From a Front Porch in Texas

2012-01-28T07:28:00.000-08:00

IT IS APPOINTED.......

The picture featured today is from a little family cemeteryjust a stone’s throw from our house. Itis a little local family cemetery. Lotsof little children buried in it. Thegrandkids always want to get out our walking sticks and visit the littlecemetery. They are intrigued by itssomberness, its quietness, the stillness and the reminder that life isshort. Life is fleeting. Life is a vapor. We have our allotted days….to treasure and usewisely. How long do we get?? Some are allotted more days than others. No matter how many days you are assigned…...cherishthem. Treasure them. Find the goodness in each and every one. Because all too soon….life here on earth willbe gone. A memory. …..

But if we have asked Jesus to be our Savior, when our timeis up, then we will be gloriously swept into His gates eternal. What adeal! What a Promise! What a retirement plan….simply out of thisworld……

Lately, I have been pondering and musing on my own father’spassing. For it was 26 years ago at this time thathis life…his time…..his allotment….his assignment was over. I am going to post the rest of my ponderingsand musings on my blog from the front porch. If you want, get a cup of coffee, hot tea and come join me and sit aspell…

It is appointed unto man..........once to die. Not your most pleasant topic on this weekend…but nevertheless it is somethingwe all need to think about. Some scoffand say ‘when it’s over..it’s over….dust to dust….rust to rust….the end is theend.’ We avoid this topic, deny it, putit off, pretend it will never come our way….but it does…...sooner or later…weall face death. Sinner or saint, good orbad, beautiful or ugly, strong or weak, ready or not…it will come and then weare promised our eternal reward…a lot of unknowns.. a great deal of mystery,mystic, musings and misconceptions. Toknow the truth and the whole truth …go to the Manual…the Last Word, the OnlyWord…the Final Answer…the Bible. Enoughsaid.

If we believe even one jot, one thought, one theme, onethread that holds the Bible as God’s Word…then where you will spend eternityshould be a matter of great consideration. Hopefully, surely, armed with the Truth, we can come to the rightconclusion of the whole matter.

This past Sunday, the, Preacher gave a thought provokingsermon, “Rich Man, Poor Man". This thought came from the book of Luke16:19-31. The summary is…the rich manhad everything on earth he could desire. He had finery. Food, clothes,shelter beyond compare. But he forgot totake care of the most valuable thing he owned: his soul.

Lazarus, on the other hand was a beggar. He had nothing. No home. No food, except for the crumbs thatfell from the rich man’s table. Ragshung on his body. Dogs licked the sores oozing from his sick, tired, weak, painfilled body. Hmmm ….and we think we are having a badday??? But Lazarus was rich in the Goodnessof the Lord. When he died he was foundimmediately in the Presence.

The rich man found himself in the bowels of hell.

Why did Lazarus suffer so??? If he trusted God, loved God and when he diedhe was ushered into His Glorious Presence…then WHY WHY WHY???

Sorry, I don’t have the answers to why he suffered, why Isuffer, why you suffer, why children suffer, why the innocent along with theguilty suffer so. Well, now that I thinkof it, I do have one conclusion, one three letter word that set this whole earth rocking,reeling and churning. SIN. Look inthe book of Genesis Chapter 3….and because of what happened there…we are undera cloud, a curse, a course.

BUT, the HOPE, the CURE, the ANSWERis also found in that Chapter…Not all doom and gloom. Genesis 3:15…the first Promise of thePromise.

Well, back to my own father. Little guy born in the hills of Kentucky1927…long time ago… Second of two children, he had an older sister. But, like happens so often. Tragedy struck and his mother died….he wasjust a toddler, a tiny tike, a little towheaded two year old. For reasons I will never know, he then becamea ward of which every family membercould/would take care of him…he was traded around like an old car, an old dog….giventhe same importance and status as an old dog. Who will take this child off my hands?? His dad unable to be a man, ‘man, up’, in essence, threw this little guy and his sister to the wind, to thewolves…..to the whirlwind. It does notexcuse the man my own father grew up to be…but it certainly did not help form,shape and mold him; which is what a parent is suppose to do…oh and did Imention love? Who will love thechildren?

I have heard that if we are given this type of atmosphere tolive, move and breathe in…that we cannot see our own value and self-worth. It is as if we are living in someone’s else’shouse with someone else’s things. Inother words, we are what other people say, think, how they treat and value us. We are lost, languishing and longing forsomeone to love us…just as we are, love us, even with all our imperfections, warts...and all.....accept us for who we are.

Well, needless to say Dad never found his place in thisworld (thank you very much Michael W. Smith). He quit school in the fourth grade…word was he had no shoes, no decentclothes, little or no food. A little waifwondering, wandering, bewildered and forgotten.

Word…from his own mouth as told to my mom ..for you see mydad never once spoke to me or my other 7 siblings a word, never gave us a nod, or even a look.... UNLESS he was roaring drunk and threatening us, bullying us, beating someone….and doing other unspeakable acts of cruelty,……the demons he acquired through his ownhurts, abandonment and bewilderment…continued to rule, reign and eventually destroyhis body, soul and spirit. I could go on to the miseries he chose to share withus…but enough said.

Oh, back to the word…..as he shared with my mom…which wasrare as the only thing he shared for the most part was cussing, and accusationsand threatenings….anyway…along the way this little lost boy was introduced toKentucky moonshine. Homemade whiskey…..evilstuff….why? Because it was so cool and fun to see a little guy so drunk andhigh, stumbling, slobbering and stammering like a drunken fool. And that is the legacy of that littleabandoned boy…a stumbling, slobbering, stammering drunken fool.

Year after year untold sufferings, pain, sorrow, abjectpoverty because he had a very cruel master: the bottle. That master finally broke him and at age 59, on a cold January day 26 years ago, while suffering an alcoholic seizure, he chocked on his own vomit and as a result was rendered ‘brain dead’. A few days later he was gone. Now before I hand you a box of tissues, a handkerchief…..thereis a glimmer of hope. You see God stillloved this stumbling, slobbering, stammering drunken fool. God knew every pain, physical and emotional this man had endured……

The Preacher, aka, my husband, shortly before the beginningof the end….was led to go talk to my dad and lead him to salvation…….and heprayed with the Preacher……..God is so good……I know with that prayer my dadfinally found peace. I know he finallyfound love…..he finally found hope.

Unfortunately, it did not, could not undo the legacy ofalcoholism it left behind. The 8children, of which I am the oldest, have had our own demons to fight. Our own feelings of abandonment,bewilderment, anger, bitterness, low self-esteem. Struggles that as children we should not havehad to endure: hunger, cold, shame, pain, misery..…….all because of a bottlewhich became such a battle, binding and blinding my dad to his own potential.

So my friend, in one horrible incident of which I will spareyou the details, I must have been 7-8….I didn’t know God…..but in my own fearand horror I remember crying out “God!, if you are there…please make himstop!” And He did. It was if my angel came and punched my dadout…for he turned, looked around and passed out…right then and there. I remember crying and vowing…”God I willnever drink…never…never….never’, nor will I ever, ever marry a man who does.”

So, if I bow out of gatherings-family-friends-otherwise…..itis not because I do not care about you and those things you are celebrating…Ijust know that as for me and my house…….we will serve the Lord,,, of which alcoholwill not, does not have a place….too many memories……

One final thought before I get up and get on with mySaturday chores…animals to feed, dishes to do and errands to run.

Sometimes, oh sometimes, I just wonder what my life wouldhave been without the suffering. Whatkind of man could my dad have been?

But, I have to capture that thought, that imagination….andrealize that God had a plan and every trial, tribulation, temptation I haveendured has made into the person I am…..and He is still working….every time Ithink ‘well, what else is buried deep in my soul that can now becleansed?’ Well, some new junk, trashand debris come to surface….to deal with…and God is faithful, gently washingit, cleansing it with the Blood of the Lamb……

With the Blessed Hope and Precious Promise my God has givenus…..I look forward to someday actually ‘meeting’ my Dad. You see not one time did he smile, look at usor give us a hug……but in Heaven I know that along with other loved ones, I canfinally look at my Dad and he will look back at me and say, “I love you’ andfinally give me a much overdue and long awaited…hug’……something to think about

Until next time…hey, I am working on a thought…the Deadly D’s…..stop by in few days and rest a spell and we can talk again real soon on the front porch..........................

THE PROMISE!

2012-01-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

No, this is not a misprint, you do not have to make any adjustments to your screen.

This is not a technical difficulty.....but an opportunity to read and reflect.

Jesus should be celebrated all day everyday!

Enjoy.

Waiting for the Promise!

By now most of us have put away the Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, Christmas cards, Christmas music. Well, I do still have a Christmas CD in the CD player that my daughter, Julie gave me for Christmas. It is beautiful piano music and it is so soothing and serene, that it does not even seem like a traditional Christmas CD. It is so relaxing and helps me tackle the roughest of household chores.

Hopefully, in all that packing and putting away of the holly and the ivy and such stuff, you did not pack away the Christ Child! Too often we get all wrapped up in welcoming the baby in the manger that we too quickly pack Him up along with the other Christmas tinsel until next November.

The Bible tells us that the Child grew and found favor with God and man. The Child grew into a young child, then to a young man. It is believed that he worked along side His earthly father, working with His hands, making things, the Carpenter, until it was time to work alongside His Heavenly father. He went from using His hands to build things on this earth, to giving His hands to be nailed to a tree. He is working right now alongside His heavenly Father, designing and completing a place for you and me in Heaven. It will be perfect.

Part of the Christmas story that gets overlooked, skimmed over or just plain forgotten, is found in Luke 2:21-50. These verses remind us that God fulfills His promises. We are told of a prophet named Simeon and a Prophetess known as Anna. They are unique servants of God, not your everyday meet and greet brother and sister that you would encounter on the street, in your church, in your prayer group. Both had heard of the Promise. They got a hold of the Promise. Refused to let go of the Promise.

What was this Promise? It was A Savior, A Redeemer, A Messiah, A King in the form of a child that would be sent to God’s people. Year after year passed by. Waiting, longing, hoping, seeking, searching, aching for the Promise.

What promise are you holding on to? What dream do you keep before you, surging you forward, the reason for getting up and starting over again and again?

I can image both Simeon and Anna eagerly looking and longing to see the Baby that God had promised. Today perhaps. Tomorrow for sure. It can’t be too much longer can it? Much like we look, hope and wish for the good news, the check, the package in the mail. The anticipation, the excitement, the feeling of elation, this is it! Then the let down, the disappointment, the questioning. And this is what separates these two servants from the rest of us. This is why these two are noted and remembered and referred to age after age, year after year. They refused to let the promise of the Promise die in discouragement. They believed.

Now the way the Holy Spirit weaves and orchestrates our lives is absolutely amazing! It is phenomenal how we just know where we are to go, what we are to say, what we are to do…..sometimes. Other times it is like stumbling around in a fog, in utter darkness in total confusion, mayhem and madness. But ahhh those times we are in tune with the Holy Spirit are life changing.

It was through a series of circumstances that both of these servants ended up in the Temple, looking for the Promise. Praying for the Promise. Prayerfully expecting. If not today, tomorrow. If not tomorrow, next week. God is so faithful.

We are not told exactly how, but both the Prophet and Prophetess KNEW when the Promise entered their presence! Now that is something to think about: to know when the Promise has entered your Presence! Perhaps a topic for discussion for another day.

Simeon was led of the Spirit. He was at the right place at the right time in the right mindset-prayerfully expecting! When Mary and Joseph entered the Temple to carry out the rituals, Simeon was there, took the child and gave a proclamation. This Proclamation when paraphrased went something like this, ‘God, you did it! You kept your Promise! I have seen the Promise and now I can die in peace.”

He went on to deliver a Prophecy concerning this Promise. The Promise would bring God’s people deliverance, but at a price.

If that Proclamation was not enough, then enters Anna, the Prophetess who had worshipped in the Temple for 84 years. She spent day after day, hour after hour, week after week, year after year… praying, fasting and worshiping. Translated: a long, long time!

We think we wait a long time for our promises! This lady was determined. She knew it was Him, the Promise. No one had to tell her, remind her, ask her was she sure. It was Him! She too had a prophecy, a proclamation about the Babe. I am sure Mary and Joseph were left speechless, wondering what was going to happen next. Their little heads spinning around trying to grab and connect with these events.

So in saying all this, I am reminded of the Promises God has made me. I have been holding on to some of them a mighty long time. But it does NOT come close to how long these two waited. These servants of God waited and waited for the Promise. Then waited some more. I ask myself, ‘Am I willing to wait that long?’ Hope I can endure to end but I do pray my wait is not that long. I do hope I will be faithful until the end.

I wonder: what if these two had grown weary? What if they had allowed discouragement to creep in? What about doubt? You know how it is! God said it, but the enemy questions it and soon we chime in with him wondering, ”now what did God say, did He really mean it?”

I also came to the conclusion that often we have a Promise in of our own ministries to fulfill. Simeon had his ministry and knew he and only he was the one to bring this particular prophecy to the Child and His family. No one else. Him. His job. His ministry. No time off, no letting up, no giving up, no distractions until he found his Promise and then blessed and prophesied over the Promise. Then and only then could he move on to the next step, his next assignment, his next calling. Similar situation with Anna. She knew she would see the Promise. But she also had a ministry to do to be a part in setting the scene for the ministry of this little One.

Something to think about. Why do some of us stay upon the earth longer than others? Why are some healed, restored, renewed again and again. They are given a second chance; they get their second wind and continue on, holding on to an invisible lifeline. Others it seems are cut short way before their time. Often too soon to our personal liking.

I have known several older servants of the Lord who seemed to battle one health issue after another and still come through. It is as if God is granting them a little more time to see a Promise. They so long to see that child, that grandchild, that loved one saved and safely gathered in the fold. They have prayed, fasted, worshipped God. They have faithfully stood in the house of the Lord. Longing, listening, for the Promise. God is faithful. If you feel like Simeon, and especially relate to Anna, take heart, be encouraged. God will send the Promise and your heart indeed will be made glad and then and only then will you be released for your next assignment.

By the way, these two are not mentioned in the Word again. Perhaps they both were released shortly after this encounter in the Temple. They probably never saw the Christ Child grew into the young child and then into the young man who would perform miracles, raise people from the dead, open blind eyes, cast out demons, open the deaf ears, open the mouth of the mute. They never saw this Child grew up to be hung on a tree, shed His blood, die on a cruel cross. They never experienced the excitement of the news of the Resurrection. But they saw the part of the Promise that they were called to complete.

But that is the way it is….some plant, some water and some reap…..reaping where they have not sewn. But it is God’s Plan, His Promise. Hold on.

Until another day and another time…. from the Front Porch in Texas…by the way gonna be one of those beautiful days here under the big Texas sky!

From a Front Porch in Texas: "I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK"

2011-12-31T05:57:00.000-08:00

From a Front Porch in Texas: "I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK"

"I STAND AT THE DOOR AND KNOCK"

2011-12-31T05:10:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the front porch! Just finishing up a great holiday season. I am using the term holiday because I am counting Thanksgiving up to New Years Day in my 2011 holiday celebration. In summary, great food (way too much food consumed on my part!), great family gatherings, great visits with church family and friends, received some thoughtful, very much appreciated gifts. Just a great time of celebration. I read a quote that if it wasn’t for Christmas, December would be the bleakest month of the year. Parable there I am sure. If it were not for Christmas and the Christ Child, what a bleak, bland, boring life we would live!

I think most of us really enjoy this season if we admit it. Yes, it can be so hectic, hurried and just plain make us feel hassled to the bone! But, there is no time like these times of gathering. It is important. It is important that we do stop and honor Thanksgiving and give thanks to our God above and be thankful for each other and the countless blessings we have! We are blessed! Blessed! Blessed!

Christmas means-even if your baby left you, somehow you ended up on a Naughty List or you walked around impersonating Scrooge-you are blessed. Because of the Babe in the Manger your life can have hope and happiness.

I started daily posting to Facebook this past year. Well, I will back up. I vowed I would not get involved in Facebook or texting. Had heard this and that. For one thing time was a factor, another I just didn’t want to post things such as”getting into my car, driving down the road, stopping at a stop sign’. A. Kinda silly. B. Who in the world would care? Now, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE seeing in a timely manner what the kiddos and grandkiddos are doing! Love it! I am mildly interested in what the rest of you are doing. Also, I enjoy in connecting with friends and church folk from 20-30 plus years ago! Amazing.

Well, when the kids would have events and celebrations and I would ask for pictures. One word reply: Facebook. So, my daughter Lori and I jokily said, “we will go to the darkside’ that is Facebook.

Now, I would cruise and was very selective about whom I ‘befriended’, made an occasional comment and very few post. I saw so many posts in October about Halloween and ghosts and goblins…and thought hum, there has got to be more. Then it seemed the Holy Spirit began to drop little inspirational nuggets in my spirit and I would post. I remember the light going off and the thought, ‘Facebook can be more than who is doing what, where and with whom and can be a network of inspiration for believers’. Now, I can hear the sneers and jeers. Facebook and the gospel?. Facebook as a tool to inspire and perhaps even encourage, evangelize, maybe enlighten? Why not? To quote a family member…’don’t like it..don’t read it or better yet unbefriend me or delete me’. I ask why not post inspiration? Other ‘social media’ is used for the Gospel, radio, TV, live streaming, websites, on and on. I am fully and firmly convinced God can use any tool that is relevant to our generation.

100% of the time the thought or inspiration first comes through and inspires me. Sometimes a scripture, picture or a song will also come along. Interesting.

So I am here in the New Millennium …got here as fast as I could.

As 2011 bows its sleepy little head, and those eyes get heavier and heavier, I am reflecting, reviewing and revisiting the Year. Overall, rough, twisty, turny, topsy turvy, bumpy, brusey, bouncing, discouragement, down one roller coaster and doomed it seemed to ride on it forever. Trials, tribulations and tears for family, friends, loved ones. A time of battering and beating by the Storms of Life. We have thrown up our hands and cry out. Wring our hands and sob. If we could we would climb the mast of our ship like Captain Dang from Forest Gump and shake our fist and dare our God to bring it on. But we know better or should know better!

But here we are on the tail end of 2011, the tired old man gave us his best shot, one right after another, and while we all had several near misses with disaster, here we are. Still Standing! We replied on the saying, ‘I stand tallest when I am on my knees”. Yep, the knees hand in hand with a contrite broken heart move the Hand and Heart of our God. Funny thing we read and know that He is aware of even when one little hair falling from our head. So why do we think He has forsaken us when our heart is broken into a trillion pieces. Oh, He does know about every little bump and scratch life throws at us…nothing absolutely nothing that happens to us surprises Him….but because of Who He is, He allows pain, sorrow and hurt into our lives. He had to do this when His own Son was suffering for our salvation. Who do we think we are? It is too complex and complicated for me to ever explain let alone understand! But by faith I trust in the Living God and His Son Jesus my Savior! He knows best-everytime.

But, we must keep our mind stayed-thinking of-Him. Trust Him. Believe Him. Know Him. Because this life is only a vapor as stated in James 4:14, The Message "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." As I get older the vapor seems to dissipate quicker and quicker! This is not our home nor is it our end. This is boot camp, training ground, school. Lesson after lesson until we are molded, formed and shaped into His Likeness day by day. 2 Corinthians 3:18 The Message “And we who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” Not easy! Not easy at all! We are just like little stubborn children. We have our own mindsets and views and visions. They usually DON”T line up with His Plan.

So as we close out 2011-goodbye, good riddance, so long, see ya never again. BUT, the experiences, lessons and growth are ours. We are chiseled and sharpened, polished and perfected day by day by His Grace. We are His handiwork. His vessel, once made ready become a Weapon of His Warfare, by Him we have a part in tearing down strongholds.

So today on December 31, the last official day of 2011 and for me the last post about Christmas. Let’s move on, move up, move forward. We are a little stronger, hopefully a lot wiser, a little braver, a little apprehensive perhaps, a little excited I hope, but more determined to make the best of the gifts and callings God has given us! 2012 come on down! We welcome you with Hope, Faith, Joy and LOVE. May this be the best year yet for us all is my prayer. Amen.

Speaking of moving on, time to get up from this front porch and get busy. Lots to think about. Lots to do! Until we meet again, GOD BLESS YOU!

HEARTS AND HOPE

2011-12-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

Well, welcome to the front porch. It has been a LONG time since I have stolen a few minutes and visited the front porch. It was on my ‘to do’ list but somehow other priorities came up and the visit to the porch just got bumped and bounced right off the list. I have had small stirrings lately to visit the porch more often. It is a place that is good for my body and soul. Mainly my soul. I muse, wonder, ponder and reflect upon life. Good thing sometimes...sometimes a bad thing. Too much thinkin’ can turn into stinkin’ thinkin', well we all know how that goes.

Anyway, today’s visit is about Hearts and Hope. Just came to me as I was praying and reflecting on my way to work one morning. I have a good 50-60 minute drive each morning. No complaints. For now I know I am right where I am suppose to be as far as my job-ministry-kinda go hand in hand. But, for years now-no radio, no music just me and the Lord and my many supplications for my family, friends, church, community –world. Amazing how quickly those wheels turn when engaged in good conversation. Sometimes I arrive and my response is: whoa I didn’t get to talk to God about everyone and everything on my list! But the company and conversation I did have just helps me settle into my day.

In this Christmas season I am perplexed, overwhelmed, kinda getting exhausted and just plain down right burdened. You see I see and hear of troubles on the left, troubles on the right, before, behind and above. I sometimes think, “God”?? I am your child and don’t you see, hear or even care? Now, I know this is not the case! But, flesh creeps in with a little-no a lot of help from the enemy that would cause me to question my faithful, loving ever caring Savior. Shame on me.

However, as in your circle of family and friends-have you ever seen such a time as this? Suffering of good people, good people homeless-living under bridges, in cardboard boxes. Good people told-you’re fired and it was not by Donald Trump-but a trusted friend, boss of many years who callously throws those words into your face. The doctor says-that’s it-no more chemo for you-the end of the journey-get your house in order. An unexpected and much inconvenient hospital detour that is frustrating and baffling-tests, tests and more tests. What will the final outcome be? A mother, father or other family member who you help make funeral arrangements because the healing has not come-well the healing here on earth. The perfect healing will come later. Or the bonus promised by the employer that you desperately need to live not just have a ‘nice’ Christmas BUT was promised and not delivered! The bill collectors-they must be modern day Scrooges-sorry it is a dirty job and must be done-but whew some of us are really telling the truth when we say ‘check is in the mail’, my husband has been sick and our medical bills are astronomical, I lost my job, etc.

