This morning on the way to work, I listened to an interview with a professor from Notre Dame and a radio host regarding the discussion of Christianity giving, volunteer work, and generalized generosity vs. the secular world.
I can't remember the statistics, but it was overwhelming at how much more Christians gave, even to secular needs / causes as opposed to the secular world. There was also another issue mentioned and that was the subject of having Christian neighbors versus non-Christian neighbors. There was an extensive poll done to prove that regular church attending Christians make better neighbors and citizens than non-regular attending citizens.
This is a small clip from USA Today opinion spurred from discussion of the book "American Grace" by David Campbell and Robert Putnam. I think it's definitely something to think about.
This is just one of those thought provoking things I found interesting and since most of the people who read my blog are regular church attendees, I thought I'd share the thoughts!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Sweet Memories
This morning, after getting up, I checked my email. A newsletter for the month had arrived in my email from one of my favorite writers. Actually, she's a singer, but although she's on my short list of favorite singers, she's probably at the very top of the list of favorite writers. After you finish reading my post, if you like this style of writing, I feel sure she'll make it to the top of your list.
This particular email sent my way back to reminiscing about many things of my past. It's a beautiful thing! It's such a blessing to have such wonderful childhood memories to look back upon....and not something I dread to think about.
Here's the "post" that showed up in my mailbox this morning. By the way, the writer is Janet Paschal.
There is an old Chinese proverb which says, ‘Distance lends enchantment to the view.’ I think that’s probably true, but, still, there are days I’d love to go back - back to childhood summers, dinner around our family table, and Sunday mornings at our house. I honestly think they were as great as I recall.
Our summers at home were fun: Kay, indoors, practicing her homemaking skills and I, outdoors, locating the perfect tree to climb. We had a real playhouse, a swingset and a bicycle, not to mention a forest of Carolina black pines behind our backyard.
One of our favorite indoor pasttimes was constructing a tent in the kitchen (a quilt pulled tight over chair backs and held by heavy books.) We’d take pimento cheese sandwiches inside and watch ‘I Love Lucy’ on the 19” black and white tv my dad won at the local car dealership. Pimento cheese never tasted as good, or Lucy’s antics seem as comical.
Because we had a very strict upbringing and were not exposed to the worldly vices of that day, one summer afternoon Kay and I decided to take matters into our own hands. We agreed to say all of the bad words we knew. We walked outdoors to our dad’s workshed, went inside, closed and locked the door, and proceeded to say the bad words. There were two. It was so strange hearing them in our voices. A few minutes later, we repented fervently and left the shed. Our conscience plagued us for a long time over that one.
My mom cooked dinner every night (and breakfast every morning.) We all sat at the table, together, at the same time and everyone shared what had happened at work or school. Kay always told her stories so well (aiding and abetting where necessary) that I usually deferred to her. Even as a child I remember looking forward to ‘supper’ because that’s when everyone just talked together. That is still one of my favorite things.
Sunday mornings were extremely predictable. My dad sang hymns along with the television singers, Kay dressed early and practiced her piano, and my mom took a few extra moments to dress. Each week she looked more beautiful. We’d load into the car, Kay and I in patent leather shoes (she with matching purse,) and head for my grandpa’s church. My grandmother taught our Sunday School class for several years and we loved that. At one point, they purchased an easel board complete with individual Bible characters made of felt that stuck onto the board, allowing the teacher to illustrate stories and people more colorfully. We thought we’d moved into the ranks of the high church.
At the bell we’d run - ah, walk - to the sanctuary for the worship service. In my mind’s eye I can see every detail: Mrs. Payne sitting at the piano with her pocketbook at her feet, my grandmother sitting on the inside row, second pew, and my grandfather making sure he shook every hand in the congregation before he mounted the pulpit. Following announcements and prayer requests we’d grab a hymnal from the pew in front of us and turn the worn pages to the familiar pieces we sang over and over. After identifying the song, some of us would smugly close the book again just to emphasize the fact that we knew the words. Oh, the crazy things we did....
As a child, I did not realize that the hymns we sang found lodging deep inside the core of who I am. I did not realize that the theology contained in the great songs of the church would strengthen and uphold me years later when, as Job, the thing I most feared came upon me. I did not know that the poetry and rhyme of the ancient writers would help shape the person I am or who I will yet become.
Now, when I hear an old familiar lyric, it is almost like riding up the road, over the railroad tracks, past the small white mission, and left at the country store. The driveway goes uphill - to the big oak tree where Larry Perkins used to tease me and say that he was my boyfriend - to the little church that was air-conditioned before any of our homes or cars - to the graveyard where my grandfather waits for his bright tomorrow.
While the hymns can’t transport me back to those days, their rhythmic words on a page help define my faith. They ignite my memory. They lend perspective to grim days. They woo me back to my first love.
So, on a given day, I’d go back if I could; not to change anything much, but just to live it all again. It was so simple and so pure. Well, except for that shed thing.
Have a blessed November...
Janet
This particular email sent my way back to reminiscing about many things of my past. It's a beautiful thing! It's such a blessing to have such wonderful childhood memories to look back upon....and not something I dread to think about.
Here's the "post" that showed up in my mailbox this morning. By the way, the writer is Janet Paschal.
Hey Everybody,
There is an old Chinese proverb which says, ‘Distance lends enchantment to the view.’ I think that’s probably true, but, still, there are days I’d love to go back - back to childhood summers, dinner around our family table, and Sunday mornings at our house. I honestly think they were as great as I recall.
Our summers at home were fun: Kay, indoors, practicing her homemaking skills and I, outdoors, locating the perfect tree to climb. We had a real playhouse, a swingset and a bicycle, not to mention a forest of Carolina black pines behind our backyard.
One of our favorite indoor pasttimes was constructing a tent in the kitchen (a quilt pulled tight over chair backs and held by heavy books.) We’d take pimento cheese sandwiches inside and watch ‘I Love Lucy’ on the 19” black and white tv my dad won at the local car dealership. Pimento cheese never tasted as good, or Lucy’s antics seem as comical.
Because we had a very strict upbringing and were not exposed to the worldly vices of that day, one summer afternoon Kay and I decided to take matters into our own hands. We agreed to say all of the bad words we knew. We walked outdoors to our dad’s workshed, went inside, closed and locked the door, and proceeded to say the bad words. There were two. It was so strange hearing them in our voices. A few minutes later, we repented fervently and left the shed. Our conscience plagued us for a long time over that one.
My mom cooked dinner every night (and breakfast every morning.) We all sat at the table, together, at the same time and everyone shared what had happened at work or school. Kay always told her stories so well (aiding and abetting where necessary) that I usually deferred to her. Even as a child I remember looking forward to ‘supper’ because that’s when everyone just talked together. That is still one of my favorite things.
Sunday mornings were extremely predictable. My dad sang hymns along with the television singers, Kay dressed early and practiced her piano, and my mom took a few extra moments to dress. Each week she looked more beautiful. We’d load into the car, Kay and I in patent leather shoes (she with matching purse,) and head for my grandpa’s church. My grandmother taught our Sunday School class for several years and we loved that. At one point, they purchased an easel board complete with individual Bible characters made of felt that stuck onto the board, allowing the teacher to illustrate stories and people more colorfully. We thought we’d moved into the ranks of the high church.
At the bell we’d run - ah, walk - to the sanctuary for the worship service. In my mind’s eye I can see every detail: Mrs. Payne sitting at the piano with her pocketbook at her feet, my grandmother sitting on the inside row, second pew, and my grandfather making sure he shook every hand in the congregation before he mounted the pulpit. Following announcements and prayer requests we’d grab a hymnal from the pew in front of us and turn the worn pages to the familiar pieces we sang over and over. After identifying the song, some of us would smugly close the book again just to emphasize the fact that we knew the words. Oh, the crazy things we did....
As a child, I did not realize that the hymns we sang found lodging deep inside the core of who I am. I did not realize that the theology contained in the great songs of the church would strengthen and uphold me years later when, as Job, the thing I most feared came upon me. I did not know that the poetry and rhyme of the ancient writers would help shape the person I am or who I will yet become.
Now, when I hear an old familiar lyric, it is almost like riding up the road, over the railroad tracks, past the small white mission, and left at the country store. The driveway goes uphill - to the big oak tree where Larry Perkins used to tease me and say that he was my boyfriend - to the little church that was air-conditioned before any of our homes or cars - to the graveyard where my grandfather waits for his bright tomorrow.
While the hymns can’t transport me back to those days, their rhythmic words on a page help define my faith. They ignite my memory. They lend perspective to grim days. They woo me back to my first love.
So, on a given day, I’d go back if I could; not to change anything much, but just to live it all again. It was so simple and so pure. Well, except for that shed thing.
Have a blessed November...
Janet
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Fall Apart Ham Shank
If you are anything like me, you really hate "carving" a ham. So, recently, I took it upon myself to try a new experiment. I decided to cook a ham shank and cook it the same way I cook a picnic ham. And let me tell you, I was ever so happy about that decision and the result. Picnics can be a tad saltier than the human tongue can bear at times (which I personally don't mind, but others do), so the shank is not quite so salty. However, I much rather prefer the way a picnic falls apart after cooking it, much more than that the huge shank that stares you in the face and dares you to start slicing to do something with it.
So, here's my new ham recipe. I don't advise you to do this on Thanksgiving day for a crowd without experimenting, so I recommend a test run on the smallest shank you can find!
Fall Apart Ham Shank:
Preheat oven to 310 degrees
Ingredients:
- ham (shank portion)
- 1 can of Mtn Dew
-----------------------
In a roasting pan, place tin foil on the bottom before placing ham portion in. (use enough to cover the ham completely after prep)
Place ham on tin foil and pour Mtn Dew all over ham - use the entire can.
Completely cover the ham and place in oven.
Cook at 310 for at least 1 hour for each pound.
Note: Please don't panic if your ham appears to be a little bit browner on a few edges than normal. The sugar caramelizes and it gives that appearance, but your ham is not burnt.
After you pull the ham out of the oven, you should be able to stab it with a fork and withdraw a delicious piece tender, delicious ham.
At some point, drain the "gravy" out of the roaster and thicken it up with a little corn starch and you have some delicious gravy for the ham.
