Proverbs for wisdom

Today is March the first, So, read the first chapter of Proverbs. It is easy to find, open your bible to the middle. You should be in Psalms. While you are there you might as well read a chapter of psalms for praise and worship and even complaining to God. David was a man after God's own heart, but he had a lot of ups and downs and complained a lot. The next book is Proverbs and it is the book of wisdom. Tomorrow, read the second chapter. There are 31 days in March and 31 proverbs. So by the end of the month, you will have read the whole book of Proverbs. Read it, meditate on it and apply it to your life.

weekend at home

When Mark and I come home from a trip, the first thing we do is called our kids and ask if we can keep their kids for them. They always seem to let us (imagine that). So, I got to pick Olivia up from gymnastics at the YMCA, she looked so cute running around in her little outfit with Miss Pat. We picked up Becca and Riley from Studio and gave the parents a kid-free night. The next day, I got to take Riley to soccer at the YMCA (been there,done that) for years with Drew and Sara. Same scene, parents watching and talking, adults trying to coach kids who are playing in line, climbing nets and playing leap frog, younger sibling playing on playground or mud puddles, older siblings wishing they were somewhere else. Little tiny shin guards and cleats, you have to love spring soccer for children. Saturday night, we prepared a big supper. Wish Drew and Sara could have been here. We really enjoy having family around. We ate Mark's famous sweet potato chips, while the kids played outside and Mark grilled. We had enough mac-n-cheese to sink a battle ship, Olivia ate all of hers, got down and ate all of mine off my plate and two more helpings. We sat around the table and the adults played with the mega magnets that we brought back for the grandkids. Anna won the award for perpetual motion, and Phillip made the biggest crash with his. Carrie sang songs to Olivia and Becca read and Riley was ran around making everyone laugh. I got the chance to talk to my very busy Clint about the after school program and future plans. We discuss the big wedding coming up for Mark's only niece. Carrie went through my jewelry for her costume for Art center play. She and Phillip left. Becca and Riley got to spent another night, giving parents another kid free night. Sunday we got to go to early church and Sunday school and relax Sunday afternoon and catch up on bible study and journals. What a great weekend.

She called me Granny

I love being Granny. Carrie and Phillip made me a long distance grandmother 2 days before I turned 43 by having Becca while stationed in Germany. People told me that I was too young to be called Granny. But, in my family we had Big Granny, Little Granny, and Granny Kitch and I feel honored to share a name with these remarkable Grandmothers. Mark and I love to travel, but we are blessed, that when we come home, we get to be with our precious grandchildren. Last night Olivia called me Granny and it felt great.

Wild time in Florida

We did not need to be in central Florida for the first show until Monday but we left early so that we could camp along the way and do extra flea markets. We love to find city, state and national parks. On the way down, we ate lunch at a city park surrounded by beautiful old gnarly oak trees and old frontier building. Coming through Mayo we saw goats and sheep and cows. When we make it to the state park, we check in and the first thing that we saw was a man on a bike almost get hit by a deer running across the road. Then, we set up and headed out for a hike at dusk. A European couple was coming out of river with a canoe and said that they had seen two crocodiles. Mark hated to tell them that it was not a crocodile anywhere in this area. This is gator country. We saw squirrel, deer, black ducks and the most armadillo that we have ever seen. We also heard and saw sand hill crane flying in formation, heading back north. The next morning we took another hike. This time we hiked through the prairie. I did not even know that Florida had a prairie. We went up the watch tower and saw wild horses and herd of bison in the distance. They bison came toward the tower and then turned. We decided to go on the prairie trail. Right after going through cattle fence, we saw the the bison, right in front of us, very close. We did not move and neither did they. We watched each other for a while and then the lead bison took off running through the prairie and scared up a herd of deer who ran in front of them until they were all out of sight. It was surreal. We just stood there and watched, then, Mark said, you don't see that every day in Moultrie. We left camp and started working the next day. We worked hard setting up booths, buying and selling for 12 days. We decided to stay an extra week after all of our planned shows, because so many of our new friends told us of two great shows further south. We did not know which one to choose, so we went by both. Neither one of them had electrical hook up, so, we decided to just find a state park. The first thing we saw at the campsite was a cat on a leash being taken for a walk. We took a little walk. grilled a steak, washed clothes, sat around camp fire and chilled. The next morning we took a long hike. We followed a river that must have been spring fed because it was crystal clear and we could see the fish. Next, we came up on a hawk sitting on a branch. Soon after that we saw an owl sitting in a tree above our head staring at us. I asked her what she was doing out this morning and she just gave me one more look and flew away. We heard a loud noise just to our right and saw a herd of black wild hogs running through the woods. I had never seen that before. We had seen where they had been rooting around. Mark said they are called piney wood rooters. Next we decided to go to the beach in Honeymoon state park near Tampa. We had a picnic as a sea fog rolled in. It got colder and you could hardly see the water. We walked on the beach for a little while with sun, sand, seaweed, seashells and swim suits, and it is still winter. We fought heavy traffic going through Clearwater and Tampa and was ready to get back to the woods. So, we found a very remote campsite than was for people with horses. It was late and we are tired so, we found the ranger and payed and stayed. Mark called up a bobwhite quail by whistling and saw bats flying around while making a fire. I cooked fish and grits. We sat by the fire and listen to night noises, wind in the trees, crickets, frogs, the cracking of the fire and felt the stress of the day in traffic melt away. The next morning we had our last picnic breakfast. We saw a rare red headed woodpecker that is own the endangered species list. While on our last Florida hike we had a very large buck run across our path. We walked on an easy path for a while going down hill. Later, it became a very sandy horse path going up hill, very hard to walk, but you just have to keep going until you reach your goal. For us, the goal was to get camp for showers and water and food. We had a wild time in Florida with wildlife and nature.