Now before we all sit down and have one big pity party, let’s reflect on a time over 2000 years ago. Times were kinda about the same, troubles on the left, on the right, behind, in front off and on top of! The world as they knew it was in chaos. The rich were getting richer, the poor were getting poorer, the sick seemed to get sicker, the greedy were getting greedier and the mean, and well they are meaner period. The people of God felt so hopeless and helpless. Where was this Promise? We have waited and waited and waited! Just like in our lives here in 2011. Instead of things getting better they seem to get worse. Oh, well we know why…goes back to a Garden, a Gal and a Guy and a mean old Godzilla...aka...smooth talking operator who was so convincing that the gal and guy fell for the biggest lie ever…well, the rest is His Story!

Anyway, in a little town tucked into the hills of Judea lived a young girl, wondering. Pondering what would happen to her. Did she have a hope, a future? Looked pretty bleak. Hard cold facts of life. But as the story goes she did have a Heart, a huge heart, a heart so big that her heart, soul and body would be trusted to conceive, carry and complete the PROMISE.

Wonderful calling right? Before we get too giddy and too many stars in our eyes and say things like’ what a lucky girl’. Step back. Take a second look. A young girl, minding her daily business, probably talking to God as we all should do on a regular basis. Mind you not just a’ Good Morning Lord’, and at the evening a mumbled sleepy, “now I lay me down to sleep’ greeting. But, deep soul searching, pouring out your heart to God. Talking to Him about the most intimate details of your life. Trusting him with your secrets, hopes and dreams-your very life. Few of us take the time or trouble to get to know our God on this level. It’s too personal and private we think. Really? Guess what He already knows all the nitty gritty dirty little secrets. He is just waiting for us to talk to Him about them so He can gently address each of them.

Anyway, I imagine one such morning like any other-we know those kind. Get up, go to work, take care of the kids and husband, or elderly parents or?? Many times not enough sleep, rest, even enough food. Worry, wonder where the food, money, strength will come from to get through the day. If you do have enough food and money and your needs are met-notice the operative word is needs-then Thank God in Heaven above. Countless millions do not have this luxury. Know you are promised ‘daily bread’….enough said.

Young girl perhaps mid teens we believe-going about her business on yet another hopeless day, what will today bring? When to her surprise, to put it mildly, she has a visitor. Not just any visitor but one dispatched from Heaven-from God Himself to bring her a call, a challenge a commission like no other. Talk about your life changing in a moment, an instant! This is our God! One Word dispatched from His mouth rearranges, messes with those enemies and those who have hurt us and sets our feet on an entirely different path.

Something like that happened to Mary. One minute minding her business, the next face to face with God’s Heavenly Messenger. She is told ‘not to fear’. Whew, you’ve got to be kidding. Most of us would have fainted dead away. All the smelling salts, pats on the face, cold water thrown on us would NOT have fazed us. Apparently none of that happened-remember Mary was chosen for a reason-she was made of tough stuff. What a great thing to be said of us, “made of tough stuff’. Too many of us are fluff and cotton candy blown away by any little bump or bruise along the way. Not this gal. See God does know what He is doing!

Back to Mary. Anyway, after the initial fear factor thing passed, she is told she is highly favored. Whew, that will float your boat, puff you up some, fill up your balloon, make you sit up a little straighter, walk a little taller. The Message puts it like this,

“Good Morning!

You’re beautiful with God’s beauty.

Beautiful inside and out.

God be with you.”

Me, you talking to me?? Yep, no one else around but little Mary. Kinda good news …bad news… thingee. Perhaps this is where the original idea of the good news, bad news came from?

Mary is probably feeling pretty good. Had no idea what this visitor was talking about for the most part. You see as good and pure and right and great as Mary was-I believe even she had her own dirty little secrets. Those thought of jealously, bitterness, coveting, questioning, stubbornness, disobedience…….who knows what else. She was human-but the key was her heart.

I am sure she was shaken, speechless, surprised beyond words!

The angel assured her she had nothing to fear and God had a surprise for her! And a surprise it was!

Then she is told the most INCREDIBLE thing ever! She is going to get pregnant-not the usual way Momma told her about…aka. the facts of life we all learn about. But something, mystical, mysterious yet marvelous is going to overshadow her and conceive in her a baby. A what..Did you just say a baby? One that has ten fingers and ten tiny toes, that coos and goos a… BABY. Now, if Mary didn’t need the smelling salts, the cold water, the slap in the face now….she never will. She calmly, rationally asked, ummm, how is this possible how in the world is this possible???

As if this news could not get any more incredible…the angel calmly, gently and lovingly adds. “This child you deliver will be Holy, the Son of God”.

Mary, just as calmly, gently and loving replied, “I am the Lord’s servant; let it be as you say”.

Amazing. Absolutely amazing. No handbooks, maps or agendas. No provisions, plans or pampering. No asking “who, what, when, where or why”. Most of us would have let our imagination jump on a runaway train and never recovered from the initial greeting. Not Mary. Certainly no whining. This was Mary’s Heart. Big enough to handle this assignment, one step at a time. This assignment is her Hope. She does not understand any of it EXCEPT God has given her the Call to be a part of this glorious Promise. She is a part of the Christmas story. His Story. We wonder and ponder and ask, “What woman is this” who could answer such a call. But, as great as she was, she was a vessel for His Plan, His Promise, His Purpose. She is never to be worshipped. Instead to be remembered as ‘a servant, let it be as you say’.

One of the most moving Christmas songs is: Mary Did You Know? Take some time this Christmas season and listen to the words. No, Mary did not know…..every little or big thing that would happen to her and her Son. What she did know was she had a Heart and now because of her obedience generation after generation down unto this year 2011.. would have hope! Merry Christmas!

A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS!

2011-02-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

Well, well, here in Texas most of the snow is gone..for now...more expected this week!

So until then, I am back here on the front porch sharing with you some of the

sights from the 40th Anniversary trip Preacher and I took this past August.

Well, we camped-as you saw on a previous visit-and we had just crossed the

Tennessee state line and BOOM.....our truck quit...

we were climbing one of the highest inclines I can

remember and BOOM..we were able to pull over to the side of the road

and surprise......no cell phone service....and car after car zooming by.

Finally, my little cellphone -worked as it usually does- if you stand just right.....

and we did finally get a signal and soon the

old faithful Dakota Blue was pulled onto

a tow truck and off we went. Where?????...not too many options...

.we were towed to a service station and

thus the wait began....we sat and sat and sat and sat.

Just kinda kicked back and visited with others who strangely enough were in a

similiar situation and strangely enough were from the Dallas area. Nice couple..small world.

Finally, we were back on the road.

Beautiful country-absolutely beautiful!

We were running behind schedule and pulled into Gatlinburg around dusk.

Beautiful!

On a whim we stopped at a little motel on the edge of town that sat

on a creekbed that ran right through town.

The price was right-so we stayed.

Only one other couple in the whole place. Believe it or not in the small world department-they were

from Garland, Texas not too far away from where I teach.

Interesting!

AND

Quiet, peaceful, soothing..,.a little creek complete with ducks swimming by.

We had a little picnic supper on the deck, listening to the water, enjoying the cool refreshing breeze.

Priceless!

Now this is the Gatlinburg Preacher and I love...no big booming businesses..

just country-plain and simple-beautiful

SIMPLE, SERENE, SOOTHING.....

The next morning we took a walk. Right down the street from our little place

was this beautiful waterful.

Well, just a few favorite memories to share on this cold February evening.

Thanks for stopping by the front porch.

I have a few more memories from the 40th anniversary trip to share. We still have sights to see,

miles to travel, people to visit and memories to share.

Well, until next time you get to stop by the front porch ......

know that we are blessed beyond measure.

Take care.

HOW THE SUPER BOWL HAS TURNED INTO THE 'SNOW BOWL!"

2011-02-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

FORECAST!? 1/2 TO 1 1/2 INCHES!

REALITY-8 INCHES!

SNOW ON TOP OF ICE-PERFECT COMBINATION HERE IN TEXAS FOR

A DISASTER...

WINTER WONDERLAND! AND A WONDER IT IS.....

4TH DAY THIS WEEK SCHOOLS, BUSINESSES AND OF COURSE

ROADS CLOSED.

EVEN THE POND WAS FROZEN AND COVERED WITH SNOW!

DUCKS SEEM TO ENJOY......

ANYWAY, TOOK A BLOG OFF IN WRITING ABOUT THE

40 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TRIP PREACHER AND I TOOK LAST SUMMER

AND SHARING SOME OF OUR 'WARM' TEXAS WEATHER WITH YOU.

It is usually 57 degrees here ......give or take a few degrees. However, this week has been

a record breaker in many ways. We jokingly call it 'global warming'.

It has turned Big D into a winter wonderland...much to the agnst of the

SUPERBOWL POWERS THAT BE.

My take on all this? a) SIGNS in the heavens and earth

b) in the light of

economical distress-let's think about our

PRIORITIES

Anyway, thanks for stopping by the front porch...BRRRRRRR cold, snow and ice...not our usual greeting. Looking forward to warmer,

brighter, sunnier, nicer, less stressful, more relaxing, sweeter, and calmer days here on the front porch.

Until we meet again......keep the faith and stay warm!

40 YEARS IN THE MAKING!

2011-01-24T17:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome! Welcome! Thanks for stopping by the Front Porch. Busy the last few days...really last few week I guess. School, church, family...sounds like life! Anyway decided to take some time the next few weeks, maybe even months and look back 40 something years....walk down memory lane....stopping to smell the roses....a blog jog journal of the my life.

This is going to me sharing some pictures, memories and highlights. So sit a spell for now and get comfortable. We'll visit for a while and when you need to go just move on. We'll say so long until next time.

Well, where do I begin??? Think for today I'll begin with this past summer. Yep, this past summer. You see the Preacher and I got to take one of those rare trips with just me and him, him and me ...just the two of us. We decided to take a camping trip. Now for some crazy reason we in our old days still love camping! I love the great outdoors....I think the Preacher loves building and sitting around the camp fire...100 degrees-sweat pouring down your face....he still loves those campfires...

Anyway, featured today is the Big Blue Dodge Dakota....a good ole truck that just keeps running along. We packed it front, back seat and the bed of the truck packed to overflowing too....just the two of us but I think I packed everything BUT this front porch.

We take off...it had been a busy summer...I worked summer school...it was close to time to start school again-but we set our date and time. set and this trip was awhopping 10 days!! 10 days away from the Barnyard....a treat indeed...thanks to young son Tim and his little two guys who were going to keep a watchful eye and the Barnyard crew

..truck packed and off we go to one of our favorite places...Smoky Mountains...we are not real crazy about Pigeon Forge and all the commerical too much to do...too much money activities. But we do love those mountains-beautiful...refreshing for the body, soul and spirit. So off we go into the wild blue yonder. We had a tent, sleeping bags, and all the gear needed.. EXCEPT Arkansas, Tennessee and several other states were in the grip of a HEAT WAVE!.. Anyway, first night we stop and camp in Arkansas...at a state park...it was pretty nice a little too crowded for our liking and HOT HOT HOT....long night indeed....back on the road and what was the highlight of this little stop was a CRACKER BARREL right there ...had to pass right by it to get back on the highway. Well, you can guess we just had to pull in there. One of the best if not the best breakfast meals we ever had-anywhere..anytime..good stuff indeed!

Finally, we make it to Tennessee....second night we found another state park with some of the most unusual camp sites I ever saw. Huge pillars holding up huge beams on which you pulled your truck, RV or whatever on and set up there high in the air overlooking a beautiful lake. We make camp, fixed some supper and yep Preacher built us a nice fire.... It was a little cooler-still hot-but oh so pretty and the night sounds so relaxing. Take a look at those pillars....a real wonder to build...the bonus was that no one was close by at all...as a matter of fact we drove all around and counting us there were only 3 campers in the whole park....nice...quiet and relaxing......say you gotta go...understand...stop by again and I'll be ready to share more adventures and pictures of '40 years in the making'! Until we visit again..........be blessed from the front porch.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW AND IT DID!!

2011-01-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

And snow it did...an unusual site here in the barnyard!

A WINTER WONDERLAND

Tim's car.....snowbound!

The path to the barnyard...snow covered-but beautiful!

Yes, it did snow today....big flakes, wet the kind that sticks to the trees and roads and everything. It would have been great snowman weather...no grandkids around to do that and frankly I'm getting too old and its just too cold for me and the Preacher to frolic in the snow.

Instead, we went to church-had a good service...slip and slid all the way home...to a Sunday dinner of ribs, mac and cheese, veggies, bread and a brownie dessert. Cozy fire and hot coffee made the afternoon perfect!

He took a nap, and me I did the usual ...farm chores, house chores and catching up on this and that.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by the snowy....cold front porch. By the way...at the end of the week temps will be back in the 60's.......go figure! IT'S TEXAS!

"I HAVE CREATED FIRE!"

2011-01-08T17:41:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the front porch! Well, the Preacher did it! He built a big roaring fire! It is nice and warm, and oh so cozy. Now the bad weather has not moved in .....yet. It is suppose to start late tonight and early tomorrow and continue throughout the day. This is NOT want any preacher wants to hear on a Saturday!!! It is hard enough to get church folk to be faithful in attendance-even on a good day. But especially around here-
s n o w sends chills and thrills and general over all p a n i c to people in the Dallas area. So we will see. For the meantime, to quote Tom Hanks in his big scene....."I have created fire!'...I guess it is a 'man thing??" Anyway, thanks for stopping by...brrrr...bundle up, stay warm and stop by again real soon!

THE FRONT PORCH IS READY!!

2011-01-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

Well, the front porch is ready indeed! The preacher said, "There's a cold front coming and I need a little firewood'. Firewood, firewood and more firewood! The woodbox is overflowing and there is more wood stacked on the front porch. Our sons, Tim and Joe, would be pleased! They love building fires and at Christmas kept all of us warm and cozy (sometimes a little too warm!). An unusual cold spell is due this weekend...maybe a little snow! Did I say SNOW? Yes, sure did!! But with soup simmering on the stove, warm bread baking in the oven, a fresh hot cup of coffee, sitting next to the warm fire, and chatting with the Preacher....what could be better??.....God is indeed good! Until we chat again on the front porch, stay warm in body, soul and spirit!

1/1/11 The New Year Begins

2011-01-01T17:43:00.000-08:00

Greetings from the front porch here in Texas. Kinda cold here tonight. BUT Happy New Year. A New Year, new season and new beginning. A time of lookng back-some regrets, missed opportunities, shortcomings-overall a time to let go...'it is what it is'-has become my new motto. Things happen both good and bad with so much of it being out of our control. Let it go-'forgetting those things behind and pressing forward to the mark...the prize set before us'.

What lies ahead in 2011??..Joe just preached via ustream about the unsteadiness of 2010. His message was to take a cue from Joseph and as we encounter and endure our season in transistion-a prison of sorts-to look at the people God places in our path. Joseph's first encounter was with the butler, one who prepares, then the baker-one who takes all the ingredients and makes 'it' all come together and then finally pharoah-the one who promotes and lavishes blessings and favor on us.

Interesting....can we get a little closer to 'heaven in 2011?'...by that I mean seek Him a little longer and stronger...trust Him a lot more for what He has in store....serve Him in what ever position or situation we may find ourselves in.

What joy to know no matter what 2011 brings We can abide in Him and He abides with us.

Until next time we meet on the front porch...May the joy of the Lord be yours.

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

2010-12-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

I have been 'away' almost a year..It has been a year of ups and downs, trials and triumphs, lows and highs, peace and turmoil, content and discontent...I could go on. Overall it has been a YEAR. 2010 goodbye! Looking into 2011 I don't see much hope for the world except the hope we have in Christ. Hopefully I will start blogging again.....at least once a week? We'll see, until then I am enjoying my few stolen minutes here and there sitting, sipping my coffee and simmering in the love and joy which the Lord brings. Thanks for stopping by. When we meet up again, I'll have to share some our Christmas Happenings here on the front porch. Unitl then....happy trails..

NEW ARRIVALS IN THE BARNYARD!

2010-01-16T18:09:00.000-08:00

News from the front porch!

LIFE goes on!

Early Friday around 5:00ish AM I went to the barn and behold...2 new baby lambs! Unexpected for sure and surprising yes.

I was very pleasantly surprised because Mary and Martha have 'lambed' in late February and early March...not in January.

However, as a testimony to God's goodness and how very much He wants to get involved and 'get all in our business' is amazing!

On Wednesday afternoon I was rushing around after school and trying to get out the door in time to go to church...I felt a strong urging to put Mary and Mary in the barn. This means they are in a stall and safe and secure, warm and ready....however, my first reaction to this urging was "in January?'.

Anyway, so I did...this means more work...food, water must be carried and set up and then there's the cleaning out of the stall.

Thursday was a hectic day and an evening the Preacher and I had a lot of soul searching talking about stuff going on in our lives; our families, our church, the world. We sat, talked and just took comfort in each other's company knowing that God was in control and His plan would unfold. So, no trip to the barn...I knew everyone had enough provisions for another day.

I usually DON'T make daily trips to the barn at 5:00 AM BEFORE school...but there again felt a strong urging....as if a voice saying, "come, I want to show you something'. Friday morning was cold, damp and rainy...not my favorite time to visit the barn. As a matter of fact, it is conditions like that that cause me to question why I do have these critters in the first place!

Anyway, I rounded the corner of the barn and there they were! Two little lambs...Mary's little twin boys! As you can see from the picture one is a little tiny thing. He is Judah....the larger almost all white guy is Levi.

Now, why would the God in Heaven who is very busy watching over trillions of people, not counting animals, etc., take the time to speak to me about lambs? I told the Preacher that God really wants to get 'all in our business' big time! What matters to us matters to Him. This is just a small matter...but nevertheless important to me...God knows how sad I would have been if the lambs had been born outside in the rain and cold without shelter and covering. Coyotes are always a concern around here...although the Great Pyrenese...Daisy Mae is doing a good job of guardingso no coyotes lately. Someday I'll tell the story of Daisy Mae.... but back to lambs.....

Now, I have had gentle nudging before about checking on things, HAVE NOT heeded the leading and had adverse outcomes....Afterwards, wringing my hands and thinking, ' I felt like I should have....(fill in the blank')...and missed out, messed up.

So, this has been a reminder of God's care and provision...He loves me...He really does! It reminds me that He wants for me to walk and talk with Him in such a way, that I can say with confidence..." Here am I God, speak to me"!

As a proud barnyard 'grannie' I am going to post some pictures. I have a newfangled camera..Flip camera..a mini video thingee.....I will attempt to load it so if you get a 'show of the barn' good... if not, you may just get a still digital picture clip. Whichever it is...oohhh and ahhhh and marvel at God's creations.

So from my front porch to wherever you are..a big babaaaabaaa..and be blessed and 'open up your heart, listen to what He wants to speak in your life"!

DUCKS WALKING ON WATER!

2010-01-15T19:16:00.001-08:00

Shivery greetings from the front porch!

History was made on the farm! Ducks walking on the water.....the first time since we have been here when the POND froze over! Unbelievable....to quote Joe kinda..sorta."there is several inches of frozen global warming in my pond, in the water buckets, in the water troughs, in the chicken watering tubs...in the dogs water, etc." you get the idea.

Come back tomorrow....new arrivals on the farm! Pictures to share too...so until then stay warm...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!

2010-01-09T07:53:00.000-08:00

COLD, COLD GREETINGS FROM THE FRONT PORCH! IT IS COLD!

But on to warmer thoughts.

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE!

January 8, 1978 Joseph Glen Gabbard arrived in the Gabbard family. It was a very cold, snowy day and that entire winter was very cold and snowy...much like the weather right now....but just as it did then...it will again thaw and warm into ...Spring and Spring will come!

It is God's promise. Be encouraged and be of good cheer...Genesis 8:22..."while the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease'. This certainly applies to the earth BUT on my journey I realized this has spiritual signifance...at least to me. There is a time to plant and a time you must wait to enjoy the harvest.

Do you ever feel that there are times of 'coldness'...where is God? We cry, " God, I feel so alone and far away, no covering, no shelter"...BUT HE is always near. Then there are times of heat, the presence of God is so awesome and real it feels like we will be consumed! A time also when that heat will melt away all the dross in our life.

Winter, I am entering the winter of my life. When I was young in the hills of Kentucky running and playing.. I was in the spring of my life....seems just moments ago...

Then married and a young mother in the midst of the summer of my life, busy planting and growing young lives for the Kingdom. Fall quickly came and a time to see grandkids born and grow and children developing their own place in this world. Fall is such a beautiful time...both in the natural and spiritual. I have seen beautiful, wonderful, glorious color splashed all through the lives of my children and grandchildren! Beautiful!

Winter...it is not my favorite time of the year by any means!! However, God in His wisdom has set all this in motion....both in the earth and in our own life cycle. Am I sad? No, I realize I have had the gift of the 3 seasons, enjoying the beauty, the bounty and the blessings they have brought me.

Winter is a time for me and perhaps most to look to Him as never before...realize even when it seems there is little or no life that under the ground, in our foundation, so to speak, He is working and we still have purpose for His Kingdom. Just as the gnarled tree, twisted and tattered, bent and burdened with the ice and snow winter brings, we are still productive for the Kingdom and for the next generation.

Where are you today in your season? Wherever, rejoice, be glad, glance back and smile at the memories of beauty and bounty you have enjoyed...but don't be sad at what has been lost, opportunities, relationships, materials, possessions, youth..does it really matter now? Who said what, did what, he said, she said. that's a road to nowhere that has a deadend.....

Instead take a firm hold on the NOW, enjoy it for the NOW, embrace it for the NOW, let it envelope you for the NOW. The NOW quickly becomes the past... SO above all, trust God wherever you are.

It seems no matter what season we are in, there are times when we are in pain, in sorrow, in misery. That's life and that's the season. All seasons have good and bad, hard, difficult times, yet fun, enjoyable, hilarious, wonderful times.

If you are suffering, beaten down, tired, lonely, confused, know that 'this too shall pass'...and like I heard last night at a prayer meeting, ..God can use your PROBLEMS to bring Glory to His Kingdom and to work a work in you. Interesting.

All this comes in each season...each one of us must work out our own salvation and develop that relationship with the Lord that will sustain us. But in the Winter....those extra things such as weeds, 'prettiness' which is superficial, dies and is gone. Ironic, that in this season no matter how we try we cannot keep the winter from arriving. It comes. So all that appears to be left is bareness..ugliness, oldness. We are standing exposed before God and all mandkind. No amount of make-up, treatments, botox can really help. The beauty God desires and wants to see is inward. Hmmm, 'man is always looking on the outward'...so glad my God is looking on the inside. Or are we? Looking inside He can see and ask, "How much have you grown?? That will be the test.

So during our seasons, we must allow the roots to grow deeper, allow the seasonal prunings..the cutting away of those things that have gotten out of control in our lives. We are cut back , all the unnecessary, extra, superficial, stuff is taken and burned-as it should be!

