Aboard the General Jackson

My mom took us on a dinner cruise on the General Jackson last night to celebrate Don’s recent birthday, and mine, which is in October. She also brought her friend Peg, to celebrate her birthday, which was in July. We all had a really great time! The General Jackson is a riverboat that sails on the Cumberland River in Nashville. The cruise lasted three hours. It was a perfect night, and we were able to enjoy the breeze blowing off the water as evening set in. We had an elegant and tasty dinner which included a salad, prime rib, au gratin potatoes, asparagus, rolls and strawberry shortcake. After dinner, there was a 1-hour show that we watched from our tables. It was called “Country Music USA” and was a tribute to many of the key figures in country music from its inception until now. They displayed pictures of them on a screen and sang a hit song for each one of them. The show also included a bit of gospel music (also a big industry in Nashville) and patriotic music. It was very entertaining!
We sat at the table with a local couple who was celebrating their 51st anniversary, and another who told us that she (the wife) had donated one of her kidneys to him (the husband) one year ago. They were both doing well.

I think this cruise is a great way to celebrate a special event or, if you’re visiting Nashville, a way to get a good taste of the city. You get to see downtown, the Titans’ stadium and enjoy some good music as well. They offer different types of cruises at various prices, and if you’re lucky, you may be able to find a discount coupon. This was the first time Don and I had done this, but I would definitely do it again if I had the opportunity.

Praying for Others

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." James 5:16

One of the things I find people do on blogs and Facebook a lot is to share their prayer requests and ask their friends to pray for them. I often comment and promise I will. I send up a brief prayer, but how often do I follow through and continue to pray for and support them? I have so many friends with needs right now: the loss of parents or other loved ones, health problems, a recent miscarriage, a new school, financial needs, and more. So I have started a list so I can keep track of them all.

It means so much to me when someone tells me they will pray for me and then later asks how things turned out, reminding me that they have been praying for me.

Praying for each other is so important! How often do we promise to do it and then forget all about it? If this is something you, like me, have been lax on, I challenge you to join me in trying to be more faithful and consistent. It will be rewarding, both for us and for the people we pray for.

Back to CBS

A story is told about the man caught in a flood.

As the waters rise, a boat comes along and offers the man a ride to safety.

“No thanks,” the man says, proud of his level of faith in God, “I believe God will save me.”

“Suit yourself,” the man in the boat shrugs, as he drives off to help other people, and the waters continue to rise, forcing the man to the second floor of his home. However, as he waits for the hand of God to personally save him, another boat comes along and tells him to get in while he can, because the flood waters are showing no signs of receding.

“No thanks,” the man again says proudly, emboldened by the unique opportunity to prove his faith in God. “I believe God will save me.”

“Suit yourself,” the man in the second boat says, shaking his head, as he veers off to help other stranded homeowners. In the meantime, the rising flood waters force the man to his roof, where he is finally spotted by a rescue helicopter.

“Grab the rope and climb aboard,” the man in the helicopter yells to him above the din of the rotating blades.

“No thanks!” the man on the roof yells back, still certain that a miracle will happen to save him from drowning. Therefore, unable to convince the man to climb into the helicopter, the rescue team goes off in search of others willing to be rescued.

Sure enough, the water rises to the roof, and then above the man’s head, and he drowns.

Shortly after, he finds himself in Heaven, waiting to be brought before the Heavenly Court. After some time and a lot of angry pacing back-and-forth by the drowned man, an angel comes out to call him in to the inner chamber. However, before the Chief Magistrate can say a word, the man bursts out and cries, “Where were you?! I invested all of my faith in you, that you would save my life as you always promised you would if I had faith, and you go ahead and let me drown! What kind of reward for faith was that?”

For a long moment, there is silence in the courtroom, as if the man has made a valid point. Until, that is, the Chief Magistrate leans forward and says calmly, but firmly,

“What do you mean? Who do you think sent you the two boats and the helicopter?!”

Just a story and certainly not Biblical, but there is truth to it.

I was reminded of this story last week. Community Bible Study was about to begin again, and I didn’t know whether to go back or not because I still didn’t have the part-time job I have been looking for, and didn’t want to start and then have to quit if I did find a job. But I really wanted to go back.

A lady from CBS called me and asked me if I would like to be a paid childcare worker for the children of the leaders while they met before and after the regular meeting, a total of 4 hours per week. I could attend CBS in between shifts. At first I told her I didn’t think it would work; I needed to find a job, but she told me to pray about it and call her if I changed my mind.

So I did. And God brought this story to mind. Maybe I was overlooking the obvious. This was a job, though not what I expected. And it would allow me to attend CBS and make a little money, two answered prayers. I would still likely need to work more hours, but it would definitely help in the meantime.

So I called her back and told her I’d do it. And I started today. It was hard work, but it was SO good to be back. I am thankful that God opened this door for me and let me recognize it, in spite of my hardheadedness, before it was too late.

Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Here's a recipe for a garden treat that seems to be exclusive to the South, at least my husband Don, from Iowa, had never had them before. Measurements are approximate -- I don't measure; I just use what I have.