you are precious

While doing a bible study this morning, I came across Isaiah 43:4, that says, you are precious in my eyes and honored and I love you. We have heard and song Jesus love me all of our lives. But we have watered down the word so much that we do not feel it. Lita Clifton just had a granddaughter born and her picture is precious. All babies are precious , from their tiny little fingers, to their chubby little legs. They have precious kissable lips and look so precious when they sleep. Every mother looks down at their child, and thinks, you are precious to me, I would die for you. That is just what Jesus did, He came to die for us because we are so precious to Him. But, He does not stop there, He came to give us an abundant life here and now. Every day we can wake up with a fresh start and new hope. God is love. He loves me. He loves you. Believe it. Know it deep down in your soul and it will change your life. Say to yourself, I am a precious child of God. and nothing is going to happen to me today that He and I can not handle. Look for blessings every day and you will find them. In my business, people who know that I travel ask me to find things for them. The funny things is, I usually find it. I have probably passed that item a dozen times, the difference is now I am looking for it. You find what you are looking for. Look for trouble and you will find it, look for blessings and you will find them. Even in the worst situations, you will find God if you look for Him. If you are a christian, you are a child of the King, start acting like it and count your blessings every day. If you are not, you can be. God wants for you to accept his invitation to be his child so much that He makes it so easy a child can do it. Easy as ABC,Admit, Believe, and Confess. Fine a bible and read Romans 5:8. Then, Romans 3:23 and Romans 6:23 Then 1 John 1:9 and Romans 10:9-13 and where it says whosoever, insert your name.Then pray from your heart and cry out to Jesus. Next read 1 John 4:19 to confirm His love for you. Then fine a preacher if you have any questions or some one that you know is a christian, find and join a bible believing church. You are a baby christian and need to grow. Read your bible, maybe start with John were it says Jesus is the word. If you want to fall in love with Jesus, then fall in love with his love letter to you, the bible. Remember, you are precious and God loves you.

Supper time

Antique dealers, vendors, festival people, carnies, what ever you want to call them are a different breed. They are tougher than Mark and I and are more dedicated. They sleep in their cars, work almost every day, travel in groups, do not have A.C. or heaters and don't know where their next meal is coming from. We meet wonderful people who have been full-timers for years, kind of like full-timers in the R.V. world, only, without the R.V. On our last trip we cooked country fried steak, mash potatoes, gravy,biscuits and had home made jelly for supper,the last night of the show. We stopped by and asked Syracuse to come have supper with us. Her real name is Teresa and she is wonderful, brave and full of hope. We set up an outdoor picnic on our booth table with stools and boxes and candle light and moonlight and ate and enjoyed talking about sells and festivals. A man walked by and said that sure smells good, so, I got up, and grabbed a plastic bowl and fork and dip him some. He walked back by, and said it sure was good. A little while later, another man came up and spoke to Teresa ad we talked him into eating with us. We fixed him a plate and he sat down and talked and fed his dog under the table. We sat around until 9:30 and still needed to take showers. While I was taking dishes into the R.V., I told Mark, see, I told you that I did not cook too much supper.

Ask me about my solider

When we were in central Florida, a lady came to our booth wearing a shirt that said, ask me about my soldier. So, I did. She spoke with pride and a little fear about her son who was preparing to go to the Middle East. We spoke of increasing our prayer life and him making it back home. The mother's heart is a tender and powerful thing. I thanked her for reminding me to pray for our soldiers. I woke up the next morning thinking about my soldiers. Phillip, my son-in-law who joined the army at 19(a baby).
We had to plan a wedding between boot-camp and AIT. I watched him grow from a so-so college student to a man ready to serve his country. He is a very motivated, and self-disciplined man who made the rank of Sargent in a very short time. Today, his friends still call him Sarge. He and Carrie served in Germany, where our first granddaughter was born. He went through a lot and we are so proud of our third son. I hope that Art and Pat do not mind sharing their soldier. My Uncle James. the Navy man of my youth. We would get letters from him from all over the world, and would visit him and his family when they were stationed close enough. He is in his 80's now and I still love to hear his stories. Stories about joining too young or refusing to serve on a boat that "that son of a gun who stole my first wife was on". He had the first tattoo that I had ever seen, and I loved to see him make a muscle to show it off. I always thought the only Navy guys had tattoos. My brother Hugh- when he joined, I cried myself to sleep. I could not imagine not seeing him every day. Oh, but when he would come home, he would hide , make me find him, and I would jump in his arms and give him a big hug. My big brother was home. My brother Jimmy was Command master chief of a nuclear submarine. He was the man. When he retired, he went back to college to be teach middle school. Middle school needs more men that would be willing to do that. I am very proud of him. My brother Glenn, always seem to serve in the coldest places. I never really understood what he did, but he always seem to be in remote places. Mom raised us like we twins because of being so close in age and size, (I was older, but he was bigger). We are still very close. Mark's Dad serve in WWII. The best of the best, who served in the South Pacific in close combat war where so many paid the ultimate price. Colonial Nagy, who looks like and Officer and a gentleman in uniform or Sunday school clothes, served, retired and now molds young people through ROTC. I really respect him. Many children that I watched grow up in Bible Drill, Sunday school, soccer fields and in my back yard with my children are now serving or have served and I am so proud of them. Mark and I try to shake hands with and thank every Vet that we see when we travel. At airports and cafe's, if Mark sees a soldier, he pays for their lunch or snack. A very small token for all that they do for us. As a nation we owe our soldiers so much.