However, the evidence is there as to who/what we really are. The type of tree (person) we are is evident. What we have produced thru the years stands on record. Rotten, tree-rotten fruit. Imature tree-imature fruit. Lack of nutrients (WORD)very little useful fruit. You get the pictures. HMM, we are known by our fruit, can't fool God. He is the untimate fruit inspector after all. It is known. It has been established. That cannot be taken away. But even more significant is our roots. Interesting..the part man cannot see...but God sees. After all the 'type of roots determines the fruits'.

Our lifeline, our foundation, where we get our strength, our nourishment-our roots. By the time winter arrives we should have deep, strong roots. Faith should be anchored...that no winter storms will overtake us, destroy us....we should stand firm and steady.......until the time appointed by God, when the fullness of our seasons have come and the shell we live in is broken and the seeds from that shell are scattered onto the earth. Then and only then they can fall to the ground and the cycle can continue until Genesis 8:22, ...."while the earth remains.

Then and only then can we fly, fly, fly into the eternal place, the destiny He has prepared. What a promise! Hold steady, stay strong, be ready, press in...whatever it takes!

So until the next meeting here on the front porch....be rooted and grounded as never before in HIM!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T18:25:00.001-08:00

A hearty welcome to 2010 and all of you from the front porch! Most of us are so glad for the 'new beginning'. A friend commented that it's just 'turning the page on a calendar'. True, but there is something new, fresh and exciting about beginning a new year-especially if the one we just survived was so difficult.

I am embarking on a 21 day journey-a spiritual seeking and searching to perhaps help me make sense of some of the events that 'went down' in 2009. Difficult questions, difficult times, difficult situations-difficult. A year ago if someone would have given me a heads up about some of the difficult situations that I would find myself in-I would never have believed it. But, nevertheless, here I am.

Preacher is doing a sermon series on "A New Year and A New You". Good stuff. We can't change other people. But we can change ourselves. It's not easy. I'm finding that out in just this first day of the journey. Old routines, old habits, old mindsets. We are such creatures of comfort and habit.

I'm believing for a 'breakthrough or breakout' which ever comes first.

So, as I look into 2010 I feel it is a time to 'press in'. Press into the Lord and His presence, protection and power. Press into Him just as the woman with the issue of blood did and touch Him. Press into the Word.

So from the front porch, Happy Blessed New Year. And by the way enjoy the little snowfall we had a few days ago. There's s'no'w place like home.

T'WAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN TEXAS!

2009-12-24T18:17:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas from the front porch in TEXAS!

It is a rare night indeed in that it is SNOWING here in Texas. One report was that there has not been a white Christmas in Dallas since 1926! But the view from this front porch is definetly white...snow everywhere.

So I've posted a few pictures..of the Gabbard Christmas celebrations. We alternate holiday gatherings...an 'agreement' that we started years ago..it has worked out pretty good. We get everyone one holiday say Thanksgiving and then for Christmas that year everyone can go with the other side of the family and the next year visa versa. This year we will not only have a white Christmas but a quite one as well.

Shopping is done...presents mailed off to those who are out of town...cooking started for Christmas dinner tomorrow, just got home from the candlelight service at church, snowing outside, a roaring fire in the fireplace and "It's a Wonderful Life" is on the TV.....it is indeed a very Merry Christmas!

So from this white front porch to yours....perhaps you are like me really experiencing a white Christmas or maybe just ....as the song goes...'dreaming of a white Christmas' as the song goes 'may your day be merry and bright'. But when it is all said and done if you know Him who whose birthday we are celebrating..it will indeed be a blessed day! He is still the reason for the season.

December Birthday Time!

2009-12-19T17:52:00.000-08:00

ALL 8 OF THE GABBARD GRANDKIDS!
KARSON'S FARM BIRTHDAY PARTY AT GRANNIES BARNYARD! Happy 2nd Birthday KARSON!
THE BIRTHDAY BOY!
BIRTHDAY GIRL CAMRYN AND 'FRIENDS"
SWEET BIRTHDAY GIRL!

Greetings from a front porch in Texas!

December is a month of many celebrations...but for our family we have two birthday celebrations...Our youngest grandchild, Karson just turned 2 and our 'oldest' grandchild, Camryn, is 11 years old today! Happy Birthday Camryn! All the grandkids are such a blessing...each unique and their own little being. Camryn is becoming a young lady who loves to read and loves her kitten "Goldie' who just happens to live here with me. It is going to be very interesting to see how each of these 8 grandkids mature and what each will become!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LORI!

2009-10-11T15:04:00.001-07:00

Greetings from the front porch!

Just got back from Kentucky and a really good visit with my family-but especially with my mother who shares a birthday with Lori. Mom was 80 years young yesterday October 10th. I did not get to visit her this summer...as a matter of fact it has been almost a year and a half since I had seen her. A great deal has happened since then. She is now in a nursing home-really a very nice place and for the most part doing pretty good. It was good to spend time with her-visit with my other family members and to also see some fall colors! It was cool and rainy but a really nice visit.

Back to the other birthday girl. I am a day late in this posting-due to being out of town-but do want to say a few words about baby girl #2- Lori Ann. She followed her big sister a little over 4 years later. Lori arrived at the Gabbard house on a cool October morning via Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. It was the trend then to not have ANY medications-nothing-during the labor and delivery. The delivery was pretty easy-considering. She was a petite 6 pounds 12 ounces and looked so much like her big sister, Julie. Little round face and cute as a button. Back then you had no idea what gender your little blessing would be either so it was perfectly fine we had another little girl.

Anyway, Lori has been and continues to be a real blessing, and was such a sweet little girl. She can hold her own in any situation-firm but fair. She has grown into a wonderful lady-mother and wife. I admire her accomplishments-her devotion and dedication to her 'men'....Aaron, Caleb and Lukey. I call them the Garza guys and she is the Garza gal.

Lori above all is a woman of God..who has proven time and time again the strong faith she has in her God. She has weathered many storms and stood firm in each one and come out with a deeper walk with her God and a greater testimony.

She is a great cook! Just check out her blog for her many mouth watering recipes. She can stretch a dollar farther than anyone I know. A true Proverbs woman!

I have included just a few of my favorite pictures of her and a few of her family. She grows more beautiful every day both outwardly and inwardly.

Lori Happy Birthday...You are a treasure. Love from the front porch!

A LABOR OF LOVE

2009-09-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the front porch.

Not your typical evening...weather has been rainy and everything looks more like spring than Fall... I can handle that!

Speaking of rain..I am finding that having huge trees right in front of our house is a great blessing but can also be a burden. Twice now this summer we have had some major tree branch breakage at the home place. Heavy rain, lightning?? not sure. Anyway, number 2 son, the 'baby' took several hours out of his busy busy schedule and came over and cut the branches-cut up for fire wood :) and did several other major 'parent do' chores for us! TIM, A SHOUT OUT FOR YOUR HELP! Me and the preacher just aren't as strong as we used to be. Those young strong arms of Tim's sure helped us out.

I pray blessings of many times over come back upon you Tim. Have a great week! May God pour out on you so many blessings you cannot count them all.

By the way this is one of my favorite pictures of me, Tim and his dad. Us on a younger better day and Tim as handsome as ever!

From the front porch to yours especially to Tim's Love ya!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!

2009-09-13T05:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings from a rainy (much needed) kinda cozy Sunday morning from the front porch!

Today is Preacher and my's daughter's birthday. She was born on a sunny Kentucky evening...just a few years back-so it seems. Preacher and I married young right out of high school-that seemed to be the thing to do back then...we were very young-very much in love and have had a roller coaster ride ever since! Ups and downs kinda sums it up after 39 years of marriage. But I would not change anything about my dear Preacher or the wonderful, blessing-the gifts as Joe pointed out the last time he preached or us...my family. I feel each one was sent by God..fearfully and wonderfully made-unique as can be.

Out of those 39 nine years came 4 children and 8 grandchildren and blessings and memories and good times and even a few bumps along the way. We had Julie 2 years after our marriage-we were still so young! I am the oldest of 8 children-Glen one of 12 .but I soon realized that being part of a being family dosen't automatically make you a wise parent! As a matter of fact-how strange it is that for the MOST important job in all the world-being a parent-the ONLY game plan/road map/user guide/manual/ that we have is the Bible...God's Word. It gives us directions...but still being a parent MUST be done with prayer and fasting and fear and trembling daily. I made countless mistakes along the way-hopefully my children now as parents themselves will realize just how hard it is being a parent...it's a challenge when trying to speak in wisdom, making decisions in wisdom-you just do the best you can and PRAY.

Julie kinda of grew up with us it seems...has always been there is seems...has been a steady constant part of our lives. Her and the Preacher always had a very special relationship..even from day one...he so often referred to her as 'his little pumpkin'...long story..but a sweet one.

Julie being the oldest..was an achiever-able to tackle and do anything she set her heart and mind on. I guess a mixture of the Lawson/Gabbard genes and therefore has accomplished so much in her life. God has blessed her with many talents and gifts and as a parent it thrills our hearts when we see our children-no matter how 'young' succeed in careers but even more so in the ministry.

Today is her birthday. It has been a challenging year for her and her girls...for her and her entire family. Julie, know that we love you-we are praying for you-God's blessing be upon you!

Better times are coming-that's a promise from the Lord.

From the porch to Julie...Happy Birthday to you!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTICE!

2009-09-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Justice Cole Gabbard! Born September 8, 2007...aka 9/8/07...kinda catchy and easy to keep straight.

Anyway from Grannies Front Porch here in TEXAS a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LITTLE GUY ALL THE WAY IN Lee Summit, MO a stone's throw from the Big K...Kansas City.

Little J reminds me of his Daddy so much...walks like him has the same kind of 'stick up on your head' hair..just a little sweetie. DID YOU GUESS??? The first picture is not Justice but Joe...about the same age..one of my favorite of Joe. Happy, smiling just waiting to make sure something exciting happens!!! I miss seeing him and his brother Jace and of course Ronnin and Joe....hopefully someday me and the Preacher can celebrate these long distance birthdays.

Once again Happy Birthday Justice!

HUGS, KISSES AND LOVE TO YOU

Love PaPa and Grannie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACE!!

2009-08-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

TODAY IS JACE'S (Joe's oldest little guy) BIRTHDAY!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU JACE!!

HUGS AND KISSES

Wish me and PaPa could celebrate with you. We couldn't be with you...so here are some pictures from some of the birthdays we have been able to shrare with you!

Love Grannie and Papa

BEING THANKFUL!

2009-08-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

GOOD EVENING FROM THE FRONT PORCH!

I need to be doing a million other things, but decided to take a little time and visit on the front porch. I visit a farm from time to time Farmgirl Fare and absolutely love it! Visit her ‘farm’ sometime. Anyway, I saw a post where she and a friend made a commitment to e-mail each other 5 things they are thankful for each day. That got me to thinking…..I should be able to post 5 things I am thankful for at least once a week???? Hopefully, more often. So here goes……….

That is what life is really about….appreciating the small wonders, the surprises when God’s display of greatness, mercy and grace unfold and envelope us. So here’s the post for today with a picture of one of my favorite things: my little farm.

I AM THANKFUL FOR:

My God. I do love Him so..I fail Him over and over…but His grace and mercy wash over me and keep me safe in His arms.
My family: my husband, Glen, who has his moments, but is a dear loving man who still loves me after all these years and thinks I hung the moon!
My children….are they perfect??? No, pretty close and pretty great in spite of me.
My grandkids!! I LOVE THEM, I LOVE THEM, they are the neatest little Gabbards (Garzas, Cubbages) alive! They keep me on my toes, especially the ones living with me right now.
My little farm: brings me such joy and peace. Strange, I’ve NEVER worked harder-but enjoy every minute…even cleaning out the stalls. I love to see the beauty they bring, the different personalities, the wonders God has created. My favorite spot…under the pecan tree…it’s always shady…and always entertaining as two legged or four legged manages to capture my attention.

Thanks for stopping by and how about you too, stopping and be grateful for the treasures …as my son, Joe, said, the “gifts”, God has given us!

Stop again soon and we’ll chat again.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RONNIN!

2009-08-07T06:51:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the front porch!

Glad you stopped by. Busy day so I will have to say hello and get going...but you are welcome to stay and linger and enjoy the 'view'.

Today is my daughter-in-law, Ronnin's, birthday.

So RONNIN, Happy Birthday to you. I will do my usual “Happy Birthday” call later-but I want to begin a new tradition and feature the Birthday people in our family with a little tribute and walk down memory lane.

So, I do want to thank God for Ronnin. She is more than a daughter-in-law to us. She is family. She is Joe’s wife and mother of two of our wonderful grandsons, Jace and Justice. They spent a few days with us in July at “Grannie Camp’. It was not enough time but so thankful for them coming and visiting.

Joe and a friend are on their way back to Texas as we speak. He is going to be the guest speaker at our church this weekend and he is bringing a good friend to help with the praise and worship. It will be so good to see him!

To show you just how understanding and sweet Ronnin is…..even though today is her birthday…..she ‘released’ Joe and so he is on his way to Texas….that’s pretty great….

So once again Ronnin Happy Birthday to YOU!

Come back and visit soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PREACHER!

2009-07-09T06:33:00.000-07:00

Good Morning from the front porch!!!

Where have I been? Seems like around the world and back. I cannot begin to explain the situation the Gabbard family has been experiencing lately…well for a month now. It has been one roller coaster ride after another. Another twist or turn after another. It has been times of weeping, praying, fasting, more weeping, wringing of the hands (and wanting to wring a nose or two!) and just plain madness, mayhem, foolishness and chaos.

But, today is the day that the Lord has made. It is the Preacher’s birthday….another year older and wiser I’m sure. His birthday chair (Gabbard family tradition) is ready….presents are hidden and to be placed on the table in front of the birthday chair, mushy, gushy cards are signed, sealed and ready to be delivered. A birthday dinner (lunch) celebration is planned at Babe’s, the world’s best fried chicken house. Best of all he is happy that Julie has some peace in her life….for now. Thanks to everyone who has been praying! Please continue to pray…you know the enemy…he is sly, sneaky, slimy and sickening. However, he is defeated by the blood of the LAMB. He thinks he can destroy, damage and degrade God’s children. Nope, he is defeated and God does have the last say, the last word, and it is ….it is finished.

Anyway, life is busy, girls and Julie are with me as most of my followers know. Never, never a dull moment. But, I feel this is part of my ministry at this time. To be here for the girls as I would for any of my children at any time.

So come back soon, gotta go and fix the Preacher a birthday breakfast.

WHAT A DECK!

2009-05-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the Front Porch!

What did you think of the pictures? (opps for anyone wanting to know about the pictures...I finally loaded them...I had them saved on the desktop and they would not load...Plan B and I think you should see!)......I have a few words: WHAT A DECK! I must share with you this DECK story. We moved to the Farm over 3 years ago. We looked for months before we found something we thought we would like. Preacher accepted the pastorate at Proaper in August 2009-almost 4 years ago. We began looking for ‘just the right place’ in August. This was my opportunity to get a ‘little farm’.

That search went on and on. We just couldn’t find anything that we could afford or was a ‘farm’ or was too far from the church and my school. So Fall came and went….Christmas came and went…Spring came. Meanwhile, we were driving back and forth to Prosper from Seagoville-70-80 miles one way…3-4 times a week.

Well, one day in late March the Preacher called and said he had found a pretty neat looking place and had us scheduled to look at it the next day (Saturday). It was a little rainy…but we walked the property and when I walked in the house …I knew this was the one. Is it perfect???…no has some things I would change if I could. But overall a good fit. EXCEPT for this old in-ground pool-it was huge-deep and scary. Me and the Preacher don’t swim…someone made the comment…”that’s just an old hole in the ground you will throw money into”. That was an understatement. Money and work…money and work. More money. We put thousands into this old money pit to keep it up and running, replacing items, running the pump, adding water. The kiddos and grandkiddos LOVED it. Friends LOVED it. Me and the Preacher…maybe got in it 3-4 times tops.

So after last year, the pool guy quoted a price of several thousand more $$$$ needed to repair it. I said nope…no way…

Now what to do with this huge hole in the ground.

We decided to build a deck over it. So what you see is what we got. It started out with just some boards over the pool and a nice little deck. We got a huge deck….I call it “Noah’s Ark” because part of the shape looks like a boat that is about to launch.

Anyway, when you see it I’m sure you will also think “WOW! WHAT A DECK”. And it is. So now you can sit on the front porch (metaphorically speaking) or sit on the DECK-literally!

We just had a DECK PARTY..had about 50 of our church folks over to celebrate the completion of the deck. We provided all the food and fun...Preacher even gave out some deck awards to the men folk from the church who built the deck.

Until next time……….join me on the front porch or the deck...your choice!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM!

2009-05-18T15:35:00.001-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TIM! From a front porch in Texas!

ENJOY THESE PICTURES.....3 of them are from past birthdays...including Tim celebrating with a baby back rib dinner and Tim helping the Preacher and Potamic District break ground in Yorktown, Virgina.

29 years…seems so long ago…yet really time slips by so quickly. May 19, 1980 a few minutes after 8:00 in the evening…Timothy James Gabbard joined the Gabbard family. Tim’s arrival in of itself is a story. We found out we would be blessed with baby number 4 AFTER we had sold everything-including all baby stuff and decided to evangelize. We came to a defining point in our lives and knew God had more for us….after much soul searching we felt God directing us to sell house, furniture and everything we didn’t need or could put into a 28 foot travel trailer and GO out in faith. At the time we never worried or wondered what the outcome would be. We just knew that we knew God would take care of us. We had only been out on the ‘field’ a few short weeks when I knew that I knew we would be having another little Gabbard. I remember panic wanting to come and set up residence in my heart and life-but somehow overcame it and put every ounce of trust in God. We barely had room for the other 3 kiddos in this little travel home….no job…just going where God opened a door and receive whatever the church deemed we were worthy of. Some churches couldn’t give much of an offering-so they us food…an old fashioned ‘pounding’ it was called. In other words each family brought us a pound…..of whatever…which leads to a tuna story I’ll share another day…….

Anyway, we traveled on…..and we had a meeting in the Virginia Beach area. We felt very good about the area…no we loved the area…we decided to find a little park and set up camp. This we did in Hampton, Virginia. God opened up and we ALWAYS had something to eat…we ALWAYS had enough food for gas and park fees. Looking back-it was not only a walk of faith…but everyday a miracle. Precious times, sweet times, while baby Tim grew strong in my tummy.

We felt God’s blessing to settle in this area. Just in time, we found a little rent house to live in (opps no furniture) but we slowly and surely somehow got everything we would need for baby Tim and the other three as well.

Now keep in mind-we did not have a ‘church family’ that we could call on…family was far, far away-therefore we knew every blessing came straight from the Hand of God…from the Throne of Heaven. To God’s glory we never missed a meal or really lacked in anything.

Glen found a little job which turned into one of the biggest blessings we every had. That job eventually bought us everything we needed-clothes, cars, a home, we used money to start a home missions work in Yorktown, Virginia. We sent our kids to a private Christian school, went on a vacation to Disney World, Glen finished his degree from Southwestern Assembly of God University. I could go on and on..God blessed above and beyond our expectations! That’s the kind of God He is!

Tim came out of this kind of faith. I believe that is one reason he is where he is right now. He was conceived and born with the Preacher and me believing God for every morsel of bread, every single ounce of strength, every step in front of the other-holding to God’s unchanging hand!

So many might call Tim our ‘tribulation child’…No he represents to the Preacher and me our “Victory child”. He was sent from God (Preacher and I still wonder just how…well excuse my frankness, we know how he was conceived BUT really was not on the agenda and just happened.

Anyway, what a blessing he was as a baby. The sweetest little round faced Gabbard that I could have asked for. Rarely cried, slept (like a baby! really) most of the time. Never fussed…slept all night after a few short weeks, never was fussy or high maintenance. Did he have his moments? Yep…he took a spell when about 6 or 7 and decided to try out some very colorful 4 letter words (well this is what his siblings told on him….hard to believe isn’t it???!!!)

Anyway, a few bumps here and there…after all he was a “ Gabbard”. Did he cause me and the Preacher to pray a lot????…Yep…but look at what he has turned into. I would not change anything about that time….Tim’s arrival…It grew me and the Preacher into who we are today.

Who is Tim??

A young man (still young at 29…Tim one more year before the big ONE)…who loves his God, his wife and family …his church ..his country…So Tim HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU…ENJOY, your day and know that you are loved.

Come visit us on the front porch soon! And bring that lovely family of yours!

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL

2009-05-12T16:13:00.000-07:00

Good evening from the Front Porch,

A beautiful spring day and equally great evening.

Just finished feeding the critters at Grannie’s Barnyard. The latest additions are doing very well. Camryn KIKI is back! He came meowing up the pasture like he was so glad to be home! I picked him up and welcomed him back scolded him for being gone so long and not telling us goodbye! He seemed a little thin. However, Winston does not like KIKI at all. He started barking, Kiki jumped out of my arms and he was off. Winston continued barking, KIKI hissing. I finished feeding everyone including the ducks and then coaxed KIKI back, scooped him up and took him up to the garage for a good meal. He was starving. However, Destiny aka Bushy hissed and tried to attack him. Poor KIKI ! He seems so tuff but he doesn’t like being barked at or hissed at. I don’t blame him.

Great Mother’s Day! Perhaps the very best! Talked to all the kiddos, had a couple visit, one stayed over for a few days and is still here. Very thoughtful gifts, touching cards and good phone calls.

Best of all is to have the grandkids around…sorry big kids you had your day! Camryn and Kaden accompanied me to the barnyard for egg gathering, critter feeding and walking the dogs around the pond. I am attaching some pictures.

I should have more kiddos visit Memorial Day weekend! Lori and the Garza guys will be coming in, Tim and Gabbard Gaggle will come in to celebrate Kaylin’s 5th birthday and Memorial Day. Julz and the Cubbage Crew will be here in some form and Joe and his J’s won’t be able to come but we are planning a Big July Gathering…so that will be something to look forward to.

Anyway, need to go check on a sleeping Karson….feed him and have some fun, fun, fun!

Well, overall there are many challenges..but the bottom line.....It is well with my soul....from the front porch!

I AM BLESSED!

2009-04-29T17:44:00.000-07:00

Good evening from the front porch.

It is a cool rainy (rare occasion here in Texas!) afternoon and early evening. Rain sounds so good! The grass, especially the pastures are getting a good soaking! The flowers and trees are also getting a good cool drink of water. Thank you Lord!

Been a bit overwhelmed the past few days. Rough-tough times…seems like when it rains..it pours… (no pun intended!!!).

Mom has been in the hospital….pray for her. We think she is on the road to recovery-somewhat…kids if you EVER see some of the Brandenburg/Lawson tendencies hitting me in my old age….sit me down and say one word…GRANDMA and hopefully that will shock me into reality!!!

