Category Archives: Faith

Surviving: “The Search is Over” by Survivor – By Donna

Posted on by

 

I had a month to pack up twenty-seven years of stuff and find a place to live.  September 30th was my deadline.  Every few days I went by two local realty companies for an updated list of available houses to rent.  First, I marked out those that read “no pets” and others I was concerned were out of my budget.  With few remaining on the list, I would ask for keys and venture to have a look.  Being afraid to walk into empty houses alone, (maybe I’ve seen too many mystery movies) I would call Karla and give her a verbal tour of each room.

Purple People Eater

In my starting price range, I saw some pretty rough houses in nerve-racking areas.  At the very first house, I believe the Purple People Eater had taken a bath there.  The entire tub had a purple stain, and a big one where his head would have laid. So after a couple of houses, I gave myself a little higher allowance.

Sometimes Karla would drive down and join me in my search.  Even with the 100 dollars increase in rent, we saw some sketchy places.  The first thing we saw at one house was a blood stain on the floor, or so we thought!  Not to mention the hardwoods in other rooms looked as if someone had a bonfire in the middle of the floor. One home was so bad that I stopped walking, looked at Karla and said, “I’m going no further. You can do what you want, but I’m out of here!” 

No matter how bad they were, Karla always tried to be optimistic and point out the positives she noticed. Though often her face was saying something totally different than her mouth!

Time Was Ticking

In the evenings when I wasn’t filling boxes, I was surfing the web on every rental site that exists. With only a week to go, I decided to open my mind to other possibilities like an apartment or a duplex.  Nothing is wrong with them. I have just lived in the middle of 40 wooded acres for almost 30 years.   love the trees and especially the lake I see as I look out the window every day. And Carlton, the dog, adores the yard to run in. But time was ticking.

A blessing came my way when some wonderful people offered to help with the rent so that I could go up in price, find a safe area, and something a little nicer. So Wednesday, Karla came down, and we went to look at another house and an apartment, both in better areas. We went to the apartment first. It was nice, roomy, and had three bedrooms. The carpet was filthy, but I knew the real estate company would clean it. There was a sliver of yard. I had finally found a possibility.

Next was the house. It was a cute, old restored house, downtown. It had all I desired: three bedrooms, a kitchen that included all appliances, and a small yard for Carlton. But we quickly discovered it must have been the residence of Roy G. Biv. The house was blue, and the brick wall was red. The kitchen and dining area were bright yellow and the bedroom lime green. The den was florescent orange! We never saw the indigo or violet, but I’m sure it was there somewhere. Now I had two possibilities! But I wanted the house, with a fresh coat of paint. I called the real estate company the next morning and was told to hurry and turn in my application because many people were interested in that house. So, I did and I prayed for that house.

On Thursday, I got a call and it had been narrowed down to one other person and me. They had a few questions for each of us before making their decision. I waited all day and heard nothing. So at the end of the day, I called and was told I wasn’t chosen. I never panicked and when friends asked if I had found a place, I would just smile and say, “Moving day is Saturday, and nope I don’t know where I’m going.” I knew God knew where I was going and He had a plan. 

5 Hours to Go

Friday was a teacher workday, and the last day to find a place since I had to to move Saturday. The offices closed at 5 so I was down to 5 hours! After lunch I didn’t have to return to school, so I planned to go straight to claim the apartment I really didn’t want. However a friend invited me to lunch for her birthday, which I had forgotten with all that was going on! On the way to the restaurant, I decided to run in the other realty place to grab a flyer. They weren’t in their usual spot. I asked the receptionist, and she said they had just been printed and handed me one and I threw it in the car.

After lunch, I went to sign the lease for the apartment. But the lady informed me that the apartment would not be ready for two weeks, unless I wanted to clean the carpets myself. I decided to think about it because they were really nasty and I didn’t know if they would dry by morning. Sitting in the car knowing I only had two hours to find a place to live, I picked up the paper and saw they had added one new house to the rental list. Well, might as well check it out. I ran and got the keys and hurried to see it. The minute I walked in the door I knew it was the one! I called the lady to tell her I wanted it, and I was on the way over to do the paper work.