Watch your language

You've come a long baby, was an old ad. Well, this may be true, but not in the right direction. When I was a child, you did not here the awful language that you do today. When I was in middle school, our class went to the movie theater during school to see "Gone with the Wind". A wonderful award-winning, dramatic, powerful, movie and what we remember was the shocking ending with Rhett saying "frankly my dear I don't give a ----." The rest of the day, the bad boys in class would quote him. My daddy walked out of the movie theater because a child said cuss word. He died in 1983. He would not believe what has happened since then. It is all over the T.V., movies, radio, C.D.'s, internet, and even on t-shirts. Everyone seemed to want to push the envelope too far until we have lost common decency and civilized society. It has drifted into every day language of so many people that they do not realize they do it. It is not used, when they are upset or hit their thumb, it is every sentence, words that I would never say out loud. I must say as a christian, it bothers me a lot and as a lady I am offended.

Steering in reverse

When the mechanics finally finished working on Freedom 2, Mark backed her up to leave. Well it seems, when Mark turn right, the wheels went left and vice-versa. I think that might be a problem when trying to drive. Our mechanic Jim was very upset. The parts store sent the wrong steering thingy. So, we got some more quality time in the man cave watching the wide screen T.V. Life is never dull around the Fleetwoods

Flea Market thank you list

I walk by a vendor with throat cancer who can not talk above a whisper, and I thank God for my voice. Then we help a wonderful lady with one arm set up her booth and I thank God for my arms. I see people in a wheel chair and thank God for my legs that work. I talk to a lot of divorce people and thank God for my marriage. I talk to widows and thank God that Mark survived his heart attack. We talk to people who can not pay their bills and I thank God for security. We meet hungry people and thank God for food. We see people sleeping in their car, and I thank God for our R.V. We meet sad, grumpy people, and thank God for our happy blessed life. We hear people complain about teen and adult children causing them major problems and thank God for our children. We met a special grandmother who lost one of her grandchildren, and we thank God for our precious redheads. We meet Katrina victims who had to start all over and thank God for our home. We see people who are in very poor health, and thank God for our health. Look around, we all have so much to be thankful for and we need to remember who all of our blessings come from and thank Him daily.

man cave...the rest of the story

Who knew that when I wrote the last blog, I would be back at the man cave to spend the night. Last time, when we were here Jim, he sent us back to camp and promise to call us when the part came in. So, we got the call right after Mark's nap and my writing the blog about man cave. We came back and settled down with a good book and waited for what was suppose to be a 2 hour job. The big T.V. was on and of course their was a big race going on. The mechanics kept coming through and were surprise that I did not know who was winning the race. I glanced up from my book a saw a name that I knew and told them Jeff Gordon was in third place. Later, Jim came in and said that we have a problem, and then another problem and I began to see the hand writing on the wall . We were going to spend another night at a mechanic shop. Mark was kind of excited, because tonight,he was going to get to stay in the man cave and watch wide screen T.V. I went into the R.V. and cooked chicken and rice and potato puffs. Then I finished my book while Mark channel surfed through all the manly man channels.

Pay it forward

I love sharing food with others while we travel, I have a bad habit of cooking too much food, It comes from having a large family. We shared breakfast and lunch with a new friend and she really seem to appreciate it. We told her goodbye and went to another market place. We set up tables and plan to get a shower and then go back and cook. It has been a long day and we are tired, We walk by a group of people who invited us to eat with them. They were all standing around a grill. So, we ate our first bbq wild boar and cabbage soup. These people were from several different states and that is what they call each other ,West Virginia Hillbilly New York couple, Florida Wild boar man ,captain, chief cooked. I am afraid that I did not get any of their names, but I really do appreciate the good supper and fellowship. Mark and I love it when we happen up on special situations. We do not believe in coincidences, we call them many mini blessings that God provides for us daily. There is a good book called, When God Winks. You can buy it at Dollar General for 3 dollars. The title comes from the Author's granny who would wink him and he would know that every thing was alright. God blesses all of us every day. We just need to acknowledge them and thank Him for them

Man cave waiting room

Most people go to Florida to go to beaches or Disney World. Mark and I go for flea markets and antique shows, auctions and quality time at mechanic shops. In January we spent 2 quality days in Deland getting transmission for Freedom 2. When we came back in February, the brake/steering thingy went out as we were driving to Mt. Dora. Mark had to pull over and put fluid in it just to make to Rennegers. We set up our booth and covered it up, ate supper, and went to bed early. The next morning we found a mechanic shop just 2 miles from the campground. That is where I found the man cave waiting room. Mark was talking to the nice mechanic while I looked around. The white walls were decorated with one 1956 car ad and a map of Mt Dora. On the back of a beige leather couch was a puzzle of an old mechanic shop framed. There was a locker with a race car uniform and red cap with #8 hanging on it. I saw a book shelf full of mechanic/car magazines and one of those half cups that said, South Carolina was so expensive that all I could afford was 1/2 cup of coffee. Boots were on the floor and jackets slung over a black stool. There were two huge beige lamps, one on a wicker table and the other a metal stand that looked like arrows. A God bless America poster with an eagle on it was leaning against the wall. Two desk style rolling chairs and one big beige leather recliner with a cardboard box as a side table. On it was two remote controls and an ash tray. On the floor beside it was a roll of paper towels. The focal point of the room was the largest, state of art, most expensive,wide screen T.V. I have ever seen. It was flanked on either side by a rusty fan and a power vac. On top of the huge T.V. was a VCR and speakers and a picture of a snarling bulldog, and an empty sprite can. On the very top, seeming quite out of place. was one of those bright yellow and neon green smiley face flowers with a long curly stem. Now, you can't find all this at Disney world.