Work..is a piece of work. I thank God for every dollar I have earned this past year, I thank God for having a job..BUT I have come to realize I do not fit in at this school. Some of it is my own doing I admit…but I have been a sore thumb since day one. I won’t go on and on…but pray I find ….”my place in this world” to quote Michael W. Smith

So here is my take on life for today:

Trials, sufferings, tribulations, challenges…we all have them. Sometimes it seems we are on the Sea of Life…it is smooth sailing. Slight breeze, gently rocking our boat to the rhythm of life. It’s beautiful, it’s grand, and it’s marvelous and amazing.

Other times it seems like we are in the midst of the storm of our life, the storm of the century, the storm of storms because it comes crashing, pounding and beating the very life out of us. The boat we are in is no longer rocking gently with the breeze. It is tossed like a little toy, picked up, tossed to and fro, battered, beaten again and again-no end in sight-no where to turn to, no one to help-or so it seems.

That is when our Lord comes walking out on that sea and steps in our little boat and rebukes the storm with 3 little words “Peace be still’. Amazingly the storm subsides and He reaches out to restore, renew and reassure us.

That is our God, our Lord, our Redeemer, our Master our Savior. Why at my age are storms still coming??? Keeps me on my knees of course….but offers me another opportunity to call on HIM and reminds me it is HIM I must dependl upon and Him I must cling to. He is my source and my comfort…my EVERYTHING! And in spite of it all I am blessed. I have a fabulous, supportive husband who keeps reminding me ‘it will be alright’….and when I do share tidbits of things that are going on….he is ready to put on his Knight in Shining Armor Suit and ride the white horse and defend ..’his queen’, I have four supportive, God loving, God serving, family loving kiddos and 8 of the best looking, smartest, most talented, sweetest grandkiddos!! LET ME SHOUT IT OUT: I AM BLESSED! So big bad ugly devil….put that in your hat and sit on it…..

Anyway, in looking through my pictures I have digitized I found four of each of the four that may bring a smile. When I do feel down, lonely or out of sorts…I pull out some of the pictures from my earlier days and they NEVER fail to bring a smile. So enjoy and smile along with me. One of the kiddos has requested I not post any pictures of him (too embarrassing??? what are mothers for???

The first picture is Julie and Joe...Joe's hair usually stood up (sorry his sweet little face is a little faded out) look at his blog and see history repeat itself in Justice's little sweet face and hair!

There's a picture of Lori roller skating like a speed skater in Newport News, Virginia...Tim is buried alive...not really but looks like a Joe Job for sure and Tim is buried under sand at Virginia Beach...he doesn't look too unhappy now does he??? Julie and her glorious day in Falmouth, Ky. as a 'flag girl' drill team...forget the offical name and then the four on the couch of a good friend to us in Virgina..Bruce and Judy Smith. We were at their house many an evening for she would whip out some good 'southern hospitality' cooking and treated us just like family. By the way get a 'kick' out those cowboy boots those two boys have on! Looks like a prediction of the future for some Texas two stepping!! Look at sweet little Lori ..Judy loved Lori and was her special little buddy. And Julie...that little bear was a gift for Christmas I think....what a fabulous woman she has grown up to be. She could always be counted on to keep those two boot boys riding straight in the saddle! Good days!

So enjoy these pictures from the past…..and come again and visit the front porch…real soon!

A Little Country Church in Maryland

2009-04-23T04:02:00.000-07:00

Good Morning ...thanks for stopping by the front porch..

Another busy day ahead...but stopping here for a few minutes to get settled for the day...the to do lists, the challenges, traffic, noise, ...we all know how it is whether you are in a 8-5ish job, SAH mom, self-employed or work for the 'man or the woman'. Anyway, whatever your destination...thanks for stopping by for a few moments and visiting.

Want to see another picture from long ago and far away?? This picture was in taken when we were pastoring in Lothian, Maryland.....early 90's??? It was a good church, a good time in our lives as a family, met some good friends we still keep in contact with...met Mike and his family there! Julie found her true love there...boys came into their own in sports, good schools, good country living....anyway...picture of me and the Preacher...where does time go??? I was talking to someone about my kiddos and how I am overall comfortable with where I am right now...a grandmother, getting a little older everyday...hopefully wiser (not really) but that I would NOT go back and try to redo anything...especially with my kiddos.....I might really mess it up if I tried to go back and redo it....they all have grown into such wonderful men and women of God in spite of the many te moves, the challenges, good people, not so good people, me............

So from my front porch to yours...have a blessed day indeed!

WHO IS THAT HANDSOME YOUNG MAN??

2009-04-22T04:34:00.000-07:00

Hello, from the front porch!

Well, today as I was browsing through my pictures I came across a picture of a handsome young man. Recognize him? Hope so...The Preacher from a long time ago and in a far away place...well maybe not too far away...seems like a long way from Texas though...do you recognize the hills of Kentucky? You can see snow-if I recall this was one of those Spring Easters that was blessed with snow.

It was taken in front of the original "Gabbard Tabernacle" in the late 60's. This was the Dodge Coronet he drove. It ranks up there with one of the worst running cars we had. Well, he actually inherited it from his older sister, Charlotte-we also drove it when we were first married. It was a light yellow and thankfully Dodge did improve their quality of cars...this particually model did 'bite the dust' and rightfully so.

Anyway, still not sure what the Preacher actually saw in me that made him fall so madly in love with me and stay so madly in love with me all these 39 years (you are kidding right????) anyway what a fellow! I lived right around the 'corner' just over some of those hills in a little 'shack' of a house...no running water...no inside plumbing...another story another day perhaps....

Does he have his ‘moments’? Yes, indeed don’t we all. Kinda drive each other crazy, frustrate each other…but with God and the Holy Spirit...it seems we kinda stick together with a special kinda glue that bonds us into that 'one flesh'. Amazing....for I don't know if there are any two people who were such 'opposites' but here we are 'still standing with each other ...39 years later.

But if I had to do it all over again, I’d do it again, fall in love with the Preacher man, have four wonderful children, and eight fabulous grandchildren, and then follow him as he followed his dreams and goals and live all the places we have lived and met all the people we have met.

God has woven a pretty interesting tapestry for our lives and it has been a good life overall. Preacher still pretty handsome in my eyes, as it should be! That dark brown hair is now gray (well what is left of it), still has those sparkly blue eyes some of our kiddos and grandkiddos have inherited, still loves his chicken, sports and clearly devoted to his God, and his family. I’ve heard most of his stories and jokes a thousand times it seems now, but still laugh at them. Heard him preach countless times now…but still he can allow God to open up a new depth to the scripture and allow God to use him and bless those 'who have an ear to hear'.

He is supportive of me and all our children! Thinks each one of them can ‘hang the moon’ if need be. Kiddos, your Dad loves you so much. He mentions your names almost everyday, wonders what you are doing, how you are doing, do you need anything, how can he help you, when will he see you guys and your little ones……one of the first things we say to each other when I’ve been at work and he’s been going about his Preaching stuff and we ‘visit’ with our afternoon coffee is “have you heard from the kids…how is everyone doing???.

So where will this journey end? What other chapters will we write together? Not sure….because God is the author and the finisher and He is writing the book of our lives...but I’m sure it will be good and pleasant. It will have challenges I’m sure…but what a comfort and treasure it has been, it is and will continue to be to have God holding the pen in His hand and writing the script for our lives.

So until next time ….from the front porch…

TRIBUTE TO RANDY AND AJ

2009-04-21T11:15:00.000-07:00

This is a rare day indeed...Stopping by twice on the front porch...but that's quite alright. Had an extra minute and Tim mentioned AJ...had to be the best dog we ever had. Aj stands for Augie Junior a nicknamed given Tim by the Queen of nicknames...aka Julie..Anyway, even Julie got into the act in this picture. We had just gotten Randy...wasn't he a cutie....AJ was Tim's dog ...Tim couldn't go on a Youth outing so he was running errands with me and we just happened to go by a pet store. AJ was in the front window with about 4 OR 5 other puppies...made you want to start singing...'how much is that doggie in the window?". Anyway, Tim begged for one...they were only $5.00. We called the Preacher and he said yes. AJ was Tim's dog from day one....a very good dog, very good, Tim's little bud. So in memory of both AJ and Randy.

Until next time....so long..

A TYPICAL DAY DOWN AT GRANNIES BARNYARD!

2009-04-21T05:20:00.000-07:00

Greetings from the front porch!

Suppose to be a beautiful big sky Texas day! I’m home today taking a day to catch up on a ‘few of my favorite things’.

Anyway, speaking of a few of my favorite things. Remember that commercial when you take pictures and the people are ‘posed’ for weeks, months. Well, I took some pictures a few weeks perhaps month ago and opps wanted to let them ‘out’…so today I’m sharing some pictures of the Grandkiddos and a typical day on the farm!

Also, forgot to introduce another new guy at the farm...Chester the rooster. He is another 'gift' from a friend. And sorry Kiki the orange Kitty...aka Camryn's Kitty...see he was a stray from my school a few years back, he was the cutest little kitten.. I brought him home and hoped to find him a 'home' Camryn fell in love with him and things didn't work out for her to take him to her home. ...so the deal is/was...."he is her cat....but he lives at my house"...I think she also has a cat like that at Lori's house! Now who got the best end of this deal???? I don't mind because he stays fat and sassy keeping the barn clear of mice and other critters! Sorry I got the picture sideways....but you can still see his cute personality. He adores Camryn...one of the last times she was here he followed her all the way to her car as if to say...''don't forget I belong to you..little girl'! Anyway, never a dull moment...on the front porch or down in the barnyard!

AND I must confess I have some of the 'cutest'...handsomeest grandkiddos ever! Oh, and I must also show you Caleb's little friend we found down by the pond. Can you tell who she is? Beautiful isn't she???

Enjoy and stop again soon.

NEW ADDITIONS TO THE FARM!

2009-04-20T15:05:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon (at least here on the porch)!

I’ve added some new members to the Gabbard Farm. But before I get there, a little history. Joe was 14 I think, we lived in Maryland and he wanted a dog for Christmas. He wanted a pug. but we talked him into a little brown puppy. We went to the SPCA and told them what we were looking for, and a few weeks later they called and had about 5 little brown puppies-a lapsa/poodle (can't spell) mix. They were cute. Joe picked out one and named him Randall Cunningham (after a well known football player) and it was shortened to Randy. Joe lost interest pretty quickly so did the other kiddos so Randy more or less became my dog??? He grew and never did get too big…and over all a pretty good dog. He moved all over the country with us and ended up here on the farm. He was about 17 years old, failing, feeble and blind, deaf, crippled…a sad little thing…but the vet said to keep him comfortable-he might last another year or so…as he was not in pain. I remember Randy loved to go on walks and his favorite ‘job’ was to walk behind Glen when he mowed or walk the pasture with me. We had to quit that because he would get so confused as to where he was I would have to carry him back to the house. He died one evening last fall. In some ways it was sad-but overall a relief because he was starting to really stumble and fall. He, like the preacher LOVED HIS CHICKEN!

Anyway, I kinda wanted another dog and then I didn’t. So I just began praying for the ‘just right dog’. Nothing worse than a bad dog…I had temporary custody of two very bad, chicken killing and chicken eating, jump in your face and chew your shoes, dig up your flowers, dogs. I tried to reform them and gave up after about the 10th ‘free’ chicken dinner. One was a stray from school and one was a Cubbage ..cute puppy…to a huge dog that was suppose to help reform my wild thing. Didn’t happen…the wild thing corrupted Jack and gave him tutoring in how to chase, torment, kill and eat chickens. Anyway, back to a dog.

Anyway, I’d look in the paper, I’d look on Craig’s List, I’d look at the feed store posting, I’d look at the SPCA web page posting. I’d drop by the Pet Smart adopt a dog day. Nothing seemed right. I have always liked Shelties and thought that sure would be a nice little dog BUT lots of money. Puppies too high maintenance and older dogs can come with too much baggage. I thought it sure would be nice to have a farm dog to walk the pasture with me and just keep watch over things.

Last week at school I got one of those all school e-mails about two dogs that needed a home. I read the e-mail and thought…this is interesting….just the kind of dogs I wanted.. I e-mailed back and told the friend of the friend that was helping find a home for the dogs, a little about myself and the farm and to call me. She did. I went to her place and met the dogs and it was a ‘match’.

So kids and grandkids, meet the new additions to the family. Winston and Riley. They are a little ‘shy’skiddish BUT overall so far seem to love being on the farm and walking around and discovering and meeting all the other critters.

FYI I also have 6 ducks I am raising. They are sure ugly…..but at the time it’s all the feed store had. I like having ducks because they keep the algae out of the pond and eat bugs from the pasture. I enjoy hearing them quack and love seeing them swim in the pond. They are still too small for that and are still in the barn. Hopefully soon they can get down to the business of being ducks. I had 4 ducks last year-but they disappeared in one night…never seen or heard of again.

Anyway, a friend’s friend has a couple of baby goats that need a home…..here we go again…I need to reorganize Grannies Barnyard….really could use a ‘bailout’ to get my little business up and running properly….just kidding!!!

Anyway, stop again soon…I have many more stories and pictures to share with you!

One, two, three little GABBARDS

2009-04-16T19:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome….glad you stopped by.

I have a special little treat for today’s visit. Another one of my favorite pictures. Can you guess who they are??

Three little Gabbards...on a hot sunny summer day in Kentucky. Yep, this is from the time we pastored in Falmouth, Kentucky. We lived out by Kincaid Lake on the 'side of the hill'. I think the kids liked it pretty good-in spite of some of the challenges we had at the time. One of my favorite memories is eating supper almost every evening on the big screened front porch, looking out over the lake and the green hills. Anyway, can you guess who is NOT in the picture. She may have been at Band Camp or somewhere reading or somewhere away from these three. I do recall a typical day living there for these 3...get up, eat breakfast and these three would be off exploring the woods, playing, having one adventure or another....doing things children should get to do! No video games, no cable/direct TV, no computers..couldn't even get much TV out in these woods....but good times!

Friday…this is always such a welcome day of the week….Last week our thoughts were…’it’s Friday but SUNDAY is coming. Now that certainly has great significance for Good Friday and Resurrection Morning. But, boy, oh boy, how great it is to welcome the weekend! Time to catch up on some of the things we enjoy doing…and catch up on some of the things we don’t enjoy doing so much…like laundry, cleaning, etc.

Anyway, however, you want to spend it, be sure and spend time with your family and with the Lord. Talk to Him, worship Him, listen to Him, love Him, draw closer to Him. Whatever you do, wherever you go...keeping Him at the center of your activiites will make all things go better.

Stop by again real soon and I’ll share more of my ‘favorite things’!

TWO HANDSOME GUYS!

2009-04-16T18:57:00.000-07:00

Hello…from the front porch. Glad you stopped by..

I pray this was a blessed day in the Lord. When you think about it they all are…if we are walking, talking, breathing and moving with the Lord. Acts 17:28….”in HIM we live, move and have our being”.

This reminds me of our son Joe. He and his lovely little family came and visited us this past summer….seems like we don’t get to see them often enough. But time and distance can be enemies when trying to keep contact with the family. Hope we can see more of them ….soon. Anyway, Joe preached an incredible sermon from this scripture. Some of our church folks still mention it and it was a feast for the spiritual soul…a banquet. Joe has an incredible gift of the “Gabbard’ gab I call it. He can communicate the gospel in such a way that even something that I have read and I know that I know takes on new depth…he seems to be able to dig a little deeper and find a richer meaning to it. We are so very proud of all of children.

Tim, not to be left in his brother’s dust…..Always insisted he is not a ‘preacher’…..Well, we all have our ‘gifts and callings’….he can certainly hold his own in the pulpit….while not in the same way Joe does. However, if you can lead/preach/teach/exhort/sow seeds and over 100 souls be saved in one weekend…..something good is happening! Way to go TIM!

So, today I have selected a couple of pictures of these two men to share. It was sure a grand adventure ‘raising them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord’….and as I say again and again….look what God has done in spite of me and my mistakes..

Have a great day guys and keep up the good work!!

Guys, I love it when you stop by the ‘virtual’ front porch….hope to see you and your family soon on the ‘front porch in Texas’ soon.

Until then……..

WALKING DOWM MEMORY LANE WITH THE GIRLS

2009-04-15T15:33:00.001-07:00

Good afternoon from the FRONT Porch.

Another beautiful day here in Texas! Another day to rejoice because ‘it is the day that the Lord has made’.

Much to think about, much to pray about, which can lead to even worry and stress. We are all there in some aspect. All of us have some ’little foxes’ that seem to nip and nag at us. The real source/culprit of course is our enemy-Satan. Just when you think he is defeated and down with the last punch. He rears his ugly head up and comes at us again. Must be the theme and inspiration for some of the horror films and flicks and ideas. Must be.

Anyway, God is good-He is still in control no matter what the challenge or the situation. Amen.

My girls. Both are ladies, young women now. I’ve often given them tribute to what I think of them as young ladies, young mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, friends and employees. They never cease to amaze me as to the loving ways, loving displays of love and devotions to their callings. Each of them has talents and gifts unique to them and their own calling. God sure does mighty good work! Anyway, here are a couple of my favorite pictures of these two. Many years ago-more than I like to acknowledge, more than I can imagine that have zoomed by…..So today my sweet girls, a walk down memory lane and a look back at some of the early pictures of the little Gabbard girls that have grown into great Gabbard/Cubbage/Garza ladies!

The second picture is the 'original front porch...not in Texas but in Kentucky!

The first picture is a classic too! Aren't these the two most wonderful looking young ladies ....from a living room in Texas! I think this was an Easter Sunday...Correct me girls if not so...

Hope today was a great day for all my dear family! If not……tomorrow is another day so try to join me …..on the front porch!

HARD DAY AT THE OFFICE!!

2009-04-14T17:56:00.000-07:00

GOOD EVENING FROM THE FRONT PORCH!

Beautiful day on the front porch…everything is green…green…green ..for a change. We’ve had some rain.. Thank you Lord! Flowers are out and grass is green…at least for now.

Well, it has been a while since I’ve been on the Porch. Hopefully, I can get back into my routine and invite you to sit a spell more often. Rumor has it I last stepped on the front porch back in February. Surely not…

Anyway, WOW, my little four…are busy, bustling and bountifully blessed! Joe and Ronnin are in the Bahamas…just visited Joe’s blog and they look like they are having a great time, Tim and Amy have come through a great weekend and souls saved, many added to the Kingdom of God….check his blog out.. Lori and her Garza guys are thriving and never a dull moment…check Lori’s adventures as a SAH mom! Last-but not least Julie and her little family. Mike just celebrated another birthday along with me. They are doing well and the Cubbage girls are fast growing into beautiful little ladies…just like their Momma.

Gonna take a trip down memory lane…Been working on some pictures. Let’s see…let’s start with this one..

Well, I know Tim has been VERY busy…. I came across this picture and thought…this may have been what he may have looked like after one of the 14 hour days this past week!

Love ya Tim...so proud of you...Well, thanks for stopping by...Stop by again to take a walk down memory lane again with me! See ya soon.

SPRING FEVER!

2009-02-26T17:47:00.001-08:00

Welcome to the front porch!

There just doesn’t seem to be enough time is there? In my opinion-never enough time for dropping in on the front porch. Resting, reflecting, renewing….The last few days have been blessed with incredible weather! 80’s today..come on!!!!!…I know Texas weather is unpredictable-changeable and “if you don’t like this kind. stick around’…BUT 80’s in February??? anyway

2 more days of February-I’ll be glad when it’s over and out-warm or not. I have SPRING fever!
I want to be out and enjoy the weather and really hate being all cooped up inside. I have a decent job-librarian in a large elementary school-has its ups and downs and challenges even though it is an economical ADVANTAGED area, I’ve found kids will be kids and parents are parents…parents in a ‘more economical sound’ school can be a pain. Anyway-the library is nice-modern-I’ve done a great deal in decorating it BUT no outside windows…. can’t see the blue sky-have no idea if it’s sunny-cloudy or ???. Anyway I need to deal with it.

Twins are growing. Still tiny-a week old. Amazing what animals can do in just a few hours –not to mention a week or so. God’s absolutely amazing creations. Suzanna really growing-already eating feed.

Spring Break is coming up…haven’t decided what to do. Preacher kinda wants to take a road trip-we have a few choices…not sure which direction to go just yet. Garza guys have birthdays coming up or will have already happened by the time it is Spring break. Julie’s girls will spend part of the break with Lori and guys in Beaumont. There’s also Longview and KC-grandkids. Preacher has been looking for a travel trailer….and if the timing is right we may have one to test out…stop by if you want more details.

Anyway, ready for Spring, the wonderful glorious things that go with Spring….new life, new growth, new opportunities. newness, freshness, so stop by again and visit on the front porch!

Martha has TWINS!!

2009-02-20T16:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the front porch!

Turned out to be a beautiful day! Cooped up inside all day…but love it when I can get out for a few minutes.

The big arrival happened sometime early this morning. I ‘felt’ like going to the barn around 6:00 AM ish on my way out the door to work and SURPRISE…Martha had not one but two little lambs!! Boy and girl…Thomas and Tabitha. So far I’ve named my sheep biblical names….Mary, Martha, Lazarus (daddy to the little ones) Samson, Rebecca, Susanna who arrived 1/31 and now little Thomas and Tabitha. I’ll attempt to post pics. Maybe even throw in some of the other barnyard animals.

Preacher even got a little excited about the dynamic duo! He does not get excited about anything in the barnyard…unless it is to work on one of my projects which he will do BUT is not a happy camper doing it (what does this saying mean anyway???). Then his excitement includes a rise in his blood pressure and a grumble or two or three....anyway

What will I do with these sheep? They will be pets unless I find a really good home for them. Mary and Martha, I hand bottle fed and raised them.... so as long as I can walk and have the space-they’ll be with me. I sold Lazarus, Samson, Rebecca last fall. Lazarus was a really handsome guy! He had the large horns and would eat out of my hand, loved to be petted, brushed and scratched behind his ear….like a big puppy dog….He ate and ate and got so fat…then he started picking on my mini horses …he would sneak up on them and ‘ram’ them (they are not called rams for nothing) and knock them down or stun them pretty good. Charlie,the chocolate colored mini, kicked him pretty good a couple of times and knocked Lazarus down…BUT he just didn’t get it…leave my horses alone or ELSE!…. So it was the 'else',,,, A guy came along and offered to buy both Lazarus and the little ram (Samson)... Samson was a sweetie…very shy and Lazarus even rammed him a couple of times....So, I saw $$$ and thought, won’t have to feed them all winter…I know Mary And Martha are with lamb…so why not???

