In Honor Of

Today I had a quiet Christmas day with just my fur babies. We do our family Christmas time together on Christmas Eve. Now that all my children are married or on their own they have Christmas day for their own families. We had a wonderful time at my daughter's house last night.

I had planned to roast a small turkey breast when I got home to have for my dinner today, but I was just too tired. It was after 10 p.m. and it had been a long day. As I sat in the semidarkness with just the Christmas tree for light, I pondered over many things. It was my third Christmas without my husband. Although I miss him so much and always will, I can think about him without breaking down. I thought about our times with our children at Christmases past. They are good memories. I thought about what this beautiful holiday is all about. The baby in the manger, the man He would become, His death on the cross for the sins of mankind, for my sins, His resurrection, and the assurance that I will be with Him one day. Then my thoughts turned to the two women who had the greatest influence on my life and I began to plan for today.

I decided my Christmas dinner would be in honor of them. Normally things are done in memory of someone who has died, but I chose this to be in honor of and not memory of them. I became as excited planning my dinner as I did when I was a little girl planning a tea party with my dolls & stuffed animals. I planned what dishes I would use and why. I planned my menu which was pretty simple and straight forward.

This morning I got started on my cooking. I had brought a couple of things home from our Christmas Eve dinner. I roasted my turkey, made my dressing, and gravy. For me a complete meal would be dressing, gravy, a little bit of turkey, cranberry sauce, and a deviled egg. But I know I needed some vegetables so I heated some beans and corn. Of course, no Southern Christmas dinner is complete without sweet tea (although mine was sweetened with Stevia not sugar).

Now for the ladies I was honoring. My mother, Bennie Bell Sutton, and her mother, my grandmother, Emma Phillips Bell. My mother was one of the most generous people I have ever known. Although her health was never really good, she was always doing for others. She sang hymns when she washed the dishes, hung the clothes on the line, or shucked corn. She bound our family tightly together and her loss was a great one. My grandmother always made me feel that I was the most important grandchild she had and she had a lot. I am sure she loved us all the same, but it was just her way to make each of us feel special. She told me Bible stories the way a child could understand and be excited about what she was hearing.

I used a hodgepodge of dishes in honor of my two special women. My turkey and dressing and my cranberry sauce were on dishes that belonged to Mama. The deviled eggs and my chocolate meringue pie were on dishes that belonged to Grandma. The divided vegetable dish, salt & pepper shakers, and the teapot are all of the same pattern Grandma used, Autumn Leaf by Hall. Those from the south who are old enough may remember the Jewel Tea man. His truck would come to houses and sell tea as well as dishes and other kitchen necessities and he was a regular at my grandmother's house. Now you can find these dishes in antique stores or on web sites. They are not only beautiful but very durable. So this explains my choices for dishes.

I know there were others today who ate alone and maybe it was a little selfish of me not to share my meal with them. I just needed to be alone to honor the two special women in my life who helped make me who I am today.

God Sent A Child

It is so amazing how our God knows what we need, when we need it, and how it will change our lives forever. In my last post I told you that I have been going through a difficult time with grief. Some people think that after a year, everything should be back to normal. Even after 2 years it's not back to normal. There will never again be the same normal. A new normal will eventually find its place.

After my trip to Massachusetts I was filled with anticipation for the day my son and daughter-in-law would return from China with my new grandson. I knew that this was going to be a very traumatic time for a 2 & 1/2 year old. I knew it was going to be traumatic for my son and daughter-in-law as well. Even though they had looked forward to the day when he would be theirs, it would be no easy introduction. I only got three messages while they were away. One to let me know they had arrived safely in Beijing. One to let me know that Harrison was with them. The last was his picture. He was brought to them on 6/30/2014. On 7/1/2014 he officially became their son, my grandson.