Pinky

I bought the most wonderfully,typical and maybe tacky Florida item at a flea market in central Florida. She is a pink flamingo, and I named her pinkie. Now kids, don't worry, I am not going to put in my front yard. I think that might be illegal in Georgia. I will not even put her in front of my R.V. when we travel to Florida. She is hanging in the bathroom, next to the mirror in Freedom 2 to put toiletries on and she is perfect. So, I now have my first pink flamingo. That is good for a Florida girl who has been a Georgia girl for 34 years.

4:00 A.M God's gift list

After reading the book that June gave me, I woke up and made this list. After naming Mark ,Mom and the rest of my family and friends my list continued.-communication-opportunities-love-laughter-security-antiques-booth neighbors small acts of kindness-rain-sunshine-nature-animals-clean sheets-food-veggies-meeting people-babies-little fingers and toes-soft skin-kissable lips-vintage clothes-history-my life-memories-cousins-you God-sleep-rest-work-exercise-walking trails-hiking-bible study-church-preachers-teachers-home-R.V.-freedom-USA-mountain top experiences-beaches-the woods-prayer-listening talking-friendship-ice cream-computer-blogs-facebook-phone-interruptions-ability-dependence-rest-peace-endurance-butterflies-ladybugs-real dogs-toys-games-pen and ink-paper-brain-sound mind-heart-body-candy-kindness-stuff-blessings-clocks-retirement-getting old-young people-children-medicine-tennis-feeling-feet-good shoes-your presences-stars-night-the moon-heaters-sunrise-sunset-money-neighbors-Hugh-Daddy-sunbeams-Valentines-humor-female speakers like Joyce,Beth,Priscilla,Kay-my sight-trials-growth-close encounters-"coincidences"-many mini blessing-near misses-revelations-help-helpers-schools-music-quietness-Mark's snore-time- cameras-pictures-photo albums-scrap bookers-Daddy date night-mother/daughter outings-vacations-staying home all day-presence-teeth-toothbrush-pain-recovery-feeling better-exercise-sleep-early morning-quiet time-worship-praise-loving God-little blessings-discipline-inspiration-wisdom-old friend-new friends-poetry-stories-love-siblings-the news-information-sky diving-birds in flight-baby animals-God-Jesus-Holy Spirit-Prayer-bath houses-hot baths-washing hair-sunscreen-being with people-love songs-sound of music on radio-preachers 0n radio...........and then I went to sleep.

June's book

Wednesday- My cousin June gave me a book to read and to discuss. The name of the book is "One thousand gifts", by Ann Voskamp. After reading the first chapter and half of the second, I was about ready to give up, there was so much sadness and the author is a deeper thinker than me. But, when I came across the word Eucharisteo meaning thanksgiving in Greek I was hooked. In the third chapter, she accepts a challenge to list 1000 gifts from God to be thankful for. In chapter four, she discuss time, in chapter 5 grace, in chapter 6 longing to see God, chapter 7 expecting to see God,and in chapter 8 belief and trusting and gratitude.
Saturday I am on chapter nine. I am so glad that June gave me this book,because I have underlined a lot of it. Every point that jumped off the page There is so much more to this book and I am not even finished with it yet. All I know is that when I woke up at 4:00 A.M., I got a piece of paper and started listing things to thank God for. My list was now nearly as poetic as hers, but it came from the heart. Chapter 10, I am blessed, I can bless, serving God, by serving others. Tuesday, I am on the last chapter, all about having a relationship with God and living fully. This is a very brief review of a very good book that I feel like you will enjoy. Thank you June for giving me this experience.

Grumpy Jerrry

We met Grumpy Jerry and he was. well, grumpy. The last time that we were just outside Ocala, we were looking for a flea market to sell our low-end stuff before we go to Mt. Dora and Webster. We are inside talking to a beautiful Zsa Zsa looking lady about a spot and somewhere to park our R.V. She is telling us that it will not be a problem, when a man comes out of the back room. He is complaining, telling her that they do not have room for an R.V.. Our space is too valuable and they are too much trouble. She told him that she knew a place in the back and it would not be to much trouble. He spoke again and she shushed him and told him again that she would take care of us and that he could watch the store while she took us outside to find a place. Mark and I standing there, torn between being offended and laughing. He concluded his part of the conversation with I don't mean to be grumpy but.....we are out the door. While we are walking out the door, she is saying, Aiee, it is so hard running a business with that man. If it were not for me, we would never fill a space. Marked her if that was Grumpy Jerry and she said yes, my husband of 51 years. The name of the flea market is ..............Grumpy Jerry, we have been seeing that sign for years.

Heart of gold or The 8 week Journey

This journey begin with my husband waking up burping. That was his only symptom. Before the day was over, he had been given that liquid gold shot to bust up clots, twice, a ride in an ambulance and an emergency stint. We look at the screen, 5 majors blockages, some called widow-makers. It is the Friday before Thanksgiving and I am thankful that he is alive, but we have a long way to go on this journey. He has 5 by-passes before we leave the hospital. The staff was great, especially the nurses on the cardiac floor. Friends and family all came through for us in so many ways and God blessed us. Back home I think that the worst is over, but it is not. Almost losing him was hard enough, but the pain in his chest is causing so much pain that he can not sleep or get any relief and depression is setting in. I can not stand seeing him with his head in his hands saying things like, it was not worth it. Early in January, I was reading my bible through again ,so I was in Genesis reading the story about Abraham's servant and felt like I would not get any answers here. There it was, on Sunday morning, scripture jumped off the page and it knew it was for me. The servant prayed for his master and I needed to pray, and ask my sunday school class to pray for him. Next, I picked up my lesson book, and it said that life begins at 50. Mark does not like a lot of attention so I had to come up with one sentence. Please pray for Marks chest to stop hurting so that he can fully recover. I noticed Monday that he did not complain about his chest. Then, on Tuesday he said that he must be getting better because he was thinking more about his belly than his chest, lets go for a walk. We have been walking ever since. The date was January 16th, 5 years ago, the day that I got Mark back. So, now I have 2 anniversaries, June 16 and January 16. Mark is a new man and appreciates every day.

