Okay, old photos again!

I was looking through some old photos again and waxing nostalgic .. not really ... but remembering times of long ago! It's amazing how many memories pop up when you look at old photos and remember ... so, here are a couple photos ...

Thanking God for His protection!!

This evening, I decided to return a CD book I had rented at a Cracker Barrel in St Pete as I was leaving home. I forgot that it was only rented for a week -- so decided I better return it this evening. The closest Cracker Barrel to my brother's home is at the next exit south on I-75 -- Exit 218. So, I headed out knowing that traffic is not always the best near 6pm. However, I was able to get onto I-75 and made it to the Cracker Barrel without incident. I returned the video, got back into my car and by the time I got to the stop light which wasn't too far from the interstate, a fire truck was racing towards the interstate. A moment later, a police car -- not far behind it, an ambulance.

I decided to run through KFC (since Tim, Susan and Michael were at a football banquet) and then headed back up I-75. It wasn't difficult to see that there had been a major accident -- right where I had passed just moments before. It had to have happened almost directly behind me since by this time, the hazardous materials fire truck already had spot lights set up -- all the traffic going south on I-75 was stopped.

I couldn't tell what all had happened but saw a badly damaged small car near the median. I breathed a prayer of thanksgiving ... more than once ... as I passed by knowing that God had kept His hand on my vehicle and kept me safe. I am indeed blessed!!!

Two posts in a day ... wow!!

Actually, I am going to 'redirect' you ... don't you love it when you click on a website and "redirecting" pops up and you have no idea where they are taking you but hope it somehow relates to your initial interest!

I am redirecting you to Sandi's blog ... to read the "24 hour thing". It is profound and has had impact on many. One of those impacted is the wife of the new Free Methodist bishop, David Roller (Yvonne Roller). If any one lives a more transparent life, I'm not sure who that would be. The Rollers stayed in our home a few years ago and Sandi shared the "24 hour thing" with Yvonne not knowing the impact it was going to have. While the rest of us (and others we had invited) shared dinner that evening, Yvonne felt she had to make a trip to see a family member (a niece, I believe) ... she looked at Sandi with a smile and said, "And it's all your fault!"

If you have time, please read it .. it may change your life!!

Stepping Up!

Last night, I attended a Bible Study that my sister-in-law, Susan, hosts at her home here in Hampton, Georgia. Right now, they are doing a six week study by Beth Moore, "Stepping Up". I was very inspired (not sure that is the correct word) about praying the Psalms and what impact music can have in our lives. Amy Balty led the discussion time -- she is refreshingly transparent and I so enjoy her approach to life. She's willing to share the good and the tough such adjusting to their move to Georgia. Many have read her blogs along the way and we all feel like we have been able to experience the trip with her. (Thanks for letting us do that, Amy!)

Since David's (Amy's husband) parents live in the Milan, Illinois area and our backgrounds are very similar (Bible Missionary Church), we had lots to talk about when everyone had gone other than Susan, Tim and myself -- and after David had called twice to make sure she was safe and not out on the side of the road somewhere, she decided she better head home! But, as always, it is a delight to be with her and her blog is always a great read!

Well, I hear there is possible sleet predicted for Atlanta tonight -- I'm not sure how they are here but when we lived in North Carolina, everything shut down if they even breathed the word "sleet" or "snow". I remember during one winter, there was a possibility of sleet (although they weren't quite certain yet...) and schools, churches and other events immediately canceled. And, of course, it didn't happen .. but everyone got a break!! LOL!

So ... guess I'll try to keep warm ....

It probably seems like yesterday ...

My dad has had a few rough days over the past couple weeks. One of his very dear friends, Duane Landreth, passed away. They had been very close friends for years and talked frequently right up until about a week before Duane died. While he was grieving over this loss, my dad found out that his great-nephew had passed away. He was just in his mid-30's. Not long before Christmas, he had lost another friend.

He did get a new roommate but that has been a challenge in itself. He (my dad) doesn't take change easily at this stage of his life so when he has to adapt to another person in his room, his anxiety level begins to rise. Rachel has been a rock through all of this -- I'm not quite sure how she does it-- balancing being a mom, a wife, a daughter, a sister, a friend!!

My dad is doing better -- he is back in physical therapy now and he told me today he realized he really had lost some strength and seemed to be focused on regaining it again! I thought this week about how strong my dad had been over the years and I'm sure this is particularly difficult for him. We discussed also that the time may be coming sooner than we think that we need to 'let go'. But, I am so glad he is still here!

One of the funny memories I have from childhood was how in awe my friends were of my dad and his good looks. I'm afraid my mother was frustrated from time to time by the attention he received. (Of course, it was particularly amusing when they were in their 80's and ladies were still admiring him!!)

My dad's birthday is just around the corner -- January 26th. My Aunt Roberta's birthday is the same day .. so an early "Happy Birthday" to them both!

When I was going through my mother's boxes of photos, I found this photo and just had to share it!!!