"5 Small Things Friday" No. 13

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: Eggnog With Nutmeg On The Top

2. Hearing: Children Reciting The Christmas Story

3. Smell:

4. Taste: Potato Soup

5. Touch:

The stories behind the list:

1. I think eggnog is probably the best Holiday treat, not counting the ones my Mom makes :) ! If it has a little nutmeg sprinkled on the top, it's also one of the prettiest!

2. Our children's Christmas program was part of our Christmas Day service at church. Towards the end, the kids stood in a group and took turns reciting verses from Luke 2. They recited the whole 'Christmas Story' from memory! It was such a wonderful thing, the dear young voices retelling the precious age-old story.

3. and 5. I forgot to record a 'Smell' thing and a 'Touch' thing for this week. Actually, I think I may have had one, but I didn't write it down right then, and if I don't record it right away, I forget... :[

4. Trissy made a batch of potato soup one night for supper. Potato soup (especially with cheese and bacon crumbled up in it) is amazing on a cold night, when you're tired and worn out. Or even when you're not, for that matter :) .

Merry Christmas - 2011

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 12

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: Bro. Dennis And Mrs. Carrie Holding Maxwell In Church

2. Hearing: A Bunch Of Crows In A Tree

3. Smell: Mrs. Renae's Youngest Daughter's Hair

4. Taste:

5. Touch: Maxwell's Hand

The stories behind the list:

1. So many Sunday mornings over the past two years, as I've listened to Bro. Earl's preaching, my eyes have wandered to where Bro. Dennis and Mrs. Carrie sit, a little ahead and to the right of where my family is. I have envisioned a small round head resting in the crook of those sheltering arms. I have ached and prayed for the day when that image would not be imagined, but real.
This Sunday morning, it was. And I have felt joy like that only a very few times in my life. Joy, and the real-life realizing of the faith that believes in the result of Work you cannot see.

2. Have you ever been near a tree where a whole bunch of crows are having a gossip party? My what a ruckus they make! But what a nice, country-ish sort of ruckus :) !

3. The Wednesday night before Christmas, Victory Rd. has a church service by candlelight, and the classes aren't divided up like usual on Wednesday night, everybody's together. I got to the church early, since I went straight from work. Mrs. Renae's youngest daughter, who's about six and the type that never meets a stranger, came to me about as soon as I'd gotten sat down and asked, "Miss Kyrie, will you braid my hair?" Of course I was happy to. She chattered the whole time, and informed me that if I smelled strawberries, it was her hair because she had just washed it and her shampoo smelled like strawberries. I told her it was very nice :) !

4. I actually forgot to record a 'Taste' thing for this week... :[

5. Sunday after church, Bro. Dennis and Mrs. Carrie were getting ready to leave, and Bro. Dennis was carrying Maxwell's carrier to the door. I had hurried over to where they were, hoping to get a better view of the baby (I'd only seen pictures), but when I saw they were ready to leave, I stepped back, not wanting to delay them. Bro. Dennis noticed though, and stopped and turned the carrier so I could see. I don't think I've ever seen a newborn baby that I could honestly say was good-looking - until Maxwell. He is beautiful, end of story.
One of his tiny little hands was out from under the blanket, and I couldn't resist reaching out to touch it with one finger. He stirred a little in his sleep, and I wanted to cry for sheer happiness.

Supreme Happiness

I am supremely happy. This has been a Sunday of great things! Oh how GOOD the Lord is!!

Precious little Maxwell was in church for the first time this morning. Trissy and I had nursery today, so didn't really get to see him until after church. But we didn't have any kids in the nursery for a while, so at one point I left to creep down the hall, around the corner, and peek in at the little windows of one of the doors into the auditorium - the one behind where my family usually sits.
I looked over at Bro. Dennis and Mrs. Carrie, just like I have for so many Sundays in the past. 
I'd look over at them and imagine the day when the Lord would grant my prayers and the prayers of so many others, and they would be sitting together, just like always, but their arms would no longer be empty.

When I peeked in that window, I saw that picture. Only this time it was not my wishful thinking taking snapshots for my hopeful imagination. This time, it was real.
How my heart is singing!

Mrs. Carrie had him in his carrier after church, so no one held him, but (when I finally got over there after rushing to get out of the nursery after church) as Bro. Dennis was taking him up the isle to go to the car, he saw me hurrying over, craning my neck to get a look, and turned the carrier so I could see. I knelt down and looked into that tiny face.

