

We all have questions. Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do evil people gain riches? Why does that six year old have cancer?

On and On the questions go. We cry out to God and we don't understand.

Today I found this in Jon Courson’s Application Commentary. It really spoke to me and I hope it will bless you.

God comes to us not to answer, but as the Answer. The peace He brings doesn’t come from understanding. It transcends, passes, surpasses, and supersedes understanding. You will never have an answer for many of the questions stirring within you. But you’ll find that God Himself is the Answer and that He’ll give you a peace that passes understanding.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

Home From My Journey

My "Walk to Emmaus" was a wonderful experience. 72 hours without TV, camera, ipod, radio, and cell phone. 12 hours of NO TALKING. That alone was a Blessing. Try it sometime. During this 72 hours there were many inspirational talks. Grace Grace Grace. I think the one that touched me the most was the one on Prevenient Grace. I had not heard this expression before. So if some of you like me have not heard it, the word prevenient means going before, preceeding. And Grace is giving us what we don't deserve. The gist of the talk was how God's Grace goes before us and draws us to Himself. When we are not aware of His directions, He is guiding us. I looked back on my life and saw so many many times God's Grace brought things or people into my life that prepared me for the things He wanted me to do in life. As a little girl I always loved children. Whenever there was a child around I was right there playing with him or her. Little did I know at that time God's Grace was preparing me for all these precious Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren I now have. The love God had given me for children just flowed right over into these grands and greats. And it has been and continues to be a journey of joy, fun, and hope for the future. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that God's Prevenient Grace is working in the lives of these grands and greats. He is going before all of you preparing you and calling you to receive His love. Going before you preparing you for the work He has prepared for you to do. His plans for you are good and not evil. Even now you older ones should be able to look back and see God's Grace in your life. I certainly have seen it and continue to see His watchcare and protection over you. Thank you God for your prevenient Grace

Latest from Papa and Ma

Papa and I went down to Destin today to meet Chesed's friend, Patrick. We both really like him. He is extremely friendly and very smart. Nice looking too. Papa has been enjoying his golf cart. Wish we had videoed the installing of the back seat on the cart. I think we probably could have sold the video for comedy. Anyway we have it installed and ready for some children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to come and ride on it. I'm thanking God everyday for all his blessings. Tomorrow we plan to take the "old agers driving class." We are really looking forward to Norman and Mary Jo, Joshua, Karin and Mario being here this weekend. Also Josh and Summer and their friends. Think Karin's brother Mike and his wife and son will be here too. We will be celebrating Mario's first birthday Sunday. We do enjoy all of your blogs. So much for this blog.

I LOVE YOU Joe

Sixty-one years ago today Papa marked me with a "W"

Today I want to say something about Papa. He has always been faithful to provide for me. He has tried to keep me from being too impulsive. (sometimes that has worked, sometimes not). He has much more wisdom than I do. (Took me almost 60 years to realize that). I am so sorry I did not recognize that sooner. Too much of the time it has been me me me me me and what I wanted regardless of his feelings. I am so thankful that God has brought me to this place in my life where I love and appreciate him more and more each day. Nothing like having someone who can fix anything and everything. Someone to scratch my back, cut my toe nails and help me remember what day of the week it is. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to spend the large majority of my life here on earth with him. Hope we have many more years together.

I LOVE YOU Joe

Sixty-one years ago today Papa marked me with a "W"

Today I want to say something about Papa. He has always been faithful to provide for me. He has tried to keep me from being too impulsive. (sometimes that has worked, sometimes not). He has much more wisdom than I do. (Took me almost 60 years to realize that). I am so sorry I did not recognize that sooner. Too much of the time it has been me me me me me and what I wanted regardless of his feelings. I am so thankful that God has brought me to this place in my life where I love and appreciate him more and more each day. Nothing like having someone who can fix anything and everything. Someone to scratch my back, cut my toe nails and help me remember what day of the week it is. I am so thankful to God for allowing me to spend the large majority of my life here on earth with him. Hope we have many more years together.

