Where Did The Summer Go ???

Wow, I can't believe it's been so long since my last post.. Way back in July Wow..  

It's been a busy Summer. Some things have changed as far as Summer routine. We have pretty much decided that Hubby, with his back, just can't till up or work out in the garden. I'm hoping that maybe next year we can get a raised bed garden put in. I really missed those fresh veggies, and as time consuming as it is. I really miss Canning. I loved making all kinds of yummy stuff to use during the winter. I hate having to buy canned veggies. I think we could manage a raised bed garden. It seems as though downsizing is just part of the aging process. 

We had a great time going to our local Farmer's Market this year. The new market opened in May. It will be open year round. I found some great veggies and fruit there. Lots of friendly faces too. I know I'll be heading there at least a few times a month for eggs, meat, and Bakery stuff. I like all the specialty coffee's the offer.. Hubby. Not so much.  He is a Maxwell house Man. He doesn't want any of that foo foo coffee. He wants a good stout cup of "made in the old coffee pot" coffee.. the closest thing he could find at the Market that resembled his brew from home was a Brazilian "Pour over".. He didn't like it, but at least it was hot and it got him home to get " just a plain old cup of coffee"..  

I had a great time with our Church's Summer Awana Program. The kids had fun with various activities including Vacation Bible School. The best time was the Summer wrap up in Aug. The kids made Pinewood derby cars and raced them. It was so much fun. We've just started back with our regular Awana program. A sure sign that Summer is over and School has started. 

The weather has been cool here the last couple of weeks. Thankfully it looks like we'll be warming back up into the 70's for the next week or so. I'm glad summer is still hanging on for a bit. 

I love all that summer stuff.. Warm nights, Fireworks, fishing, Water fun, watching gardens grow and fluffy clouds swimming by in the bright blue skies. Birds and bunnies, butterflies and squirrels visiting our yard. Picnics, festivals, fairs, Ice tea on the porch, and burgers on the BBQ grill. Watermelon, and Peach juice dripping down my chin. And the laughter of children playing. Ice cream on hot summer nights .  car rides with windows down. Singing with my favorite songs on the radio. Star gazing on a warm night with my husband holding my hand. 

I hope you made some great memories this summer, and that they help keep you warm through the long nights of Winter....   

I'd Forgotten How Terrifying The Car Wash Can be.

I can almost hear the evil music playing now.. 

I know, It's just a car wash. It's sweet and gentle and will give you a nice clean sparkly car on the other side. 

If you can make it to the other side.. 

Maybe it was a horror movie from years ago. Maybe it's because I've learned I'm a bit claustrophobic. Maybe there is no reason; it just is.  I'm terrified of going through car washes.. 

I really just want out of the car. Seriously. 

I really want to scream and beat on the windows.. 

I really had forgotten about how afraid I am to go through a car wash. I've driven a truck for over 20 yrs. with the topper and other stuff they were way to tall to take through the Automatic car washes. Hubby just runs them up to the Self wash. 

The new Trailblazer I'm driving now needed a wash bad. I figured I'd just pop through the car wash. Easy right,  WRONG.. I didn't start getting panicky till I got in line and couldn't get out. I swear I started to hyperventilate. I paid my money and asked the attendant what to do. I think he saw the panic in my eyes. He said very kindly. "Ma'am, you just put the vehicle in Neutral, yes, that's right, now take your foot off the brake. then when you quit rolling 

put it in gear and drive out"..   

As you might guess I made it out the other side. It was the early afternoon and I could see some light. I also got a little panicky about the car behind me at the end, but no worries, when I quit rolling I popped that baby in drive and headed out the drive going about 35.. 

   

I may try that one again. I think I'll bring some headphones. I need to buy some first, then I'll listen to some nice soothing music or something. That or I'm going to try and find the kind of car wash my daddy would take us too. We got out of the car, a worker would get in and clean the inside of the car while it was going through the wash. Now that didn't scare me at all..  

New Favorite Song...

My new Favorite song this week..  

Say Amen  

Finding Favor  

find it here... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRcvcF_0_9M

This life is a journey we walk by faith

And there will always be the mountains in our way

But right here in this moment, may our strength be renewed

As we recall what God has done and how we've seen Him move

If there's anybody here who's found Him faithful

Anybody here who knows He's able

Say Amen

And if there's anybody here who's seen His power

Anybody here brought through the fire

Say Amen

Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow

Just Say AMEN!

Sometimes through the darkness, it's hard to see

So just be brave and follow where He leads

'Cause greater is the one who's in us, than he who's in the world

So child of God remember, the battle is the Lord's

And if there's anybody here who's found Him faithful

Anybody here who knows He's able

Say Amen

And if there's anybody here who's seen His power

Anybody here brought through the fire

Say Amen

Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow

Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow

And seen it time and time again

Then just Say AMEN!