Anyway, back up to 5 sheep now. The babies are so adorable…wobbly and so innocent and defenseless….like...... THE LAMB…slain from the foundation of the world. After being around sheep-especially lambs-I sure get why our Savior was referred to as the Lamb........

Anyway, gonna try to show you the pictures of the newest little duo….Susanna is growing.... she seems 3 or 4 times bigger than the twins now! She will take off running and jump straight up in the air like a ….”spring lamb I do enjoy my little farm….Preacher is usually fussing about all the work and $$ (opps) BUT hopefully someday he can see how much enjoyment my little farm brings me. I see God’s handiwork and beauty all around each time I am in the barnyard…even shoveling manure. I am amazed at the balance and way His creation works in harmony….until man messes it up.

So thanks for stopping by and enjoy your little visit on Grannies Barnyard!

Until next time...on the front porch!

C3 and the "Boys"

2009-02-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Good evening from the front porch!

Thanks for stopping by. Just got back from visiting with the ‘boys’. Who are the boys? My son Joe, Tim and their cohorts, ministry friends, partners in crime…Tim’s youth pastor Andrew and Joe’s bud Leonardo (sorry I killed his name). Anyway, these 4 along with thousands of others have descended upon Dallas for a C3 conference.

What is a C3 conference? This is a conference at Ed Young’s church…… Fellowship Church..C3 ..creativity and 2 other clever “c” words which escape me at the moment. Anyway, these 4 have arrived in the Big D. Tim has been under the weather with tonsillitis-he is a trooper to forge through the illness, leave his loving wife and two little babies AND his busy schedule and drop everything to come to the Big D. I’m sure God will bless him for his endeavor. Andrew, nice to meet you and thanks for the kind words about Tim. Yes, Tim is a great guy!

Joe good to see you!! And meet your friend. He seemed quite…probably too much Gabbard stuff going on at one time. Joe and his ‘bud’ drove all Wednesday night to get to the conference...... passion, perseverance and persistence….that’s Joe!

Anyway, so nice this week because I spent time Monday with Julie and girls and got to see both of the ‘boys’ this week as well. My goal is to touch base with all four of them at least once a week. Lori is good about this…Tim pretty good too. Julie is busy, busy…and while she lives the closest…our schedules can be poles apart. I think we are going to work on this and spend more time together this year. Joe…I’ve figured out wants to communicate on his terms. That’s OK…I understand Joe…probably more than you realize. I can be that way too. It was good to see you guys!!

We met for a quick bite to eat. but…ahhh, no one really ate but me and the Preacher!!! ahhh guys..’what’s up with that????”…Steak and Shake…gotta go with the burger and shake! We went on to the C3 conference. Looked like half of Dallas decided to go too! Thanks to the Preacher we got a really good parking place…walked into the church and not your mamma’s church!! It’s like walking into a mini convention center….coffee shops, book stores, info center, kid’s wings in a theater theme and then the ‘sanctuary’.. High tech…all the way. We were handed ‘glow sticks’ yea, you read right…glow sticks. Anyway, place packed…lights, camera and action and the service began…Pretty moving and rocking…not your grannie’s hymn either BUT music with a message even though the method of delivery different…. People…young, old and in between worshipping and waving….glow sticks…Went with the theme: light of the world…Jesus of course but what we are suppose to be too....the lights in the darkness. Pastor Ed Young was one of the speakers… To my surprise…he did not have horns or breath out fire… he said a lot of good stuff!! Another visit maybe we can talk about his message.

Back to the boys…..

Joe and Tim…brothers but so opposite!! Always has been that way-wouldn’t have it any other. Both handsome…Joe tall, thin…strong, passionate, outspoken, More of the Lawson/Brandenburg blood in him…he always said he was his Grandma Lawson’s favorite…I tend to think so. She loved to fix a big cooked breakfast when we went to visit. I think she did this just for Joe. Joe is strong, works hard-tireless. Joe can tackle anything and accomplish it…that’s the German/Irish heritage. Be proud of it Joe! It will get you through the toughest of times and make you stronger for it! Now from the Gabbard side…a great gift of preaching the Word! Let your passion and your Lawson strength take you places far beyond your dreams!

Tim, tall too, fairer, more laid back (most times although he does ruffle from time to time), relaxed…music rules his heart and soul…talented. He has a passion to worship and lead others into the 'secret place' to meet God. Tim, you have such potential in wisdom and leadership. Sometimes I listen to you and think…’how did this kid get so smart???” Wow, it will be something to see just where your wisdom and talent will take you. Go with the flow!!!Follow your heart....

Now something happens when these two get together…can’t explain it..perhaps a little competition…a little ribbing each other, a little topping each other, a little…not sure…anyway these 2 together can be a little zany and zappy….makes my little old gray head swim. Love ‘em both. Proud of them AND both girls-extremely. What more could a mother want than to have 4 children-serving God, loving God, loving each other, loving their families and loving me and the Preacher.

So until next time on the front porch…..

MORE VALENTINE MEMORIES

2009-02-17T07:46:00.000-08:00

GOOD MORNING from the front porch!

Home today…taking ‘my way day’…gonna catch up on some errands and other little projects I enjoy doing. It’s a light week at school (I get one of these once a month) due to the ART schedule…so here I am… .

Got TO spend some time with Julie and her girls yesterday afternoon. It was nice…no agenda just time to kick back and visit and talk. Girls got to see Mary’s ‘little lamb’..she is growing ..... Martha still awaiting her little one….Thanks Julie and girls for a nice little visit.

Back to VAL DAY MEMORIES….a few days late. I wanted to take a walk..’down memory lane’ FOR JUST A FEW MINUTES.

I was in 2nd grade when I first recall Val Day. I remember a pink covered shoe box…decorated with homemade hearts and an old fashioned clothes pen made into a valentine angel. I do recall the excitement of the party but then feeling sick…sick …sick…so sick somehow I recall Mom coming to school to get me. I remember walking down the sidewalk with my little pink box tucked under my arm….no party ....no candy, no cupcakes sad…sad…sad.

Fast forward and I was 15….me and the Preacher were dating…Val Day was approaching and I had no dollars to show my “love and devotion’. I remember one of my 9th grade art classes and using rice…yes you read right…rice to make a collage. So me in my desperation…my imagination…my making do attitude, I took a piece of 5 x 7 piece of cardboard and a little bag of rice and glue and began making a little ‘card’ DL (me back then) X GG (the Preacher). I remember using tweezers or similar high tech instrument and very methodically putting rice kernel after kernel on this little collage. I do recall somehow drawing a heart an using nail polish or something to draw out the heart….I don’t know what he thought of this little labor of love …but it was made with love and devotion….if I recall correctly for this Val Day his present was to go to Arby’s (this was a brand new restaurant back then) and it was delicious. I remember saving a napkin and other little souvenirs from the date. I recall a pretty mushy card. It was one of the ‘memorable’ dates.

Other Val Days came and went..And a few others stand out.. I recall when we were making a move from Virginia back to Kentucky to pastor a short time and for Val Day we bought each child their own personal Bible. Wonder if they remember??

Then moving from Kentucky to pastor in Maryland… a few years later…I recall Val Day was on Wednesday (church night) so we ‘celebrated at a really nice restaurant –Rod and Reel. Some great seafood. Tim doesn not like seafood particually...sorry Tim... We took all 4 kiddos…we had the restaurant to ourselves…It was so ..nice ...nice meal, nice service, wonderful company…..

So, 2009 Val Day over and out…..hope you made some memories with your little ones and big ones too.life goes on doesn't it….marching into March and the birthdays, 3 Garza guys and a Garza anniversary!!! A lot of writing material there… so...stay tuned to my birthday tribute to each of these guys..a story or two so stop by and visit again soon.....

On the front porch……

TCB... ON THIS VALENTINE'S DAY

2009-02-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

I’ve missed having the time and opportunity to meet you on the front porch…too much to do…not enough time…opps just read Joe’s blog about excuses….maybe I just didn’t have a strong enough desire to do it.. I do have an ‘excuse’ though…or at least I am blaming it on this event.

I had a strange kinda of experience…Preacher talked me into getting a flu shot..I don’t recall when or if I had ever had one before?? Anyway, think I had some kinda of reaction to it. No, not the flu itself BUT some kinda “bluish, I don’t feel like myself, everything is so hard, down, depressed feeling” So much so, Preacher told me to get my thyroid checked (those who know my Mom can read in between the lines and figure this one out!)

Anyway, last Sunday afternoon-down, down, down. Pulled myself together enough to go to school on Monday (that is another blog in itself) Preacher was ‘led’ and went online and looked up info on the flu shot… When I left school that afternoon I called as usual …(yea, we call, check in, ....I’m on my way, I’m 10 minutes away, 5 minutes away..I’m in the driveway...because we are on a ball and chain??? no..just our little routine and when we do we are saying, I LOVE YOU ) anyway back to the flu..he states…with excitement in his voice and tells me he knew what was ‘wrong’ with me.. I thought..hmmm, what …’madness, mayhem, foolishness ‘” would come out of his mouth…anyway, he described how I was feeling exactly…seems it was one of the possible ‘reactions’ from the flu shot!! Really, makes you wonder…just how these medications we take are really affecting us! Anyway, trying to get back into the ‘game, the swing,
back to myself……..

Back to TCB, thanks for stopping by on this Val Day! Now, I am not one to get ALL goofy for these Hallmark Holidays.. BUT Val-Day is kinda special…No, I do not need roses, certainly not candy or even a mushy, gushy card (Sons, if your sweeties are…TCB..today!!!…Take Care of Business!) I think both of my daughters are their mother’s daughters (THANK GOODNESS girls….we are pretty low maintenance) and we are not so focused on these ‘things’ as we are just having our men do a little something extra they usually don’t do AND this shows their love and devotion.

I think at the Garza house the Big Guy is gonna cook. You may say, ‘what’s the big deal”? It is if this is stepping out of your element and your comfort zone and venturing into the wide world know as the ‘kitchen jungle’. I can image how it might be for some guys/gals (unfortunately we are in the age when women ‘don’t cook either!!) when they step into this command center and see pots, pans, utensils, equipment, the STOVE (or beast) and are overwhelmed. It would be like me opening the hood of the car-taking one look and shuddering!

Anyway, This Val-Day thing should be more about not getting off so easy as to run into a white tent and throwing hard earned dollars (Joe is right!!!!!! why do we spend money on DEAD things such as flowers!!!) and shoving them into the little lady’s face and saying…here (these things are suppose to say.... What?). Anyway, sons and sons-in-law (I don’t think either of my sons-in-law keep up with my front porch business) TCB…find out what really is important and do it, cook a meal (there again ..eating out is nice BUT it can be pricey, noisey, a long wait, questionable service, and you get the food and most of the time say, or at least think “is this all there is??)

..and CARDS..while I do enjoy getting them…I’ve gotten quite a few over my 50 plus years… they can say so much-up to a point. But why.why not say it yourself…like in Joe’s blog post on his anniversary…Joe I am proud of YOU! Or Amy’s post about what she loves about her ‘men’. Cards are nice…but real heartfelt expressed words are twice as nice. Why? Because it is from you..deep within...more costly than silver and gold...real words than cannot be bought or sold...words that show our vunerability, our humbleness, our need for each other, our heart and soul......what good are they if they are not shared...if they are bottled up, kept in that secret place, what value do they have?

And NO we do not always 'know' we are loved, appreciated, understood and cared for...look how important words are! Our LORD left thousands of words expressing His thoughts to us. His Love to us....as a matter of fact look how he poured out His Heart and Soul...talk about showing LOVE!! As we say...priceless!

By the way in all your expressions of LOVE this day...take a moment and tell the King of Love...how much He means to you.......He is Priceless. Wanna know how to love?? Look at Him!

Love....patient, pure, kind, good, long suffering, bears all things, hopes, endures, never fails there, dependable, steady, unmovabale, unconditional.......
1 Corinthians 13. Pricelsss!

Some of very favorite cards are Julmark Cards….another visit..another day maybe I can share a card or two... Putting time, thought, her words expressed from her heart and soul. Ever gotten a card from Julie?.. She does not just sign it...she pours out her thoughts, they just gush out! .....Priceless!!

So this Val-Day spend the best four letter word (TIM, A GOOD MOMMY WORD!!!) T I M E
..with, on, around your sweeties….Go for a drive, go to a park, go for a walk, hold hands, say another four letter word .....LOVE… say it again and again.....I love you.
Priceless

Save the movie thing for another day...what kinda talk can you have in a movie anyway...can't see each other, can't talk...people watching other people... doing stuff we shouldn't be doing for the most part...People watching people, watching people abusing people, and worse...

Back to TCB....

The Preacher has already taken care of his business......nope ...no flowers...don't need 'em, Preacher gives me flowers of another kind...words, kindness........ I don't want candy, don't desire trinkets and such, thank goodness...told him don't even bother with a card...Why... first thing he said this morning..…I LOVE YOU! He says it often and with meaning. He says it at some of the most unexpected times. He does not reserve it just for this Val-Day..but says it and I believe it…maybe that’s why we call back and forth so much….he ends most of his telephone conversations with that four letter word.

L O V E....Priceless

Pretty special after all these years!!Priceless...

So next time we meet on the front porch, I want to share the Most Memorable Val-Days in my 50 plus years. There are four way up there Val-Days burned into my memory bank..…the other 50 plus Val-Days kinda run together in a blob of dead flowers, costly dinners, cards ……..and…

Until next time…TCB guys and gals….use the four letter word often, lavish it on your special ones..wrap them in it, insulate them with it, pour it over them, surprise them with it, warm them with it, let them be secure in it....that they know that they know...you L O V E them..just like our King.....for He is Love I John 4:8
Priceless.................

MARY HAD A LITTLE LAMB

2009-02-02T17:03:00.000-08:00

Good evening and welcome to the front porch!

Another one of those absolutely beautiful Texas days...Another in the forecast tomorrow. "Cold front to come in Wednesday...temps will be in the 50's. I can do that!

Got to spend some time at the barnyard this afternoon...left school early. The farrier had an appointment at 4:00..she trims the horses and the donkeys hooves (much like when we cut our finger and toe nails-But much much more involved. I consider my farrier...my 'friend'...I call her Dr. DJ because I ask her anything and everything about horses and she seems to know or at least steer me in the right direction. She connected me with the right people and I got the two little mini horses and all the equipment for them-FREE. She also connected me with a lady who gave me a donkey-FREE. She connected me to a couple who sold me a horse trailer-CHEAP. Someday I'll tell the story of her wedding and how I was able to bless her!

Mother Mary and baby Susanna doing great...I will attempt to post a picture of baby Susanna. She is already growing. I am able to pick her up. I 'm trying to handle her so she will not be so skiddish later on. Martha's little lamb has not arrived yet. Should be soon.

Busy week ahead....as usual..I get Spring fever this time of year and really struggle staying indoors. I need a bumper sticker that says, I'd rather be outside!'.

Anyway, gonna say goodbye and stop by again soon!

JANUARY: BIRTH AND DEATH

2009-01-31T20:23:00.000-08:00

Good evening! Welcome to the porch. Wonderful day today, wasn’t it? 70’s. Great day to be outside, beautiful cloudless blue sky. Perfect! Now a few days ago it was very cold and icy! But today-great.

Today is the last day of January. I am always glad when January is gone-over-then we are a little closer to spring. Anyway, January ..if I had to give it a title-a theme-a thought. January is a month of birth and death.

This was a thought I had been developing for a day or so but then after today I wanted to share. Today on the farm we had a birth! I knew birth was coming –just not in January. I have 2 sheep-Mary and Martha. When we got our little farm, got the horses, then the second year I wanted a couple of sheep. They are great at keeping the pasture clear of weeds…and will eat just about anything. Someday I’ll expand on the marvel of God’s ‘circle of life’ and how it works in such harmony. Someday I’ll also have to tell the story of how I acquired each of my critters.

Anyway, I . wanted a couple of little lambs. Couldn’t find them anywhere. I had also just acquired a little donkey..and had just visited the lady that was going to give him to me and passed a little house and there were some sheep there-little ones. I pulled in and asked the family if they had any for sale. They did. One of their sheep had just had 4 little lambs-one had already died and she had rejected one. They were bottle feeding this little lamb. I offered to buy the lamb and take her to my little farm…$20.00. I named her Mary. I bottle fed her much like one would a baby…every 2-3 hours it was interesting. I called the lady a few weeks later and said if she had any more little lambs I would like to get another one. Mary needed a little buddy. A week or so later, she called and I went and picked up Martha. Bottle feeding both of these babies was quite an experience! A year and half later I decided to get a ram and have my own little lambs. The following spring (last year) Mary and Martha each had a little lamb-March 3 Rebecca was born March 5 Samson arrived. I sold both of these little guys this past fall…just gotta be done. Anyway, today little Susanna arrived. I saw Mary pawing the ground and trying to make a little cozy place in the hay pile. She would lie down and pant and push. Get up and do it again-this went on and off for about 20 minutes. I sat down and just wanted to see the birth and ?assist?.

Anyway, this went on for about 20 minutes and then a pretty hard pant and push and I could see the head and front hooves. Lambs come out as if they are folded in half. At this point the part of the head and hooves were out and Mary got up as if she wanted this to just be over (I can relate to that!) I went over and gently pulled the lamb out and she just kinda of slid out and arrived into the world. Immediately began breathing, Mary began making soft noises to the lamb and cleaning her up. A few minutes later Mary nudged Susanna and she was struggling to get up. Up and looking for food. I got a stall ready so Mary and baby could have some shelter, privacy and be secure from the coyotes (I hope!). I took plenty of hay, fresh water and put additional fencing around the stall in hopes of keeping them in and other critters out. I also put Martha in the stall because she sure looks like she will have her own little lamb any day now. I checked on the three off and on during the afternoon ..so far so good. The little lamb is already playful, jumping around, and so far will let me hold her. Anyway January is a month of birth.

I told the Preacher I had a new baby lamb. He said, “That’s nice”. OK…..That’s about as interested as he gets in the life in the barnyard.

January a month of birth and death.

I have a sister born in January, Joe’s birthday is in January. Preacher has a couple of family members born in January. His dad’s birthday was in January…birth. Life begins… Circle of life.
Days begin to turn into years, we have our appointed days…what are we going to do with this allotment?
January is also a month of death. My friend lost her mother in January. She just got back from
PA attending the funeral of her brother-in-law. A friend recently lost his grandmother. Death…circle of life….January 30th was the 21st anniversary of my own father’s death.

21 years. My dad, a mystery, a puzzle, a man fighting his own demons-that never allowed him to enjoy this life.

This past May I had the privilege of taking a trip-just me- to visit my mom in Kentucky. While I was there we decided to take a ‘Thelma and Louse’ trip. We visited her old home place in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Ran into some of my Dad’s old relatives. We poked around in cemeteries, locating graves….digging up the past-puzzle by puzzle-piece by piece. There are still a lot of missing pieces. But, I got a little glimpse into who my dad was. Perhaps explain why he was so troubled, so driven by demons. A man of ‘constant sorrows’…..

He was the second of 2 children born to his parents. Shortly after his birth his mom died. We could not get the story straight..but as a little infant-his mother gone. The backdrop for this story was the Great Depression…add the bleakness and desperateness of Appalachia and the outlook was pretty grim. The story went….. my grandfather not being able to deal with the loss of wife, a 3 year old daughter and now an infant to raise, moved back in with his parents. This we found out per the census. However, through the years, Dad was passed from relative to relative-census records verify that as well. Story was that some of those relatives introduced Dad to Kentucky Moonshine at an early age…around 7 or 8. Dad also ‘quit’ school in the 4th grade. Story was because he didn’t have shoes and Somehow he got through the teenage years…a lost child who became a lost man who was never able to find his place in this world.

Mom knew Dad’s cousins, they were her good friends. She was visiting them and they introduced Dad and Mom. Mom said he was real shy, quiet. They would go to church together. I was so glad to hear that…Dad at least knew that although he had a rough life….God loved him. However, he allowed the alcohol to become his king….his world, his friend, ..his family and ultimately his destruction and death.

Mom said they would break up-get back together. He went into the army…they wrote letters back and forth. They got married, moved to Cincinnati…Dad got a good job at General Electric—post war boom…anybody could get a job…thank goodness. They found a little rent house on the Kentucky side…Alexandria…4 rooms and a path…much like they both grew up in. This was home for them for the next 20 years…until they were forced to move due to the landlady wanting the house for her relatives.

Dad drunk more and more as the years went by until alcohol consumed his whole being. He never expressed any emotion-except anger, aloofness, so distant. Him and mom fighting, things being broken, thrown, physical abuse, fear-what would he say or do next. Never enough money for food, clothes-not because Dad didn’t have a good job-but alcohol ate up his money – alcohol was his mistress, his family, his god. It drove him to madness and spur Dad into shooting a gun at Mom…I remember hiding Mom from him, him locking her out of the house in the dead of winter after he had torn her clothes off….me at 6 years old…running ..hiding…. begging God..’if you are really there…make him stop!” Minutes later …hearing him stumble to his bed and passing out. Going to court, the judge putting him on probation…praying dad would not stumble into the church on my wedding day…the one time I was grateful he was passed out… hoping he stay that way until after the wedding….
Dad 3rd DWI’, license revoked…driving anyway-to get his alcohol, warnings at work…;'glassy eyed’……clean up his act or lose his job…..drunk, passed out on steps, in cars, in the front yard….until one Friday morning drunk…and fell off the porch…breaking several veterbra in his neck..Operations, therapy, 3 months in the hospital…walking again but never fully recovering…never to work again, drive again…but drinking continued. More drinking, 3 stints in AA….drinking, fighting…I’m long gone, married, but visits always ruined or a constant living in fear of what he would do…what ugliness would come out of his mouth..finally the seizures
begin..in hospitals, out, until finally a doctor tells him…if you take another drink you’ll be dead….in VA hospital again…another seizure and vomiting, choking on his own vomit and now brain dead…he’s alive but doctor’s tell us…he’s not there…on life support….until ‘plug pulled’ and he’s gone….January 30…. only 59 years old…looked 79….hard life, lonely life, sad life, miserable life, wasted life-never knowing his children, never once telling them he loved them, not caring if they ate or had clothes to wear, were they cold? were they embarrassed to have friends know who he was and where they lived? His emotions, his feelings, so seared by alcohol…not seeing the pain he caused…not caring?

Preacher and my mom were the last ones to see him and talk to him before the final seizure…Preacher asked him to pray with him…told Preacher he had been praying….that night his final seizure…the last time he would open his eyes, the last time his body would crave the poison alcohol, the last time he would breathe on his own the last time the demons would haunt and taunt him……..…he hung between life and death for several days….until he was released to life, to meet God and be set free from his demons.