“OH, I can’t do it today!  It’s Friday afternoon, the end of the month, and we are swamped.” she said. My heart sank as I sat there in stunned silence, knowing I had to move somewhere tomorrow. Suddenly her tone changed, and she said, “Well, if you can come now, I’ll do it.”

God’s Timing

While I sat waiting on her to write up the lease, the receptionist said, “You are lucky. We just put that house on the list right before you came and got the paper. Since you took the keys, four people have called wanting it.”

At 4:30 I signed the lease! I knew it wasn’t luck. It was God. He never fails me. He did wait until the last possible minute, but it had to be His timing not mine. I have a cute little home that has a nice backyard with a deck and lots of trees. It is 200 dollars less than Roy G. Biv’s house! 

And God even gave me a view of a lake!

-Donna

Share and Enjoy !

Shares

Hope: Oatmeal, Sunrises, and The Good Book-By Karla

Posted on by

Woes in our World

Glance in the mailbox, and there is a way-larger-than expected medical bill. Flip on the television to see North Korea threatening. A couple of weeks ago during the hurricane, I heard that several friends had to grab towels and buckets for the leaks in their roofs due to the massive raining in our area. In the church service, we listen to so many who are sick or having heartbreaking situations. In addition, spiritual warfare is so real. Sometimes, it feels like Satan is standing on a balcony watching for our weakest moments to swoop in and attack.  I often wonder where I can go to escape it all!

I reflect on Pastor Scott’s words and know he is right.  “In today’s world, a person is either coming out of a storm, going through a storm, or one is brewing up ahead.” There is no wonder that we have serious addiction and depression problems in America.  Without God, how do we stand a chance?

Discovering the Wonder in the World

Often my prayer is to notice the little blessings that God weaves into my day.  He is faithful, and when I am looking, they are easily seen.

Early in the school year, I running late.  Thus, I forgot my breakfast. Dashing into the lunchroom, I searched for a yogurt. I am no fun without food or sleep! My face lit when I saw the metal bin of oatmeal. The sweet lady got me a double bowl of oatmeal! It was delicious! Oatmeal takes me back to being a kid at Nana’s. Thus, it warms my heart and has become not only a healthy breakfast but a treat that provides comfort. This lunch lady greets me each time I go into the cafeteria . Now, she saves me a double bowl every Tuesday and Thursday!  

Most mornings God paints me the prettiest sky for my drives in school.  Pinks, yellows, and blues form my wake up blessings.  Sometimes He adds puffy white balls, but other times He stretches the white patches into thin, scattered layers with a hint of color glowing through. Other dawns share the sunshine cascading onto the ground that allows me to vision Christ’s ascension into Heaven.

 

I strive each and every morning to pause and spend some quiet time with God. His word, and I am amazed at how often He speaks directly to my current circumstances or the situations that a loved one might need to hear. I talk with Him, and He talks to me while I pray.  He never asks me to hold on until He has time for me.  He considers me His friend, and I am blessed.

 

My oatmeal, the morning skies, or even reading my Bible will not ease the horrid news broadcasts, the leaks in the roofs, the bills that are due, or the weather catastrophes. But these everyday blessings remind me He is with me throughout my day. Because He walks with me and He talks to me, and He tells me I am His own.  And this makes me smile!

Share and Enjoy !

Shares

Hope: Everyone Pitching In -By Karla

Posted on by

September 2017

  •  Many families mourned for their loved ones lost on that horrible day 16 years ago.
  • Hurricane Irma wreaked havoc in Florida and surrounding islands and states.

     Some weeks seem like there is a flood of tragedies. Thankfully, we have our national guards, our police and sheriffs’ departments, our firemen, and EMT’s. Don’t forget our power company workers; they often go unrecognized for their sacrifices. But, when emergencies occur…they are there.

Uniquely Designed

     I believe God equips each person with particular talents, and when we use these gifts for His glory, our world is a better place. Numerous people volunteer their time to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and organizations like Georgia Baptist Disaster Relief.