Valentines Book

Happy Valentines day. Hope that you are with the one you love to day. I am with my best fellow today. He gave me a book that written in 1867, and reissued in 1892. It is a book of poetry called Kathrina, and the dedication page says, I dedicate Kathrina the work of my hand to Elizabeth the wife of my heart. On the inside cover is a handwritten note, Nellir B. Caldwell from George, St Valentines Days 1893
This is a Cameo Edition by J.G. Holland

A soft answer turns away wrath

Mark and I always make a point to makes friends and help our booth neighbors. I was back at the R.V. making breakfast for someone that we knew slept in a car, (remember Kevin). When I got back Mark said that we may have trouble with this neighbor because he had smarted off at someone and at Mark, when he tried to intervene. Mark left to go buy stuff and I smiled at the man and talked to him about trivial things. By the time Mark got back, I told him about the man and he and mark got a fresh start and the rest of the day was very pleasant. Mark is usually the one that smooths things over, but this time I was able to turn things around. He may be gruff ,but his is a Vietnam Vet So like every other time that Mark meets a Vet, he shook his hand and told him that he appreciates him taking care of all of us.

The Love chapter

Today is the Sunday before Valentine. Read the Love chapter in your favorite version, I memorized it in the 70's when all teenagers were reading the Living Bible. Mark showed me this chapter at a dance and we used it at our wedding 34 years ago. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7,13 Love is very patient and kind, never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, never haughty or selfish or rude. Love does not demand its own way. It does not hold grudges and will hardly notice when others do it wrong. It is never glad about injustice, but rejoice when truth wins out. If you love someone you will always be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him and always stand your ground in defending him.....There are three things that remain-faith, hope and love-and the greatest of these is love.

Pitter-patter

The pitter patter of rain on top of the r.V. reminds me of the tin roof of our first home. We have gone full circle, from just the two of in our little house in Quitman, to the two of us in our little traveling home. I love the sound of rain on the roof. I do not like it when I have rain drops falling on my head , like the old song. Last weekend the roof was leaking right over my bed. At night I would have to change positions all night to try to stay dry. So, add to my list of things to be thankful for, waking up dry.

If you love someone...

If you love someone, you will be loyal to them not matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, and always expect the best in him, and always stand your ground in defending him. The King James Version says: Bears all things,believes all things,hopes all things,endures all things. What else can I say. Just read it again and think of your spouse. Read it again and think of your children. Read it again and think of siblings and parents. Again for friends, co-workers and church members and those you come in contact with every day...Sounds like love to me. The last verse of the love chapter says There are three things that remain-faith,hope and love-and the greatest of these is.....love.

Hiking Tate' Hell

This is a real place in Florida near Carrabelle Beach. The story goes that a man got lost and wandered around for days. When he finally made it out , he said, I have been to Hell and died. So why did we hike it in the middle of the summer. This is my reaction to Tates Hell hike .....Hot.....Humid......Heat Stroke.......Hot sun..........Hot sand......Even Hot breezes..... Hot flashes......Headache......Hot sweat.....Heart burn....Hot sunburn.....Happpy Husband......... How did I let him talk me into this......He decided to Hike Tates Hell in the Hottest month, the hottest hour , the hottest day of the year. I am exhausted and his is still happily hiking. How can he think this is fun. Hot Tate's Hell. Finally our reward. Swimming at Carabelle Beach, for being so good and not complaining. Today, Mark said that he would love to hike Tate's Hell again and I said maybe this winter. Mark and I walk every day at home so that we will be in shape to be able to hike when we travel. I really do love to hike, but I have been known to complain, just a little, when we get lost and hike to long. State parks are great places to hike.
Take your family and go hiking soon, after all, summer will be here before we know it. Hot summer

Love rejoice when truth wins out

Love is never glad about injustice, but rejoice when truth wins out. You shall know the truth and the truth will set you free is a favorite verse. But it is only half of the truth, go back and read John 8:31 where it says, If you continue in my word. You can know the truth and not act on it and still be in bondage. I have a friend who is always seeking truth. The place to find truth is in the word, and then you find it apply it to your life. In Exodus we find in the by ten commandments, Honor you mother and father. The we find do not bear false witness, that means do not lie. My kids knew that they would be in more trouble it they got caught in a lie than for any thing they did. It is hard to gain back trust that is lost. Tell the truth and face the consequences. It is better to get it over with and tell the truth, than going around feeling guilty and anxious about getting caught. You will receive fair and just punishment from parents and forgiveness. It is important in any relationship to be trustworthy or worthy of trust.