YUMMY!! I think I'll go get a ham now!!
So, here's my new ham recipe. I don't advise you to do this on Thanksgiving day for a crowd without experimenting, so I recommend a test run on the smallest shank you can find!
Fall Apart Ham Shank:
Preheat oven to 310 degrees
Ingredients:
- ham (shank portion)
- 1 can of Mtn Dew
-----------------------
In a roasting pan, place tin foil on the bottom before placing ham portion in. (use enough to cover the ham completely after prep)
Place ham on tin foil and pour Mtn Dew all over ham - use the entire can.
Completely cover the ham and place in oven.
Cook at 310 for at least 1 hour for each pound.
Note: Please don't panic if your ham appears to be a little bit browner on a few edges than normal. The sugar caramelizes and it gives that appearance, but your ham is not burnt.
After you pull the ham out of the oven, you should be able to stab it with a fork and withdraw a delicious piece tender, delicious ham.
At some point, drain the "gravy" out of the roaster and thicken it up with a little corn starch and you have some delicious gravy for the ham.
YUMMY!! I think I'll go get a ham now!!
Cream Cheese / Beef Cheeseball Recipe
This recipe is truly awesome and loved by almost all that try it. Serve it with some Town House crackers and I promise you'll make some fans of it!!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 stalks of green onions (more or less - depending on your like or dislike of onions)
- 1 jar of dried beef (found in the aisle with the canned meats)
- 1 tbsp of mayo
In a bowl, cream the cream cheese and mayo together with a mixer.
I use a chopper to chop the green onions and dried beef into fine pieces.
Once the onions and dried beef are in fine pieces, mix them into the cream cheese mixture well with the mixer.
You have several options once the last step is completed. I usually put mine in a glass, decorative serving bowl and cover it with saran wrap. You can also refrigerate it for a while, then once it has stiffened back up a little, then make into a "cheeseball" to be set into a tray for serving. You may also coat with pecans, but personally, it's my preference not to do this!
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 4 stalks of green onions (more or less - depending on your like or dislike of onions)
- 1 jar of dried beef (found in the aisle with the canned meats)
- 1 tbsp of mayo
In a bowl, cream the cream cheese and mayo together with a mixer.
I use a chopper to chop the green onions and dried beef into fine pieces.
Once the onions and dried beef are in fine pieces, mix them into the cream cheese mixture well with the mixer.
You have several options once the last step is completed. I usually put mine in a glass, decorative serving bowl and cover it with saran wrap. You can also refrigerate it for a while, then once it has stiffened back up a little, then make into a "cheeseball" to be set into a tray for serving. You may also coat with pecans, but personally, it's my preference not to do this!
Cooking Time
Thanksgiving and Christmas are my two favorite holidays on the calendar. I think it's probably a combination of a few things.....first off, what the holidays represent and secondly, all of the memories and nostalgia that surround them. And, man do I have loads of those!!
I thought I would do something a little different on my blog for the next little bit. I have never done this, and these days I'm kinda busy, so I would like some help from you readers in making this next month pretty busy with postings.
I'm looking for "holiday" (Thanksgiving and / or Christmas) recipes and traditions.
If you have a recipe that is special in your family, I'd love to post it. I love to cook, so I love new recipes. I'll post a few myself just to get it started. I'd also be happy if you jotted down a little note about something special / traditional that you do in your family during the holidays.
So think about some recipes, and send them over to me at boomerrn79@gmail.com.
I thought I would do something a little different on my blog for the next little bit. I have never done this, and these days I'm kinda busy, so I would like some help from you readers in making this next month pretty busy with postings.
I'm looking for "holiday" (Thanksgiving and / or Christmas) recipes and traditions.
If you have a recipe that is special in your family, I'd love to post it. I love to cook, so I love new recipes. I'll post a few myself just to get it started. I'd also be happy if you jotted down a little note about something special / traditional that you do in your family during the holidays.
So think about some recipes, and send them over to me at boomerrn79@gmail.com.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Birthday Boy
Saturday night, Jeremy and myself, along with approx. 50 or so of our other church members, attended an awesome Brian Free and Assurance concert. The front rows were lined with young boys / teenage guys from our church. They are really getting into the "quartet thing." It was really great to see them enjoy something so much what we have loved for years and years and have invested time and money into such a hobby! And we're talking serious time and serious money! It's so funny to me to watch their eyes light up and hear them holler and whistle when the quartets do some pretty amazing things like......the bass singer rattles the walls with his low bass singing and Brian Free lifts the roof off with his high voice.
It was a special night for all of us because we got to witness one of the greatest events that could ever happen in one of those young fan's lives. His name is Bradley Mingledorff. He is our fill-in drummer at our church and likes being a clown. I think he's a good kid and has a great personality. Knowing what a fan of Assurance he is, what happened that night made us all smile and almost get as excited as he did.
Bradley turned 16 the day of the concert. His wish for his birthday was that all of his family come to the concert with him. So, his two brothers, mom, dad/stepmother, and grandmother all showed up. He had the time of his life singing along and hooting and hollering after each song. After intermission, Brian Free comes back to stage with a little white bag and picks it up and begins to tell the audience how it's Bradley's 16th birthday. And how proud he is to see all of the young boys so interested in their music.....and how easy it would have been for them to be anywhere else besides the front row of a gospel music concert. He then began to unload his little white bag, giving Bradley 2 new CD's, a signed picture of the group, and an autographed t-shirt for his birthday. Bradley was over the moon. Everyone was clapping and yelling and carrying on so......
And he thought he'd been handed the world. Unknown to him, it wasn't over yet.....at the end of the concert, as BF&A sang their last song, "King Jesus," they called Bradley to the stage to sing with him. He went over and shared a mic with Derrick Selph, the baritone, since that was his range. After a few seconds, Derrick Selph handed the mic to Bradley and he got to complete the song and the concert with BF&A. Talk about a birthday present. I'm not sure who was most excited, Bradley, or the entire crew of family and friends who got to witness it. I grabbed my camera out of my purse and got it turned on and rolling just in time to catch the last solo part of the night. And over and over again, I have watched and smiled about the excitement of Bradley Mingledorff's big moment and how much love was shown to a 16 year old who loves gospel music! What a night!
It was a special night for all of us because we got to witness one of the greatest events that could ever happen in one of those young fan's lives. His name is Bradley Mingledorff. He is our fill-in drummer at our church and likes being a clown. I think he's a good kid and has a great personality. Knowing what a fan of Assurance he is, what happened that night made us all smile and almost get as excited as he did.
Bradley turned 16 the day of the concert. His wish for his birthday was that all of his family come to the concert with him. So, his two brothers, mom, dad/stepmother, and grandmother all showed up. He had the time of his life singing along and hooting and hollering after each song. After intermission, Brian Free comes back to stage with a little white bag and picks it up and begins to tell the audience how it's Bradley's 16th birthday. And how proud he is to see all of the young boys so interested in their music.....and how easy it would have been for them to be anywhere else besides the front row of a gospel music concert. He then began to unload his little white bag, giving Bradley 2 new CD's, a signed picture of the group, and an autographed t-shirt for his birthday. Bradley was over the moon. Everyone was clapping and yelling and carrying on so......
And he thought he'd been handed the world. Unknown to him, it wasn't over yet.....at the end of the concert, as BF&A sang their last song, "King Jesus," they called Bradley to the stage to sing with him. He went over and shared a mic with Derrick Selph, the baritone, since that was his range. After a few seconds, Derrick Selph handed the mic to Bradley and he got to complete the song and the concert with BF&A. Talk about a birthday present. I'm not sure who was most excited, Bradley, or the entire crew of family and friends who got to witness it. I grabbed my camera out of my purse and got it turned on and rolling just in time to catch the last solo part of the night. And over and over again, I have watched and smiled about the excitement of Bradley Mingledorff's big moment and how much love was shown to a 16 year old who loves gospel music! What a night!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Exercise Your Right!
Just in case it has slipped anyone's mind, don't forget that today is Election Day. I'm sure if you have listened to the news at any time recently, you have been reminded, but this is just one more friendly reminder. I am with the rest of you that I'm ready for it to be over. The phone calls are endless!!
Anyway, I think of elections like this: it is one of my greatest opportunities to let my voice be heard and my displeasure be known for the route in which my country is headed - and attempt to change it. And I'll just go ahead and say, I am extremely displeased. The talk consistently around my job is where the new health bill will take us. There are emails coming rampantly to my work email to enjoy the pleasures as I know them now, because soon they will change, if things continue as they are. Let me just say, I'm not happy about that possibility. And the doctors that are actually worth something are going to be run over by the ones willing to conform all to government standards.......that just turns my stomach. I really like my doctors that I have chosen in this city, and unfortunately, I see them being some of the first to be punished.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but this is one of the things that really bothers me about the direction of our country. It affects me the most, the quickest. It's standing over me like an impending doom!
So, exercise your right today!! GO VOTE!! Don't count on someone else to make their voice heard - in your place. I always say and firmly believe: "If you don't vote, don't complain! You could have changed something with your vote!!" Alot of the time when it comes to listening to people complain about the way things are, I ask them if they voted before they start in about it. It matters that much to me. Don't complain about something you could have prevented and didn't.....and if you voted for the problem, at least have the guts to say you make a mistake!!
Enough said.....now GO VOTE!!!
Anyway, I think of elections like this: it is one of my greatest opportunities to let my voice be heard and my displeasure be known for the route in which my country is headed - and attempt to change it. And I'll just go ahead and say, I am extremely displeased. The talk consistently around my job is where the new health bill will take us. There are emails coming rampantly to my work email to enjoy the pleasures as I know them now, because soon they will change, if things continue as they are. Let me just say, I'm not happy about that possibility. And the doctors that are actually worth something are going to be run over by the ones willing to conform all to government standards.......that just turns my stomach. I really like my doctors that I have chosen in this city, and unfortunately, I see them being some of the first to be punished.
Anyway, I could go on and on, but this is one of the things that really bothers me about the direction of our country. It affects me the most, the quickest. It's standing over me like an impending doom!