     Help reaches others in the specific ways needed . Supportive and honest insurance company employees often go far beyond the call of duty. Doctors and nurses give extra hours.

A Family Example

     As the reports of Irma’s power was building in the Atlantic last week, Aunt Laurie from California called me asking if her friends from Tampa could stay with me if needed. Not having a clue who they were prior to her phone call, I still readily embraced the possible opportunity, including the statement that they had a place as long as they needed. I know I was among thousands who got a phone call similar to that request.

The southern old-fashion ways of taking care of others seemed to resurface and kick into overdrive. I noticed this kindness was on a large scale too.

Businesses Rallied 

     Six million people were asked to evacuate Florida. Moreover, schools, churches, and campgrounds were opened. Thus, Working together some solutions developed for the millions needing shelter. One media source stated that the state of Georgia opened their homes to strangers, who had traveled long hours to find hotels with no vacancies. The Atlanta Motor Speedway opened its doors for people to seek refugee.

     A veterinarian in Atlanta sent emails, offering to board pets–fee of charge; an equestrian center in Alpharetta gave a shout out to house up to 150 horses for free.

     Our Braves wanted to help, donating free tickets to residents of Florida, who have had to evacuate here to take their mind off their worries.

Media Showed the Good

      Even the media! I notice the news focus on some very sweet pictures. One showed two rescue workers carrying an eighty-year-old from her house in her chair, and I saw a hug exchanged between another emergency worker and a young child.  Among the madness that was happening, someone from the media paused to record a volunteer pick up an American flag that had blown from a house and was washing down the street.  The man held it up, and its stripes waved in the winds.

Hope

     With all the yesterday’s sadness, we have hope. God gives us that.  In return, He wants us to share His love and hope with others around us in need. There are many days that I shake my head at how far we have drifted as a nation, but yesterday was not one of them.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares

Not Home Yet. -By Karla

Posted on by

Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages is an intriguing read. I learned many years ago that one of my love languages is words of affirmation. My mom was wonderful for me in that area. I don’t imagine she had read the book, but she was always encouraging me to achieve or reassuring me when I was uncertain. In January, I wrote a blog entitled Give Me a K emphasizing Mom as my cheerleader. I hope as I grew older, I gave my mom the same support she gave me.

Being a mom is sometimes a thankless job. Some days are filled with being a taxi service; others are busied as the chef and the bus boy. We run from one event to another to support our children, and there are days in which our pay is smelly socks to be washed. Moms of little ones often get the reward of wearing their babies’ lunch, whether it be before it is digested or after!

Working with sixth through eighth graders, I usually get more eye rolls than hugs, and there are more sighs than thank yous. They don’t really like it when I have to correct them. In Japan, teachers are revered in such high esteem. I tutored a Japanese lady for about five years. It took me forever to help her understand that she did not need to bow to me. She was always thanking me. However in today’s America, gratitude for teachers is not always held in high-esteem.

I don’t mean to complain because I LOVE being a mom and teacher. But, sometimes these two jobs do not always fill my cup in the area of needed love. I give and give until my cup is empty. Pastor Scott recently shared a story that I am holding dear to my heart on days when I get few words of affirmation.

There was a missionary couple who had worked in Africa for many years. As they were returning to New York for retirement, they we tired, had little money, and their health had declined. Soon they discovered that President Teddy Roosevelt was also coming home from a big hunt and was on the same ship.
A band was there to greet President Roosevelt as they docked. Many important people came to welcome him home.
Later that evening, the missionary said to his wife that it didn’t seem right. After all they had done for others, there was no one welcoming and acknowledging their service. He felt his spirit breaking because he had been treated so differently, so unappreciated in comparison. I have served the Lord all my life and have gotten little appreciation. His wife told him he was wrong.
At her request, he went into their bedroom to talk with the Lord. He poured out his heart to God sharing how upset he was for the unfair treatment. In return he heard God say, “You’re not home yet.”