January…a time of birth, living and death. We all have a given number of days on this earth…God has a plan for us-it’s good-it’s a plan for us to succeed-to excel…Satan has a plan too-to destroy, steal and kill…we have our part…we choose…to live in victory or be a victim. My Dad chose to be a victim …a victim of circumstances, a victim of bitterness, a victim of Satan’s snares and traps. I chose to break that curse in my life….I chose to live in victory that is found in having Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Victim or victory….looks like a ‘no brainer’ choice…as you leave the front porch today…think about where you are in your journey…..don’t allow anything to make you a victim….remember you are a victor because of Him….He allowed Himself to be a victim…to be beat, humiliated, humbled, bruised, abused…..so we don’t have to be………

Until next time…from my front porch to yours…. choose life and walk in victory that He has granted to each of us………

BLAST FROM THE PAST...feet on the ground

2009-01-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

Thanks for stopping by...again...Since I had some extra time today...working on a project for Amy...gonna see her and the boys later this week. She will be in town for a birthday party. Since Kaden is signed up for soccer, promised I'd hunt out some of Tim's old soccer pictures. As I did I found others too. Want to post them. These are old photos I scanned in BUT the quality isn't very good. Suggestions all you techies out there in cyber space??

"TELL YOUR CHILDREN AND YOUR CHILDREN'S CHILDREN!"

2009-01-28T06:40:00.000-08:00

Good Morning from the front porch. IT’S COLD! and icy! Watch your step!

Therefore, an unexpected day off from school! The ice and cold weather is not a ‘norm’ here in North Texas BUT this is a cold front that has most of the mid-west to east in a freezy grip.

Talked to Mom in Northern Ky. They have several inches of snow, then ice and expected more snow. I can deal with this stuff vs. that stuff. It is expected to be gone by noon. That’s what I love about TEXAS!

Anyway, talked to Tim last night. Had not got to talk with him for a few days. He stays in touch pretty much..even with his super busy schedule. His church is going through a transition as Pastor Carter is ‘retiring’. I gave my tribute to him in an earlier blog. He has been a tremendous influence in Tim’s life and ministry this past 5 years. Tim chided me for telling some of his childhood adventures…I teasingly told him, ‘he’s just the kinda kid that had a lot of stories’.

Today I want to give each a little tribute. Love ya guys and those wonderful spouses you were given and all those extra special grandkiddos!

I can’t say enough of how proud the Preacher and I are of our children! I’m not just a proud ‘momma’, I am a blessed one indeed! Each of them are excelling and thriving in their own ‘little corner of the world’. Read Julie’s blog about her latest blessing! Julie has always excelled in whatever she endeavored to do. I remember when we lived in Maryland, she was in HS and taking some advanced courses, oh such as calculus and physics. and after her ‘chores’ aka dishes, etc. She would go to her room and her little desk and spend an average of 3 hours working on homework! That’s dedication! That’s determination! That’s Julie! We love and are proud of you Julie! Julie has a gift for communicating, writes some of the most heartfelt tributes in her birthday, Christmas cards. I still have several “Julmark” cards she made throughout the years. Julie has a promotion …vice president of something…sorry can’t keep these titles straight. Hey, maybe the future President of the United States…She could do it. Julie, you have mine and the Preacher’s vote. Thanks Julie, for all you are and have allowed God to accomplish through you!

Read Lori’s blog and find out her strengths. No, she’s not out there in the rat race –not everyone
is called to go into that ‘mission’ field. However, she excels as a wife, mother, pastor’s wife, daughter, sister… She is building the lives of her sons-home schooling-something I know I could never have done. She is a Proverbs 31 gal indeed. Good job, Lori! We love you and are proud of you! Lori is patient, standing by her ‘men’-would fight a roaring tiger if needed to protect her little guys and her ‘big guy’. I don’t know how Lori has been able to take her resources and accomplish all that she has…such as be a stay at home mom, keep her guys fed, clothed in want of nothing. Lori keeps in touch, calling, concerned, always keeping connected! Thanks Lori.

Joe..as I stated in an earlier blog…a preacher’s preacher…with a passion and vision far beyond his tender years. When I have the honor of sitting under his ministry, I am in awe of the intensity and passion with which he delivers the Word. Deep. Challenging. Cutting in to the soul…to te marrow and quick of our being…in order that we would become bigger and better for God’s Kingdom. He has a vision for building God’s Kingdom. He’s not afraid to tackle any assignment…not one to settle for ‘business as usual’ but has a zeal not seen too often in our day of ‘cushion and comfort’ in the church. We have seen him come through some battles and emerge triumph. (HMMMM, maybe that’s why he is currently serving at CHRIST TRIUMPH CHURCH!). We love you, Joe and are proud of you! Joe is not one for a lot of ‘chit chat’ on the phone…we don’t ‘hear’ from him via the phone very often. That’s Ok, Joe, I understand…more than you know. But he ‘twits-think that’s a word and we keep up with him- ( I am told I need to get into the twitter’ age….I am considering this guys….I’m not as tech illiterate as I appear sometimes!) BUT he does take time to come visit us and bring his little family to see us. Thanks Joe!

Tim, we come to Tim. “The Baby” (see an earlier blog on the significance of this title). Tim, much like the others, has had their ‘moments’, their challenges, their trials, their testings, their mountains and valleys. I think that is called ‘LIFE”. Anyway, back to Tim, we are so thankful he found his ‘place in this world’. We knew he had gifts and calling in the music ministry. But he also has proven he is a leader and gifted in training and equipping others in the ministry. Love ya Timbo..so proud of you. A side note….to show his wisdom…..a year or so ago when Preacher was going through a very difficult time here in the ministry at Prosper…(another blog ..another day). Tim called EVERDAY for about a month, the entire time this trial was going on, asking the Preacher how he was doing and praying with him and for him. Thanks Tim!

There is not a day, most days, several times a day, that I think of them, pray for them, wonder what they are doing, how they are doing, what the 8 grandkiddos are up to. I have pictures of everyone-everywhere. Julie in her thoughtfulness bought me one of those new fangled digital photo frames, I took it to school and I turn it on daily and get a dose of my family, my wonderful family.

So, children if you read this, know the Preacher and I love you and are so very blessed by each of you. Are you four perfect? I think not…who is? I’ll be the first to admit I am not…and you are who you are in spite of me and my fumbling around as a mother. You are what you as sons and daughters, as husbands and wives, as sisters and brothers, as parents, as men and women of God, as employees, as church members, as ministers and missionaries, as ‘people’ because you have committed and submitted your lives, hearts and souls unto the Lord. You have spent time on the “Potter’s Wheel’ and allowed Him to mold and make you into the vessels of honor, fit for
His use! Now, take all that you have learned, all you have experienced, and all that you are and ‘transfer it, carry it, hand it, to the next generation-as I know that you are. That’s what it is really about…..’tell your children and your children’s children.. Acts 2:39…”For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as he Lord our God will call”.

From my ‘chilly’ front porch to yours….stay warm and be blessed!

"THIS IS THE DAY THAT THE LORD HATH MADE'!

2009-01-25T15:25:00.000-08:00

Good Sunday afternoon from my front porch to yours. Thanks for stopping by. Weather is a little cooler for a few days. Grab a hot cup of coffee or perhaps a cup of hot tea and let’s chat.

Interesting weekend! One of the few where I only had one thing on my to-do list: some paperwork together for taxes. Got it! We are waiting for a few more ‘documents’ and hope to file soon…hoping for a good refund!

Couple of reasons I slowed down this weekend. First, the weather turned cool..much cooler for us. So, no outside projects. Fed the horses and others in the barnyard and back inside. Then Preacher wanted to attend a Southern Gospel concert, promoted it at church and got one couple interested to go with us. This is a family that has been such a blessing to the church! They have two kiddos, ages 10 and 6. The 6 year old is my little buddy, who calls Glen the “Preacher’. Last Wednesday I wore some really ‘crazy’ socks, (Lukie would be so proud of me!) can’t remember where I got them, Annabeth looked at them and said “Why are you wearing the “Preacher’s socks?” This child is so precocious and could pass for the 2009 version of Shirley Temple! Anyway, we all rode together, meet at 3:00, so this was going to be an interesting event!

The auditorium was about an hour and half away. UGH..cold, gray, overcast day. But things brightened up when we decided we had time to stop in Mesquite at the Cracker Barrel. Good hot coffee of course and my favorite: catfish! I was challenged to a game of checkers by Andrew the 10 year old. He reminds me so much of Caleb! So, these two are my grandkiddos when my grandkiddos are away. Anyway, I held my own for a short time…but Andrew ‘creamed’ me …Our food came and my bruised ego was comforted by hot steaming catfish with all the ‘fixins’….then later Andrew challenged me to some game he had on his phone (kiddos and their gadgets these days) to “Are you smarter than a 5th grader?' didn't have to play this game I already know the answer.... ahhh….could have told him that…on most days, No…I’m not smarter than a 5th grader. He promised to ‘help me. Kiddos. This family may be leaving us soon-no I feel they will. Mac recently lost his job (like so many!) they have such faith however and feel it is all a part of God’s plan (its all in the attitude!). They are from West Texas and feel it is time to go back ‘home’. They’ve been in the Dallas area for several years (came here on a job assignment-he’s an engineer) and want to get back to the basics West Texas...where everything is a little slower...I know the feeling...Dallas can be just too busy, too many people, too many cars, too much traffic, just too much..... Pray for this family. I hate to see them go…but I know what is in their hearts…they want to go home.

Back to the concert, Preacher picked up the tickets at 'Will Call'. Walked in and it was LOUD!! You heard me LOUD!! The tenors could hit a few notes that could have broken glass…thought my own eyeglasses might break. Me and Annabeth both held our ears a couple of times and said ‘it so loud!”. Amazingly, I did NOT see anyone else, the older folks in front of us, beside us, to the left or right flinch, or hold their ears or seem to notice! Amazing-because I don’t know how many times through the years we have had the complaint in our church…’music is too loud”. You’ve got to be kidding! Right? Tim, I’m sure you will certainly appreciate this ‘observation’. We have had this discussion before about music and the perceived ‘loudness’. of it So what’s the difference?

Anyway, Preacher owes me! When one of us does something we really don’t want to do…we joking will say …’you owe me’ (whatever that means and we are still working on how we will do paybacks). Anyway, we got there ‘early’ to see some special presentation..the auditorium was nearly full-already. Seats weren’t that great-by this time. You know squeezing past people’s knees, holding your breath…they do likewise. For about 45 minutes we saw a video promotion of what I will call…’a Gaither Homecoming wanna be’. Phil Cross of Poet Voices claims this is his ‘project’ and is traveling all over promoting it….

I never saw so many gray/white heads, people using canes and wheelchairs, limping and ‘old’.

I mentioned this to the Preacher and he bristled somewhat and said something to the effect-that precisely, that also described us! He’s right of course. Still trying to figure just when and how this happened... the old and gray thing. Not too many young people at all. A few here and there-including the couple that came with us. Mostly older folks. My thought is where is this type of music going….if the vast majority of the fans are so ….old?

Overall, the ‘show’ (that’s what it really seemed to me’…was OK. I counted 3 songs I really enjoyed.. Poet Voices had a couple and Gold City had one that was patriotic. Other than that……

This family we went with are big Gabbard (from Butler, Ky) fans. They asked us why they weren’t there at this concert and said that the Gabbards were their favorite group-even from those groups we had just heard. If any Gabbards are reading this-this is a big compliment from this family! They even played their CD “Gravity” on the CD player in the car and their kiddos know all the words. I’ve come to the conclusion much like sports….if I’m not related to the Southern Gospel singers (even if it is by marriage only) I’m not too interested in it.

After hearing these groups I also wonder….why aren’t the Gabbards singing with these ‘big names”. Their music and songs are just as good….no better than most everything I heard last night.

Anyway, the Preacher compared it to something like this. Music can be compared to say, Cracker Barrel…not everyone will like everything on the menu. We all have our favorites…and some people like a little more variety than others. But it is still Cracker Barrel. I am still trying to dissect that word of wisdom from the Preacher. If anyone really gets the Preacher’s explanation of this, let me know!

Anyway, interesting evening, we got home LATE…me and the Preacher decided we don’t do well on Sunday morning when we have been out late on Saturday. I think this is called, ‘getting old’. So today kinda kicked back after Church and fed animals, put together lunch, cleaned up and that’s about it. I walked through the house right before coming to the front porch and felt God’s overwhelming peace and presence, so I stopped and told the Lord, “Thank you Lord for the gift of this day, to just be still and rest and say, "This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad”.

From my front porch to yours…God bless.

"LOOK WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE!"

2009-01-23T16:18:00.000-08:00

Good evening! TGIF. What is it about Fridays we look forward to and enjoy..even if it is just sitting around on the front porch. Weather has been so nice the past few days…the change is coming in later this evening. Let’s enjoy the time on the porch while we can.

Already fed the horses and the rest of the critters in the barnyard and filled up the water. After our little chat I plan on doing a little paperwork, maybe reading, we’ll see.

Anyway, talking about Tim and his’ feet on the ground’ and I briefly mentioned our family and music. I am the ‘odd man or in this case woman’ in that I really don’t play any musical instruments. Preacher gave me a few lessons on the piano/organ using chords. I practiced and got a few songs down but just didn’t seem to have,. time or opportunity. So be it.

Anyway, Preacher and his family have a talent and gift for music. A gift is probably more the correct word. Preacher started his piano lessons early. He didn’t get to take them very long…That’s another story too. Someday.

I was reflecting upon our family and music. Preacher and I from the beginning had music as a part of our lives. We had our favorite songs through the years of dating. Back then there wasn’t much to listen to in the ‘gospel’ field except the quartets, some trios, etc. Preacher and I even began singing together way back then. Preacher and I didn’t have too many exciting dates, we had 3 choices: church, church and church. We did eat out as a treat…usually Frisch’s…due to my family’s situation I had not eaten ‘out’ much (I was 15 and had my first McDonald’s hamburger….back when you walked up to window and they were about 19 cents)…so to eat at some fancy place like Frisch’s, was a real treat. Preacher has treated me to many a good meal through the years. Preacher for the most part has treated me like his queen…hey, that must make him my king (notice with a little k…I only have one King with a capital K!

Anyway, Preacher and I wanted about 8 kids…ended up with 4…just right. We knew each of the four children was a blessing and special indeed. Our dreams for each of them was not to be lawyers, doctors and such…but to find their own calling and place in the Lord’s work. To equip them and do our part, we decided early on, maybe after they had taken their second step, to get them involved in music.

I remember the girls’ first musical endeavor was with tambourines! Lori could barely walk and I remember the Christmas those two got tambourines. Lori’s was almost as big as she was. We have a picture of her holding hers in the cutest little red dress-her little Christmas dress. For years it was the tradition to get the girls little Christmas dresses. It so sweet to hear Julie does the same thing…although now it’s more like Christmas outfits…not too many little girls wear dress now.

Anyway, so Julie was barely 6 and through a relative on Glen’s side we found a piano teacher. We took her to the lesson-the teacher was a young lady but lived in an older Victoria house in Ft. Thomas…when we visit Kentucky I pass that house several times because my dear mother lives within walking distance. Anyway, Julie and her lessons. We had managed to get an old piano and Julie faithfully practiced. And Those little red John Thompson (I think is the name) piano books.

A few years later we felt like selling everything..absolutely everything, buy a travel trailer and evangelize. When we did this, there was no remorse, no second guessing the Call. We just did it.
There were ups and downs along the way. Many times it was a walk of faith, but this is all part of the molding and making our of children and who they are. Back to the move, we just had an ongoing ‘yard sale’ and sold each piece of furniture and other ‘things’. Little Julie came home from school one day and in disbelief exclamined’ “You sold my bed, You sold my bed”. At that time we had her the cutest little princess white bedroom set with a gold trimmed bed, dresser and if I recall a chest, too. It was darling. Sorry, Julie, yes we sold your bed and everything else EXCEPT the few personal items we could put in the travel trailer.

No piano lessons for a while. But little Julie became part of our ‘music’ ministry. A little thing but not afraid to step up and sing. We evangelized until we found out we would be blessed with another little baby. The rest of that story will continue later. Anyway, we felt led to settle in the Hampton/Newport News, Virginia area. When we finally settled in a little home-and began putting a little house together-we decided that we would buy a brand new Baldwin piano! Quite pricey at the time-but we still have that piano. We have carried it all over the country, many a song has been played on that piano, and many little hands have practiced on those ivory keys. It is scratched up but represents so many memories. Preacher and I will still sing around it every once in a while. When the grandkids come they bang on it. But that’s OK.

Anyway, music has been and still is a very big part of our little family’s life, ministry and calling. At one time we had all four of our little ones taking piano lessons at one time. We encouraged them to get involved in school and church music programs. Preacher and I have ‘enjoyed’ many a school band program, fine arts competitions and on and on.

As I was reflecting on how important music is to our family. What might NOT have been if Preacher and I had not put in the time, effort and what little resources we had into music for our children. When I think of the ministries each of them are involved in, music is central. Tim, music minister at Longview. Tim was not the best piano student! He rarely practiced and just didn’t show a lot of interest in his early career. He played trombone and guitar and of course piano. But, look what the Lord has done with the seeds planted in his life! There’s more to this story later. What about Julie? Her musical training is now being utilized by her involvement with the children’s music ministry and the choir at Firewheel. What about Lori? Playing the flute for many a praise and worship song and her stepping into playing the piano and leading worship for the church her and Aaron would pastor. Even Joe who has giftings in communicating the Word has had his moments in playing the guitar and if he really needed to, could probably play the piano!

Anyway, when you look in the Word, music, singing, praise, worship-how vital it is and how much it is a part of our relationship with God.

This legacy is being passed down to the little ones-all eight of them. Take a look at Joe’s blog and see little Justice dancing to music. Kaylin can sing out like a little super star all while staying on perfect pitch. Karese has shown interest in music with his ‘singing’ and dancing. Kaden has already had his share of musical instruments: drums, little pianos. Camryn, Caleb and Lukie and even Jace all are poised and ready to receive the paton and carry on the ministry.

Music…it soothes, heals and blesses. Such a wonderful part of our life. So from my front porch to yours….’Sing unto the Lord a new song”….and let’s rejoice together!

"FEET ON THE GROUND!" PART 2

2009-01-22T17:45:00.000-08:00

Good evening! I was on the front porch had my chat all prepared not once—but twice and lost it. Didn’t nean to ‘snub’ ya’ll..I just gave up. Some key I hit and the screen goes blank…ok you teckies what am I doing wrong??

Technology can’t live with it..can’t live without it. Speaking of blogs ….check Amy’s and see Karsen’s first steps. Too cool!

Another busy day…but here on the porch even though its getting late…I’ve been trying to get back on the subject I had started a few days ago. Gonna call this one “Feet on the Ground”.

My inspiration is dear, dear Amy. She has just signed Kaden up for soccer. Great move Ames. (I hope) after you read this blog you may have doubts…hope not

Anyway we chatted about Tim the youngest of the four or the ‘baby’ of the family as we called him. This was NOT one of Tim’s favorite nicknames. Sometimes in a moment of endearment I will forget and introduce Tim as ‘my baby’ or the baby of the family….and I can see those sparkly blue eyes blaze just a bit. Just a tad bit ruffled…I’d say.

Anyway, Tim’s older brother, Joe, was barely walking and already playing football. He was a natural at it. So as soon as possible he was signed up on a little league football team. At the time we lived in Virginia and the community had some great sports leagues. Joe made it look so easy…was a super star immediately. I’m sure little Bro looked at big Bro and thought something like this…”anything you can do I can do better (or at least just as good!). So we paid the dues, got the equipment and sent our baby off with his older brother to be a football superstar.

Time to pick the boys up…Joe comes bounding off the field-peppy, excited feeling good about practice. We looked for Tim. We shaded our eyes searching the field and finally way out in the field, was a little elfish figure, dragging his helmet, barely putting one foot in front of the other, head hanging low and ‘whipped’. Where were those sparkly blue eyes? Where was the little ‘happy go lucky guy? Where was the little guy, just happy to a part of the gang?

He finally made it to the car. Fell into the back seat, moaning and groaning, something to the effect, “don’t make me go back, they’re killing me!”.

What? Who’s killing him? He could barely mumble. We chalked it up as ‘’first day jitters. Besides, the Preacher (by the way I picked this name for Glen because we have a little adorable girl about 6 years old at our church and I teach her Daisy’s class and that’s what she calls Glen, The Preacher)

Anyway we didn’t birth no sissies…no quitters, especially on the first day!
So next night, we took Tim back, along with Joe to more football ‘torture”. Sure enough repeat of the night before..Joe’s peppy and Tim’s all pooed out-this time the claim he’s being killed is even more vocal with a little higher pitch in his voice maybe just a little whine added for drama.

Finally, we did not even make it through the first week of practice. We gave in and let the kid quit. I never saw such a look of relief on an elfin’s little face. He got his pep and bounce back pretty quickly…even the sparkle in his 'baby blues' came back.

Well, the story is according to Tim,,,,(I’m sure Joe’s version has another twist to it) Joe and his buddies decided to elect Tim to be their punching bag, their tackle bag, their whatever you use in football to beat up on! Only those 2 know the ‘real’ story. Anyway, we let the kid quit. Walk away....Sometimes, that’s just what you gotta do. The singer, Kenny Rogers, had a song with a line in it, ‘know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em and know when to walk away’. Sounds like good advise when you put it into perspective.....know when it is time to walk way.....don't continue to get 'beat up!'. Tim knew. Fast forward a few years later and Tim and Joe did team up on a football team later in high school and Tim did hold his own on the East Texas Christian School!

Well, the Preacher did not get to play sports as a kid…that can be another story sometime. He loves to talk about sports and WATCH it…must be a ‘gabby’ Gabbard thing. I refuse to watch grown men chasing a little piece of pig skin UNLESS I have been involved in their birth. Anyway, the Preacher took great joy in ALL of his children being involved in two of his passions: SPORTS and MUSIC. Therefore, all our kiddos , even the girls, were involved in sports: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, swimming, etc. Julie played baseball and was very good at it…I think she can still hit a homerun in softball! Lori, much like me, not too interested-except in tennis and she is probably the best swimmer.

Piano lessons, flute lessons- a variety of instruments, all four were also very involved in music, lessons, band camps, marching band, programs, etc. Tim and his piano lessons that can be another blog! Tim, I’m really not picking on you…you just have a lot of ‘stories!”