Tony and Charis's 13 Wedding Anniversary

Belated Happy Anniversary to Tony and Charis

Tony and Charis were at Deep Creek on their Anniversary so I did not blog on their special day. I want to do that now. Thirteen years ago July 1st Tony and Charis were married at the First Baptist Church in Fort Walton Beach. They seemed so young but we all had such a good feeling about their relationship. We just believed it was the right thing. We all loved Tony from the beginning. We thoroughly enjoyed all his stories. He made everything in the stories come to life. Most of the time he had us laughing our heads off. They moved into a farm house in New Harmony and started their life together. I can remember some one at the after rehearsal party or at the wedding saying something to the effect ”their home would be a gathering place for many people.” That has certainly be the case. How many wonderful hours we have spent at their home and farm. A year and a half after they were married the greatest thing this side of heaven happened. Mary McKinley was born. One of the prettiest babies I had ever seen. I got to go and stay for a few days and replay all the eleven times I had done the same things with all my grandchildren. McKinley has been such a blessing to all of us. So full of grace like her mother and full of stories like her dad. Two years later along came Brandon Jacob. All boy. What a delight. He and Papa have spent so many great times together. We love Brandon. Twenty months later here comes Miss Madelyn Grace. I could not take my eyes off her. Every time I looked at her I saw myself as I was as a little girl. She is so beautiful, smart and so full of life. Nothing escapes her. Twenty-one months later along comes Mauri Hanna. Blond blue eyes and like a China Doll. So fragile and beautiful. Mauri listens to her own drummer. Most of us can’t hear that drummer. We have had so many good times together playing “Old Maids” and putting puzzles together. She is a puzzle whiz. Twenty-eight months later we welcomed a brother for Brandon, Brady James. Now here is the one. My how cute and how sweet. However, I have had to share him (more than I wanted to) with Aunt Sarah. She is his favorite. I want to say, “Brandy, I’m your GRANDMOTHER. Aunt Sarah is just your great great aunt.” He takes that literally. She is the greatest thing around when she is around. But I enjoy so much seeing them interact together. Twenty months later beautiful little Madison Caroline arrives late in the afternoon with everyone at the hospital and in Charis’s room. Brady decides Madison is his and his only. It was all so great. Madison is so petite. We have really enjoyed her. Thanks Charis and Tony for producing such beautiful and sweet children. They have been such a joy to all of us. And as for just the two of you. Both of you have shared so much of your lives with us. Thanks for letting Papa and Me just come up the the farm and take over. For letting us play with the children as much as we wanted to and letting us spoil and pamper them. Thank you for letting your home be a haven of fun. A place to get away to from the real world into a children’s world where children can be children. Where they can run and romp, ride four wheelers and golf carts. I pray God will continue to bless your family as you in-turn bless us all. As Papa and I celebrate our 61 years together we are hoping and praying you can have at least that many years together and maybe even more. Being married to someone for 61years is like having your favorite pair of old comfortable house shoes available at all times . I love it. Tony and Charis we LOVE YOU.

My Song for the Day

The Haven of Rest

My soul in sad exile, was out on life’s sea
So burdened with sin and distress,
‘Til I heard a sweet voice saying, "Make me your choice,"
And I entered the haven of rest.

I yielded myself to His tender embrace,
And faith taking hold of the Word,
My fetters fell off, and I anchored my soul,
The Haven of rest in my Lord.

The song of my soul, since the Lord made me whole,
Has been the old story so blest
Of Jesus who’ll save whosoever will have
A home in the Haven of rest.

I’ve anchored my soul in the Haven of rest
I’ll sail the wild seas no more;
The tempest may sweep o’er the wild, stormy deep
In Jesus I am safe evermore.