So, exercise your right today!! GO VOTE!! Don't count on someone else to make their voice heard - in your place. I always say and firmly believe: "If you don't vote, don't complain! You could have changed something with your vote!!" Alot of the time when it comes to listening to people complain about the way things are, I ask them if they voted before they start in about it. It matters that much to me. Don't complain about something you could have prevented and didn't.....and if you voted for the problem, at least have the guts to say you make a mistake!!
Enough said.....now GO VOTE!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Dollywood Overload
Have you ever heard of such a thing? Dollywood overload!! That's what happens when you have season passes, a 6 day stay in the mountains, and a 3 year old who thinks she's died and gone to heaven when she passes through the ticket counter into Dollywood!
On Tuesday morning, while I stayed at my grandparent's house and cleaned up for our departure, Jeremy took Addison back for the last journey through Dollywood for this trip. After a little over two hours of being gone, Jeremy text me and this was what his text said...."Scrambler 5 times, Larry and Bob - 4 (the miniature Veggie Tales roller coaster), elephants - 2 (the Flying Dumbos), Carousel, Pigs, Ducks, Bees, Race Cars 2 times. All in 2 Hours."
The mental image I got from this text was pretty hilarious. All I could see was this "video" in my head in fast motion of them going from ride to ride, running off to get to the next one. I got a good laugh out of it. I don't have a picture of the scrambler, but it's as nauseating as it sounds! But pretty fun! She obviously thought it was all that! Here are a few of the other things that she thought was pretty fun.
If you look closely into the car of the yellow cart, you can see both of her hands up in the air. You may have to click on the picture to enlarge it to see it.
On Tuesday morning, while I stayed at my grandparent's house and cleaned up for our departure, Jeremy took Addison back for the last journey through Dollywood for this trip. After a little over two hours of being gone, Jeremy text me and this was what his text said...."Scrambler 5 times, Larry and Bob - 4 (the miniature Veggie Tales roller coaster), elephants - 2 (the Flying Dumbos), Carousel, Pigs, Ducks, Bees, Race Cars 2 times. All in 2 Hours."
The mental image I got from this text was pretty hilarious. All I could see was this "video" in my head in fast motion of them going from ride to ride, running off to get to the next one. I got a good laugh out of it. I don't have a picture of the scrambler, but it's as nauseating as it sounds! But pretty fun! She obviously thought it was all that! Here are a few of the other things that she thought was pretty fun.
If you look closely into the car of the yellow cart, you can see both of her hands up in the air. You may have to click on the picture to enlarge it to see it. 
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Pony Ride
On the spur of the moment (pretty much) last week we planned a trip to Pigeon Forge / Sevierville before Jeremy's vacation time ran out on November 1st. We arrived late Tuesday night and have played hard since our arrival. Yesterday we spent the day at Dollywood and today we have done several exciting things as well since Dollywood was closed. I forgot my camera yesterday for the Dollywood trip, so I'll have to elaborate on today since I have the pictures.
In all of our visits to this neck of the woods, we have never visited the little petting zoo that is a few miles down the road from where we stay. So, today we decided to pay that little place a visit. It was tucked away in a little valley and was a pretty unique little place.
Addison was hilarious. Every different animal we'd see, she'd almost be jumping up and down with excitement yelling about the various animals. Her excitement was pretty funny.
The little joint required a little "safety speech" before we could begin our visit there. There were windows in the back of the little building where you had to enter the maze of cages and fenced in areas. As the lady began her little speech, Addison spotted a huge kangaroo right outside the door. She began yelling over the lady for us to look at the kangaroo. At this point she was so excited, we could hardly contain her. She was literally jumping up and down with her nose plastered to the window on the back door. I wanted to laugh in the lady's face because Addison's reaction was so hilarious, but was able to hold it together.
There were two kangaroos, and the first one we saw seemed as excited to see Addison as she was to see him. Actually a little more excited....as he tinkled a little before we could move her away from the fence. Didn't know before we got there that kangaroos got that excited!!
It was a really fun time. We got to walk in the goat pens and the deer pens to hold and pet the animals. One of her favorite animals to talk about was the "zonkey." In case you're wondering what that is, it's a cross between a zebra and a donkey. I have the pictures to prove it. It looked like a donkey in the head and body, but had striped legs like a zebra. Talk about an identity crisis!! For some reason, she really liked the reindeer as well. I'm thinking this has something to do with someone she seems to like!! And soon, she'll be seeing him quite often as well!!
In all of our visits to this neck of the woods, we have never visited the little petting zoo that is a few miles down the road from where we stay. So, today we decided to pay that little place a visit. It was tucked away in a little valley and was a pretty unique little place.
Addison was hilarious. Every different animal we'd see, she'd almost be jumping up and down with excitement yelling about the various animals. Her excitement was pretty funny.
The little joint required a little "safety speech" before we could begin our visit there. There were windows in the back of the little building where you had to enter the maze of cages and fenced in areas. As the lady began her little speech, Addison spotted a huge kangaroo right outside the door. She began yelling over the lady for us to look at the kangaroo. At this point she was so excited, we could hardly contain her. She was literally jumping up and down with her nose plastered to the window on the back door. I wanted to laugh in the lady's face because Addison's reaction was so hilarious, but was able to hold it together.
There were two kangaroos, and the first one we saw seemed as excited to see Addison as she was to see him. Actually a little more excited....as he tinkled a little before we could move her away from the fence. Didn't know before we got there that kangaroos got that excited!!
It was a really fun time. We got to walk in the goat pens and the deer pens to hold and pet the animals. One of her favorite animals to talk about was the "zonkey." In case you're wondering what that is, it's a cross between a zebra and a donkey. I have the pictures to prove it. It looked like a donkey in the head and body, but had striped legs like a zebra. Talk about an identity crisis!! For some reason, she really liked the reindeer as well. I'm thinking this has something to do with someone she seems to like!! And soon, she'll be seeing him quite often as well!!
This next picture is actually right before she rode the pony standing out on the little landing where I stood to take pictures. She was watching another little girl mount the horse. I asked her if she excited, and this face was the reaction I got! Whatcha think? lol
I honestly think she would have taken "Joe" home with her if she could have. She liked him just that much. I have a feeling, we'll need to visit "Joe"once again. Well, enough of my babbling!! I'm personally having fun just watching her excitement in every new adventure. Heaven knows she has been slam full of energy.
I'll update again soon.......
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Crabbing Update
Well, our little "cwabbin' " trip wasn't tremendously successful yesterday - compared to the last one, but Jeremy did get a bit of a crab dinner last night. He captured one of the largest crabs he's caught to date. He was pretty happy about that. That one was a vicious little thing. He gave Jeremy a bit of a nerve rattling when it was time to pull him out of the cooler and set him over in his prepared pot of boiling water.
That particular crab seemed to have become fond of his cooler and was not anxious to leave. I got a great laugh watching Jeremy and this crab fight it out. Ultimately Jeremy won, but his blood pressure had risen just a tad in the fight. It seemed the tongs were just short enough to let the crab reach out and grab Jeremy's hand with his claws. That was a risk that Jeremy was not willing to allow - hence the reason for the anxiety and the fight. Anyway, it was fun.....until Addison became unbearably sleepy and bored. We just gave it up and came on back home. But here are a few pictures to show you a bit about the location and the day!
Upon arrival, Addison was ready to get started. Doesn't she look excited about being there?
Here's a tiny bait fish that was caught in the crab basket. It was Addison's first "feel" of a fish. Jeremy was holding it's mouth - she was convinced it would bite her. I was holding it's fins so it wouldn't "fin" her.
Here's a picture of the "monster." You can see his size as opposed to the rest of them.
That particular crab seemed to have become fond of his cooler and was not anxious to leave. I got a great laugh watching Jeremy and this crab fight it out. Ultimately Jeremy won, but his blood pressure had risen just a tad in the fight. It seemed the tongs were just short enough to let the crab reach out and grab Jeremy's hand with his claws. That was a risk that Jeremy was not willing to allow - hence the reason for the anxiety and the fight. Anyway, it was fun.....until Addison became unbearably sleepy and bored. We just gave it up and came on back home. But here are a few pictures to show you a bit about the location and the day!
Upon arrival, Addison was ready to get started. Doesn't she look excited about being there?
Here's a tiny bait fish that was caught in the crab basket. It was Addison's first "feel" of a fish. Jeremy was holding it's mouth - she was convinced it would bite her. I was holding it's fins so it wouldn't "fin" her. 
Here's a picture of the "monster." You can see his size as opposed to the rest of them. Monday, October 11, 2010
The New Hobby
Jeremy and Addison have a new hobby. I happen to be off today, so I got invited to tag along. Addison has taught me all the basics of this new hobby in the couple of hours in which we have been sitting out on this little rickety dock in the middle of a "creek" inlet that has some influence from the Atlantic Ocean.
Right now we are waiting for the tide to do it's "thing" so the two of them can show me how successful they are at their new hobby. If you ask Addison, her new hobby is called "cwabbin'!". She has all kinds of informative instructions to make this event productive. She's only been one other time, and she thinks she has mastered the art of "cwabbin'!".
Just in case anyone is still in the dark, we are out catching crabs today. I'll post pictures of our success as we go along. Patience has been Addison's biggest issue of the day thus far, or the lack therof!!
Right now we are waiting for the tide to do it's "thing" so the two of them can show me how successful they are at their new hobby. If you ask Addison, her new hobby is called "cwabbin'!". She has all kinds of informative instructions to make this event productive. She's only been one other time, and she thinks she has mastered the art of "cwabbin'!".
Just in case anyone is still in the dark, we are out catching crabs today. I'll post pictures of our success as we go along. Patience has been Addison's biggest issue of the day thus far, or the lack therof!!
Friday, October 8, 2010
Quote of the Day
This morning on the way to work, I was listening to David Jeremiah preaching. In the reference he used this quote, it was very suitable, but I think it can be applied in more settings than just the one he used. I'll let your imagination work and your project of the day can be to think up all of the scenerios in which this could work.......
"No clever arrangement of rotten eggs will ever make a good omelet!"
- C.S. Lewis
"No clever arrangement of rotten eggs will ever make a good omelet!"