On 7/11/2014 I drove to the airport to wait. Before they arrived my son texted me. "No crying. It upsets Harrison." I didn't want to cry. I couldn't stop grinning. Their plane was early and people began to enter. I stood their with my camera ready even though I was not close to the door they would come through. Finally, I saw my son. There behind him was my daughter-in-law holding the hand of the most beautiful little boy. Harrison was home. He was shy, but very interested in the Marine Bear that stands inside the airport. Near the baggage claim area is a case with model airplanes inside. That is where I was able to get near him. He was fascinated with the planes. We stood there looking & repeating "plane". I took them home and helped get the luggage in. I hugged my son & daughter-in-law. Harrison, still in his daddy's arms, leaned over and put his cheek against mine. That did it! I had to turn and leave. Once the door closed behind me the tears fell. I had to thank God for this precious child he had placed in our lives.

In the past almost 2 & 1/2 weeks I have had the blessed opportunity to spend a lot of time with Harrison. Last week I stayed with him when his parents went back to work. We have bonded well.He calls me GraMa just as all my other precious grandchildren. He hugs and kisses me. He loves my cell phone because it has videos of him, and there are a lot. He interacts well with all our family members. He is proving to be very intelligent. It is amazing to watch him use the cell phone or his Leap Frog. He absolutely loves to play basketball. He does not make a fuss when it is nap time as long as you read his favorite book a few times. He is big for his age. He is doing very well with his English, but lapses into Mandarin occasionally. He has stolen my heart.

I think of our God and how when there was no answer for the state of mankind, He sent a Child.
Then I see the time of my own sense of helplessness and God sent a child. Amazing love!

Massachusetts Trip

I really thought things would get easier as time went on without my husband. They haven't. In fact things have been really difficult. I don't want to whine. I am blessed to have children, friends, and church family to love and be loved by. I do miss my husband, though. So much!!! To the point that my physician thought I needed grief counseling. He asked me if we had someone at church that would be available. Thankfully we do and I contacted him about setting up an appointment. However, he had to have some surgery on his vocal cords and was unable to counsel for a time.

In the meantime I decided to go to Massachusetts to see my husband's family. I was so excited about the trip the grief was not such a problem. My oldest sister-in-law is not in good health and I knew I needed to go then. I also picked a time that would get me back home before my son and daughter-in-law would have to go to China to bring my new grandson home.

Best laid plans! My trip was planned, tickets purchased, rooms booked, arrangements made for pets. My oldest daughter and youngest granddaughter would go with me. My daughter-in-law would take care of my cats while I was away and I planned to board my dogs. I would take care of their cats and keep one of their dogs, Gabby, when they went to China. Then the call came. They had travel approval to go to China and would leave on June 25th, the same day we planned to stay overnight in Raleigh before our flight out on the 26th. So we did some scrambling. A friend from church & my youngest daughter would take care of the cats. My son-in-law, whose wife and daughter were going with me, would keep Gabby till I got back.

So on 6/25 I took my son & daughter-in law to the airport. Spent the rest of the morning getting ready to leave myself and then we drove to Raleigh. We flew to Hartford, CT on 6/26 and drove a rental to Massachusetts. It was a wonderful trip. We stayed in Springfield and had a beautiful view from our 11th floor window.

Night view of Springfield, MA

Was so good to see family and tell them how much I love them all. I did not get to see my husband's brother and his family. They had a high school graduation and other plans. I would loved to have seen them too.

We spent a day in Old Deerfield Village sightseeing. A beautiful and historic place. The old cemetery is a touching place. Many buried there were killed in an Indian Massacre. The Indian House was one that was attacked. The museum there houses the original door from the house and you can see the opening that was chopped into the door.

Old Deerfield Cemetery

The Indian House

Original Door From The Indian House

We visited the small town of Ashfield where my husband grew up.

Ashfield Town Hall

Apple Valley, Ashfield

We went to the town of Shelburne Falls where there is an old trolley bridge leading to the town of Buckland. When the bridge was no longer used, the two towns made it into a walking bridge planted with beautiful flowers. It is maintained by both towns.

Bridge of Flowers

 There are also ancient glacial pot holes here which are quite unique.