4th of July

HAPPY FORTH OF JULY

We Live in a wonderful country

THANK YOU GOD FOR LETTING US LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE!!!!!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA

Sara Jackson

Thursday June 19th Sara will be leaving for her trip to Ukraine. Sara, our prayers will be with you. I know you will bring inspiration and help to all the people you meet. Your heart is so big and you seem to have an insight into other peoples needs. May God use you and bless you. We will miss your blogs and all your pictures. Take care and remember you are loved by lots and lots of people. ma

My Father Charles Isom Rainer

My father was born May 22, 1897 and he died December 25, 1974. I can remember saying at his funeral, "I wish he could have lived to be 100." When he died I not only lost someone I loved very much, but more important I lost someone who loved me. From my earliest memory of my father, I never for one minute doubted that he loved me. That is a very precious blessing to me. My father was a very quiet man. He talked very little. Guess that was the Indian in him. However, after he died, it was such a surprise to me that someone who was never in the limelight and never atracted attention to himself could leave such a hole in our family with his death. Tears fill my eyes even now as I think of him. Hope all your fathers will have a wonderful Father's Day. Hope you will remember how important it is for your children to know you love them by your actions, by the time you spend with them and by the interest you show in them. Your influence is beyond measure.

Ryan and Sara's Anniversary

Congratulations to Ryan and Sara on their 9th Wedding Anniversary. May God continue to Bless you two and your wonderful family. May you always seek His will in all you do. LOVE YOU ma

Cast Your Burden Upon The Lord

Taken from Charles H. Spurgeon's "Morning and Evening" May 26 (in part)

Care even though exercised upon legitimate objects, if carried to excess, has in it the nature of Sin. The very essence of anxious care is the imagining that we are wiser than God, and the thrusting ourselves into His place to do for Him that which He has undertaken to do for us. We labour to take upon ourselves our weary burden, as if He were unable or unwilling to take it for us. Now this disobedience to His plain precept, this unbelief in His Word, this presumption in intruding upon His province, is all sinful. Yet more than this, anxious care often leads to acts of sin. He who cannot calmly leave his affairs in God's hand, but will carry his own burden, is very likely to be tempted to use wrong means to help himself. This sin leads to a forsaking of God as our counsellor, and resorting instead to human wisdom. Anxiety makes us doubt God's lovingkindness, and thus our love to Him grows cold; we feel mistrust, and thus grieve the Spirit of God, so that our prayers become hindered, our consistent example marred, and our life one of selfseeking. Thus want of confidence in God leads us to wander far from Him; but if through simple faith in His promise, we cast each burden as it comes upon Him, and are "careful for nothing" because He undertakes to care for us, it will keep us close to Him, and strengthen us against much temptation. "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee."

Probably none of us have reached this place in our lives, but hopeful we will always strive to "Cast Or Burdens Upon The Lord for He cares for us."
May we lovingly remind each other of this often.

Encouraging Words

I get mail from David Wilkerson who is the founder of “Teen Challenge.” His mail is always so encouraging. This one was especially so for me and I want to share part of it hoping it will Bless YOU and encourage you.


If you can’t give God perfect faith, give him perfect love. “Perfect love casts out all fear.” Not perfect faith, but perfect love. Perfect love is the rest God has for his people. He wants us to rest in his love, trusting that he will always come to our aid as a father to a hurting child in spite of our inadequate faith.
Stop evaluating or grading your faith. And stop trying to figure out faith. The bible says, “Now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

If you are going to specialize in anything, specialize in love. The Bible says, “Faith works by love.” Without love, all faith is in vain.

If God does not answer certain of our prayers, we can be sure he has some great eternal reason for not doing so.

It boils down to this: God has all power and can do anything. Nothing is impossible to him. He has promised to answer every prayer in Christ’s name. So we must ask in full assurance of faith, expecting an answer. But should God delay that answer, or choose another path for us, he must have a mighty good reason for it all. And we must believe that whatever God permits in our lives, it will one day all work to our good. “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Our heavenly Father knows exactly where we are going and what we need. He will give us what is best, in proper Holy Ghost timing. “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him” (Matthew 7:11).