- C.S. Lewis
Friday, October 1, 2010
"When God Has Another Plan" - part 2
I am sorry to report that Tony Greene passed away on Tuesday afternoon at approx 4:25 p.m. He left behind the most talented wife, TaRanda Greene, and two daughters, Belle (6), and Josie (2 1/2). Such a shocking and sad story.
Tony Green (R) and Jeff Snyder (L)
Excuse me for a few minutes while I pay tribute to the life of one of the funniest, talented and liveliest men to ever walk on stage. Last year I posted a video that I recorded of a song the Greenes sang at a showcase called "Song of a Lifetime." The host of the showcase, Phil Cross, actually wrote the song the Greenes sang that day. The song was called "Hold On." Before they sang it, Tony gave a testimony - and at this point, I'm really glad I got it captured on video.
Several days later, I posted the lyrics to the song by the Greenes that actually went to #1 in the Southern Gospel music charts called, "When God Has Another Plan." Apparently, because my post title was the same as the song, it seems that my site gets multiple hits of people looking for that particular song. This particular song has affected the lives of many people and it really hits home for the believer. As much as it spoke the testimony of Tony and TaRanda Greene last year, I can only imagine that this song will become a huger part of TaRanda's life than she ever imagined. At the same time, sometimes life leaves you little to no options beyond walking on to just accept what hand God has handed you.
Here's a link to the post that includes the lyrics to this unbelievably awesome song....one of my absolute favorites! Since then, some generous soul has shared the video of the Greenes singing it. I will also include my video of last year from NCQ for those of you who may be interested to hear what Tony has to say.
I also mentioned him being funny. He was constantly telling jokes and I've laughed at my share, but one of the most hilarious things I ever saw him do was last year during the awards ceremony at NQC. One of the problems that seemed to shadow the entire event of NQC last year was that the mics were a little delayed in being turned up, so very frequently we missed the first line or so of many of the artists songs because of this "glitch." Anyway, Tony and TaRanda were presenting one or two awards.....one was favorite Bass singer award (that much I recall). It took someone on each side of him to get him up to the stage for his part in the program. As long as it took them to get into position, when Tony spoke his first line of the presentation, his microphone was not on. He put the microphone down in his hand on his side and looked up at the speakers and yelled to the top of his lungs...."MY MICROPHONE'S NOT ON!" It was one of those - "have to be there" moments. It was hysterical. I have no idea what he said next - I was laughing so hard I didn't catch it......
Anyway......you never knew what to expect from him. Here's a tiny portion of a tribute to his life.
Tony Green (R) and Jeff Snyder (L)Excuse me for a few minutes while I pay tribute to the life of one of the funniest, talented and liveliest men to ever walk on stage. Last year I posted a video that I recorded of a song the Greenes sang at a showcase called "Song of a Lifetime." The host of the showcase, Phil Cross, actually wrote the song the Greenes sang that day. The song was called "Hold On." Before they sang it, Tony gave a testimony - and at this point, I'm really glad I got it captured on video.
Several days later, I posted the lyrics to the song by the Greenes that actually went to #1 in the Southern Gospel music charts called, "When God Has Another Plan." Apparently, because my post title was the same as the song, it seems that my site gets multiple hits of people looking for that particular song. This particular song has affected the lives of many people and it really hits home for the believer. As much as it spoke the testimony of Tony and TaRanda Greene last year, I can only imagine that this song will become a huger part of TaRanda's life than she ever imagined. At the same time, sometimes life leaves you little to no options beyond walking on to just accept what hand God has handed you.
Here's a link to the post that includes the lyrics to this unbelievably awesome song....one of my absolute favorites! Since then, some generous soul has shared the video of the Greenes singing it. I will also include my video of last year from NCQ for those of you who may be interested to hear what Tony has to say.
I also mentioned him being funny. He was constantly telling jokes and I've laughed at my share, but one of the most hilarious things I ever saw him do was last year during the awards ceremony at NQC. One of the problems that seemed to shadow the entire event of NQC last year was that the mics were a little delayed in being turned up, so very frequently we missed the first line or so of many of the artists songs because of this "glitch." Anyway, Tony and TaRanda were presenting one or two awards.....one was favorite Bass singer award (that much I recall). It took someone on each side of him to get him up to the stage for his part in the program. As long as it took them to get into position, when Tony spoke his first line of the presentation, his microphone was not on. He put the microphone down in his hand on his side and looked up at the speakers and yelled to the top of his lungs...."MY MICROPHONE'S NOT ON!" It was one of those - "have to be there" moments. It was hysterical. I have no idea what he said next - I was laughing so hard I didn't catch it......
Anyway......you never knew what to expect from him. Here's a tiny portion of a tribute to his life.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Touchdown!
I really hate football. I'm sure I've said that before, but this game is a little different. Take a look at this.
Since I'm such a cry-baby, I figured I'd share a little something with you that pretty much made me bawl. The news story is the link above. You'll need to read it to understand why this story is such a winner. Here's just a clip of the video.
I love it when I see young people with a huge heart. I willing to bet the elation of making this kid's day was a better "high" than they could ever find in any drug! Something about doing good for others makes your heart a little lighter as well!
Since I'm such a cry-baby, I figured I'd share a little something with you that pretty much made me bawl. The news story is the link above. You'll need to read it to understand why this story is such a winner. Here's just a clip of the video.
I love it when I see young people with a huge heart. I willing to bet the elation of making this kid's day was a better "high" than they could ever find in any drug! Something about doing good for others makes your heart a little lighter as well!
Another Year Older
Yesterday was Jeremy's birthday. He turned 34. Addison and I spent the day in the kitchen fixing up some "stuff" for his birthday. Namely cupcakes with colorful sprinkles and BBQ ribs. The cupcakes and sprinkles were Addison's idea. She spotted the sprinkles as we were checking out the different cupcake cups in the baking aisle. She settled for blue cups with baseballs and gloves on them! She was convinced her daddy would love those!
Just wanted to share a few pics of how much fun Addison had celebrating the day! She loved helping fix the cupcakes and she really enjoyed the ribs!
Just wanted to share a few pics of how much fun Addison had celebrating the day! She loved helping fix the cupcakes and she really enjoyed the ribs!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
The Greenes
I've not had nor have I taken the time to sit down and write on any of the additional highlights of the Quartet Convention, but I now feel the need to discuss one of the highlights. One of those stand-out moments came on Friday morning at the Gaither sing-along. It was a decent sized showcase where several artists sat around the stage and sang songs out of the red Church Of God hymnal. It was a great showcase, but the stand-out moment came after one of my favorite singers in the world took the stage.
I've talked about her / them before on several occasions and even posted my videos I took last year at the convention. So, the fact that TaRanda Greene sang, was a good enough reason to have a "stand-out" moment. But truthfully, that wasn't all there was to it. I've referenced before that this is the artist who gave up her kidney for her spouse, Tony, who was suffering from kidney failure and was taking peritoneal dialysis at home multiple times a day.
She sang a verse of the old song, "Leave it There." She could sing "Happy Birthday" and it would give you chills and make you tear up. She's THAT good! But she did an outstanding job on this particular song. After she sang, an audibly shaken Gloria Gaither stood up and gave one of the greatest "speeches" I have ever heard her give. It was not a recitation that has been recorded that she gave from memory. It was one of those beautiful heart-felt moments.....and I have to admit, I had to dig out my hankie. I didn't go without it this year because I had cried so much last year, I wasn't taking the chance of having no tissues.
Gloria began her little speech with the fact that she has "trouble" with this particular song. She broke down the areas in which she struggled. The first being a line in the chorus which says....."take your burdens to the Lord and leave it there." She said in an age where we are so used to quick fixes - this song becomes harder and harder to live. When we are in pain, we take and Aspirin or Motrin for that. If we're hungry, we go through the drive-thru and grab something to eat, etc..... However when it comes to taking the cares of life, we attempt so hard at taking them to the throne of God to allow Him to handle it and somehow when we wake up the next morning, we find that we've taken them right back into our hands. It seems as tho God doesn't want to show up as soon as we think He should, so surely there's something we could do to make it better.......She mentioned Tony and TaRanda Greene at this point and said she was sure there were times throughout this failing health ordeal that TaRanda had wondered where in the world God was. Yet, really the only answer that works is waiting on God. As hard as that may be!
She said another part of the song she was working on was the part that says, "If you trust and never doubt He will surely bring you out!" Finding the faith to believe God is going to work it all out is sometimes hard to come by. In our feeble minds, we are left with all kinds of questions of how in the world we can solve these issues, but we forget that God thinks in levels that we are unable to think on....and has solutions that we probably never considered.
I have to admit, part of the reason that I was so broken by the entire thing, is because I have also had to work on both of these heart issues in my own life. And I will be the first to admit, I'm still a work in progress. I have definitely NOT arrived. But I'm trying.
I took note of TaRanda's reaction during this time of wide-open, cut to the heart, honesty. She repeatedly wiped her eyes as well, I'm sure, thinking of the times she wondered where God was.
I've had this "highlight" on my mind since I left convention. It was probably one of the most "spiritual" moments I experienced all week. I had to confess my tendency to doubt in a few areas.
In the past week since we left convention, we discovered Sunday night that Tony Greene is currently in ICU - in critical condition. He is on a ventilator with collapsed lungs and pneumonia. From the twitter posts and facebook accounts of their close friends, it appears as thought his life is hanging in the balance and it could easily go either way from here without a miracle. They have two very young daughters. Hopefully I will be able to write back in a few days and report that he is improving. Until I do that, please whisper a prayer for the Greene Family.
I've talked about her / them before on several occasions and even posted my videos I took last year at the convention. So, the fact that TaRanda Greene sang, was a good enough reason to have a "stand-out" moment. But truthfully, that wasn't all there was to it. I've referenced before that this is the artist who gave up her kidney for her spouse, Tony, who was suffering from kidney failure and was taking peritoneal dialysis at home multiple times a day.
She sang a verse of the old song, "Leave it There." She could sing "Happy Birthday" and it would give you chills and make you tear up. She's THAT good! But she did an outstanding job on this particular song. After she sang, an audibly shaken Gloria Gaither stood up and gave one of the greatest "speeches" I have ever heard her give. It was not a recitation that has been recorded that she gave from memory. It was one of those beautiful heart-felt moments.....and I have to admit, I had to dig out my hankie. I didn't go without it this year because I had cried so much last year, I wasn't taking the chance of having no tissues.