Glacier Pot Holes

We ate twice at a great little place in Greenfield, MA. called Village Pizza. If you are ever in Greenfield, trust me, you DO want to eat there. Three generation family owned business with great Italian food & fantastic service. Just know that one plate of spaghetti and meatballs will feed three people.

We flew back home on 7/1 and the wait began for my new grandson. More to follow.

Atheists Welcome

I have not subscribed to a newspaper in years. A few weeks ago I said,"Why not?" and took a short subscription. I have enjoyed it for the most part. I like to read the letters to the editor, half-heartedly work the crossword puzzles, check the obituaries for the passing of anyone I might have known, and read the local happenings. I never read the horoscopes. I rarely read the advice column, but recently I did. Since I missed the actual letter that all the responses were concerning, I am going strictly on responses themselves. Response from the columnist. Responses from other readers. All about that one letter.

Apparently it was regarding a mixed marriage. No, not racial but religious. One spouse is religious and wants them both to attend church and the other is an atheist. I don't know if these were their feelings before they married or if they occurred after. What confused me were the responses to the situation. I realize being "religious" means nothing to God. It is the state of the heart and the relationship with Christ that matters. I would say the responses were an attempt to be politically correct, but I think they were totally sincere in their advice. So you are probably wondering what the advice was.

Almost all suggested that the couple attend another church where the atheist spouse would feel comfortable. There was talk about a church that would preach living a good life, spiritual enlightenment, etc. You get the idea I am sure. I don't know why I was surprised, but I found it mind-boggling that not one letter suggested that the "religious" spouse earnestly petition God in prayer for the "atheist" spouse. That is not to say that none were sent, but none were printed.

I have many friends whose spouses will not attend church with them. They still love each other. However, in the cases of my friends, the believers pray earnestly and request prayers from others for the unbelieving spouses. God hears our prayers. The answers may not come in a time period we would like, but we continue to pray.

So should Bible preaching churches welcome the atheist? I think our churches should encourage attendance by all. They are not just places for Christ followers to recharge and find fellowship. They are places where the lost hear the Gospel, the Holy Spirit can deal with hearts, and church members can serve God and others. At least that is what they are suppose to be. We ARE to show love to the lost and not beat them with the Gospel. This does not mean we avoid the Truth of Scripture. It must be taught and preached in It's entirety. We are not to excuse or condone sin, but we are to love the sinner. For what are we, but sinners forgiven through the blood of Christ? Some may enter our churches with the intent to disrupt. That has certainly happened many times in many churches. However, while there they might be drawn by the Holy Spirit to accept the Truth and be unbelieving no more. 

Why Adopt A Rescue Pet?

I have a new family member. She is the sweetest little thing and cute as can be. She is an 8 year old Beagle mix named Luna.

Luna

Just as I did with Marcus, I found her on the Pet Finder web site. She had been rescued by the same humane society that took Marcus in, Colonial Capital. I debated on whether I wanted to adopt another dog. I mean, it's not like I don't have any pets already (O'Malley, O'Connor, and Maximus-cats & Marcus-dog). I felt Marcus needed company when I have to be away from home for a few hours at a time, the cats are getting really tired of Marcus licking their faces, and I knew I have more than enough love to go around. So I began my search. It did not take long. Just as with Marcus, I was drawn to a picture.

What was I looking for? A smaller dog than Marcus. He weighs 54 lbs and is as gentle as can be, but I knew I would never find another dog his size with his temperament. After my fixation on the picture, I checked out the details. Age 8 - hmmm a little older than I expected to adopt but she needs a forever home, too. Spayed - yes. House broken - yes :) . Then the most important information. Good with other dogs - yes. Good with cats - yes. Good with children - yes. I then checked out the past history. Rescued from an animal hoarder. Oh, poor baby.