God will not permit you to be overcome by your trials. You may come to what you think of as you breaking point. Yet, if you will not harden you heart but fall into his arms, trusting his everlasting love for you, you will survive and live to tell of his faithfulness.

Unbelievable News

Let me start of by saying a few things about Papa


He has kept an R72 John Deere lawn mower 20 years
He has kept an Echo weed eater for 22 years
He has kept an Echo blower for 22 years
He has kept a Coleman trailer for 28 years
He has kept his 1966 Ford truck 39 years
He has kept this house for 40 years
and then there is ME
He has kept me almost 61 years.

Something real strange happened this past week. He bought a BRAND NEW Echo blower. I do hope he is not planning to replace everything. If he does, I'm in trouble since I'm the oldest thing he has.

It was real funny this afternoon when he was showing the blower the Chris - Chris said where did you get that and Papa said at Home Depot. Chris said, "You bought it new?" He almost fainted. So you all better watch out. He may have only just begun.

Unconditional Love and Forget Not His Benefits

Blogs
I would like to combine Cheri’s blog "Forget not His benefits" and Ryan’s on "Unconditional Love"
Here’s my story
A few years ago I was nearly destroyed by the actions of someone. This person did something that totally wiped me out, embarrassed me beyond feeling and completely removed all respect I had for this person. I have always found it hard to love someone I did not respect. What this person did was not illegal or immoral, but went against something that I held so dear. My first reaction was a huge mixture of anger and hurt. I chose not to forgive this person. I chose to drop the relationship. And in making those choices, without saying so or realizing it, I chose to become bitter. My feeling was I will not let this interfer with any other part of my life. Bad mistake. I began to see that this unforgiveness and bitterness began to seep, spill and slosh into every area of my life, my relationship with others, my thought life and my ability to function normally. I was terrified of bitterness. I do not have the words to express my terror of the bitterness I knew would destroy me. I began to seek a way to forgive not because I wanted to forgive but because of the consequences . I went to Bible studies, I asked for help from some people that I knew who had forgiven people for things much worse than what I had experienced. I prayed, but the unforgiveness in my heart hindered my prayers. Nothing seemed to work. One night, after weeks of misery, in total desperation I wrote on a small piece of torn paper. "God I do not know how to forgive, submit or how to be humble. Please help me." My story from that point took a turn. I cannot explain it. I do not have the words, but a drastic change took place. Not in this person who had hurt me but in me. You would think that at 70+ I would have had all the "Turning Points" in my life I needed but not so. This became a wonderful "Turning Point." My whole attitude toward this person changed. I found words coming out of my mouth that were sweet, kind and humble. God gave me "Unconditional Love" for this person. Only God, is all I can say. And back to the "Forget not His Benefits" ….. I pray I will never ever "Forget His Benefits" of forgiveness and the change He made in my life. I shutter to think of the person I could have become – bitter and angry. I do praise Him for His benefits and His "Unconditional Love." May God be PRAISED for His goodness.

Latest from Papa and Ma

I guess if I want everyone else to blog, I'd better update my blog once in a while. It is so nice to read all of your blogs and keep up with what all of you are doing. Our lives (papa and me) are really not a whole lot to write about. But we did go play rook with the Major of Valparaiso and his wife, Marlene, Saturday night. It was fun. Papa and the Major won one game and Marlene and I won one. This is the second time we have played. So Marlene and I are two games up on them. Papa bought new tires for the van. We had a very busy week last week with Joshua, Karin, Mario and Karin's sister, Annie here. We enjoyed them so much. Mario is such a good baby and so pleasant. I can hardly stand it when they take him back to New Orleans. I'm going to try to dress up my blog a little. Hope it works.

LOVE YOU ALL.

Madison and Mario

It was so nice having Madison and Mario together this weekend.