1 cup shelled fresh black-eyed peas (or cowpeas, or something similar)

1/2 vidalia onion, chopped

1 slice bacon or a few small pieces country ham

Put all ingredients into pot and cover with water. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes or until peas are soft.

It's traditional to eat these for "good luck" on New Year's Day, but I prefer them in the summertime, fresh from the garden.

Garage Sale

I had a garage sale today. It was my third one in four years. I kind of like to have them, though they are a lot of work. I didn't do as well as I had hoped, but not too terribly either. I sold a lot of small things but not many big ones.

After all my years of having garage sales, I have come to the conclusion that the majority of people who come fall into one of four categories:

1) The early birds - these people try to get there first to get the good stuff, which they will often turn around and try to sell for a better price on e-bay or at a flea market. They are professionals. If you advertise in advance, they will be knocking on your door an hour early or even the night before the sale begins.

2) The hagglers - I can see them coming. They have a certain look about them. They will try to talk you down on every single price, no matter how low it already is. It's best to decide in advance what you're willing to come down on so you won't be caught off guard. I don't usually come down on prices until the last couple of hours of my sale, because there is a pretty good chance someone will come after them and pay me full price.

3) The specific shoppers - These people will come and peek in or maybe ask you if you have a specific item (i.e. a baby stroller). If you don't, they will thank you and turn around and leave. If you do, boy are they excited!

4) The curious neighbors - They see that something is going on at your house, and they don't want to miss out on the excitement. They rarely buy anything substantial; if they do, they have to go back home to get the money for it because they hadn't planned on it.

There are a few just normal people. They may or may not buy anything. They just like garage sales.

Don't let these scare you off from having one. Just be prepared. I don't put signs up until I'm ready to open shop, but then I live in a prime location, so that is all the advertising I really need. Be ready to stand up the hagglers. Don't be offended by people who don't buy anything. And enjoy the chance to get to know your neighbors better.

Sibling Rivalry

Our dog Nash is a stinker, no doubt; he’s not ashamed of it. Our dog Dasha, on the other hand is an undercover scoundrel. She tries to pretend to be a perfect angel, but she has a few dirty tricks up her sleeve.

I tend to come to her defense when Nash harasses her because he’s bigger and younger, but she has learned to use that to her advantage.

When I feed them, she will stand and watch him eat his food. Then as soon as he is done, she will casually wander over to her bowl and slowly eat her food while he gazes longingly at it. If he tries to bully her and eat even one bit of her food, she snarls at him loudly to be sure I hear. She knows he gets put in “time out” for this (in the bedroom with the baby gate up) until she’s done. She seems to enjoy seeing that happen.

The interesting thing about it is that she doesn’t pull this stunt when there is anything better than dry food in her bowl. Apparently it’s not worth the risk.

This whole scheme is annoying to me, because I have to supervise them while they’re eating, and the process gets very long and drawn out when she goes through this procedure. I’m trying to come up with a good solution. Any ideas?

Two Celebrations

Happy birthday AND happy anniversary to my wonderful husband, Don. I am so thankful to have him in my life and for these past 4 years of marriage we've had together.

A Day at My Brother's House

I spent some time at my brother's house yesterday. I watched him homeschool his girls and helped out a little with that. My sister-in-law is, of course, involved in this too, but she happened to be at work yesterday. Gabriel doesn't start until next year, so he is making the most of his free time.

I got to see the baby guinea pigs, now 2 weeks old. They were SO cute, but really noisy!

This one, Ginger, is the only one who has any of her mother's coloring.

After school was done, we all jumped on the trampoline, both the kids and the grownups who act like kids sometimes.I had a great time and am so thankful to have my family living nearby.

20 Movies

If you're friends with me on Facebook, I'm sorry you have to see this twice, but I thought it was an interesting little activity. I was challenged to, in 20 minutes, list 20 movies that have made an impact on my life. Here is what I came up with, in no particular order:

1. The Sound of Music
2. Mr. Holland’s Opus
3-5. Back to the Future (1, 2 & 3)
6. My Big Fat Greek Wedding
7. Steel Magnolias
8-9. Parent Trap (1961 & 2005)
10. Bucket List
11. Beaches
12. Cast Away
13. Dances With Wolves
14. Dead Poet’s Society
15. The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (2006)
16. Music of the Heart
17. Titanic
18. Patch Adams
19. A Christmas Story
20. National Treasure (1)

What movies have impacted your life?

Apple Bread

I had a windfall of fresh apples recently, which I used in a variety of ways. This was one of them. It was YUMMY! There are only 2 bad things about it: it doesn't hold together very well (it might have done better if I had cut the apple pieces up smaller), and it's not very Weight Watchers-friendly. Small quantities are in order here, but it's so good, that's not an easy option.

3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. baking powder
3 eggs
2 cups sugar
1 cup oil
1 Tbsp. vanilla
2 cups diced apples (without skins)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp. flour

Preheat oven to 350°. Grease 2 loaf pans.

Mix flour, cinnamon, baking soda, salt, and baking powder together.