I too think Godly moms and teachers need to remember on those thankless days that we to are not home yet. For when we get to Heaven, our ultimate home, our cups will be overflowing. In the meantime, we should stay close to Him, reading His word and praying to help us persevere.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares









Reunion: Second Sunday in August -By Karla

Posted on by

I have always thought our family was normal, but the older I get the more I sense a bit of abnormality. Usually there a negative connotation with this word, but not in our case. We are a rare breed in context with our close-knit kinship and our number of gatherings. For generations, we have assembled for Thanksgivings, Christmases, Easters, the fourth Sunday in June (Off the side of Loving Road), the second Sunday in August, and the third Sunday in August. These days are cherished moments of life.

My Childhood Churches

Growing up, I attended two churches. One was First Baptist of McCaysville/Copperhill with my sisters, mom, and dad. New Hope, also known as Flinthill, was my church on weekends when I stayed with Nana.  The second Sunday in August is the decoration at New Hope Baptist Church in Morganton, Georgia. On this day, we gather for service and eat on the grounds. But first, we adorn the cemetery with flowers to honor our loved ones, who have passed before us. This church holds dear memories for me.

I have always adored listening to the guitars and banjo that grace New Hope church. While we sang the old hymns, Gerald Heaton always amazed me! Even when he was in his 80’s, he seemed to pluck his banjo with as much vibrancy as he did when I was a kid! I thought of how I used to sit with Nana in the choir as she sang in my little ear and I tried to follow along.

Keeping Me Occupied

Looking around in the pine-paneled church, the memories flooded my mind. I can vividly remember as a little girl getting restless during the preaching. Nana would play “put your fingers in my palm, and I will try to catch it” until I would get too rowdy. Then she would pull out the maroon, vinyl, picture pouch to settle me. I love family pictures! I’d sift through the photos smiling, giggling, and pointing until Nana would have to pat my leg and shhh me. Finally, she would exchange the pouch for a baggie of cookies–always two large ones. Those were joyous days!

     The Lord’s Supper

I gave my life to Christ when I was eleven, and I was baptized at First Baptist Church of McCaysville/Copperhill in April of 1979. Granddaddy had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I can remember being excited and felt so proud to take part in communion. At times, his hands shook badly, which had caused him and issue or two trying hold his “juice cup”. Nana and Granddaddy did not sit together in church, which was quite common for older people in country churches. When I was at New Hope, Nana would softly nudge me during communion. This is my signal to slip out of the pew we sat in, and move across the isle to sit beside him. Even as an early teenager, I was aware of how his pride must have been hurt because he could not to hold his cup. At the same time, this little job made me feel like it was an honor to hold such a special cup for such a special man.

   Amazing Grace 

Most every Sunday, at the end of the service, the congregation would slip out of their rows and walk around the church hugging and shaking hands as we sang “Amazing Grace”. I loved how the members in the church seemed like one big family that loved each other so.

VBS

In my youth years, our Sunday school and VBS classes were small at New Hope, but they were not lacking in Biblical teaching. My Aunt Anna seemed to always be our teacher, now matter our age. We always had such fun! My cousin Stacey, cousin Jimmy, my friend Carlton, and I so enjoyed singing “Just a Little Talk with Jesus”.  Once we insisted on signing “I Come to the Garden Alone“.  Stacey and Carlton had such beautiful voices. Though, at times Carlton’s voice would waiver due to puberty.  We were being so serious and probably thought the angels were smiling at our harmonies until Carlton’s voice cracked! When he got to the word “alone”, his voice shrilled about an octave higher! To this day, I have a hard time getting through the song without bursting out in laughter.

Flint Hill  Founders 

Homer Turner

How would the founders of this little church, established in 1869, have known what it would mean to a little girl named Karla? How could they know that I am thankful it was rebuilt after three different fires? Could Uncle Homer, Donna’s grandfather, have known how important his land donation was for the last rebuilding of the church.

I am grateful for years when it was common for 30-40 people to be baptized in a nearby river. Many of those are my relatives. I am so glad that a man named Leeander Turner decided to honor his wife, who is buried at New Hope, by putting flowers on her grave in the late 1800’s. Because of his actions, many churches began to set aside a day each year to honor their loved ones, which was the beginning of church decorations and homecomings in the Blue Ridge area.