Do Unto Others

Our church passed out a devotional book for us to use during the Lent Season. Today was the last one. All the devotionals were written by people from three local churches, First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church and Christ our Redeemer Catholic Church all located in Niceville. I love it when churches work together. I think God does too. Anyway, today's was so good I want to share it with all of you.

Do Unto Others

So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you....Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

I was told that my great-great grandmother kept a spotless home. One day when her grandon went to visit her he said, "Grandmother, why do you always look at my feet before you look at my face?" She was apparently concerned that he might muddy up her floor.

Often in our busy lives we become so focused on getting the job done and accomplishing all the things on our "to do" list, that we neglect to smile, to touch or to say an encouraging word. We may not realize the effect this has on others. Even casual contacts present the opportunity to lift someone's spirit. We might be missing opportunities God is giving us to share His love. Our closest relationships might even suffer because we are cramming too many activities into our days or placing too much importance on busywork.

This year let's vow to nurture the relationships God has given us. Let's not be so absorbed in ourselves and our routine that we forget to look around to see a hurting heart, a lonely life, someone who needs the encouragement or support we can offer.

Prayer: O God, You have shown us mercy, grace, and compassion in such a faithful way. Help us to do the same for others. Amen

Submitted by Marsha Thomas.

Hope this blesses you all and may God give us all a very Happy and Meaningful Easter. HE IS RISEN.

Nothing Special

Just want everyone out there in cyberspace to know how much I enjoy all the blogging. It is almost like having a visit from all of you each day or at least each week. It makes Papa and me feel apart of all you are doing. Remember when you take the time to blog it brings joy and delight to two almost old people. There is one bit of news. Papa's golf cart did not work out. It has been running hot and the man told him he would give him is money back. He may try for another one. We are both doing very well. LOVE YOU ALL. ma

Papa's New Play Toy

Papa finally broke down and purchased him a golf cart. It has mud tires and running lights. The best part of the whole deal is - There are a few minor things that need to be FIXED. That is the way Papa likes things. Here are a few pictures. Come on GreatGrand Children. We are ready for you now. No more walking back and forth to Florida Park. LOVE YOU ALL!!!!!!! By the way you Grand Children can ride too and also the two daughters and their husbands. Sometimes the older kids and grandchildren think they have been replaced by the Greats. How did you ever get that idea????

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Well everytime I do this it is a brand new thing for me. But here goes. Not much news but here or a few pictures with my new thing you all told me I needed and my smaller size clothes. Thanks for all the encouragement. I feel so much better. LOVE YOU ALL

This Week in Review

Guess it is time for me to blog again before I forget how. We have had a real good week. Tuesday lunch for Chara and her friend Andrew that is always fun. They eat lunch with us, rest a while and then do their math homework. They have a math class that starts at 4:15. Tuesday night PoFolks as usual. Monday, Wednesday and Friday we went to the gym at 8:00. Wednesday I went to chiropractor. Wednesday night super at the Methodist church. Thursday Lunch for Chara and Andrew again. Friday we had lunch with my friend, Lynett, who I use to work with. Her husband joined us. We ate at Red Lobster and they paid. It was so much fun. I commented of a ring she was wearing. She said put it on. (It just matched everything I was wearing). She said, "Just keep it. I want you to have it." I am going to try to take a picture of it and send it on a blog. I don't know if I can get it on this one, I may have to just put it on one by itself. Saturday we went to look at golf carts in DeFuniack Springs and then went to look at some junk they were going to auction off, but did not stay for the auction. Saturday night we went to a gospel singing at the First Baptist Church Niceville. It was really good and we enjoyed it. Today church this morning for both. Tonight just I went. Always enjoy church. Now I an going to try to put the picture on this blog. Lets see what happens. I think I did it. LOVE YOU ALL ma

Check out my Slide Show!

LOVE YOU BUNCHES

Happy Birthday Bryce

Check out my Slide Show!

Check out my Slide Show!