Even in the valley of the shadow when you feel alone in the unknown

Just say Amen, Just say Amen

Even when the storms are raging, Stand and know your not forsaken

Just say Amen, Just say Amen

Is there anybody here, Tell me is there anybody here

Come on and Say Amen

And if there's anybody here who's seen His power

Anybody here brought through the fire

Come on and Say Amen

Anybody here found joy in the middle of sorrow

Peace in the storm, hope for tomorrow

And seen it time and time again

Just say Amen, Just say Amen!

Celebrating The Past , Anticipating The Future..

Today was the day. Today Eastgate Baptist Church celebrated 60 yrs. I was excited to be part of the committee who planned the celebration. Loving photos I really loved looking through the years of photos. I loved seeing the first meeting places, a home, a basement where pickles were stored, a garage along with purchasing and building a Church on two different properties. 

I loved re-reading the Church History. How exciting to see that what God began in the hearts of 25 people has continued on in the hearts of hundreds of Church members. 

I was honored when the Pastor asked me to share with the congregation a bit about how Eastgate had influenced my life. As I spent the next few days thinking about it. I realized that Eastgate had totally changed my life. Everything changed, and I mean everything. 

It all started when my neighbor and her daughter asked if our daughter could go to Vacation Bible School. The Church had a bus, so I didn't even have to take her. I thought it was good for kids to go to Church, so I agreed. At the end of the week there was a family night. Parents and families were invited to come and see what the children had been learning. I didn't own a dress, I still don't, so I borrowed one.  Everything was nice. I remember several people introducing themselves and talking about how sweet our daughter was. 

  

The next day I was rather surprised to see her VBS teachers at the door. They had come to see if Susan could come to Sunday School. I knew kids needed to go to Sunday School, so I said yes, but I would take her. I got her ready on Sunday and took her. I'd heard some weird stuff about those Baptists so I wasn't to sure about leaving her there until I saw where she would be and who would be teaching her. 

As I entered the building a wonderful cheery woman introduced herself and told me all about Susan's class. Then she mentioned they had adult Sunday School classes, and I could stay there "just in case" Susan needed me. I wasn't dressed for Church. as you just read, I didn't own a dress. I was in my "nice" jeans and some kind of band T-shirt.. She told me it was no problem and whisked me to a Ladies Bible Study. She introduced me to the teacher, one of the ladies who had come to the house, and to the class and was off. 

I totally expected to see the "Christian Stink Eye".. you know.. Judgemental glares. I didn't see one. Maybe this wasn't going to be to bad. To make a long story short, I stayed.. I attended on and off for 3 months. Then after a very traumatic life event, I prayed to accept Christ and received Him as my Lord and Savior. 

As I recalled different things that happened I saw how my life was totally changed by the loving people of Eastgate. I could tell you countless ways their love and guidance encouraged me to study God's Word and learn of His great Love. I could call out name after name of those who loved me, mentored me.. (I didn't know that's what it was) and showed me how to be a Christian woman, wife, and mother. 

Eastgate influences on my life. wow.. I talk different, I think different, I see God and His Love and Forgiveness differently. I live differently. Not only did Eastgate change my life, but they changed the lives of our kids and grand kids. 3 generations all touched by God because a few people in 1954 followed God's call to start a new Church. Lives changed because someone came to my house and asked me and my daughter if we'd like to go to Church with them. If that hadn't happened I am sure I would have never given that Church a second thought. 

Lives changed because a group of people were willing to serve God by volunteering their time to drive a bus, volunteer to teach and serve in Vacation Bible School, volunteered to sit at a desk and make everyone feel comfortable and welcome.. Volunteered to teach a ladies Bible study class.. And most of all the many who prayed that God would help them reach their community with the Gospel of Christ. They were willing to serve as God led them. 

Now for 31 yrs. I've had the privilege of serving right alongside some of those very same people. I'm so excited to see where God will lead us over the next 60 yrs. I'm excited to see lives changed. I'm excited I can be part of what God is doing. 

yes, today was a great Celebration Day. 

Katch-up Monday....

I can't hardly believe it's the middle of June already. Where does the time go? I don't know about you but my days seem to rocket by. I really want the summer days to be long, lazy, and I want Summer to last at least 6 months. 

To Catch you up on life at our house. 

1. I ordered and received seeds for the Garden. 

2. We are planting a garden

3. We are NOT planting a garden

4. We Are planting a garden

5. We are NOT planting a garden.

6. I give up. I have no idea if we are or are not. The winter left our garden spot floating. The wet spring has let it floating and soggy and spongy wet. It finally dried up a bit and now is hard as concrete. So I'm guessing no garden this year. Hubby's back has gotten worse over the past couple of years. He just can't horse that tiller around anymore. I hate not having a garden. I love watching it grow and I love putting it up. So healthy for us and so much tastier then store processed stuff. 

7. A new Farmer's market opened in May about 3 miles from us. I've been there at least once a week. I'm hoping it will fill in for most of the garden stuff. We are already getting brown eggs from hormone free, free Range/wandering in the yard Chickens. Love it. 

