I live in a world of danger, diseases & disaster. My world is nothing like it was thirty years ago or even longer. Evil is more prominent.

I’m learning that I must view the things of this world as God does. 

He loves me so much and cares for me but He allows me to experience trials and troubles just as the one who runs from Him. Even though I am a child of God, I am still part of this world. 

When I place my soul in God’s keeping and let Him guide me, He doesn't allow anything to threaten my forever eternity.

Evil can affect anyone so stay plugged into God.

Kim Jaggers, Christian speaker, sweetly led us to a deeper personal knowledge that we need MORE of God in our lives. I hope you take the time to visit her site. {www.morethanchocolate.org}

My church, Memphis Baptist, hosted a ladies retreat on Aug 22-23^rd at Lakepoint Resort in Eufaula, Alabama. Our sessions were scheduled for Friday night and Saturday morning & afternoon. 

ready to go

Lakepoint Resort

Before the first session five of us enjoyed conversation as we dined on a seafood buffet at the resort's restaurant. You will note our "Table Shader" for the sunset's rays that were streaming thru the large windows on us. 

Over thirty ladies attended the overnight retreat.

In our morning session we had some personal time to meet with the Lord. Read Luke 18..."always pray & never give up."

Any time ladies get together you know there is going to be a group photo. Andrea worked at getting us positioned so that each of us could be seen. Tameka, our restaurant server from Friday night & Saturday lunch, was so kind to take the photo for us.  

"but just as it is written, "Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, 

and which have not entered the heart of man,

all that God has prepared for those who love him." 

1 Corinthians 2:9

I am retired. My plan after retirement was to wait one year before volunteering. It has been 3 years. 

For years I was always on a tight schedule working outside of the home and maintaining a home for the three of us. My life schedule was a well greased system fit only for my personality. 

Retirement life has been wonderful and exactly how I envisioned it to be for me. I love, love, love being retired. 

Volunteering...it's just that "time" issue for me because I truly love being "free"...retired with no commitment to schedules. But today I am trying to change. 

I became a "Montana Gran" today. Their organization, open to grandparents or anyone who wishes to assist teachers at Montana Magnet School, meets once a week. If you can't attend, it's O.K. (I like the group already!!!)

I'm not a grandparent but my best friend is principal at the school. As we introduced ourselves today with a little bit of information on us, I was quick to state that I was not a "Camp Spy". Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

I think I'm going to love this group of ladies.

Musta been about six or seven years ago

when I began seeing these gentlemen

sitting here on these steps.

Most times there's just hand gestures

as they talk but sometimes

there is a throw-back head

and you can see the laughter 

explode in the air.

Gonna stop one day and

sit a spell.

life...

          certain to be a rambling road 

          with bumps, cracks & puddles along the way, and

          choices that will help navigate the road

purpose...

          ability to see through & beyond choices

          with an attitude of Christ likeness

          leading to the ultimate Prize in Christ Jesus

          

exit...

          with a heart full of expectation & longing

          for the joy that will come & overshadow 

          this earthly existence.

forever life.....

          with Him.

          

          

          

Even though we Christians make noise in God's house, it is the noise outside of His house that He loves most.

Be the Influence.

Even though Hubs had some AAHRA meetings we just returned from a wonderful mini-vacay with Public Housing friends from all over the state of Alabama.

We all met at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort for a few days that would be filled with workshops, luncheons, dinners & much more. As written before I just love the Scholarship Luncheon that awards scholarships to public housing students to further their education at their choice of college. The Awards Banquet on the last night is nice too as we get to congratulate housing authorities for special recognition & rewarding contributions to people who live in public housing.

This year I forgot my camera. Guess I'm getting to that age...so...sorry for the poor images.

(pic from Wayne)

*Peace*

1951 - 2014

Pulling Emotions

Are you OK? 

        What’s wrong?

                Can I do anything?

                        Just call.

                                Just breathe.

                                        Bless your heart.

 It’s wonderful to have 

the only key to your mind.

The hum of the road

from cylinders that spin.

Yellow lines we follow

that stretch within.

Cross the rough

for a spoken whine.

Brings our attention

to hold the line.

"Test everything. Hold on to the good. 

Avoid every kind of evil."

1 Thessalonians 5: 21-22

As cars of a train pass you 

connected by steel-joint pins,

I think of  individuals, 

fingers entwined,

passing by

and not ner' a single word.

"How to" Daddy Skills

My dad was a self-taught man. 

He skilled himself. Every day was a new adventure in learning for him. Nothing would keep him from trying to solve any situation that came before him. Putting things back together was easy...except for this one time... well, that's another story for another day.

Dad taught each of his children "how to" skills from his experiences. He taught us to "fix" things.

PROBLEM:  Lamp that came apart from the loosening of the thread hex nuts which made the center connector screw come out-of-socket and the springs sprung.

Ta-dahhhhhhhhhh!!! 

Lamp is put back together.

Thank you daddy for always showing me "how to's".