Pictures at the Beach

This time I am going to try to post some pictures.

Looks like I learned how to do that. Now my next task is a sideshow. That may have to wait until tomorrow. LOVE YOU ALL ma

Our Trip to Mobile and to the Beach

Last week was one of the most enjoyable times I’ve had in a long time. Our trip to Mobile to visit friends and relatives brought back many wonderful memories. Also caused me to reflect on how good God has been to our family through all these years. It was great to see our friends, Dean and Tunny Corley. Papa and I, Dean and Tunny Corley and Dit and Jim Plash spent many hours together when Brenda and Mary Jo were young girls (1 and 3 years old). We use to talk about what life would be like when we got old and now we are finding out what it is like and "It ain’t all bad" I was especially blessed to see one on my Mother’s best friends who is now 103 years old. She was at church and looked great. I was able to share with her how much Mother enjoyed all the cards she and her husband sent while Mother was with us in Valparaiso and in the Manor. Another good friend, Betty Potter, met us at the door of the church when we arrived and greeted us warmly. (Word had gotten out that we were coming to church Sunday morning) To see what God has done in her life is a FAITH builder. It was great to see my brother Bob and his wife Aubrey and their daughter Debbie and her family. We got to hear all the plans for Rainer’s upcoming wedding and to see Debbie’s beautiful grandchildren, Claire Frasier and Winchester.



The few days at the beach with Brenda and Mary Jo was the icing on the cake. I enjoyed every minute. There is nothing like having you daughters all to yourself. I know that is selfish, but it is so wonderful. However after about 3 days we were missing all the other females in our family and decided we needed to make this special occasion open to all the females in our family that are over 18 years old.
We will still spend a couple of days with each other and several days with all of you. So mark this on your calendars and line up baby sitters. The Chinese and Mexican restaurants were so much fun and the food was delicious. Also breakfast at the Cracker Barrel and lunch at Pampano Joe’s.
Thanks Brenda and Mary Jo for taking the time from you busy schedules to plan all the activities that were so very very special to us. Thanks to Christopher and Norman for going with us on our Memory Lane trip in Mobile. Christopher thanks for sleeping on the floor so Papa and I could sleep in your bed. We love your apartment. Thanks Norman for driving us all over Mobile, as we told you to "turn here" "stop here" "go back there." Also thanks Norman for the delicious lunch at Atlantic Bread Company on that stormy Sunday. I pray that your lives will be as rewarding as ours have been. God is Good and His Mercy endures to all generations. Thank YOU JESUS!!!!!!!

Papa and Brady Playing Checkers

Thought you all might like to see how we spend out time. Papa had already played with McKinley and Brandon.

Summary of the Week

Papa and I went to exercise Monday and Wednesday. Friday they were closed by Special Olympics. Aunt Sara and I went back to the chiropractor and laid on the dry hydrotheropy bed. Last night Brenda, Christopher, Chara, Papa, Aunt Sarah and I had a visit from McKinley, Brandon, Mauri, Brady and Madison while their mother and dad went out to eat. It was so much fun. Madelyn spent the night with a friend. Papa and Brandon went hunting Thursday afternoon and Papa and Christopher are going this afternoon. We are getting excited about this coming weekend when we go to Mobile and visit some old friends and Uncle Bob and Aunt Aubrey. Betty Thompson has been visiting Gladys this week, so we have spent a lot of time with them. Betty is doing well to be 91 or 92. The three of us just walked down to Florida Park where they are putting in a fabulous boat ramp with long docks on either side. Hope this blog was not tooooooooooooooo exciting for you all to handle. God is Good. His Mercy endures to all generations. LOVE YOU ALL ma

Papa and Ma

Well here goes. My first blog. I have no idea what I am doing but I am doing. Kinda like a job I use to have and this guy ask me, "How can you do this job when you have no idea what you are doing?" I said, "I don't know, but I am." Anyway this should be fun and keep me young.