The congregation of Flint Hill has influenced others for generations. Rarely, do we realize how often we affect other people. God has planned for every person to do his part, helping others to see His glory.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares









Fiftieth Birthday: Hawaii Five-O. -By Karla

Posted on by

The Reason for the Travels 

Our blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, is centered on faith, family, and laughter. For this special 50th birthday, I received a trip that embraced all three. I love lying on a float in the ocean! This trip we may not have been in Hawaii, but my 5-0 birthday brought us to the beach.

Sisters, cousins, and an aunt accompanied me to Florida. I do believe our laughter might have been heard all the way back in Georgia. Some names have been changed to dashes (-) to protect the innocent (or guilty).

Spotted before We Realized

On the way down, Donna and I spotted an aunt who was driving alone. We came up with this great plan, which amused us! Donna was going to put the pedal to the metal, catch up, and strategically pull parallel with her at nearest red light. My job was then to hang out the window waving my arms frantically yelling at her. We did catch up and tailed her, waiting on the opportunity. But being the human jukeboxes we are, when an old favorite came on we got distracted.  While sitting in a turning lane, we were singing and videoing ourselves, as she spotted us, got out of her car, and came back to give us a hug, surprising us!

Games and Laughter

Four out of the six nights we played board games; one of my favorite things to do. Ranging in ages from forty-nine to seventy-six, games can be quite interesting. One game required us to pick from a multiple choice list of different things that best described us while the other players try to guess “who you are”. This is when we learned that one cousin considers herself apathetic. Now, that was like wearing a target for the rest of the trip! Anytime there was a choice to be made someone would shout out, “Well, — doesn’t care!”

Another game was somewhat like Pictionary. One contestant felt so successful when her teammate guessed her drawing to be an action. Sadly, her bubble was quickly burst when we told her the word “action” was just the hint not the word to be guessed!

Fatty Wad Ryder

Later in the week, one player stated, “Well, I’m just sucking hind ***” because she was in last place. This caused someone to almost spit out her water she had just gulped! Turns out, that is a farm saying for what happens often to the little runt. Sometime during the games, we heard of a story from “the good old days” in which a cousin’s best friend’s brother was named Fatty Wad Ryder. I lie you not! I cannot make that one up!  

“Well, it’s true! I don’t even know his real name. His parents and teachers even called him Fatty Wad.” She pronounced. I am still laughing over that one, and might be at my 100th birthday party!

One night between a round of the game, I received some birthday cards. As one cousin handed me my card, she announced, “Here you go. It’s a funny one. I didn’t sign it in case you want to reuse it!”

Only a Few Arguments 

We had such a blast. With almost no arguing, except every time we got in the van! Two of the eight attendees have back problems. They were constantly arguing about who was not going to take the front seat because the other one needed it more. It even came to a few “friendly” shoves!

A feud occurred over who would pay for the pizzas. One cousin had declared she would pay for it, and laid her debit card out. Donna and I volunteered to go pick it up. Walking out the door, I said, “Oh, I forgot –‘s debit card.”

Donna whispered, “It’s my turn to pay for something. Don’t get it.! Go and shh!”  When we were almost out the door, — yelled, you forgot my card.”

Donna tried to push me on out the door, “Pretend you didn’t hear her.”

“I can’t lie.”  I trudged over and got it. Donna thought she had the last laugh and paid the $20 at the counter. Upon leaving the beach, the aunt gave Donna a card (whose birthday happens to also be in July). Inside, yep!  You guessed it. There was a $20 bill.

Our family loves to eat! We enjoyed several meals and lots of ice-cream. There would be no arguments over extra ice-cream because — not only ate her’s every night, but the leftovers of everyone else too! “Don’t throw that away!  I’ll eat it!”