Gloria began her little speech with the fact that she has "trouble" with this particular song. She broke down the areas in which she struggled. The first being a line in the chorus which says....."take your burdens to the Lord and leave it there." She said in an age where we are so used to quick fixes - this song becomes harder and harder to live. When we are in pain, we take and Aspirin or Motrin for that. If we're hungry, we go through the drive-thru and grab something to eat, etc..... However when it comes to taking the cares of life, we attempt so hard at taking them to the throne of God to allow Him to handle it and somehow when we wake up the next morning, we find that we've taken them right back into our hands. It seems as tho God doesn't want to show up as soon as we think He should, so surely there's something we could do to make it better.......She mentioned Tony and TaRanda Greene at this point and said she was sure there were times throughout this failing health ordeal that TaRanda had wondered where in the world God was. Yet, really the only answer that works is waiting on God. As hard as that may be!
She said another part of the song she was working on was the part that says, "If you trust and never doubt He will surely bring you out!" Finding the faith to believe God is going to work it all out is sometimes hard to come by. In our feeble minds, we are left with all kinds of questions of how in the world we can solve these issues, but we forget that God thinks in levels that we are unable to think on....and has solutions that we probably never considered.
I have to admit, part of the reason that I was so broken by the entire thing, is because I have also had to work on both of these heart issues in my own life. And I will be the first to admit, I'm still a work in progress. I have definitely NOT arrived. But I'm trying.
I took note of TaRanda's reaction during this time of wide-open, cut to the heart, honesty. She repeatedly wiped her eyes as well, I'm sure, thinking of the times she wondered where God was.
I've had this "highlight" on my mind since I left convention. It was probably one of the most "spiritual" moments I experienced all week. I had to confess my tendency to doubt in a few areas.
In the past week since we left convention, we discovered Sunday night that Tony Greene is currently in ICU - in critical condition. He is on a ventilator with collapsed lungs and pneumonia. From the twitter posts and facebook accounts of their close friends, it appears as thought his life is hanging in the balance and it could easily go either way from here without a miracle. They have two very young daughters. Hopefully I will be able to write back in a few days and report that he is improving. Until I do that, please whisper a prayer for the Greene Family.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
He Can - The Hinsons
This video was posted by Kenny Hinson's son, Weston.....who sings and sounds just like his Daddy. I have the proof on my phone. Weston recorded the Hinsons during their reunion, and I recorded Weston singing "Call Me Gone."
This is just a little bit of what we experienced. The shrills and yells on my phone are a little breath-taking, so I'm thinking I won't post my own video. Maybe soon, someone will post a video on YouTube of him singing during his showcase.
I advise you not to watch this at your workplace. It's better at home so you can turn it up and clap while they sing. Talk about nostalgia!
This is just a little bit of what we experienced. The shrills and yells on my phone are a little breath-taking, so I'm thinking I won't post my own video. Maybe soon, someone will post a video on YouTube of him singing during his showcase.
I advise you not to watch this at your workplace. It's better at home so you can turn it up and clap while they sing. Talk about nostalgia!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
NQC Slam Dunk!
Just a note.....I started writing this the afternoon after this event, but didn't have time to finish it, so I just got the time to do so.....
We've all had a discussion about how in the world there's a possiblity that NQC could be any bigger and better than it was this year. It was as good as it gets in my book. And it's always been good, but I see no possiblity ever of it getting any better. We feel like we have literally spent the last 4 days sitting in a seat for approximately 12 hours a day listening to Southern Gospel music. And that's not an exaggeration by any long shot.
On Friday we left the hotel room a little after 11 a.m. to go start the concerts and arrived back into the room a little after 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning. It was all good, but today (Saturday) took the cake. I just need to tell you a little about it. Today was the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Southern Gospel Music. And it was quite a celebration. Ed Leonard, the president of Daywind Records called it the greatest early Christmas present a person could ask for or want. And he wasn't kidding......
The celebration started off with a reunion of the Rambos. That included Reba and Dony McGuire, Reba's daughter Destiny and Buck Rambo. Buck only sang the last few songs with them due to the fact that he's on oxygen and just didn't have the breath to do much more. I've made the statement that I'm really not liking the fact that they sang as beautifully as they did, because looking at them gave you a creepy feeling of the dark side (as I am not into the gothic look), but oh my goodness.........I could say on the appearance matter, but I'll refrain... I never heard them sound better. If I had not looked at them before I heard them sing, I would have declared that this had to be a piece of heaven! But I have to admit, Heaven came a little later.....I'll get to that in a minute!
In what had been a nerve wrecking dread for me, actually turned out to also be another little surprise. That was the Downings Reunion. That consisted of Ann Downing, Joy Gardner, and Dony McGuire. It had a few songs the Downings made famous like "Operator" and "Greater is He That is In Me." I must admit that this "set" was not my favorite, but there was something included that almost brought the tears. Dony sang "It's My Desire To Live For Jesus." I don't guess I knew that was a Downing song. I also didn't know Dony McGuire sang it. That song has always been one of my absolute favorite songs and Mom sings it quite frequently, so it hit a real tender spot......
And just a note, Joy Gardner has definitely aged much more gracefully than Reba Rambo. Joy Gardner really looked good. She has lost quite a bit of weight since the last time I saw her, so I was happy to see her looking so good. As much as I enjoyed these two "sets" of music, I had this gnawing tinge of regret the entire time that they had been overcome and their influence destroyed by what one blogger termed as outright "scandal."
There were a few other "sets" that were OK, but didn't rock my world. However, what did rock my world was the set that we had awaited anxiously and I had already mentioned a few posts back. That was the reunion of the Hinsons. Now let's talk about a piece of Heaven!! Oh, my! It just rocked my little world. It was fabulous.
I guess it's always means a little more to have them as personable as they are. Ronnie Hinson has got to be one of the nicest guys. We have met him in the aisles of the halls for the past two years and he's been quite a gentle man to speak with. This year he was the only artist that Jeremy and I got pictures with.
Anyway, back to the music.....The Hinsons only sang 3 of their classics..."I'm So Glad He Found Me," "He Can," and "The Lighthouse" - which was sang by Bo Hinson. I could have stayed there all day and let them sing, but I think that being that they are no longer used to that, I'm not sure how much breath they had left! They got standing O's on every song!
The Gold City and Singing American Reunions were very good as well, but I have to admit, the Hinsons were definitely the star of the show. There was also a reunion of the Nelons, the Speers, and the Lewis Family along with Jeff and Sheri Easter. The Nelons did a very good job!
Gold City sang a few old songs with the original group of Ivan Parker, Brian Free, Mike Lefevre, and Tim Riley. It was good, but you can tell their voices have changed quite a bit since the last time they sang together 19 years ago! Brian and Mike had to be barely 20 if that when they sang, so age has definitely had time to mature their voices, and they are both still major influences in the world of Gospel music in their own right. And Tim Riley will always be a legend of the bass part, I assume. Ivan continues his solo thing, but I'm not exactly a follower.
The Singing Americans consisted of Rick Strickland, Michael English, Clayton Inman, Ed Hill, and Dewayne Burke. I remember the Live and Alive Record that we had when I was a kid that included all of the listed men except Clayton Inman. He became a member after Mike English left. It was a good reunion.
It was definitely an event of a lifetime for us to get to see all of this put together, although with age, each group had a moment or two that was less than stellar, but that wasn't the point! It was enjoyable all the way around and we were all happy to be on the front row screaming and throwing things!! lol Just kidding! We didn't throw anything, but we did do our share of yelling!! Anyway, this event alone will be hard to match ever again! I'm thrilled to death I had the chance to see it! It was definitely worth the trip!
We've all had a discussion about how in the world there's a possiblity that NQC could be any bigger and better than it was this year. It was as good as it gets in my book. And it's always been good, but I see no possiblity ever of it getting any better. We feel like we have literally spent the last 4 days sitting in a seat for approximately 12 hours a day listening to Southern Gospel music. And that's not an exaggeration by any long shot.
On Friday we left the hotel room a little after 11 a.m. to go start the concerts and arrived back into the room a little after 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning. It was all good, but today (Saturday) took the cake. I just need to tell you a little about it. Today was the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Southern Gospel Music. And it was quite a celebration. Ed Leonard, the president of Daywind Records called it the greatest early Christmas present a person could ask for or want. And he wasn't kidding......
The celebration started off with a reunion of the Rambos. That included Reba and Dony McGuire, Reba's daughter Destiny and Buck Rambo. Buck only sang the last few songs with them due to the fact that he's on oxygen and just didn't have the breath to do much more. I've made the statement that I'm really not liking the fact that they sang as beautifully as they did, because looking at them gave you a creepy feeling of the dark side (as I am not into the gothic look), but oh my goodness.........I could say on the appearance matter, but I'll refrain... I never heard them sound better. If I had not looked at them before I heard them sing, I would have declared that this had to be a piece of heaven! But I have to admit, Heaven came a little later.....I'll get to that in a minute!
In what had been a nerve wrecking dread for me, actually turned out to also be another little surprise. That was the Downings Reunion. That consisted of Ann Downing, Joy Gardner, and Dony McGuire. It had a few songs the Downings made famous like "Operator" and "Greater is He That is In Me." I must admit that this "set" was not my favorite, but there was something included that almost brought the tears. Dony sang "It's My Desire To Live For Jesus." I don't guess I knew that was a Downing song. I also didn't know Dony McGuire sang it. That song has always been one of my absolute favorite songs and Mom sings it quite frequently, so it hit a real tender spot...... And just a note, Joy Gardner has definitely aged much more gracefully than Reba Rambo. Joy Gardner really looked good. She has lost quite a bit of weight since the last time I saw her, so I was happy to see her looking so good. As much as I enjoyed these two "sets" of music, I had this gnawing tinge of regret the entire time that they had been overcome and their influence destroyed by what one blogger termed as outright "scandal."
There were a few other "sets" that were OK, but didn't rock my world. However, what did rock my world was the set that we had awaited anxiously and I had already mentioned a few posts back. That was the reunion of the Hinsons. Now let's talk about a piece of Heaven!! Oh, my! It just rocked my little world. It was fabulous.