Love does not hold grudges

The Hatfields and the Mccoys had a feud that lasted so long so long that no one could remember how it started. Somebody done somebody wrong. We know what happen to Romeo and Juliet in the Shakespeare play. Holding a grudge those not do anybody any good. It usually hurts the one holding the grudge the most. The opposite of holding a grudge would be forgiveness. Jesus said that we are to forgive 70 x 7 times, meaning every time. The Lord's pray ask God to forgive as we forgive. If you do not forgive, it hinders your prayer life. Life is too short to hold a grudge. Forget it and move one. Do not bring up every perceived wrong when you are upset, you will only ruin a relationship. Ephesians 4:32 And be you kind one to another, tender hearted, forgiving one another even as God for Christs sake hath forgiven you. Love will hardly even notice when others do it wrong. Have you noticed that the same habits that you think are cute when you a feeling loving will drive you crazy when you are upset. Do not major on the minors. Love will make you see people in the best light. Look at others through the eyes of Jesus and you will never be able to hold a grudge.

love is not irritable or touchy or easily provoked

Have you ever been around someone that makes you feel like you are walking on eggshells when you are around them. Someone with a chip on their is hard to be around. If someone says something that bothers you stop, take a breath, and respond, do not react. Their is a possibility that they were having a bad. Maybe you heard it wrong or they did not mean it the way you you heard. Even, if they did mean to offend, consider the source. Maybe that is just their nature. Life is too short to go around being offended all of the time . It is not good for you. Usually the person that offends never realizes that you are offended. You may need to talk them and straighten things out before you loose a friendship over a misunderstanding. Oscar the grouch is a great sesame street character, but would not be fun to live with. Remember, the saying, If mama ain't happy ain't nobody happy. Mom, You set the tone for the day for all of those around you. Try to send them off with a kind word and a good day. When my kid's were small and I would complain about them being bad all day, my Mom would ask me how do you feel today. She was right, I was the one who set the tone by waking up in a bad mood and the kid's caught my mood. That is when I started waking up early to have my quiet time before any one else got up to study my bible and pray.

Lasso

I took the newspaper to Adel to day with Clint on the front page to show to Mom and Aunt Dot. Uninterested in the article . I am Uncle Virgil and Aunt Dot are also Julian Griners Aunt and Uncle. We have mutual cousins. They were very interested in the article. We are all very proud of what Clint and Anna and staff and volunteers are doing for the young people of Moultrie. We appreciate Life Spring ministries. If you have any question or would like to help support with prayers or donations or if you would like to volunteer, please visit their website or call.

Love does not demand it's own way

I. never realized that i had this problem until I did not get my own way. I was the baby girl of my family. Daddy's little girl, and I got my way a lot. I was teacher's pet, nurses's pet and even Preacher's pet because I really respected these positions. I got my way a lot. I am married to a man who spoils me rotten, he puts my needs before his own. I get my way a lot. But when a crisis came and my Mon was very sick in the hospital my big sister and I disagreed on what we needed to do. I did not get my way and I was shocked. I had a plan, it was a perfectly good plan. Later as I was complaining to Mark as we drove away, Mark stopped the truck and told me that everyone wants to help and they did not have to do it my way. Man, I hate it when he is right. So, I learned a lesson, but I still have a long way to go I still think that my ideas are good, but just maybe I need to listen to your way and maybe try to compromise or even.....do it your way. Yikes!

Mary s Song

I met a Lady named Mary at the November Swap and was thrilled to see her a her husband again. They are a very sweet and generous couple. I was talking to her Sunday afternoon and told her about my journal and new Blogging adventure. She said it reminded her of her favorite song. Then she sang it to me with tears in her eyes. Her mother had died when Mary was 20 and when she went through her stuff, she found her Mother's love and legacy. If you are blessed and still have a living parent, call them and tell that you love them . If, you are a parent consider writing a journal. The song is Fine us Faithful and here are some of the words. We are pilgrims on a journey of the narrow road and those who have gone before us line the way cheering on the faithful,encouraging the weary Their lives a stirring testament of God's sustaining grace
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful May the fire of our devotions light their way may the footprints that we leave lead them to believe and the lives we live inspire them to obey oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone and our children sift through all we have left behind
may the memories they uncover and the truths that they discover become the light that leads us to the road we each must find Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.

Senior love at swap meet

I am sitting across from a senior couple,snowbirds. He is 80 and she is 79 and had heart sugery in July. They have been married 58 years. She is cold. She is all wrapped up with a blanket and hooded jacket and overcoat. He is selling car parts, old oil cans and other things that I did not recognize. When she gets to cold, she goes to the car and turns on the heater. When she leaves, he sneaks over here and buys something that he thinks she will like. When I give him the neighbor discount, He says, You do not have to do that. They are from Ohio, on their way to Sarasota to spend the rest of the winter with one of their 5 adult children. I gave him a list of shows and flea markets that they might enjoy on the way down. They are so sweet and an inspiration. He reaches over to check and see if she is warm enough, she holds his hand. He told me that never kissed her until they were engaged. He said that he will never forget that first kiss. My new heros

Rainy Monday

We just had to have one more rainy day. After all, we spent most of the weekend getting wet. Especially Mark, who spent all weekend selling outside , while I sold inside. This the only show that we do this at and it works well. It is not as much fun as when we get to work together. This morning, we cleaned out the R.V. and priced all the things that we bought. Mom says that all of us junkers just buy and sale to each other. Maybe so, but we are sure having fun. It is after lunch and Mark is taking a long nap. I am going to share some of my swap meet stories

Love is not haughty or selfish or rude

Wow, this covers a lot. Haughty goes with the boast and proud problem from yesterday. Being arrogant and conceited is not loving. Selfish is putting yourself before others and looking out for # one. It is a sad way to live. Take your mind off yourself and ask God every morning to put some one in your path that you can bless. Some people call this pay it forward. Rude, If you are going to be rude, please do not wear a cross and Jesus pin, because you are not representing him well. Why not try simply being nice.

Why am I at a swap meet?