Beach Time

At the beach, the fun continued. The ocean is not on the top ten list of favorites among some of our family. One of these cousins was being oh-so-brave as we coaxed her out further and further. I stated, “You know, I am pretty proud of you being out here.”  Her reply, “Yeah, I’m pretty proud of myself too!” Donna and I were careful not to discuss the helicopters that were flying back and forth over the water and what they might be looking for.

Our family is so awesome. to care for one another. One night, Donna and I were taking the trash to the dumpster. We detoured to swing a while on the kid’s swing set. An aunt met us at the door when we got back. “Y’all been gone for a long time. I was not going to bed until you got back!”

One of the bad “back” ladies was in the ocean. After a while she tired and another cousin treaded back with her to the beach. I looked up from my float to see them holding hands. Taking care of each other is what we do. At meal times, we all held hands saying grace and thanking God for our safety, our families, and birthdays!

-Karla (Who will withhold the names of the innocent because what happened in Panama City Beach stays in Panama City Beach, except the memories!)

Share and Enjoy !

Shares









Wedding Plans -By Teresa (Guest Blogger)

Posted on by
Donna and I are basking at the beach this week.  We’re excited to have our first guest blogger while we are having fun in the sun.  Please enjoy my friend and co-worker Teresa’s thoughts about wedding plans.
 
Wedding Plans- by Teresa
Growing up, I always “knew” what my future would be. I would marry the man of my dreams in a huge church wedding. We would sail off into the mountain sunset leaving our reception in a huge, multi-colored hot air balloon. I would be “Suzi Homemaker,” like my momma. We would have three beautiful, intelligent children – two girls and a boy and live in a quaint cottage style house surrounded by a white picket fence. We would, of course, have a dog.

Wedding Plans: Bridesmaids

As I became a teenager, my mom and I had many arguments about my wedding. I have always been blessed with an abundance of close friends. Naturally, they would all be in my wedding. Rattling off my long list of bridesmaids my mom attempted to be the voice of reason. I couldn’t see the problem. I had it all planned out.“You can’t have that many bridesmaids, Teresa. That will cost too much money. You will have to cut some of them out,” she’d say.
 “I can’t cut any of them out,” I countered. “I have to have Donna, Lisa, and Sheila because they’re my family. Tina has been my best friend since sixth grade. Beverly and I have been close since I was at Sand Hill. I just can’t have a wedding without Becky and Pattie. Pam, Jan, Laura, and I are the four musketeers. Brinda and Rena are like my sisters, so they have to be in it. Jo absolutely has to be my matron of honor. You can’t expect me to exclude any of them!”

Wedding Plans: Flower and Music

These silly arguments about wedding plans occurred countless times, never ending in a resolution. In the meantime, I was busy planning the actual ceremony. Since teal is my favorite, that would be my main color with baby pink as an accent color. There would be gobs of fresh flowers: hydrangeas, roses, and lots and lots of baby’s breath. Uncle Wayne would perform the ceremony. The bridesmaids would wear teal dresses with matching shoes. The matron of honor’s dress would be pink. The groomsmen would wear black tuxes with teal cummerbunds and bow ties.
The songs would be “Two Less Lonely People in the World” by Air Supply and “We’ve Only Just Begun” by the Carpenters. My dress would be a flowing white gown with a ridiculously long train as I walked proudly down the aisle on my daddy’s arm with him beaming from ear to ear. My handsome groom would be standing there waiting for me with tears in his eyes. It was all set.

No More Wedding Plans

One day, in the middle of one of these discussions with my mom, I finally said to her, “Momma, I don’t even have a boyfriend. There’s no point in us talking about my wedding and arguing about my bridesmaids until I am at least dating someone!” So, we stopped having these bridal battles. Still, I continued to plan my future in my mind. To this day, I have a Hallmark card that I bought for my husband-to-be. I planned to give it to him the morning of our wedding day. I’m sure by now it is yellowed from age and probably sounds cornier than it did when I bought it way back in the 80s.
 