I guess it's always means a little more to have them as personable as they are. Ronnie Hinson has got to be one of the nicest guys. We have met him in the aisles of the halls for the past two years and he's been quite a gentle man to speak with. This year he was the only artist that Jeremy and I got pictures with.
Anyway, back to the music.....The Hinsons only sang 3 of their classics..."I'm So Glad He Found Me," "He Can," and "The Lighthouse" - which was sang by Bo Hinson. I could have stayed there all day and let them sing, but I think that being that they are no longer used to that, I'm not sure how much breath they had left! They got standing O's on every song!
The Gold City and Singing American Reunions were very good as well, but I have to admit, the Hinsons were definitely the star of the show. There was also a reunion of the Nelons, the Speers, and the Lewis Family along with Jeff and Sheri Easter. The Nelons did a very good job! Gold City sang a few old songs with the original group of Ivan Parker, Brian Free, Mike Lefevre, and Tim Riley. It was good, but you can tell their voices have changed quite a bit since the last time they sang together 19 years ago! Brian and Mike had to be barely 20 if that when they sang, so age has definitely had time to mature their voices, and they are both still major influences in the world of Gospel music in their own right. And Tim Riley will always be a legend of the bass part, I assume. Ivan continues his solo thing, but I'm not exactly a follower.
The Singing Americans consisted of Rick Strickland, Michael English, Clayton Inman, Ed Hill, and Dewayne Burke. I remember the Live and Alive Record that we had when I was a kid that included all of the listed men except Clayton Inman. He became a member after Mike English left. It was a good reunion.
It was definitely an event of a lifetime for us to get to see all of this put together, although with age, each group had a moment or two that was less than stellar, but that wasn't the point! It was enjoyable all the way around and we were all happy to be on the front row screaming and throwing things!! lol Just kidding! We didn't throw anything, but we did do our share of yelling!! Anyway, this event alone will be hard to match ever again! I'm thrilled to death I had the chance to see it! It was definitely worth the trip!
Friday, September 17, 2010
NQC 2010
There has been so much going on over the past couple days, this is the first time I've been able to sit down and write a tidbit about it.
As most of you know, we have arrived at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. It's been pretty awesome thus far. I've done my share of whooping and hollering! It's so much fun to be this close and personal with the artists that we listen to every day of our lives on the radio. As you walk into the exhibit hall, you see all of these people that you think of as being "celebrities" in our world and there they all stand. Personable and touchable...if that's your desire. So far, we've just wondered around looking at them all.
However, there was an event yesterday that I'll address before I get into the music. I'll save the music for my next post.
Yesterday was an interesting day, as the "guest of the week" showed up. We got the opportunity for an hour to sit and listen to one of the most influential women on the national stage for the conservative movement speak on the topic of "Faith and Family." That was the ideas she spoke on, but I didn't know that was actually the topic until I read about it on the news channels that covered the events. Are you curious as to who this might be yet??? Well, lets see.....
Does she look familiar?
You got it! None other than Sarah Palin. She spoke very well about her faith and her family. She spoke of her conversion and how important her CHRISTIAN faith is to her. She shared her story of the night of her debate with Joe Biden. She said she looked around to find someone to pray with her and no one was around except her little daughter Willow. She said she called Willow over and told her that she wanted her to pray with her before she had to go out and face Mr. Biden and 40 million Americans on national TV. She said she told Willow that she wanted her to pray that "God would speak through her" in what she said. She said Willow thought about that statement and looked up and said, "But Mom, that would be cheating!"
She also spoke of her struggle of learning that Trigg was going to be born with Down's Syndrome. She said after her battle with God over it, he reminded her that she had always talked the pro-life talk, now it was time to walk the walk. She made it very clear that her decision to allow Trigg to live and be a part of their life instead of aborting him was the greatest blessing to ever come to their family.
Needless to say, she drew thunderous rounds of applause at her conservative actions. This conference is full of conservative life loving individuals. There were other conservative views which she mentioned, for which she was also applauded. It was a great event. I was thrilled for the opportunity to see her speak.
Well, I must hush. I have more "meetings" to attend......We're actually headed to Bill Gaither's sing along right now. I'm looking forward to it!
As most of you know, we have arrived at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, KY. It's been pretty awesome thus far. I've done my share of whooping and hollering! It's so much fun to be this close and personal with the artists that we listen to every day of our lives on the radio. As you walk into the exhibit hall, you see all of these people that you think of as being "celebrities" in our world and there they all stand. Personable and touchable...if that's your desire. So far, we've just wondered around looking at them all.
However, there was an event yesterday that I'll address before I get into the music. I'll save the music for my next post.
Yesterday was an interesting day, as the "guest of the week" showed up. We got the opportunity for an hour to sit and listen to one of the most influential women on the national stage for the conservative movement speak on the topic of "Faith and Family." That was the ideas she spoke on, but I didn't know that was actually the topic until I read about it on the news channels that covered the events. Are you curious as to who this might be yet??? Well, lets see.....
Does she look familiar?
You got it! None other than Sarah Palin. She spoke very well about her faith and her family. She spoke of her conversion and how important her CHRISTIAN faith is to her. She shared her story of the night of her debate with Joe Biden. She said she looked around to find someone to pray with her and no one was around except her little daughter Willow. She said she called Willow over and told her that she wanted her to pray with her before she had to go out and face Mr. Biden and 40 million Americans on national TV. She said she told Willow that she wanted her to pray that "God would speak through her" in what she said. She said Willow thought about that statement and looked up and said, "But Mom, that would be cheating!"
She also spoke of her struggle of learning that Trigg was going to be born with Down's Syndrome. She said after her battle with God over it, he reminded her that she had always talked the pro-life talk, now it was time to walk the walk. She made it very clear that her decision to allow Trigg to live and be a part of their life instead of aborting him was the greatest blessing to ever come to their family.
Needless to say, she drew thunderous rounds of applause at her conservative actions. This conference is full of conservative life loving individuals. There were other conservative views which she mentioned, for which she was also applauded. It was a great event. I was thrilled for the opportunity to see her speak.
Well, I must hush. I have more "meetings" to attend......We're actually headed to Bill Gaither's sing along right now. I'm looking forward to it!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Girlie Wisdom
My Aunt Kathy sent this to me. I thought it was pretty funny!
1. A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... She has 14 kids but doesn't really care.
2. One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.
3. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.
4. The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.
5. The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.
6. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.
7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today...
8. Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.
9.... Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!
10. Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!
11. The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him.
12. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!
Unfortunately I had to erase Jeana's favorite. It was something that girls understand, but it wasn't exactly appropriate for me to post for mixed company!
1. A friend of mine confused her Valium with her birth control pills... She has 14 kids but doesn't really care.
2. One of life's mysteries is how a 2-pound box of chocolates can make a woman gain 5 lbs.
3. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.
4. The best way to forget your troubles is to wear tight shoes.
5. The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you are doing, someone else does.
6. The older you get, the tougher it is to lose weight because by then, your body and your fat are really good friends.
7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today...
8. Sometimes I think I understand everything, and then I regain consciousness.
9.... Amazing! You hang something in your closet for a while and it shrinks 2 sizes!
10. Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things like...'You know sometimes I forget to eat!' .....Now I've forgotten my address, my mother's maiden name and my keys, but I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind of stupid to forget to eat!
11. The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about nothing and then they marry him.
12. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast. Are they kidding? That's my idea of a perfect day!
Unfortunately I had to erase Jeana's favorite. It was something that girls understand, but it wasn't exactly appropriate for me to post for mixed company!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Myrtle Beach
As you can tell I fell off the face of the earth again. I'll tell you all about it tho....
This past week I have been tirelessly working on my scheduled yard sale that is scheduled for Saturday. I'm looking very forward to it for some crazy reason. I've also been working on a few Craigslist and eBay items. That's been very interesting.
In addition to all of that, I got the pleasure of driving to Myrtle Beach, SC this weekend. My cousin, Nathan, from Ohio finally tied the knot there. He married a sweet little girl named Lindsey. I had never met her until Saturday. And had actually seen only a picture of her until she walked down the "plank!". Literally!
It was one of the most unique weddings I've ever attended in my life. The roar of the waves crashing onto the beach, the cheers of the onlookers who were complete strangers (there were literally hundreds of those - on the beach itself and on the balconies of hundreds of resort hotel rooms) and the feeling of cool sand falling around my feet with every step I took, made this unlike any wedding I've ever attended in my life. But my, it was beautiful!
The beach was decorated with a white arbor and several white chairs with an aisle made between them. The chairs had beautiful hot pink and orange tulle draped from chair to chair. The arbor sported a beautiful orange and pink swag. On the end of each row of chairs was a candle holder with hit pink and orange Gerber daisies. There were the same colored petals strewn all over the sand down the aisle. Instead of the traditional unity candle, they mixed the sand together - Nathan's sand was orange, Lindsey's was pink!!
Did I mention this wedding was beautiful?
Anyway, I was thrilled I got to go and witness the occasion. Nathan and his family hold a very dear spot in my heart and I'm really happy for him. Afterwards he said that this day was the happiest day of his life- and that's the way it should be!!
This past week I have been tirelessly working on my scheduled yard sale that is scheduled for Saturday. I'm looking very forward to it for some crazy reason. I've also been working on a few Craigslist and eBay items. That's been very interesting.
In addition to all of that, I got the pleasure of driving to Myrtle Beach, SC this weekend. My cousin, Nathan, from Ohio finally tied the knot there. He married a sweet little girl named Lindsey. I had never met her until Saturday. And had actually seen only a picture of her until she walked down the "plank!". Literally!
It was one of the most unique weddings I've ever attended in my life. The roar of the waves crashing onto the beach, the cheers of the onlookers who were complete strangers (there were literally hundreds of those - on the beach itself and on the balconies of hundreds of resort hotel rooms) and the feeling of cool sand falling around my feet with every step I took, made this unlike any wedding I've ever attended in my life. But my, it was beautiful!