He was so perfect. So little, such a baby, but his face was such a perfect blend of Bro. Dennis and Mrs. Carrie. So real. My heart felt like it might stop.
One little hand was out from under the blanket. I touched it and he moved his fingers, and it was like touching a miracle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I am so overwhelmed by the KINDNESS of the Lord. We in no way deserve for Him to look upon us with pity, to acknowledge our hurts, to feel or ease our pain. But He does. 


"Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD." Ps. 27:14

"For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of Him:" 1 Samuel 1:27

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 11

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: A Sweet Text Message From A Teacher At VRCA / Pictures Of Maxwell

2. Hearing: Sunday Morning Music Service

3. Smell: Vanilla

4. Taste: A Poached Egg Over Rice

5. Touch: Flannel Sheets


The stories behind the list:

1. Two really special 'Sight' things this week. One was a sweet text message from a VRCA teacher whose young daughter I have befriended, thanking me for including the younger girl in some of my activities.
The second was my first glimpse - through pictures - of Bro. Dennis's and Mrs. Carrie's precious little son.

2. The music service this past Sunday at Victory Rd. was so powerful. Not that it isn't always uplifting and beautiful, it's just that this Sunday it was somehow just, I don't know, exceptional. Each song had such a strong message, the musicians seemed at their best, a feeling of expectancy seemed to flow from the audience, and there was such a spirit of joy and peace that could only come from the Lord. I wanted to sing my heart out. I wanted to be able to somehow pause or freeze the moment, to be able to take it out later and experience the spirit of that morning at some time when I might be down or discouraged. But perhaps the Lord will allow me to keep it in my heart!

3. I don't remember what we were making this week, but I think it was some kind of Christmas goodies. It was something with vanilla in it anyway! Wwwwwooooowwwww... I think vanilla is one of the best smells in the world :) !

4. Mom made chicken and rice the other day and after we'd finished eating it, there was just a little bit of rice left over that she needed eaten up. It's so good anyway, but she poached eggs for Trissy and me one night for supper, and with the left-over rice, that makes one of the best 'comfort food' suppers ever!

5. We got some flannel sheets at Wal*Mart one year at the after-Christmas sales. Those are so nice to put on your bed when it starts to get a little chilly! I climbed in bed one night this week, and I was so tired, and the sheets were so clean and soft and wonderful!

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 10

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: Christmas Greenery And Lights In The Church

2. Hearing: George Beverly Shea's CD "Christmas Wonder"

3. Smell: An "Evergreen" Candle

4. Taste: Oreo Bark

5. Touch: The Warmth Of A Cozy Kitchen At Christmastime


The stories behind the list:

1. This past Sunday when we went into the auditorium for church, the handrails up to the balcony, and the edge of the baptistery were all hung with greenery, gold ribbon, and little 'white' lights. The big lights were dimmed before services started, and the effect was so peaceful and beautiful - almost magical. It just felt like the true spirit of Christmas filled the room.

2., 3., and 5. I believe it was Thursday night when Trissy and I got back to the house after our College Bible Study and we walked in the back door, Mom had the kitchen lights off, evergreen-scented candles going, and a Christmas CD by George Beverly Shea playing softly. The atmosphere was so cozy and warm and sweet and inviting!

4. Have you ever had Oreo Bark? MmmmmMmmmm! Trissy and I got together Tuesday evening with a group of Victory Rd. friends to make candy to sell at the college's Christmas festival. One of the things we made was Oreo Bark. I don't remember ever having any before then, but it will definitely be something I want to add to our recipe box!

Dennis Joseph - A.K.A. "Maxwell"

HE'S HERE!!

Dennis Joseph (A.K.A. "Maxwell"), born Dec. 8, 2011, late in the afternoon, 20 inches long, weighing 7 lbs. 11 oz.

"And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him." Isa. 30:18

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

P.S. More later!

"Safety is of the Lord"

“For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” Ps. 91:11

Yesterday afternoon on her way to choir practice, Mrs. Carrie was in a wreck. It had been drizzling all afternoon, and the road was just wet enough to make the oil on the road slick and more dangerous than a heavy rainstorm. Coming around a curve near their house, she lost control and hydroplaned, her SUV ending up on it's side in a ditch. If it had been a car, it would have rolled completely over.

Bro. Dennis was already at the church practicing with the musicians, and Bro. Blake (who went with him when they got the call) told us later that he had to beg him to slow to 80 mph on their way out there. They had no idea what they would find.

But the Lord was merciful. Mrs. Carrie only had a burn from the seatbelt on her arm, and when they took her to the hospital just to make sure everything was alright, they said the baby's heartrate was normal, and they were both fine, though obviously shaken up. Bro. Blake said Bro. Dennis's heartrate was probably what they needed to worry about!