Why am I at a auto swap meet. Last November was my first swap meet. I was really nervous about going to a car show to sell pretty glass. Soon I realized that I was here for the ladies who are here all weekend with their husbands buying and selling cars, and car parts. They probably enjoy looking at the antique cars. But, you can only look at rusty car parts for so long. So, they come into the building and find us sell every thing from my glass to Mary Kay, veggie plus, massages, vintage toys and home made jewelry and candles, and that is only in building one . So ladies, the next time your fellow wants to go to a swap meet, join him and enjoy a day of shopping. I am here to tell them about other places that they can shop including Jimmy Allens antiques and the new vintage mall where Stuff and Such use to be. I am also here for the other dealers, collectors, and husbands who need a gift for their wifes. I can not wait to tell you about the special people that I met this weekend.

Love is not boastful or proud

Pride goes before the fall. God resist the proud but comes close to the humble. Proud: arrogant haughty, Pride: unreasonable conceit. I have been told that all sin comes under three categories. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Boast: to brag to vaunt or self praise. As a parent and grandparent I am proud of my children and grandchildren, which I think is okay as long as we give God the glory. Mark was good at his job, but every speech he gave he began by giving God the glory. We need to recognize that any thing that we accomplish, or any thing we have, is a blessing from God. God made us all, I am no better or worst than anyone else, just blessed and forgiven. Treat other with respect and show them some love. We do not know what they have been through,or how far they have come. Today, build other up and do not tear them down to make yourself feel bigger or better. Have a blessed day

chance encounter or Divine appointment

I was met a lady at the swap meet that I really like. We talked bout 2 hours and I feel like I made a friend for life. She was looking at my antique glass and we were talking (imagine that, I was talking). I asked her if Juice + was a mixed fruit health drink and she said no , it is a pill with all the nutrient that you get in fruit and veggies. I was intrigued. After all with my IBS and I.C. I can not eat very fruits or veggies. It kind of sounds like "Jetsons" futuristic stuff. But, I liked what she showed me. I have decided to try it. So, I am beginning another journey. If this stuff works for me , it will work for any body. I will let you know.

young love at swap meet

A young couple came by the booth. She looked at a 8 dollar dolphin paper weight. He asked me if I would take 5 and I said yes. I wrapped it up and gave it to her. She gave him a big hug and I said to him. That's a great hug for a 5 dollar gift. He gave me a thumbs up as they walked off arm in arm.

Auto swap meet man

I met an 80 year man a the Moultrie swap meet, When I walked up to his booth I heard him say, I am ready to sale it all and get out of the business. Then, he smiled and said, But I love it. Then he asked where I lived. when I told him Moultrie in my best southern draw, he told me that he thought that he recognized that New York accent. His very next question was. are you a christian and I said, yes sir. When I told him that I was baptist, he told me that they were praying for you baptist. We laugh and I told him that I heard that it took Baptist to save and non-denomination to put a fire in the belly. We talked about our churches and T.V. ministers, and Billy Graham. We both decided that no one could not possibly say any thing bad and Billie Graham or his wife, Ruth. I told him that I heard that it took baptist to save and non denomination church to put a fire in the belly. I think it is great that at 80 he still sharing his faith He said that he loved the alter call that his church did every Sunday, so that he could take care of business with God. I told him that the small church that I grew up in had alter calls and I felt like I had to go up every Sunday that I did not feel God,s presence until I learn to trust that He is with because He promised that He would never leave me or forsake me. He asked me about my children and as I spoke of each one, he would ask, do you love them and I would say yeas sir I do. He asked me question that made me talk about myself and made me feel good. I felt like he really cared and wanted to get to know me. a customer came, so I told him goodbye and left. I told him I would try to get back by to see him later. The encounter was maybe 10 minutes but it made my day, Made me feel good about myself and people in general and it made me call my Mom one the way back to my booth and make plans to see her and Aunt Dot next week. Bless someone to day by showing interest in them. Make people feel good about themself when they are with you. Learn to listen

Love is never jealous or envious

The green-eyed monster destroys relationships, Jealousy comes in many forms, all of them can cause problems. If you are a jealous spouse, it simply says, "I dpn't trust you. If you are jealous of what other people have, that is coveting and is addressed in the ten commandments. If you are jealous of the talent , then you are telling God that he made a mistake when He made you. the same goes for those who seem to keep their school girl figures, even after having children. I do have a problem with those, after I am still blaming Sara for my extra baby fat and she is 25. Jealousy:apprehensive, distrusting, envious, a suspicious fear, watchfulness, fear of being supplanted by a rival. God has not given you the spirit of fear but love...and a sound mind. Ask God to help you if you have this problem. To envy is to begrudge, to covet with malice and to be spiteful. Let's be happy for each others blessing and remember that only God know what each of us need and what we can handle.

Love is kind

Kindness is the first trait that drew me to Mark when we were 16 and 17 years old, That, and the way he looked in cut-off jeans. Girls, if you want a good, watch how he treats his Mom and other senior ladies, because one day you will be that lady. The dictionary describes kindness as benevolent, good-natured, sympathetic and gentle. That is a pretty good description of my Mark. He always wants to help. When we finish setting up our booth, I can always find him helping our neighbors. Even when he was a small child, his 1st grade teacher said he would quickly get through with his work and jump up to help his friends. Mark is a gentleman. His Mama raised him right. In Greece I got to sit with a lot of Greek ladies on every bus ride,because, Mark will not sit down when a lady is standing. Random acts of kindness can make the day of people that you see every day. I call it a win-win situation, when you can bless others, you receive a blessing. Some call it pay it forward. This happens to us so often when we travel. When I looked up benevolence, it says, kind deeds or charity. They say charity begins at home. It is a shame that we often treat complete strangers better than the ones at home. Be ye kind is the 1st verse that many children learn. So, let's get back to basics. Be ye kind, one to another. Have a blessed day.