No Prince Charming

I didn’t marry Prince Charming. There was no fairy tale wedding, the one I argued so passionately with my mother about. I don’t have three beautiful, intelligent children, nor do I live in a cottage style house surrounded by a white picket fence. As it turns out, I am still single. I live in a condo with the love of my life, a gorgeous little furry girl with four legs named Graci. (See, I did at least get the dog!) Please don’t feel sorry for me though. I live an extremely full and happy life. I have an amazing family made complete by “Pride” and “Joy,” my nieces. I have more wonderful friends than I deserve.
As a veteran teacher of almost 30 years, my job has allowed me to influence and make a difference in the lives of countless children. Graci and I love our home. There is no place on earth I’d rather be. What I didn’t realize back when I was fervently planning my future was that God had plans of His own for me. I truly believe I am living the life God intended for me to have, the life that is the best life for me, the life God knew all along was ordered by Him.
 
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…” (Jeremiah 29:11 – NIV)
—Teresa

Share and Enjoy !

Shares









Reunion: On the Side of Loving Road -By Donna and Karla

Posted on by

On a knoll off the side of Loving Road in North Georgia, stands a most cherished building, which bonds a family of six generations. To many, the fourth Sunday in June would bear the title of homecoming day. In the same way as other older churches in the area, we address this special Sunday as the Decoration Day.

History

Founded in 1929, the Smith family donated the land for the cemetery. However, even before its official establishment, there were burials. Two early small Smith tombstones mark the lives of babies. One infant died in April 1865, the same month the Civil War ended. The other baby was left to the Smith’s by a Gypsy family traveling through the area, but it died shortly after. In addition a stone is inscribed “Smith” for a Confederate soldier.

Mt. Carmel Church

In 1943, Gus, Dennis, and Grady Hunt (Donna and my great-great uncle, our great grandfather, and my grandfather/Donna’s great uncle) built a quaint, white church. In those days, service was once a month when Mr. Henry, the traveling preacher, came into the area.

Our Aunt Anna remembers how she and all young cousins played quietly and took naps on a quilt stretched out in the aisle. The service lasted from daylight to dark. Oil lamps lit the building because there was no electricity (nor is there still). She shares, “The shadows they made on the walls would scare me a little.”

The all-day service meant everyone brought food to share for meals. Potty-breaks were taken in the nearby outhouse that is still used today. We are graced by the church’s original structure and benches. In recent years, relative added updated windows and a new roof. During these repairs, four generations, ranging in ages from two to seventy-six, refreshed the outside of the church with a new coat of white paint. Although the physical foundation of the church required rebracing this past year, the spiritual foundation of our family has not waivered for almost eighty years.

The Fourth Sunday in June

If you drive down Loving Road fifty-one Sundays of the year, you might miss this little treasure. For it is only the Fourth Sunday in June that the church hosts a congregation. On this special day, family members make such an effort to attend. As flowers are placed on graves of loved ones, hence the name decoration, we stand underneath the large oak tree singing hymns before entering the church house.

“Family sings Where the Soul of Man Never Dies” and other older hymns while accompanied by several guitars and a banjo.  As always someone collected an offering to aid in preserving the church and cemetery. A family member preached reminding us of the importance of preserving a good name while finishing the Christian race. Memories of our Moms, dads, grandparents, and other family members flooded our minds. For they left behind a Christian influence that continues to span generations. The service ended as a cousin sang “Amazing Grace”. Little by little the family joined in. After catching up and taking a few pictures, cars left their grassy parking spots.

Nana’s

Then cars coasted down the hill to the house known as Nana’s built by Granddaddy in ’72. Though their generation is no longer here, their love still lingers among us. The folding tables that now replace the sawhorses and plywood tables, grace the porch. They hold some of the most delicious food: ham, casseroles, chicken-n-dumplings, beans, okra, corn, squash, and tomatoes from the gardens, and desserts a plenty! All diets are off on this day!

As almost sixty of us line up to walk along the tables filling our plates, we pause to pray. Heads bow as the bounty of food is blessed and the hands that prepared it, and appreciation for the family that has gone before. Tom, a married-in cousin, finished this prayer with “And thank you for letting me marry into this loving family, and Lord, for allowing us all to be welcomed into your eternal family. Amen.”