I filled out an adoption application and it was arranged for me to meet Luna. Her foster parents brought her to my home. She came right in and licked Marcus in the face (now he knows how the cats feel). Great start!! To my delight, the foster parents told me she loves to ride and go walking at Union Point Park! Perfect since Marcus and I do a lot of both. It was not easy for her foster parents to leave her here for they had grown to love her. Within a few hours Luna was at home and stretched out on the couch. Marcus spent the afternoon pouting but that did not last. She has shown no anxiety at all (except today at the vet's office where she sat her 27 trembling pounds on my lap). She is healthy, maybe a little chunky, minds well, needs a little more leash training but we are working on that.

So why adopt a rescue pet? Because we need them as much as they need us. Some have been treated horribly, neglected, or abandoned. My mother use to tell me as a child that I would take every stray that came along if she would let me. She was right. I have always loved dogs and cats. I know some people are "dog people" and some are "cat people". I am both. My son found my oldest cat, O'Malley, in a corn field when he was just a kitten. The others, O'Connor and Maximus (brothers), were feral and I trapped them as kittens. As I posted in August, 2012 after adopting Marcus, he was rescued from the flood waters of Hurricane Irene. So all my animals are rescue pets. They fill my home with unconditional love. Now my little family is complete.

Many people prefer specific breeds and purchase their pets or receive them as gifts and there is nothing wrong with that. For those who may be thinking about a pet, I only ask you to consider a rescue pet. The price of adoption is usually far less than you would pay anywhere else and the money goes to support the animals who have been and will be rescued. It warms your heart when you look at them and know you have given them a better life than they have ever known. It's so worth it!

Sometimes, But Not Always

Recently someone put a short video on Facebook. It truly moved me. It was of a group of people who live in a country that is hostile to Christianity. The people had received Bibles. Their reactions brought me to tears. Not just because it was such an emotional time for them, but because it made me ashamed of my own lack of appreciation for the Word of God. They cried. They kissed their new Bibles. They held them tightly to their hearts. Others were immediately reading. There was a question under the video. "Do you respond the same way when you open yours?"

Well, that question sure hit me right between the eyes & right in my heart. How we take for granted the ability to hold God's Word in our hands! I don't just have one Bible. I have many-Thompson Chain King James Version, my New American Standard Inductive Study Bible, The Names of God Bible, The Complete Jewish Bible, the Interlinear English Hebrew Greek Bible, and several older Bibles which just fell apart but I kept. Blessed beyond belief, as so many of us are. So how do I respond when I open one of my Bibles? Do I hold it close to my heart? Do I kiss it? Do I cry? Do I immediately delve into the knowledge God has left for me?

I will say that I do love to read and study the Word. I believe that the best resource for understanding Scripture is Scripture itself. Not a new concept, but one I learned through the inductive study method. But do I take for granted that it is so accessible? Yes, I do. We discussed this tonight in our ladies Bible study. Persecution will come, even here. The only way to prepare for it, is to be immersed in the Word. To be immersed in the Word, you must study. The beginning is to open your Bible.

The answer I posted to that question, "Do you respond the same way when you open yours?"?
'Sometimes, but not always - and that is not good enough.'

"Be diligent to present yourselves approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15 NASB
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15 KJV

Waiting For Harrison

In November, 2013, I posted on my blog that my son & daughter-in-law are in the process of adopting a little boy from China. It is now March, 2014 and we are waiting. Finally all the paperwork has reached China. We were all hoping they would be able to bring him home the end of this month. However, they were told it would take 4-6 months for approval to travel into China. I must admit I am so disappointed, but that doesn't come close to how his parents feel. There have been Harrison showers with loads of toys, books, & clothes given by friends and family. Everyone just wants so much to be a part of his life.

I know that God has a purpose in all things. Therefore, I know He has a purpose in this delay. I also know that He can choose to open this door sooner. Of course, that is what the mother and grandmother side of me is hoping for. I have to stay focused on His Word and trust His will. I also have to pray. This is what the Lord wants & expects us to do, during the good times and the difficult times.

'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.'
Jeremiah 29:11,12 NASB

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
"What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?"
Romans 8:28,31 NASB

So we carry on till God removes the obstacles that keep us waiting for Harrison.