In a separate bowl, beat eggs and add sugar and oil. Add vanilla and dry ingredients. Stir in apples.

Mix walnuts in 1 tsp. of flour and add to batter. Pour into loaf pans. Bake for 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean.

Julia's Hope

This book, by Leisha Kelly, is the first in a series I have been reading recently. I found one of them at random on the shelf in the library and really enjoyed it, so I am working my way through the series, completely out of order.

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Set in a small town in Illinois during the Great Depression, this book is about a family who is living in much harder times than I have ever known, doing what they must do to survive. They are Christians who have little more than the clothes on their back and must rely on God to provide for them each day. It was a time when friends and neighbors helped each other out, even in their own poverty, and ingenuity is vital. The characters are portrayed so realistically that I wondered if they author was writing from personal experience, but I did a little research and found out it is indeed fiction.

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I would recommend this book and the others in the series for anyone who likes historical fiction or Christian fiction. It has made me appreciate the things I have but also realize the importance of some values that have all but been forgotten in our society today.

Silence

I'm alive and well, in case anyone was worried (do I flatter myself?); I just haven't had much to say lately.

My neck and shoulder are mostly better, thankfully.

I've been canning and freezing as I have been able to and have put up quite a bit of food for the days ahead.

Cedar Creek Band starts back up next Monday night.

Don's 80-year-old dad, Charlie, slipped and fell while mowing a couple of weeks ago and gashed his head, cracked some vertebrae and broke his sternum. He is in rehab now and would appreciate your prayers.

I'm still looking for a part-time job and have a few possibilities in the works.

So that's about it. Hopefully I'll have something better to blog about soon.

A Stiff Neck

"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!” Acts 7:51

I have had a sore neck and shoulder for several days now. I’m not sure why; I think it’s related to some shoulder problems I have been having for several months now, which I probably need to go to the doctor about but have been resisting. I don’t like doctors.

Don keeps telling me to take it easy, but I have so much right now that needs to be canned, frozen or otherwise taken care of, and other things I want to do, that I have just been taking Ibuprofen and carrying on. And I’m not getting any better.

Maybe God is trying to get my attention? He has nothing good to say about “stiff-necked people.” He is forever trying to get them to listen to Him. Like Don telling me to slow down and take it easy, God says, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). It’s so HARD for me. I want to be doing something constantly, so it’s hard for me to hear His voice. Maybe today is the day. I don’t think I’m going to get any better until I do anyway, so I guess it’s time to slow down. And be still. And listen. And maybe that will help my “stiff-necked” condition, both physically and spiritually.

A Night Out

I went out with my brother’s family last night. My mom volunteers with the Smyrna Police, so she was helping with the Night Out Against Crime that they had. We went by there and had dinner and checked out the booths. Unfortunately, a storm was brewing, so many of the things had to be shut down. We registered to win a free bicycle, which my mom was in charge of. We didn’t win. The kids got to get inside a police helicopter. Apparently, this is the latest trend in police cars. Haven’t seen one of these on the road yet. Afterward we went to a place my brother knew of where we could pick some fruit. I got 2 big bags full of apples and peaches. I’m planning to use the apples to make jelly (they serve as pectin for pepper jelly or mint jelly), and of course, make some Southern Fried Apples. I’m not sure yet what I’m going to do with the peaches. We’ve already had peach cobbler once this week made from some peaches a neighbor gave us. I’m sure I’ll figure something out though. It was a fun evening, and I found out later that my brother’s family went home to a surprise: baby guinea pigs! I had held the very-pregnant mother just before we left but didn’t go back in before I went home, so I missed them. Bummer. Hopefully I’ll get to see them soon.

Madmen Yourself

Here's a fun activity for those who are looking to waste a little time: you can madmen yourself. Apparently, Madmen is a TV show (which I have never watched), so now they have a website where you can make yourself into one of their characters.

First I did myself. I wasn't overly thrilled with it. They didn't have my hair. Oh well.

Then I did Don. Now, this is more like it. Not only does it look remarkably like him; the doughnut in his hand is the perfect finishing touch. He's always walking around church with a doughnut in his hand.Next I tried my dad. Well, I thought it was pretty good, but Don says he looks like Rush Limbaugh.
Here's a picture of both of them so you can compare.If you decide to Madmen yourself, please let me know. I want to see the finished product!

High School Reunion

My high school class is having our 25-year reunion this weekend, and there was a gathering last night at someone's house which Don and I attended. I was a little skeptical about going, but I really had a good time. It was like we kind of picked right up where we left off, but without all the immaturity we had then.

I went to my 10-year, but not my 20-year. Since then I have reconnected with about 30 of my classmates on Facebook, so that made me a little more enthusiastic about going this time. I had great conversations with people that I hardly knew in high school. I found I had more in common with some of them than I now do with people I was once friends with.

Still, no matter where we are in life, we all share the common bond of our past. Many of us went all the way through school together (I moved to that system in fourth grade), so they were a big part in making me who I am.

I'm glad I have Facebook now to help me keep up with these friends, and I'm looking forward to seeing them again at my 30-year reunion.

With my friends Barbara and Esther.