The beach was decorated with a white arbor and several white chairs with an aisle made between them. The chairs had beautiful hot pink and orange tulle draped from chair to chair. The arbor sported a beautiful orange and pink swag. On the end of each row of chairs was a candle holder with hit pink and orange Gerber daisies. There were the same colored petals strewn all over the sand down the aisle. Instead of the traditional unity candle, they mixed the sand together - Nathan's sand was orange, Lindsey's was pink!!
Did I mention this wedding was beautiful?
Anyway, I was thrilled I got to go and witness the occasion. Nathan and his family hold a very dear spot in my heart and I'm really happy for him. Afterwards he said that this day was the happiest day of his life- and that's the way it should be!!
To Make You Smile.....
This morning I received an email from my Aunt Linda. The subject of the email was "To Make You Smile." It included a letter she had received from my sister regarding my nephew's birthday card he received from her. My aunt sent it out so everyone could have the chuckle she got out of it. Here it is:
LOL!
Hey, Aunt Lin. Zachary's b-day card came today and I wish you could have seen him opening it...the child absolutely LOVES mail!! He saw the $1 and he exclaimed "WOW" (he's very dramatic - reminds me of Mark when we were younger :) Then he sees the check and jumps up and down - literally! I asked him what would he like to tell you and Uncle Ed for the b-day money and he said, "I would like for you to write her a card and say, "I love you and want you to have a good birthday too - Dear, Zachary". I explained that we would have to wait until February to send you a birthday card to which he seems satisfied, but that is his thank you message. He states "I'm am so glad to get a check"!!
Back to his love of mail - he told me on his birthday (a Sunday of course), "I sure hope I get some mail today". Being that the mail did not run that day, I had Don slip a card out in the mailbox after lunch. In my haste to get it written and to the mailbox, I had written, "We love you Zach and hope you have a wonderful birthday. Love, Daddy, Mommy and Zach" (meant to write Abby). He goes to the mailbox and gets so excited. He read each word precisely and got to the end where he saw his name as one of the senders and looked up at Don and said, "Well, shoot, I sent myself a card". Don just howled!!! It took the wind right out of his sails and I felt terrible!! He recovered quickly:)
Hope you have a good week. We love you so much.
Laura
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Speaking of NQC
Since I brought up NQC, there is going to be a special occasion occurring on Saturday of the event. It's a two hour or so, reunion of multiple groups who have made a mark in Southern Gospel music....such as Gold City (including Brian Free, Ivan Parker, Mike Lefevre, Tim Riley, and Gary Jones) , the Downings(Ann Downing, Dony McGuire, and Joy Gardner), the Rambos (Buck, Reba, and Reba's daughter Destiny), the Speers, the Singing Americans, The Lefevres, the Cathedrals, and last (but certainly not least) the Hinsons.
I'm most excited about the Hinsons. Personally, I'm thinking I'm going to be a nervous wreck during a few of the listed ones because of the dynamics of the relationships of some of the people involved. If you know anything about Southern Gospel music, you will figure out which groups I am referring to. If you don't, I'm not going to post my feelings on the world wide web!! So, I'll leave them un-named.
But again, the Hinsons.......
They are gearing up here in this video clip just for this event of which I speak.........
I'm most excited about the Hinsons. Personally, I'm thinking I'm going to be a nervous wreck during a few of the listed ones because of the dynamics of the relationships of some of the people involved. If you know anything about Southern Gospel music, you will figure out which groups I am referring to. If you don't, I'm not going to post my feelings on the world wide web!! So, I'll leave them un-named.
But again, the Hinsons.......
They are gearing up here in this video clip just for this event of which I speak.........
I Missed It!
There were two occasions that I missed last Sunday that I didn't post on here that I want to acknowledge. Sunday was my nephew, Zach's, 7th birthday and was my parents' anniversary. As usual, I'm a few days behind! I wish I could be as organized as my Aunt Linda, then these things wouldn't slip up on me so fast! :)
I was recently reading through quotes regarding anniversaries and one made me laugh - it read like this: "It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy the rest of your life!"
So, since I'm late, Happy Belated Birthday, Zachary Don!!
And Happy Belated Anniversary Mom and Dad!!
I love you all!!!
I was recently reading through quotes regarding anniversaries and one made me laugh - it read like this: "It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy the rest of your life!"
So, since I'm late, Happy Belated Birthday, Zachary Don!!
And Happy Belated Anniversary Mom and Dad!!
I love you all!!!
Hey Y'all!
Hey everybody! I'm finally crawling back up to the face of the earth again, maybe! It's been a crazy two weeks in my mind......as you can see. I definitely disappeared off the blogging world and my emails are falling behind as well.
So this is my explanation or excuse - whichever works for you! I just haven't taken the time to sit down and write anything. If you could see my house right now, you'd be thinking that I don't need to be sitting down now, either, but you know, it's about to drive me crazy, so I just had to do it!!
There's few chores that I'd rather do than blog, so they'll just all have to wait. My to do list is a mile long for today as well, but it will have to wait too.
So, to catch you up on the happenings in our little world, Jeremy is almost recovered. He's going to give a shot at teaching Sunday School this coming Sunday - which will be a first since his surgery. He's still not at 100% with his voice, so this may be interesting.
Addison has been sick off and on the past two weeks. Several nights were spent feeding her Motrin and Tylenol every couple of hours. Heaven knows, we do everything in our power to prevent another seizure. My nerves can't handle that! What's that old phrase - "a pound of prevention is worth more than an ounce of cure?" That's the way I feel. Anyway, she's about recovered as well, an occasional hacking cough at night, but otherwise all is well. Thank goodness!
And for the other things going on, I am gearing up for a couple of events to take place in the next few weeks. I am off all of next week, thankfully, to prepare for our upcoming trip to the National Quartet Convention - once again. I'm getting very anxious! This Saturday (two days from now, Addison and I are heading to Myrtle Beach, SC for my cousin's (Nathan) wedding. Now if ole Hurricane Earl will just cooperate!
The next Saturday, I am having a BIG yard sale at my house - once again. This will be my third one this year and plan to have another in October - along with the neighbor. Jeremy has brought down all of the things from the attic which we no longer use and I have established a rather HUGE stash of yard sale goods! So, I'm currently attempting to sift through all of these things. It's been a bit of a headache (literally) at times because the dust from the attic is not settling well with me and my allergies, but hey, it will soon be over!! The only chore that must be done before the yard sale that the thoughts overwhelm me, is cleaning out the garage. It hasn't been cleaned out since the last garage sale at the beginning of June. It's been WAY too hot to get out there and do it! That's the ONLY reason that task has been ignored.
So, as soon as all of this project is over, we'll start prepping for that great trip to the event of the year. You know once I get there, the blog posts are non-stop!! So get ready......I'll make up in September for the posts that I lacked in August!
Hope everyone is well! I'll try to make up over the next few days for my absence over the last couple of weeks.
Have a good one!!
So this is my explanation or excuse - whichever works for you! I just haven't taken the time to sit down and write anything. If you could see my house right now, you'd be thinking that I don't need to be sitting down now, either, but you know, it's about to drive me crazy, so I just had to do it!!
There's few chores that I'd rather do than blog, so they'll just all have to wait. My to do list is a mile long for today as well, but it will have to wait too.
So, to catch you up on the happenings in our little world, Jeremy is almost recovered. He's going to give a shot at teaching Sunday School this coming Sunday - which will be a first since his surgery. He's still not at 100% with his voice, so this may be interesting.
Addison has been sick off and on the past two weeks. Several nights were spent feeding her Motrin and Tylenol every couple of hours. Heaven knows, we do everything in our power to prevent another seizure. My nerves can't handle that! What's that old phrase - "a pound of prevention is worth more than an ounce of cure?" That's the way I feel. Anyway, she's about recovered as well, an occasional hacking cough at night, but otherwise all is well. Thank goodness!
And for the other things going on, I am gearing up for a couple of events to take place in the next few weeks. I am off all of next week, thankfully, to prepare for our upcoming trip to the National Quartet Convention - once again. I'm getting very anxious! This Saturday (two days from now, Addison and I are heading to Myrtle Beach, SC for my cousin's (Nathan) wedding. Now if ole Hurricane Earl will just cooperate!
The next Saturday, I am having a BIG yard sale at my house - once again. This will be my third one this year and plan to have another in October - along with the neighbor. Jeremy has brought down all of the things from the attic which we no longer use and I have established a rather HUGE stash of yard sale goods! So, I'm currently attempting to sift through all of these things. It's been a bit of a headache (literally) at times because the dust from the attic is not settling well with me and my allergies, but hey, it will soon be over!! The only chore that must be done before the yard sale that the thoughts overwhelm me, is cleaning out the garage. It hasn't been cleaned out since the last garage sale at the beginning of June. It's been WAY too hot to get out there and do it! That's the ONLY reason that task has been ignored.
So, as soon as all of this project is over, we'll start prepping for that great trip to the event of the year. You know once I get there, the blog posts are non-stop!! So get ready......I'll make up in September for the posts that I lacked in August!
Hope everyone is well! I'll try to make up over the next few days for my absence over the last couple of weeks.
Have a good one!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Happy B-Day Sis!
Today is my little sister's birthday. I haven't talked to her yet, but since everyone enjoyed Don's birthday clip last year, I thought I'd post this one for her. I'll make you a cake and bring your gift when I come!
Hope your day is a great one! One year from now and you'll be the big 30!
Happy Birthday Laura!
Love you bunches!
Hope your day is a great one! One year from now and you'll be the big 30!
Happy Birthday Laura!
Love you bunches!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
This is Wild
Not very long ago, I posted a news article about the famous "Touchdown Jesus" that was struck by lightening not far out of Dayton on the home stretch leading to my grandparents home in Dayton.
It appears that Dayton is making the news again this week. This is an UNBELIEVABLE video on I-675 in Dayton just mere miles from their home. I keep watching this clip and I'm thinking - "what was HE thinking?!?!?" My family drives this route all the time, and we drove it just a couple months ago. It's just crazy! This video has made it to almost every huge news outlet - (I've been hearing it on Fox News on XM all morning) and Drudge Report.
You have got to see this!