How many prayers have been prayed for this precious child! Both for his creation, and for his future. Just yesterday morning in his sermon, Bro. Earl mentioned how he was praying that this grandbaby would grow to become a godly man, teach his own children the ways of God, and serve the Lord with his life - like his daddy has. How I've prayed, that the Lord would save him while he's young, that he would grow to be a godly man and a preacher for Christ, that he would lead many people to the Lord, and that he would raise his own family for the Lord, that until the end of time, there would be a man of this line serving God.
And the whole church it seems, has been praying for this little miracle, and now is anxiously waiting for him to arrive. That baby will never lack for love - or attention!

Could it be that the devil is trying to stop him, even now? The Lord is SO kind and merciful! We could have lost one or both of them. Yet, He left them both to us - alive and well.

My heart is overwhelmed by His graciousness, His compassion, His pity, and His indescribable goodness.

Words cannot express how I feel. But He hears the words my heart is singing!

What else can I do but worship?

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

"5 Small Things Friday" No. 9

Go back and read this post for the story behind "Five Small Things Friday".

For this week, here is my list:

1. Sight: Law Praying.

2. Hearing: "Harvest"

3. Smell: A Fresh-Peeled Satsuma

4. Taste: The First Eggnog Of The Season

5. Touch: A Warm Cornbag


The stories behind the list:

1. I have mentioned Archer's younger brother, Law, before. He is so talented, so full of potential. He plays the bass guitar on Wednesday nights in the group of young people that leads the music (and does an excellent job), but I long to see him pour himself into the cause of Christ.
Of the S. family, Law is probably the one I know the least, though that is changing. He seems to be the type that hasn't succeeded in going deep with the Lord yet.
Of course I cannot know his heart, but how I pray for that dear young boy! How I long to see the Lord work mightily in his life, and use him in amazing ways for the glory of God!
Wednesday Bro. Mike was gone to a conference, so Austin presented the lesson. After the lesson, Bro. Mike always has some music played and gives the young people a few minutes to think about the message, and go to a corner and pray if they would like to. Almost like an 'invitation' in a church service.
Austin did the same at the end of his lesson, and Law went to the prayer corner. He was the only one. He stayed there on his knees quite a while, with his head propped on his arms on a stair. I wondered what he was thinking, what was going on in his heart. I pray the Lord is working in his soul, molding him into the great man he could one day be.

2. When I was younger, Mom always had a record or a tape playing. We still keep music on alot. I grew up listening to "Mary Jayne and Polly", "The Florida Boys", "Jim Reeves", and others. And a cassette tape Mom's youngest sister had made for her from one of their tapes. It was titled, "It's Alright Now" and was by a band called "Harvest".
I still love listening to all that 'old' music.
When I got older, I made myself a copy of our copy of "Harvest", fearing the tape was getting so old it would disintegrate one of the times we played it, and that would be that.
The other day one of the songs started going through my head as I was getting ready to go to school. I hadn't thought of Harvest in ages, so I have no idea what made me think of it. It made me want to listen to it again though, so I grabbed my tape on the way out the door, and listened to it on the way to school. It brought back good memories, besides just the wonderful lyrics. I thought I'd share some of my favorites here.

"Behold God":


"It's Alright Now":


"Because I Am":


"Mountain Climber":


3. Aunt Winny and the two little cousins (who aren't so little any more. I guess I really can't call them that much longer...) came to visit from off the mission field for the holidays. I hope to elaborate on their visit in another post. Anyway, they went to see her parents in another state before coming here, and they sent a truckload of satsumas and grapefruits to us for Thanksgiving! I absolutely LOVE anything in the orange family - satsumas, tangerines, oranges...
And there were so many we could eat them to our heart's content and not worry about taking them from somebody else who wanted them! I started to peel one, and the scent when the outer skin first broke was so amazingly sweet. Probably one of my favorite smells in the world is the smell an orange lets off when the peel is first broken.
There's got to be an object lesson in that somewhere.

4. With the company coming, The Grandmother bought about six half-gallons of eggnog! Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! That first sip after a year, was pure bliss.

5. On a cold night, when you're using your heaviest blankets, toe socks and flannel pajamas, nothing is quite so effective at warding of cold misery like a home-made cornbag. If you do not know what a corn bag is, you can find lots on Etsy.
Here are a couple of examples:

This one is more like the ones we make and use, and is more flexible.

This one is probably more sturdy, but not as effective.

We make little pillow cases (or use odd ones we have laying around) for ours. It protects them from getting dirty (you can't wash the corn bag, but you can wash the pillow case), and adds sturdiness to them too.

Just FYI, I hope to start making them available in my Etsy shop this coming year.