The Little Mountain Church

We ate and visited for hours. We shared stories and laughed until early evening. Realizing the time, we started driving the hour over the mountain. We found ourselves singing a song that represents such an importance in our lives.

The Little Mountain Church

Looking back now, that little mountain church house,

Has become, my life’s corner stone,

It was there in that little mountain church house,

I first heard the word, I’ve based my life upon.

Share and Enjoy !

Shares









Overcoming: For Whom the Bell Tolls -By Karla

Posted on by

John Donne’s Troubles      

John Donne lived in England in the late 1500s and early 1600s. Distress filled his life.

  • His father died when he was only four.
  • He married and his wife had twelve children, but five
    died as infants.
  • His father-in-law refused to help his family in the financial crisis.
  • During his first year of ministry in a Protestant church, his authenticity was questioned
  • His wife died when she was only 33.

     At her funeral he had Lamentations 3:1 read: “I am a man who has seen affliction by the rod of the Lord’s wrath. (NIV)”
   

And Yet 

     Yet, despite all these afflictions, he became the pastor of the largest cathedral in London.

 

But Then

      A plague in Europe killed one-third of the total population while he was the pastor at this church. Donne too was ill
for a time, but not until he recuperated did he realize how truly sick he had been. It was then he remembered hearing the cathedral bells chiming. In his delusion, he thought they were sounding his death. It was after his illness that he wrote the famous quote:

No man is an island,
Entire of itself;
Every man is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less,
As well as if a promontory were,

As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend’s were.
Each man’s death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.

     Our world is filled with pressures: daily annoyances, schedules, and deadlines. Our world is filled with pains: relational strains, financial hardships, sickness, and death. Often I wonder how does one cope and move forward?

Back Stories

     I love backstories of people’s lives. They inspire me. 

    And I love God. He is our comforter and guide. He is our hope. Our worldly woes may try to stop us, but the Light of the World encourages us to hold fast to him, persevering steadily day by day.

     As we nestle ourselves in his comfort, He transforms our hurts into strengths. These strengths can be used to glorify him because we can use our back stories to encourage others.

 

 

Share and Enjoy !

Shares

Rescue: To Save From Danger -By Donna

Posted on by
A week ago as Tucker left our house, he passed a car on the side of the road. Horrified, he saw a man choking a dog.
Tucker has a soft heart and is an animal lover like me. Instantly, he turned his truck around to confront the man. However, the dog stood alone on the side of the road by this time; the car appeared nowhere in sight. Tucker’s heart bleed and had to do something.
Unfortunately, the dog wouldn’t get into the truck. So, Tucker lured her through the woods to our home.
I saw him approaching; she was struggling to walk. Quickly, we saw the neglect. Matted hair, smelly, and covered with what appeared to be tar. Moreover, her long nails curled over the end of her paws. We had no choice but to cut off her collar because the buckle was severely rusted. Furthermore, when we removed it, we discovered dried blood underneath. Her collar was partially embedded in her neck. Obviously, She had led such a sad life.

Rescue Groups of Georgia

Knowing I couldn’t keep this sweet girl, I researched rescue groups of Georgia. I found one for almost every breed of dog. But I also discovered stipulations.
  • No mixed breed, must be full blooded
  • Not over 5 years old
  • Current on all shots
  • No illness

I assumed these guidelines applied for people surrendering their pets. So I read further and found: We cannot accept stray or abandoned dogs. We are only allowed to accept dogs from animal shelters, another rescue group or a legal owner.

No Stipulations

Definition of rescue:

  • (verb) save from a dangerous or distressing situation
  • (noun) an act of saving or being saved from danger or distress.

Heartbroken! A rescue group (which I think needs a new name) should rescue those truly in need.

I thought about my God and am so thankful that when we call out to Him in need, there are no stipulations. It doesn’t matter your ethnicity, gender, age, health, or sins, God is a true rescuer. 

“I will be like a shepherd looking for his scattered flock. I will find my sheep and rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on that dark and cloudy day.”  Ezekiel 34:12


–Donna

Share and Enjoy !

Shares