Anyway, back to the ‘feet on the ground’. On to Maryland and once again everyone signs up for some kind of sports. Tim is ready now-for soccer. So here we go again, sign him up and off to practice and he tada!! he enjoys it! However, the Preacher and I have never met such loud, ‘’over enthusiastic parents and coach…. ever. Tim’s coach…was a mild mannered, quiet, conservative, polite undertaker-funeral director by day and on Saturdays…he transformed into the meanest, loudest, craziest, unpredictable soccer coach..(maybe it was those soccer cleats that did the transformation.) The Preacher and I attended many funerals in the community with this undertaker/soccer coach. Preacher and I’d ride to the cementary in the hearse (Preacher and I had this ‘honor’. ) We would have a nice civilized conversation about life, death, liberty, the pursuit of happiness-nice, calm, ‘normal'-if you can really have a normal conversation in a hearse! Then at the games the coach, aka, undertaker, would scream, run up and down the field, take his hat off and throw it, and sometimes even throw himself facedown on the sidelines, kicking and screaming like a MANIAC!. Preacher and I sat there-flabbergasted…Parents (except for Preacher and me-no, not us…we sat prim and proper in our little lawn chairs barely able to see the game for these hyperactive , screaming parents) anyway, they would run up and down the sidelines screaming too. The Coach’s most shouted words were, ‘FEET ON THE GROUND”. Preacher and I still will say that to each other every once in a while…just for kicks (no pun intended here). I never understood those four words until recently when the Preacher told me in soccer, the players must keep their feet on the ground during playing or it’s a foul or penalty or something…(oops my sports illiteracy is showing). Hence, ‘feet on the ground’.

However, when you think of it…this is a good life principle. Running the race for God, keep your feet on the ground. Climbing any mountains before you today, keep your feet on the ground. Going through a valley that seems like the dark of night, keep your feet on the ground. Maybe, this coach’s shout should be our battle cry. “FEET ON THE GROUND!”

So until we meet again on the front porch, “Keep your feet on the ground!

FEET ON THE GROUND"

2009-01-20T18:19:00.000-08:00

Good evening! Glad you stopped by on the front porch this evening. I have worked for almost 2 hours tonight for our meeting on the front porch. I keep losing my post. One of those days I guess. So I will continue this thought another time

Until then...from my front porch to yours..

OPERATION... FIND TIM'S LIBRARY BOOKS!

2009-01-19T06:14:00.000-08:00

Good Morning...looks like another beautiful day here in Texas.

I'm suppose to be at school but decided to take a day off and work around the farm. The weather is going to be so nice...I'll get to spend some time outside.

Got up my usual time though...5:00 ish ..just can't seem to sleep in...did a few days during Christmas break when everyone was here and the rare occasions when the grandkids...even Jace slept in a few days...around 6:30-7:00...my problem is then when I do have to go back to my school routine..5:00 hurts.

Anyway, feel I need to get up early and spend some time with the Lord...reading, praying, my 'first meal' of the day-that spiritual gal just whimps out and gets into too much trouble if time is not spent at the Lord's table.

Caught up on some paperwork and blogs...then I'm outside to enjoy God's goodness.

Blogging is new to me...Lori got me into this...didn't think I'd have much of anything to say. Kinda grows on you though. I feel somewhat like, You've Got Mail, one of my favorite movies. Is anybody out there reading this stuff? Anyway, I usually get a little inspiration and then just start writing. I look back on some of the writing and think ...way too much writing-but then I think of it as 'therapy' for the soul.

Anyway today...the library. I got his inspiration from Lori and her post about the library. The Preacher has always been an avid reader. I ebb and flow. I have had times in my life when I read non-stop (that's the problem I get started and want to read it all and move on). Other times I may read at a book for a few days or weeks. Through the years I have had to do so much reading for my degrees that I just didn't have extra reading time or desire to read. One of new resolutions is to read more and so far so good!

Anyway, because the library is a great family event and as Lori pointed out...free resources...the Preacher and I made it a PRIORITY to take the kiddos to the library. Through the years and due to the different churches we have pastored we have moved more than most families. Moves have a lot of adjustments, those necessities of getting settled in new communities. ONE of the FIRST things we did was to take everyone who could breathe...think that included all 4 kiddos ...to the library and get their own library card. Lori was right, on a regular basis we went to the library. Falmouth was one of our better experiences... we had very little money but we checked out movies, books and it was just a neat little place for such a small community.

On to Maryland and we kept up the tradition. I don't know how many library cards were lost through the years and fines we had to pay...but it was worth it. When it was time to go to the library the announcement would be made and all four kiddos would start the 'book hunt'. Julie and Lori were pretty good about keeping their books together. Tim and Joe ...another matter. At the time they had a basement room, small, cramped and full of stuff. We also had a large dog thrown in the mix, Tim's dog AG (Auggie Junior) named after a nickname (Auggie) that Julie had given Tim. That's another blog...Julie and her nicknames for everyone. By the way she has kept up the tradition with her own 2...Kaylin is currently Lynnie....anyway for today...I'm sure there will be a new nickname for Kay tomorrow!

Most of the time most of the books would be found. Seems there were always some hidden under beds, under clothes under who knows where. Hence, overdue fines. I used to resent it fiercely...then decided not to sweat the small stuff...when I look at all the use we had of items I figured it was such a small price to pay.

The Preacher, however, detested any late charges or fines on HIS card. Someone would get to the library and not have their card....aka usually Timbo, Auggie, Lukie, whatever his current nickname was. The Preacher would allow the offender to check books out on HIS card with the promise he would keep up with them. Of course the unthinkable happened. There was an usually crabby librarian (reminds me of myself most days ):....who had to make a grand announcement in her loudest, most stern voice, Preacher (..ah, I think she said Mr. Gabbard) you cannot check books out today until you pay your fine. The Preacher, with those big eyes of disbelief, replied, " No way, Mam, I am clear, turned all my books in." She puffed up like an insulted hen and then spewed out the list, ....Scooby Do Goes Undercover, Scooby Do and the Lost Shoe, Scooby Do Returns... You get the picture.

We all turned and looked at the real culprit...TIM... Tim's response to questions about these books...as in most things he felt were trivial was a, big shrug, with those big blue eyes sparkling and with his most charming smile, replied,"I don't know.

This didn't set too well with the Preacher, the librarian or any of us. We considered this one of the 'high crimes upon the seas' if a library book was not treated with the greatest of respect. We went home and the whole family went into OPERATION FIND TIM'S LIBRARY BOOKS. I think we even inducted AJ into the hunt. We did find them and all was well...until next time.

Of all my children, Tim, for the most part was the most laid back, easy going, unruffled..well, there were a few times he did 'ruffle' up. I think I'll reserve one of those stories for tomorrow. So if you want to hear a chapter from Tim's life...stop by the front porch.....tomorrow.

So,from my front porch to yours, God bless.

HUMAN KINDNESS

2009-01-18T04:02:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! '"This is the day that the Lord has made, so let's rejoice!'

Thanks for stopping by. Hope this day is extra blessed and you 'celebrate' in the moment-good and not so good.

In just keeping up with my family-three out of four, have had someone sick in their house this week. The Preacher has been under the weather (strange saying isn't it?) too. Still, in all, God is watching and will give us the 'manna' both physical and spiritual we need.

Yesterday was one of those fantastic Texas days ....warm you can walk around without a jacket...even short sleeves. Today and the rest of the week is suppose to be more of the same. I hope to get in some nice front porch time!

Yesterday as I was out running errands working on my 'to do' list. I experienced something I don't think I have in a long time. Briefly,............ on a four lane highway with a turn lane in the middle-going along thinking of what I needed to do-saw a limo and a line of cars in the oncoming lane....funeral. I pulled over on the far right lane, slowing down, saying a quick prayer for those who had lost a loved one. Hoping they were comforted by God. The car in front on me slows to a stop...... my first impulse was to whip around them and proceed on my merry way. But the car behind me, slowed, pulled over behind me and stopped, etc. Soon we had a row of about 10 of us, pulled over. The funeral procession slowly went by. As they did it gave me more time to stop and really pray for God's comfort for this group of family and friends. Whoever was in the casket....they were either in the presence of God or 'took the elevator' to the basement....There was only a shell left in the casket...just hope they made things right. They either graduated and were truly living in the presence of our Savior.....or eternally tormented ....another time we'll talk more on this matter.

My point today, I was pleasantly surprised by human kindness, consideration and a show of respect for others we did not even know. Took a few minutes of time, but I think every car that went by glanced over and saw our little row of vehicles, stopped and saying, 'out of respect' for you and yours.

Human kindness....we have gotten away from that. Too rushed, for simple things like, holding the door for the next person, saying thank you to strangers, cashiers.waitresses, etc...how about smiling and saying hello to people we work with...let alone strangers. Look them in the face and truly mean it. So in your hustle and bustle in life...we do need to slow down and 'show the love of God' that is suppose to be a lifestyle that flows from our walk with Him.

So today as you go about your business, remember, 'actions do speak louder than words'...as a matter of fact...your actions are speaking so loud....I can't hear what you are saying'!!

Until next time on the front porch.

A LESSON FROM THE BARNYARD

2009-01-17T06:12:00.000-08:00

Good Morning!

It's early on the front porch. Looking for the sun and its cloudy and overcast-but suppose to be a little warmer. Already started on that 'to do' list for this weekend. Before I get far into it just wanted to sit a spell and sip on another cup of coffee. That's what I like about Saturdays!

Speaking of Saturdays! I know we cram way too much into them-BUT they sure are nice and certainly something to look forward too especially when Monday rolls around again. I feel my weekend is complete if I've worshipped the Lord with friends and family and have been able to spend some time outside. Usually taking care of the horses and other barnyard critters or just sitting down under the pecan tree and just looking at the day to day business that goes on in the barnyard.

In the past 3 years I have had over 30 plus chickens, but currently down to about 10. Seems that coyote has figured out where to get his 'free lunch'. One of my farm projects is to make a better pen for those hens. Anyway, when I first was getting the little farm together and doing research, I recall reading how fascinating chickens are. It can be compared to watching an aquarium full of fish. I agree. Those hens will walk around, pick at something (that's one reason I got them-they love fly larve-hope you aren't eating right now) and keep the barnyard pest down to a minimum. Interesting creatures. But as much as the Preacher loves his chicken-these hens will NOT be in any frying pan as long as I am around...kinda hard to connect the two...those chickens and those fryers at Krogers.

Anwway, these hens will cluck and it sounds like they talk to one another and I cluck back at them sometimes. Neighbors think I am strange anyway. another blog someday me and my neighbors..... Those hens now associate me with something tasty to eat so no matter where they are in the barnyard or pasture or in the yard (another project I must work on) they come running to see what tasty morsels I have brought them.

My oldest granddaughter Camryn has shown some interest in my farming adventure. Seems the older she gets she has other interests-that's OK. My biggest farm buddy right now is Jace. He jumps up at the crack of dawn oh say 6:00 or so and wants to go gather eggs, feed the chickens, ride the horses-feed the sheep or just walk the pasture and talk. Anyway, back to the chickens. I started out with 3 hens. I bought these 3 from a crusty old guy at the McKinney trade days. Should have known better. But when you are green behind the ears and don't know much about farming-so be it. One of those hens was the meanest thing I've had. She was pretty ugly too. She would lay eggs and just sit there -no she wasn't sitting on them to hatch chicks-sit on hers and the others and when I would try to get them-she would start breaking the eggs! It was as if to say "no way...I can't have these eggs you won't either!

Anyway, out of the three she was the boss lady-always hogging (funny thought) the food and kinda beating up on the other two. On was a little small hen and when approached just stopped in her tracks and took whatever beating the old hen would dish out. Anyway, this little hen laid the smallest blue/green eggs I've ever seen-faithfully almost everyday until......a stray dog I took in decided to move on up on the food chain out of the dog food bowl and into the chicken pen. The other of the three hens disappeared almost immediately. A few months later the little hen was supper for this stray dog and I had the one mean hen until next Spring. Got more.chicks then..about 10 and Camryn proceeded to name every single one of them. This mean ole hen bossed these little ones around too. Nasty old thing she was. Anyway, Camryn could identify "Black Beauty, Buttercup, Snow White, etc.) Got a few more when Caleb came to visit and had a nice little brood.

There was one hen from the new batch that stood out. She was big, clumsy and awkward and UGLY (uglier than the old mena hen even!). I was standing in the barnyard and told Camryn 'that is the ugliest hen I have ever seen'. Camryn in all her wisdom said, 'Uh, Grannie...that's a rooster". Out of the mouths of babes! It never occured to me one of my hens might be a he...for I had some pretty bad experiences as a child with roosters and didn't want to go there! I specifically asked for ladies only at the feed store! But, I got used to him and really kinda enjoyed his crowing...he was different because that boy crowed in the afternoon and evening instead of the morning. I guess he liked to sleep in.

Back to the barnyard....., every once in a while a hen would be missing again. Figured they got out of the pasture or.... One day I was walking in the pasture and saw this super sized ugly thing. the ugly hen ....aka rooster, flapping its wings and trying to CROW. A very comical sight and amusing. Yep, I had a rooster. However, he seemed to be pretty easy going and hadn't tried to flog (jump at you and use those spurs ) me so I'd let him stay. By the way he turned into a good looking rooster. He had green tinted tail feathers and would strut around the barnyard..... until one day I noticed it was as if he had lost almost every single tail feather. I asked the guy at the feed store and he laughed (I've asked him so many questions most of them on the 'dumb' side...that I'm surprised he hasn't started charging for his free 'advise'). Anyway, he said in his Texas drawl, 'sounds like he had a mighty close call'. Close call?? Ah, the coyote or ??? Anyway, about the same time, Camryn noticed her favorite hen-Black Beauty was missing! (Yes, we would count them and name them off- I still do count them) We were sad because she was jet black, plump and very pretty. Sad-but life in the barnyard goes on. I remember on a Wednesday afternoon in October of that year-I was rushing around trying to feed the barnyard critters and gather eggs, etc. When I heard a 'cheep..cheep'. And out ran Black Beauty with 8 baby chicks! I was pretty excited (and yes, its true...I don't get out much). Called Camryn with the good news not only was Black Beauty back but she had 8 baby chicks. I have no idea where they could have been. I have a neighbor who has a pile of junk that is close to the barnyard...perhaps there?? Sometime I'll share the experience of watching a mother hen with her chicks . Well, sad to say not only did that rooster lose the rest of his tail feathers-something got him one day a few months later. I looked all over the pasture after he went missing and finally found what was left of him. Kinda sad-but the circle of life. Black Beauty did disappear again too. Most of her little chicks went one by one or two by two-coyote lunch or chicken hawk or ???? (hope its not Big Foot or some other 2 legged thing). But I do still have 2 of her chicks who have survived and turned into pretty nice hens.

God has given us so much to enjoy and celebrate. I'm trying to look at each day as an 'event and celebration'. Because our days are numbered. Only our Father in Heaven knows when are days are up. We fight it so...hold on to this life with all its imperfections, imitations, troubles, cares, burdens...you get the picture. God has a million times over treasures and gifts waiting on the "other side'...no its not the dark side but the Light side......where the Son shines forever. We all will awake on day...and it will be our last day to walk on this earth. Much like my chickens...get up business as usual and one phone call, one incident, on mistake, one heartbeat away from eternity. None of us will be ravaged by a coyote (hope not!) but we have our day when this outer shell will cease to be our home...but our soul will be released and really begin living! We do have it all upside down...instead of dying...we should think of it as now we can really start living....living in the Father's presence, the Son's light, the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Something to think about, dream about, plan for, pack for (no suitcase but packed with the Word, His presence and calling) and GET READY!

So, whew, that to do list is calling. I hear those horses neighing for some feed. Gotta also take time and feed the soul...you too...until next time on the front porch.

2009-01-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

Whew...good afternoon. Another cold day! Well, cold for Texas. But, not too bad when compared to some parts of the country...like Kansas City, (feel your pain Joe...na, not really, Cincinnati (home place. ), New York and Minnesota (we have friends there)....anyway where is GLOBAL WARMING when we need it??

Seriously, thanks for stopping by. We won't visit long...just a little too chilly to sit around for very long. I'm sipping on a good, hot cup of coffee. Aaaa, it is so good. The Preacher and I have a little ritual..whoever gets home first makes a pot of coffeef for our afternoon 'regrouping'. We enjoy coffee in the evening and of course the morning. Good stuff. By the way, it can be chilly like today or a Texas heat wave day. We just like the warm feeling, each other's company for a few stolen moments and oh yeah, let's not forget the little caffeine 'kick'. Funny, through the years we have heard coffee is bad for you, not its good.. who really knows

Got another minute or so?? I read a little quote today that was good stuff too. Something like this....
Ego demands, "Don't just stand there SAY something" (like put your foot in your mouth...sometimes we put our whole leg too it seems) BUT wisdom reminds us , "Don't say something...just stand there". There is a time to speak and there is definetely a time NOT to speak. Let's agree in 2009 to tune into the Holy Spirit and know what to speak.

Until next time on my front porch...go on in and sit b

NOT OUR KINGDOM-BUT GOD'S KINGDOM

2009-01-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

Good evening. Busy last couple of days. Not a moment to even step on the front porch, much less sit and visit. But, glad you stopped by.

If you read Tim's blog you know that his Pastor has resigned the church. Tim has been the music minister for almost 5 years now. I have seen such growth in Tim and Amy under the care of Pastor Carter! He is a true shepherd. In an earlier blog I mentioned the 'interview' in Tim's journey to Longview. To add some additional details to Tim's journey to Longview-as stated Tim had been working faithfully in a local church here in the Dallas area. He worked faithfully with the youth pastor and music minister. Tim ministered and worked alongside these pastors-in addition to working 40 plus hours in a retail store. In addition he was a 'newlywed'. During these 5 years Tim also studied at a local college working on his music degree. It was a busy time-but a time of stretching and growing for Tim. It was at this church Tim met Amy :). I remember when they would come to the house, Amy was always quite-always so sweet. I remember many evenings Tim and Amy would be sitting at the piano, singing, writing songs, praising God. It was such a joy. Amy may be sweet and quite, but she has a beautiful voice! One of my favorite songs I love to hear her sing is, I'm Desperate for You, so powerful. I recall through these years Tim would have Bible study groups at the house, friends in and out-excitement. Tim brings excitement into the room. Sometimes I'll share the excitement.

I know there were times of discouragement during this 5 year stretch. Finances were a challenge-the ministry at the Dallas church began to change and Tim just wasn't sure he would fit in. His older brother Joe was also in a time of transistion in the ministry-as I recall ALL of us were in a time of transition at this time! Anyway, Joe found the posting about the music ministry in Longview and upon the leading of the Holy Spirit sent Tim's resume to Longview. I don't think Tim felt he was ready for this assignment. But much like young David in some of God's assignments for Him, Tim trusted God. Dear Pastor Carter saw Tim's resume and well, the rest is history. Pastor Carter has embraced Tim's talents, gifts and callings. He has allowed Tim to mature in God's wisdom and grace. He has allowed Tim to have freedom to be open, directed and led by the Holy Spirit-not only in the music ministry but in other ministry opportunities. Our prayers and blessing go with the Carter family.

I also know what it feels like to be in the same corner as the Carter's. The ministry is the most rewarding, fulfilling, yet physically, emotionally exhausting. Some who read this will scoff and make judgements-my point exactly. There is no fishbowl quite like the ministry. Yes, you meet some of the sweetest, supportive, kind and loving people. However, there are others who feel it is their "ministry" to question, undermine, pick at and scrutinize every move. Pastors and ministry leaders are expected to be perfect, able to leap tall buildings, fly through the air with the greatest of speed, on and on..

It is discouraging to pour into people and often for various reasons they move out of our lives. I was pondering on this one day and God comforted me with the word that 'it is His Kingdom'. I was reminded that I should not be building 'my kingdom'because the church we are serving in is not to be an earthly kingdom. I was to remember the building was of His Kingdom and His church. People move in and out of our lives-especially in our mobile, fluid society. As we meet people along our life's journey-we are to love them and accept them for who they are. God has allowed them to come our life for a season. A season of joy and rejoicing, a season of working together in the vineyard of the Lord until He gives the next assignment. This is why fussing and feuding in the church is unacceptable and surely breaks our Lord's heart.

Thus, this is the case with Pastor Carter. He has labored so faithfully. He has been an instrument in physically and spiritually building a house of worship in Longview. He has mentored Tim and Amy, along with countless others. He has impacted not only the Longview area BUT more importantly, he has built the Kingdom of God. Therefore, because he has built the Kingdom of God, and not his own kingdom, he is free to step into his next assignment with faith and freedom. God has good things in store for Pastor Carter and even though it appears it may not be in the pulpit, I feel it will have a great impact on God's Kingdom nevertheless.

So enjoy the memories and opportunities to work hand in hand with God's people, in God's vineyard, at God's bidding and His assignment. When He calls us or anyone in the Body to 'get up and Go'-lovingly and respectfully release them. We look forward to the 'grand reunion' aka the 'meeting in the air' in the sweet, sweet by and by!

Until we meet again on the front porch.

A BLESSED DAY

2009-01-11T15:08:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon, thanks for stopping by. We have just a few minutes before I will need to go in and make preparations to attend the evening service.

Great day. Good weather. Warm enough to move around outside. Sunny too. Nice enough to spend some time outside. Fed and watered the horses, the sheep, Mary and Martha, little Paco, chickens and the cats. Brushed the horses and even walked the pasture. There's a coyote making the rounds. He has already dined on several of my fat hens. Shame on him. He needs to pick on someone his own size.

We had a good service at church. Praise and worship-with a great deal of people really participating-singing out with voices and hands raised. As it should be...our Lord is worthy.

On this Sunday, Glen, calls the anointing service-all those members in any kind of leadership roles come up for anointing with oil and prayer. It was pretty powerful. God is so awesome. It is heartwarming to see how many of our folks have stepped into leadership for this year.

Good sermon about the anointing for leadership. We need those reminders-to edify the Church.

Another annual prayer we have started is for members to make a list (not a wish list or a jeannie in a bottle list) but a heart felf, spirit led list of needs and prayers you are believing for in 2009. We had prayer for those who have needs they want believers to stand in faith with them for. Our little church has many needs, several lost jobs this past year, many, many sick, loved ones sick, some serious life and death sick. We are believing God and trusting Him for every need. He is a good Father, a Father that provides for us, His children. He would not have any of us suffer needlessly. If there is any suffering He is there. There is a reason for every season in our lives.

My husband, the Preacher, has come up with a new word of comfort. He stated that everywhere you go people are proclaming how this world is falling apart. He disagrees....'its falling together' for God's plan and purposes. Remember that change we talked about a few days ago. The biggest change we have ever seen or will ever experience or could even image is 'fixin' (as you'all say here in Texas) to happen. When, not sure-not my business to know. It's His business. But, I am to anticipate it, embrace it and be READY for it!

No idea what I am talking about. Come back and visit when we have more time. We'll talk again on the front porch!

To Do Lists

2009-01-10T17:30:00.000-08:00

Good evening. Welcome to the front porch. We won't stay long. That cold front moved in and it is pretty chilly tonight. Temps dropped quite a bit. Suppose to be in the 20's tonight. That's Texas for you. Anyway made a big pot of chili and some homemade cookies. Perfect for a chilly evening.