Moultrie Auto swap meet

If you are looking for something to do this weekend between rain showers, come one out to the Moltrie auto swap meet out at Spence field. There will be a lot of car stuff for you guys, But there will also be a lot of interesting things inside the buildings for the ladies. Also, going to and coming back from the meet stop by Jimmy Allen's Antique warehouse. The storage rooms will be open this weekend with lots of good stuff to explore. You will find it by going through the last gate and following the Mcdougle road.

Love is Patient

Love is patient. I am afraid that we are not patient. While we drive, at the grocery store, and even with our computer. We honk the horn, we loudly complain, we don't leave tips. We want everything to be faster and faster. The first description in the dictionary for patience: the will or ability to wait or endure without complaint. then, the bearing with delay with calmeness and self-control, it implies restraint and refraining from retaliation for a wrong or perceived wrong done to us. Patient: bearing or enduring pain or trouble without making a disturbance- refusing to be provoked or angered, tolerant, calmly tolerating delay. Wow, there is a lot more to being patient that I realized. One thing came through to me. It is a matter of the will> Which means it is something that we can learn to do. So, The first description of love is going to be harder than I thought, and we have not even talked about being patient with the people we love. Husbands, love your wife and be patient with her. God made us different and we are to spend a life time learning to appreciate those differences. Wives, show your husband respect and appreciate what he does, wven if he does it different than you do. Give him a chance and he may surprise you. Parents, be very patient with your children. Every stage of a child's life has it's challenges. With toddlers, slow down let them walk around and explore. They have a huge world to discover. With children, recognize that their agenda is different than yours. So, allow them to mature at their own rate. Do not rush this time, they will grow up soon enough and be pre-teens and teenagers. These year require an extra measure of patiences. Remember,these young people are going through a lot. Everything is changing so fast. They need time to rest, time with friends, and time with you. Remember, at this age love is spelled time. Being a parent is not easy, but the rewards are great. Because nest you get adult children and grandchildren, which is our reward for not killing our teenagers. Adult children need your love and their space. The have life's of their own now. Do not insist on being number one in their lifes. Their priority has changed, with friends, families and careers. Our job has now changed to being their number one cheerleader. We need to pray for them and be there when they need us. They will do things different than we did. Do not expect the to parent just like you did. They must be doing a great job . After all look at these wonderful grandchildren. We are now at a time of life that we can enjoy time with the grandchildren. If you are blessed to still have your parents, appreciate them and take the time to do things for them. Do not forget to take time for friends. Be patient with business associates. Do not critize those in authority over you or your church leaders. Try to edify others every day. Make the people around you feel better. Be patient- show love

Farmers=great conservationist

Mark and I try to walk twice a day, so that when we travel we will be able to hike. We do walking trails in state parks, parking lots around small towns when we travel and around pecan orchards when we get the chance. Mark worked for Farm Bureau for 30 years and farmers were his best clients and he has always had a great respect for their work. He tell me that good farmers are great at conserving the land or they do not stay in business. The are the backbone of this country. They water using pond water, they use mulch and manure for crops and use other methods to preserve the land. They also seem to be looking to the future better than most. Today, as we walked through an orchard, we noticed new trees had been planted. When you looked down the lane, it seem to be random When you walked through, you noticed a diagonal pattern that matched up with large older trees. What wisdom to plan for the future of the orchard by planting baby trees way before having to let trees go. Which by the way will be used. Reminds me of God's wisdom, your life is going along and every thing seems random and out of control. But remember, God know his plans for you, and is in control and his sees the pattern and knows what you need to do. Why not ask Him today to put you on the right path.

Farmers=great

Love

Yesterday I talked about love and today Joyce Meyers sermon was about love. If you want to know how important love is read 1 Corinthians 13. That is the love chapter. I love the love chapter. When Mark and I were dating he showed me the love chapter at a dance and it is our chapter. Let's spend this month showing love to others.

Happy February

Happy 1st day of February, the love month. I am reading Psalms 31-60 this month. Psalms 31:21 speaks of God's marvelous kindness, never failing love and His wonderful stedfast love.Maybe February would be a good month to look and read verses about His love. Start with We love Him because He first loved us 1 John. Valentines day is a day of love, hope and sometimes disapointment. Others say it is a Holiday made up by card, candy and companies. I think that we should try every day to show love by random acts of kindness. My worst valentine day was Clint's State wrestling match in Atlanta. We stayed in a hotel paid for meals, and a ticket, climbed the bleachers and sat down and watched Clint be pinned in one minute. He was mad and we were upset and I made the mistake of saying something that hurt Mark. It was a long quiet ride back from Atlanta. Seems. like I would learn. Six months after Mark's heart attack we are in Greece fulfilling a life long dream. We get off the ferry from Italy and walk to the trrain station .buy a tivket and wait. We see a train and hurry and jump on just as it is pulling from the station. We settle down, happy that we had made it until the conductor comes by checks our ticket, pulls a cord, the train stops and he kicks us off. I remember hearing a voice telling me to be quiet, but I am upset and let Mark know that I blame him.. He does not say a word, He just walks back toward the station to buy another ticket. As we walked I tried to think of a way to turn back time and take back my hurtful words. There was a movie in the 70's called Love Story and a famous line was " love means never having to say I's sorry". Nothing could be further from the truth. I took a pen and a paper when we finally got on the right train and wrote him a note. He forgave me and we had a wonderful trip. The same conductor came by looked at our ticket and just smiled. We had been on the right train jsut not going the right way.