8. Only two graduations, kids from Church, to celebrate this year. Loved helping with one open house last weekend. 

9. So far no weddings or babies on the way in the family. 

10. One baby on the way at Church.  wooo hoooo 

11. I've actually been to see 3 or 4 movies at a real theater as opposed to red box rentals in my living room, so far this year. :-)  

12. Still not sitting out in the yard yet. Vampire Mosquitoes, as our Pastor refers to them, would carry us away. I am hoping for a few evenings sitting out there with ice tea. Maybe even a bon-fire or 3. 

13. I'm secretly hoping for a trip south to Ky. this year sometime. I'm not telling anyone, so shhhh I don't want to jinx it. 

14. I'm craving fair food. you know.. sweet deep fried yummy-ness 

15. The Awana program at Church ended, but our Summer kids program has started. 

16. Looking forward to VBS in July. I'm the Snack lady. I love it. 

17. I have a new Soldier I'm packing boxes for at our group meetings. He's a cousin. One I haven't had a chance to meet yet. I'm really looking forward to meeting him when he gets home, and hugging his neck. 

18. I am hoping to take a few overnight trips this summer. 

19. I'd really love to go fishing. I miss it. 

20. We spent father's day with my hubby filling our faces with yummy food.. 

That's it for now. Hoping your summer slows down and let's you savor it .....  

Oh Say Can You See On This Memorial Day....

On This Memorial Day 2014, I'm thinking of a day way back in 1814 When a young man wrote our National Anthem. I'm sure you're probably thinking "Uh Karen, today is Memorial day, It's got nothing to do with the Star spangled Banner". 

You would be partially right. The song was written during the Battle of Fort McHenry. That has nothing to do with Memorial Day, but what you may not know is something happened during that battle that would show the lengths to which our forefathers would go to fight for Freedom and birth a new Nation. 

Prior to the Battle beginning that day the message had been sent to the Commander of the Fort that they need only lower the flag, and that would signal their total Surrender. That would end the war and the British would win. The men at the Fort knew what would happen if the flag fell. Their New Nation would fall. The soldiers made a commitment that day that our Military still makes today. The Flag would Not Fall. 

The Flag and the flag pole were hit by the rockets that night. As some of those Soldiers close to the Flag were gravely injured they would use their body's to prop the flag pole up. In the morning their dead bodies were found lying atop each other making sure that Flag did not fall. That same Love of Freedom, Country, and our Flag motivate our young men and women to make that same kind of commitment today.

I hope as you head out to the beach today or BBQ with family and friends you will take a moment to reflect on the day. I hope you will take a moment to remember the sacrifice of family members, of those who have lived in your community, or those who've had books  about them written or movies made. Remember their sacrifice. 

If you would like to read more about the Story behind the star spangled banner you can click on the link below. 

The story behind the star spangled Banner: http://www.historybuff.com/newsletter/july08.html

"Francis Scott Key, a Baltimore lawyer at the time, visited the enemy's fleet the day prior to the bombardment of Fort McHenry. He went aboard the ship to attempt to secure the release of a Maryland doctor, who had been abducted by the British after they left Washington. The lawyer was able to get the commander to agree to release the prisoner Dr. Beanes, but not until the next day and they both had to remain on board their ship until then. The commander also told them that they would be bombarding Fort McHenry that night. The fort commander was sent word to the Fort McHenry Commander, that whenever they wanted to surrender, all they had to do was lower the United States flag. As long as the flag was flying, the bombardment would continue. However, once they lowered the flag, it meant total surrender and the British would win the war.
An eerie silence fell across the early morning darkness and the young Baltimore attorney breathed a sigh of relief. It was after 1 A.M. on the morning of September 14, 1814 and it was the first time in more than 18 hours that things had been quiet. Since 7 A.M. of the previous day more than 1,800 bombs, cannonballs, and the new Congreve rockets had lit the sky and shattered the peaceful harbor. From the deck of his sloop behind the enemy fleet, the young Baltimore attorney breathed a sigh of relief. The flag was still there! 

Upon discussing the previous night with survivors of the great battle, he learned just how much keeping the flag flying had meant to the soldiers. The flag itself was hit many times and had holes in it. In addition, several times through the night a cannon ball had hit the flag pole. It was hit enough times that the pole was actually leaning and in danger of toppling over. Brave men rushed to the pole to help prop it up with their bodies and arms. When one man holding the flagpole up was shot, another was ready to take his place. This is how they kept the flag flying all night!" 

Nothing Compares...

I was just listening to one of my favorite songs by "Third Day".  

"Nothing Compares"

You can find it here. 

Here are the Lyrics: 

I've heard all the stories

I've seen all the signs

Witnessed all the glory

Tasted all that's fine

• Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord

  Nothing compares to the greatness of knowing You, Lord

  
  

  I see all the people

  Wasting all their time

  Building up their riches

  For a life that's fine

  
  

  I find myself just living for today

  'Cause I don't know what

  Tomorrow's gonna bring

  So no matter if I rise or fall

  I'll never be alone, oh no
• ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nothing compares to God's Love for me and you. 

Nothing compares to the Promises He has made to us. 

Nothing compares to His sacrifice for us. 

Nothing compares to knowing Him. To having a real relationship with Him. 

Nothing Compares !!!