It appears that Dayton is making the news again this week. This is an UNBELIEVABLE video on I-675 in Dayton just mere miles from their home. I keep watching this clip and I'm thinking - "what was HE thinking?!?!?" My family drives this route all the time, and we drove it just a couple months ago. It's just crazy! This video has made it to almost every huge news outlet - (I've been hearing it on Fox News on XM all morning) and Drudge Report.
You have got to see this!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
New Changes
I guess I don't need to tell you that there have been some recent changes to my blog, huh? Hope you like it, as I was kinda getting tired of the other background. It was getting old to me. There'll be more layout changes eventually as I get time, but technically there's been no real significant changes in the way things work. If you have any problems with it, I'll be happy to listen to your complaints! lol
Just figured I'd go ahead and warn you that more was to come!
Just figured I'd go ahead and warn you that more was to come!
"Words"
A few Sundays ago, Gregg text me on my way to church about some lyrics to a song he was going to use in his Sunday School lesson. Fortunately I was able to find them on the internet on my phone and save it to a location where he could retrieve and read them. I had saved them to my little home screen so I wouldn't lose their location. Since saving these lyrics, they have been sitting beside a little icon of another website that I frequent. The icons look so much alike that somehow I often manage to click on the opposite link of where I'm attempting to go. Every time these lyrics pop up, I re-read them, thinking to myself how well of job someone did in putting all of these "words" together. With these lyrics being read almost on a daily basis since that day, I was reminded of them in a real way yesterday while at work.
A young nurse I was working with, was involved in a casual conversation, along with myself, my boss, and our secretary. Somehow throughout the topics being discussed, it eventually led to our parents' discipline of us as children. It was a fun topic, to say the least.
As we all chatted about our memories of "spankings," etc.... the other nurse piped up and with an obvious change of expression from the laughter she had just been experiencing, made the statement, "I never got a spanking when I was a kid." The disbelief from the other three of us was notable. Then with a far off look in her eyes, she said, "No, my dad always verbally punished me and those are the most hurtful words I will never forget." Needless to say, we were all scrambling to figure out a graceful way to end this conversation and move on about our business. She said that usually after about an hour he would come with his head held low and apologize for the "words" he had just spewed at his daughters. She said "by the time I was 13, I finally told him that it was too late for apologies, those were words that were already "engraved" on my brain." My boss, the secretary, and I all agreed that we were much happier with our "spankings" because that pain was short lived, but the lesson was learned. And we were not left with the ever powerful memory of "strong words."
Sometimes I think we forget how powerful our words really are.....next time you are tempted to go on a verbal rant, remember this.......
"In a hundred different languages
They convey the thoughts of man
They can form a bond as strong as steel
Or break a golden band
They can disappear with one small wave
When written in the sand
Or endure 10000 years in stone
Engraved by God's own hand
Words
Oh their power is real
They can hurt or they can heal
Can't be touched but you can feel
Words
There is strength in every one
And when all is said and done
Wars are lost and battles won with words
Mightier then tempered swords
As they flow from the quill
With every stroke the letters formed
Can breath life or kill
With icy lips and tongues of fire
We burn or bring a chill
But when the truth is told
The rule is gold and universal still
With words.......
Oh their power is real They can hurt or they can heal
Can't be touched but you can feel Words
There is strength in every one And when all is said and done Wars are lost and battles won with words" (This song has been recorded by the group "Heirline" although, any place lyrics are found, there is no credit to the writer. I'm assuming it's Ernie Dawson since he writes most of their music.)
A young nurse I was working with, was involved in a casual conversation, along with myself, my boss, and our secretary. Somehow throughout the topics being discussed, it eventually led to our parents' discipline of us as children. It was a fun topic, to say the least.
As we all chatted about our memories of "spankings," etc.... the other nurse piped up and with an obvious change of expression from the laughter she had just been experiencing, made the statement, "I never got a spanking when I was a kid." The disbelief from the other three of us was notable. Then with a far off look in her eyes, she said, "No, my dad always verbally punished me and those are the most hurtful words I will never forget." Needless to say, we were all scrambling to figure out a graceful way to end this conversation and move on about our business. She said that usually after about an hour he would come with his head held low and apologize for the "words" he had just spewed at his daughters. She said "by the time I was 13, I finally told him that it was too late for apologies, those were words that were already "engraved" on my brain." My boss, the secretary, and I all agreed that we were much happier with our "spankings" because that pain was short lived, but the lesson was learned. And we were not left with the ever powerful memory of "strong words."
Sometimes I think we forget how powerful our words really are.....next time you are tempted to go on a verbal rant, remember this.......
"In a hundred different languages
They convey the thoughts of man
They can form a bond as strong as steel
Or break a golden band
They can disappear with one small wave
When written in the sand
Or endure 10000 years in stone
Engraved by God's own hand
Words
Oh their power is real
They can hurt or they can heal
Can't be touched but you can feel
Words
There is strength in every one
And when all is said and done
Wars are lost and battles won with words
Mightier then tempered swords
As they flow from the quill
With every stroke the letters formed
Can breath life or kill
With icy lips and tongues of fire
We burn or bring a chill
But when the truth is told
The rule is gold and universal still
With words.......
Oh their power is real They can hurt or they can heal
Can't be touched but you can feel Words
There is strength in every one And when all is said and done Wars are lost and battles won with words" (This song has been recorded by the group "Heirline" although, any place lyrics are found, there is no credit to the writer. I'm assuming it's Ernie Dawson since he writes most of their music.)
Friday, August 13, 2010
On the Other Side
This is very RAPIDLY becoming one of my absolute favorite songs. I have a flair for contemporary bluegrass from artists like the Isaacs and this quickly rising group named Dailey and Vincent. This particular duet is becoming one of the most awarded artists that Gospel and Bluegrass music has had in a while and is also becoming one of my favorites as well.
The reddish-blond haired guy, Jamie Dailey, is formerly of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and was singing with them the first time I ever saw Quicksilver in Waynesboro, MS. He had an amazing voice. The other guy, Darrin Vincent, is the brother of the famous bluegrass diva, Rhonda Vincent. If you ever heard the Bill Gaither Bluegrass series, you heard her sing, along with Darrin. Needless to say they have some pretty interesting roots in bluegrass and are making a big name for themselves and stirring up some dust in the industry these days.
I think this song has a way of pulling you into it's magic and makes you wish that it wouldn't end. Even if no one else cares about it, my dad and brother-in-law, Don, will love it. Especially Don. We were both Quicksilver fans anyway, so this is right up our alley.
Enjoy.....and you might end up needing a tissue!
The reddish-blond haired guy, Jamie Dailey, is formerly of Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, and was singing with them the first time I ever saw Quicksilver in Waynesboro, MS. He had an amazing voice. The other guy, Darrin Vincent, is the brother of the famous bluegrass diva, Rhonda Vincent. If you ever heard the Bill Gaither Bluegrass series, you heard her sing, along with Darrin. Needless to say they have some pretty interesting roots in bluegrass and are making a big name for themselves and stirring up some dust in the industry these days.
I think this song has a way of pulling you into it's magic and makes you wish that it wouldn't end. Even if no one else cares about it, my dad and brother-in-law, Don, will love it. Especially Don. We were both Quicksilver fans anyway, so this is right up our alley.
Enjoy.....and you might end up needing a tissue!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Summertime Views
You know, as many things as I enjoy about the summer, there are a few things that I don't like. For starters, probably at the top of the list is the unbelievably, ungodly clothes that some people go out in public in. I won't link it, because of some of the content involved, but there's a website called "People of Walmart" that has some unbelievable pictures of some of the clothes people wear outside their homes (one of my close friends recently sent me a link with some unbelievable stuff on there). Thank God, but this is just beyond my comprehension. It would not even CROSS MY MIND to go out wearing some of the things people wear outside their front door.
I was recently in the doctor's office and this girl (I won't repeat what I imagined she was), but anyway, she had what she would consider a dress on that barely covered the tops of her thighs. In addition to the little frilly "thing" she was wearing, she also had some little purple suede boots that came to the top of her ankles that were just pathetic. Where do these people come up with this stuff? Anyway, the nurse who was escorting me down the hall turned around as we passed her and looked at me with her eyes as wide as saucers.....as soon as she shut the door in the room where I was to stay, she asked me if I could believe what we'd just seen! It did my heart good to know we were on the same page. We were feeling nothing but pity for the nurse having to take care of the other girl.
It's just more than I can take sometimes. Just for the record, if anyone thinks that I want to see them like this, they are badly mistaken - and if they think that others do, again, they are sadly mistaken. Anyway, I'll be absolutely thrilled to no end when fall and winter get back around so that these people will put some clothes back on!
Anyway, after my experience at the doctor and going through all the thoughts in my head about this dreaded "requirement" of the summer, after reading this comic strip, I could definitely relate! I read it in the actual Sunday comics in the paper and laughed my head off when I saw it - cause I was feeling his pain!! lol Also, go ahead and click on the comic strip and blow it up so you can actually read it. The print is kinda small, and I don't want you to miss it! It's way funny!
I was recently in the doctor's office and this girl (I won't repeat what I imagined she was), but anyway, she had what she would consider a dress on that barely covered the tops of her thighs. In addition to the little frilly "thing" she was wearing, she also had some little purple suede boots that came to the top of her ankles that were just pathetic. Where do these people come up with this stuff? Anyway, the nurse who was escorting me down the hall turned around as we passed her and looked at me with her eyes as wide as saucers.....as soon as she shut the door in the room where I was to stay, she asked me if I could believe what we'd just seen! It did my heart good to know we were on the same page. We were feeling nothing but pity for the nurse having to take care of the other girl.
It's just more than I can take sometimes. Just for the record, if anyone thinks that I want to see them like this, they are badly mistaken - and if they think that others do, again, they are sadly mistaken. Anyway, I'll be absolutely thrilled to no end when fall and winter get back around so that these people will put some clothes back on!
Anyway, after my experience at the doctor and going through all the thoughts in my head about this dreaded "requirement" of the summer, after reading this comic strip, I could definitely relate! I read it in the actual Sunday comics in the paper and laughed my head off when I saw it - cause I was feeling his pain!! lol Also, go ahead and click on the comic strip and blow it up so you can actually read it. The print is kinda small, and I don't want you to miss it! It's way funny!
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