Busy day, I'm sure yours was too. Saturdays seems to be a day we try to cram in a week's worth of chores, errands, shopping, etc. Ran all day but didn't get too much done on my 'to do list'. I'm getting well known for my lists. Seems I make lists for my lists, at times have 2 or 3 of them going at the same time.

Why? Well, when you get old and gray-seems to keep me focused of why I'm walking around. Also, I guess it gives me a sense of accomplishment when I can cross a thing or two off the list. Problem is for every item I cross off, I add two or three more things to do.

Speaking of my list, its getting late and I have several more things on my list that I had hoped to get done today. You're welcome to stay a while longer, enjoy the view, moon is up there again but kinda foggy and hard to see tonight. Me, I'm going inside. Glen has a fire going, hot cup of coffee, good company and good food. I am blessed.

Hope you worship tomorrow-at the place you meet God and good friends and even loved ones. Troubled times indeed but each day are countless blessings we can thank Him for.

Until next time, from my front porch to yours. Good night and God bless.

Change

2009-01-09T16:05:00.000-08:00

Good evening! Come sit a spell on the front porch. I must say another beautiful day. Look over in the sky-there is a full moon just waiting to take front and center stage just as God has designed it. The sun is sinking a little lower, lower and will soon be gone. Amazing. But, feel that breeze kicking up...a little more, hear those tree limbs hitting against the house. I feel a change coming. Change.

Change. Not the jiggling stuff in our pockets. No, this is the big stuff. Change of attitude, lifestyle, habits, mindsets. Difficult stuff. Stuff we avoid and just don't like. None of us open our arms wide and declare, 'change, give me your best shot!'. No, we cower in a corner whimpering and resisting change. Change.

I admit I'm included in the whimpering corner. I have my little pew I sit in every Sunday and do say if anyone would wander over there-I'd bristle and burn a tad. I have a parking place I park in EVERY morning (I get there early enough I could pick any one of many) BUT no one had better take it! If they did I'd probably slam my door a little too hard and sulk into the building, mumbling about the 'nerve'. We all have those comfort routines-meat loaf on Monday, bowling on Thursday, or......fill in the blank. Change.

But when you think about it-God is a God of change! Look at us...we are constantly changing physically. Don't think so...get out pictures from a few years back. Then take a look in the mirror. I often get busy-run into the bathroom to wash my hands and look up in the mirrow and jump back-thinking 'who is that old woman in the mirror!? Guess what ? That's me. What happened to the years? Seems like only yesterday I was a young bride, then a young mother, now a grandmother may times over. Change.

Back to change-God has 'mercies new every morning'-yet He is stedfast. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. Yet, in His wisdom He desires to pour a newness and freshness upon us. Change. It takes a strong man or woman to accept change, embrace it, and allow it to make us better. The 'world' is changing. Look around, planted a tree lately? Notice how much it grows and matures. Taken a look at your child or grandchild. They are changing and maturing right before our eyes. We accept it, or should accept it. No one really wants a baby in diapers forever. They grow, stretch, stumble, regroup, mature and bloom into their own calling. Can't hold on to them, please don't try. If you do you will smother them, stifle them, frustrate them and may even lose them. Change.

God desires for all of us to allow change in our lives. We should be growing, stretching, stumbling (yes, even this, if you never try to walk-you will never stumble-so walk a little even if you do stumble!), regrouping, maturing and blooming into the plan He has for us. Just like the last few days that have been so beautiful. If I could I would bottle them up and try to save them. If I could I would have every day like the last two. Glad I'm not running things. Pretty soon things would be in chaos. Why, we have cycles and seasons established so that we might have rain, snow, sun for the growth and change this earth needs. Change.

Change. Take a look at Abraham from the book of Genesis. Now here was a man willing and open to change. God told him to get up and leave his people, his home, his land, his familiar surroundings and Go.....go where? To a land I will show you. Hmm, a little vague, don't you think? A little difficult, don't you think? A walk into the unknown, never been there before, never done it that way before 'walk'. Revisit this story in the book of Genesis. Think of the 'might have not beens' if Abraham had resisted and said, "Na, no thanks, like it right here pretty much, been here all my life, got things just like I like 'em'. Thanks goodness, the Father of many generations, the Father of many nations, Father Abraham', was willing to allow his Father God to bring about a newness and freshness in his life. As they say........the rest is His story (history).

From my porch to yours, good evening and God bless...oh and how about a little 'change?'

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE

2009-01-08T17:28:00.000-08:00

Good evening! Glad you could join me for a while here on my front porch. It was an absolutely gorgeous day around the farm today. 70 degrees, give or take a degree, sunny, absolutely perfect. Enjoy the slight breeze, setting sun, and if you stay long enough, you'll see tonight's moon. Great stuff. I know now why I love Texas so much.

Today is January 8th, a couple of 'famous' people born today. One made rock and roll history, and although he is no longer on this earth-still has fans galore. Elvis Presely...wonder what he would look like if he had lived to celebrate this birthday? Well, another pretty special guy was born today. My son Joe...now I am getting old and forgetful and not the best at math, but if I have done my math correctly, he is now officially 31 (although his younger brother's math must be worse than mine for his version of Joe's age has added a few years to that figure)....anyway Joe is my oldest son, the third child born into our family. We had been blessed with two of the finest girls ever seen...and found out once again we would be welcoming another baby into our family. We kinda, sorta hoped we had made a little boy. Back then you didn't get to find out what gender your blessing would be. Sometimes mothers could figure it out by the way they felt, the way the baby was positioned, etc. But, for the most part it was...SURPRISE...you have a little baby________. However, his Dad had a dream or felt God drop a word into his heart because one day he said to me, 'we're going to have a boy and we are to name him Joseph, because he is going to be a strong man of God. Well, I painted his little room blue, began buying little blue clothes. And waited for the little guy's arrival. During the waiting time, I would go into the room and pray over the bed he was to sleep in, telling God, this is your child God, use him, make him strong, he is yours. Watch over him, protect him, use him..we held on to this prayer knowing God is faithful.

Anyway, I had no problems with sicknesses, no major complictions with any of the babies. I carried on my life as usual. Joe was due about the middle of January. I secretly hoped he would come early. Mothers, you've been there. You just feel so many emotions, excited, anxious, apprehensive...and BIG. Just let the little guy or gal come on down and meet and greet the world. I had gone into labor early with the girls and was certainly hoping this would be the case again. January 8th, a Sunday morning. It was pretty warm for Kentucky. Glen was co-pastoring a church in Cincinnati, so it was business as usual-everyone up, ready for church, out the door and off we go. I helped out in the church as I still do-whatever needed to be done. I remember right at the start of the Sunday School hour around 10:00, I began to feel a few pains. Nothing too major, just those waves of pain that a woman knows. After about 45 minutes of consistent pain, decided to call the doctor. To my surprise he said, go to the hospital. Although the previous births had been pretty easy-the labor seemed long...but the doctor was saying go on to the hospital. Well, I casually mentioned this to Glen, but this was Sunday morning, after all he had a sermon to preach, people to pray for-a pastor's duty. The hospital was a very short drive away-up one of the famous hills in Cincinnati. So around 11:45ish we decided we had better go on up to the hospital. Good thing we did, at about 12:38 Joseph Glen arrived! The labor was quick and relatively smooth EXCEPT for the last push when I could feel a horrible pulling and the doctor shouts STOP don't push. It seems this little critter had to make a big entrance into the world by arriving or trying to arrive with the cord wrapped around his neck 3 times! I remember the doctor pointing out to the others in the delivery room and saying something like,'look at this, the cord is wrapped around this little's guys neck 3 times!". Whew! Sounds like our Joe doesn't it? Mischief, 'look at me world', kinda entrance.

I remember when I first saw him and saying, "a boy, we got a little boy" and he looks just like my side of the family! A little boy. I didn't know too much about little boys. I am the oldest of 8-one brother and 6 sisters. It's me, my brother and then all little girls. This was going to be a new adventure for sure.

Well, we were on a budget-so all I could afford to stay at the hospital was the one night and then we arranged to be released the next day. No insurance coverage will kinda encourage you to do this. Somehow during the course of that day-the weather changed. From warm, to cold to colder. Glen had slipped out of the hospital to get my mom and bring her to the hospital to see this little grandson. In the course of that short amount of time-the weather went from bad to worse and an icy snowstorm hit-hard. I waited wondering where was my dear husband and mother. Well, a few hours later they limped in...it seems Glen had lost control on the ice and had a fender bender on the way back to the hospital. I recall that both he and my mother were pretty shook-up. I think this kinda thing is called life. It just happens. Not the best news to receive, but life does go on. Somehow Glen got us home the next day. And it was cold! That entire winter was cold. I remember Joe somehow getting his days and nights mixed up as babies can do. Awake all night and asleep most of the day. Other than that he was a sweet little guy-blending into the family, with an older sister who begged to hold and feed him and one still to young to realize she had just been displaced and no longer was the darling baby of the family. This was the time of 2 in diapers and 2 with bottles. Hard to take a bottle from a toddler who sees little brother drinking his to his heart's content. Days that blend one into the other when you are so busy you hardly know what your name is.. I had the pleasure of being a 'stay at home' mom at that time. It was what I wanted-it was right for me and it was my calling. Money was tight...funny thing...seems like it still is...but God did supply every need. I remember that was a cold winter, a lot of snow winter, record cold winter, kitchen pipes freezing up winter, record cold winter-yes I said it twice because two nights in a row that area had record cold temps...-24 and -25. I recall the front page of the paper...it was some kinda winter! But we had our cozy little family, in a cozy little house, and a Big God watching over us.

Turn the clock ahead 31 years later. Yes, there is a lot of growing, stretching, praying, and watching this little boy mature into a strong man of God. (Perhaps someday I'll share some of the in between the birth and now adventures with this son). I do see some of myself-both good and not so good-in all my children. Seems like we really don't get much of a choice in the matter. We are fearfully and wonderfully made (some of us with a little more fear than others). What do I see in Joe? I see a man who is very creative. He gets an idea to do something and he does it! He works hard-he will work until the job is done. He can tend to be a perfectionist (even more than me! Joe, is that possible???) he has HIGH expectations of himself and those around him(opps, sorry that's me again). I know this because I see some of myself in Joe...sorry Joe you got some of the good stuff from the Gabbard side...and well some of the stuff from the Lawson side...but it has meshed together to make one of the most unique, talented and gifted men of God. Lori is right. Joe has such a gift with words, especially, God's word and is able to communicate it so well. I am in awe of where this child came from?! He came from a love between his father and me, and is blessed with gifts and callings to bring a message to this generation. He is a voice calling in the wilderness, challenging God's people to step up a little higher. The prayers of parents prayed over 31 years ago have not gone unheard. They did not go to deaf ears. But the God of Heaven heard those heart cries and humble prayers of parents who truly believed that the children they were blessed with were destined to greatness.....not greatness as the world knows greatness. But greatness according to the Kingdom of God...the last beng first, the least being greatest....as Joe's blog states....simple humanity.....being touched and filled with divine destinty.

Until we meet again on my front porch...thank God for the blessings He has surrounded you with-people who love you and that you love. "This is my commandment that you love one another....and our joy will be complete".

MEMORIES

2009-01-07T16:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm here on the front porch again. Sitting back enjoying a beautiful sunset, a little cool, but an absolutely amazing sky. The kind of beauty that makes one stop and 'smell the roses' if there were any blooming at this time of year. Nevertheless, this kind of beauty does allow me, and hopefully others, to stop and thank God for a pretty amazing world He has fashioned for us. I am finding myself slipping more and more into these special moments that really kinda of take my breath away. I will be walking down the hall at school and look into a little boy's face and remember my own sons as little boys, riding bicycles, playing ball, playing games. I see those two little guys now stand tall and strong as fathers and leaders in their own ministries. I see those little girls with dark hair tied with ribbons and bows, giggling excitedly about some secret they are sharing and think of my two daughters who have blossomed into incredible, strong women of God. I look into those big eyes filled with wonder and such great potential and thank God for the incredible men and women of God He has sent into my life. I find that when God does allow a memory or two of a special time with family, perhaps a celebration, a trip, a dinner together or just sitting around on the front porch enjoying each other's company, there is an overwhelming sense of joy and peace . When this happens, I pause, and I can feel a big huge smile spreading across my face. I am also amazed as to how I got such an incredible job assignment.

These are tender, bittersweet moments. Times I reflect on God's power, presence and provisions He has so bountifully blessed my family with. It is unexpected and at times overwhelming, what can sweep my thoughts into these little pockets of packed away memories. I have heard that every thing that has happened to us, been said to us, is recorded-somewhere- in the brain. It is believed to be there-dormant-just waiting for the right nerve impulse to bring it back to life. This is awesome on many levels. It is great for all those 'hallmark' memories we have. But what about those raw, down and dirty moments in our lives when things are said and done in a heated moment of frustration and anger? Ah, those wicked 'sticks and stones" moments. I am overhwhelmed with sadness when I recall those moments when I have been on the delivery end of 'words' that hurt more than sticks and stones ever could. I come from a fiery Irish, German, English background. It's a background of harshness, yelling, and speaking your mind and unfortunately, holding grudges. It was not a pleasant place to dwell. I have had to surrender myself to the healing, cleansing power of the Holy Spirit in order to 'bind up wounds', clean out my closet of mindsets, and surrender to NOT having the 'last word'. Or if I insist that I must have the last word, at least let it be, "I'm sorry". I think I have mellowed some...but then I can feel the 'old woman' in me want to rise up and sprew out stuff...kinda like "old Faithful'. Unfortunately, some of that old stuff is still churning and turning in me-but I rejoice each time a piece of it comes to the surface-so the Holy Spirit can say to the Father-"Here's another strand of bitterness", and then the Father say to the Son, "Now, Son, "You can tenderly and with care scoop it out". After all, the Son loved me in spite of what He knew was deep inside. Loved me so much He died for me. Amazing.

In raising my four wonderful children, I know that through the years I made countless mistakes. I will be the first to shout, 'it's not easy being a parent!!' It is the hardest, scariest, bone chilling, mind boggling calling in the world! Yet, it is the most important calling any of us will ever have. I feel even more so for Christian parents. We are not only reproducing souls to be added to the Kingdom, but God entrusts in us the molding, shaping, teaching and training of these little ones. I find that as a parent, when I was in the midst of the molding and shaping, I didn't always realize the gravity of the assignment. It is only in the taking a memory sweep that I realize I was not prepared, nor equipped at all-for such an assignment. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, my Heavenly Father and the Savior who died for me-I was used as an instrument, along with my husband, to help guide these men and women into the champions they are for God. Am I boasting? I think not, or if I do it is to give God the total, complete credit and honor. I am humbled by the thought that by His power He has used me in this assignment, and He has also blessed me....in spite of ..in spite of me...in spite of my weaknesses, in spite of my failings...in spite of my shortcomings. In spite of....

So today, from my front porch to yours, in quoting a very talented song writer, Dottie Rambo, who is now on her Father's front porch....."roll back the curtain of memory now and them, show me where you brought me from and where I could have been, remember I'm human and humans forget, so remind me, remind me dear Lord'. Amen.

"ALL MY CHILDREN"

2009-01-06T18:10:00.000-08:00

Good evening! Glad you could join me for a few minutes on my front porch. Sorry I didn't take the time to sit a spell yesterday. You know how it is. Time just gets away and the day is gone. But I am taking a few minutes today to visit and chat.

I consider myself 'low maintenance'. I don't require a lot to make me happy or satisfy me. One of the things that always bring me joy, contentment and a smile to my face is spending time with my family. Talking to them, reading their blogs, looking at pictures and thinking of memories we have made. Hence, why I have so many pictures of my family in my house! Another thing that I really enjoy is being outside. It can be just sitting on my 'front porch' looking at the beautiful sky, trees, flowers and creatures God has made for us to enjoy. Put these two together-my family and my 'front porch' and life is pretty good! I just had one of the best Christmases I think I ever had. We had all 18 of us-four children, spouses and grandbabies here on the front porch. There were times of 'madness, mayhem, confusion and foolishness' (to quote Clean House) and a bump here and there...a running over commode here and there..some pouting by a little lady to be unnamed, a little scratching and fighting and some banting back and forth..BUT a happy, joy filled holiday. So a lot of the talking on my front porch will be about my family. My husband and I feel they are our heritage, our legacy, our finest contribution to society. They are all pretty special. One or two of them will try to get me to say I have a favorite...and I confess once and for all I do! It's all four of them. I see myself in each of them at times-some of the good qualities and other times I get a glimpse of things I don't like about myself in them. Does this make me love them any less.? No. I see wonderful gifts and talents and unique blessings in each of them. I see a plan God has for each of them and it is exciting to step back and see it unfold.

When I was a young girl I remember scraping enough money together to buy a book from the Scholastic Book Club offered at the elementary school I attended. It must have been about 25 cents. I remember getting that book when the order came in and was so proud of it! I loved the new paperback book smell. I don't recall the name of the book or even the author-wish I did. I mention this book because I am so often reminded of that book when I think of my children. The book was about a couple who fell in love, married and moved to a farm and began their family. The young man worked hard, was successful and through the years made the little farm into a success. He built his little bride a wonderful little home. This young bride wanted to be an author-but just never found the time. She also wanted to paint. She would do a little painting -but never seemed to be able to really put on canvas the painting she had in her heart. She wanted to be a teacher-but that never could happen with children being born and a farm to run. She had an interest in nursing-wanted to help the hurting. She never did get to actually pursue these interests in her own life. However, as the story was written, through the years, each one of her four children not only pursued these interests but became successful in each of these areas. A daugher became a teacher, a son became an famous author, another son a doctor and another daughter an artist. This story of love and real success has stuck with me for years now. I see this story as also being my story. Through the years I can see my children accomplishing so many things I would have liked to do myself. Am I jealous or bitter? No, it gives me great pleasure-just like the woman in the story-to see each of my children grow and thrive. Well, the sun is setting, time to go inside and sit by the fire a little. Come back and visit tomorrow. Until then, goodbye and so long!

SEEKING THINGS

2009-01-04T04:02:00.000-08:00

Good Morning from my front porch to yours! It is Sunday, the Lord's Day, first day of the week. Hopefully, in your own way you will take time to worship HIM. Take time to talk and walk with Him. In doing so you will truly find Joy.

My last post ended with 'things'. After posting it I pondered and thought of 'things' off and on yesterday. What did I really mean by 'things'? In my ponderings I was reminded of the 'things' that can be added to us as we put God first in our lives.

If you follow my daughter's post, you know the 'thing' that God has added to her family! We are still marveling at just what God can and will do for us as we seek HIM first. This has been a difficult year for my daughter and her family. Church closing, 2 times fleeing hurricanes, and then my son-in-law's job loss. This family had sacrificed time, money and resources in keeping the church going and finally a release to close it. During that time, as with all churches, people come and go. I believe they were very instrumental in impacting one family's lives-if not more. In other words, 'seeking' God first and 'things' will be added to us. This recent blessing has certainly been an example of that. Were they 'seeking' a brand new minivan? No, but in their daily walk and faithfulness God has rewarded them.

I have four children. As I continued to ponder the 'things' I was reminded how each of them has 'sought' God and how blessed each of them are in their own right! I remember the son who had an interview at a church to be the music minister. He had been faithfully working at a local church for 5 years in the youth and music ministry, was recently married and working 40 plus hours at a retail store. He was seeking God, following Him one step at a time. We were thrilled he had this opportunity to interview at this church, but at the time he needed a suit or at least a suit coat. I recall at the time we didn't have extra money, so we went budget shopping-thrift store. We found a nice coat. Needless to say this son was 'blessed' and was offered the position and the rest is history. The 'things' was a ministy he thrives in and now he has more suits than he can wear! He is blessed!

Another son is also in the ministry. I was reminded of how he was on a career path to become a big, powerful businessman when God gently opened up another path (or I guess showed him the Path for his life). He put all those dreams and goals aside and went to Bible school. This was a walk of faith for him and us. He sought the Lord and was willing to hang in and finish school no matter what the cost. We sent money as we could-there again this lesson about 'things' was as much for him as us. Long story short, there were times the car was down and he had to ride a bike to and from school and work. There were times of eating cereal three times a day. Eating leftover fast food burgers, etc. Seeking God first. The 'things' he has been blessed with now are a ministry that is growing and we are excited as to how God is leading. He has a promise of 'things' being supplied for this ministry. He has the resources and blessing of eating at some of the finest resturants in Kansas City-no more eating cereal three times a day-unless he wants to. He has a beautiful, spirit filled wife and 2 wonderful sons. He is blessed. I could go on about the 'things'.

My oldest daughter has always been a strong child, then lady of God. I remember when she went through a very rough time in her life. Her father and I could offer very little financial support at the time. We prayed. She had a small child to take care of, a great amount of financial pressure, sickness and a great hurt in her heart. But she sought God, she held on to God and was determined no matter what the cost she would hold on to His unchanging hand. I believe her stedfastness and faithfulness at that time opened the windows of Heaven for her and in a short time everything she had 'lost' was returned to her many times over. She is blessed with 'things' such as a united family that worships God together, serving in a ministry that she is thriving in, two wonderful daughters and 'things' galore.

So the 'things' that our God can supply are not things to showcase and put on display. But they are riches in relationships, gifts and callings, blessings and assurance that God is providing 'daily bread'.

A NEW YEAR BEGINS

2009-01-03T05:20:00.000-08:00

Good Morning from my front porch to yours! Another day..actually another new year has just begun. This is a time of looking back...at this past year and the challenges, opportunities and mistakes made. We all have them, some more than others. For what it is worth 2008 is over and we survived. For some of us, a new year represents a time of reflections, self examination of our life and an opportunity to 'step up to the plate' and swing that bat with a little more determination and gusto in hopes of hitting a home run. I know the men in my life will get a kick out of that sports analogy! But, to me that is what a new year...even a new day offers. I am inspired and encouraged by the scripture from Lamentations 3:22, "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed (even though that's what we (I) deserve), because HIS compassions fail not (wow, in light of so many things in our lives that fail..we have this assurance!), they are NEW every MORNING, GREAT is your faithfulness." My thought from this Texas front porch, is to be encouraged and look up and see His faithfulness in your life. No matter what 'resolution(s) you have made...we really need revolutions don't we?, look to the Lord and seek Him more. Then we have that promise, Matthew 6:33, "But seek ye first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you."
Need 'things'??? seek Him!

ME BLOGGING?!

2009-01-01T18:43:00.000-08:00

Greetings! This is my first attempt at blogging! I have four children who are all into blogging and at their encouragement and challenge, well, here I am! So thanks to my daughter Lori for setting this up and giving me a word or two of advise. I hope to share thoughts, insights, ponderings and musings of what happens on a typical Texas front porch! Until next time....from my front porch to yours.......