Be still and know.

When I was growing up, there was a popular saying ... "Be sure to take the time to smell the daisies." There is just something healthy and good about taking a break from life's chaos. Slow down. Take a walk on the beach. Watch a sunset. Take a quiet stroll. Sit down in the snow... okay, I never heard that one, but you get the idea.

Sometimes, life is just crazy and different personalities deal with life's insanity differently. Sanguines go into over-drive, cholerics get a tad bit demanding, phlegmatics want to crawl in bed, and melancholy's refer to their day-timers!!! Temperments make a difference in how we respond. Understanding personality types will not only help a person understand themselves, but also give insight to family, friends and foes.

Some people believe that temperment analysis is hogwash or even satanic with a slant toward astrology. Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist Atlanta, GA, frequently refers to personality types. Christian author, Florence Littauer wrote, "Personality Plus", a book that describes the different temperments. The book made a believer in me. God's Word, the ultimate authority, reveals that God took careful measure when He created us. "Oh yes, you shaped me first inside then out; you formed me in my mother's womb." Ps. 139:13. Along with God's Holy Spirit, temperment peculiarities makes the believer's life unique and "wonderfully made!"

May I share with you some personality types within my family???

My mom is a definite choloric! She is strong and take charge, not easily discouraged and usually right! She is very goal-oriented.

My son, Jordy, oh he is definitely a sanguine for sure! He is fun loving, light-hearted, a people person, and a wonderful entertainer!

My son, Justin, hummm.. I'm thinking melancholy. He is a thinker and a ponderer who is highly creative and content to stay in the background. The melancholy type personality is philosophical and finds creative solutions.

My husband is a phlegmatic with a touch of choleric thrown in! Case in point: He is a great mediator which is his phelgmatic side however his choleric side kicks in when he is strong-willed and decisive!

As for me?? I took the personality test and scored very high on the phlegmatic type which means I tend to be easy-going, I keep my emotions hidden, and I am quiet but whitty. :-)

Life does get crazy and no matter what type of temperment you have, rest and reflection is good. I should know, phlegmatics enjoy the quiet side of life.

"Be still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation! I will be honored throughout the world." Ps. 46:10

Holding Hudson

Wikipedia defines a miracle as a "sensibly perceptible interruption of the laws of nature, such that can only be explained by divine intervention, and is sometimes associated with a miracle worker."

On Feb. 15, 2008, I received a very disturbing email from my son's best friend, Drew. Drew and his wife, Kamarie, were expecting their second child and had received devastating news from the doctor. They were told that the chances of carrying this pregnancy to full-term was very slim (less than 10%) and should the baby survive the full-term pregnancy, death was certain within a few days of birth. An ultrasound had revealed that the baby had severe cystic hygroma, which by medical terms is growths of fluid that form as a result of the lymphatic system not forming properly. Best case scenario was Down's Syndrome, however, the severity of the chromosomal defects appeared to make the best case scenario, the least. Although not mentioned in the initial email, Kam later shared that the issue of abortion was discussed by the doctor as an option.

Upon learning that the baby was a boy, this young couple proclaimed Hudson Taylor Miles to the world. At the close of their email, Drew and Kam asked their friends and family to pray for a miracle. "We are still hopeful, because we believe that God could work a miracle on Hudson. We just ask that you pray for Hudson and for us that God will give us peace as we are waiting."

Four weeks later, a second email arrived. An amniocenteses revealed that baby Hudson had Down's Syndrome. He was high risk for certain heart defects. The future was still very unsettling and unsure. Again, this young couple sought the heartfelt prayers from family and friends. A miracle was needed.

On August 12, 2008 at 10:03am, Hudson Taylor Miles beat the odds and was born! Although he had some issues with breathing and feeding, Hudson's prognosis was hopeful, yet guarded. A small hole in his heart was discovered and heart surgery would be sooner than anticipated. Drew and Kamarie had spent the last 5 months preparing, planning and praying. They were now the parents of a special-needs child with Downs Syndrome. But the bottom line, they had a new baby to bring home... a baby who wasn't suppose to live.... a baby they could have chosen to abort.... a baby with ten fingers, ten toes and one hole in his heart.

Baby Hudson came home within a few days after he was born. He has had one heart surgery and today Hudson is smiling, laughing, eating, and pooping in his diapers.. all the things little babies do. His brother, Lane, thinks he is wonderful, almost as wonderful as Thomas the Train. Hudson's parents, continue to see God at work in their lives. They embrace the miracle God has entrusted them with ...facing the future ... faith first.

"Give thanks to him who alone does mighty miracles. His faithful love endures forever."

Psalm 136:4 NLT

Feed Them and They Will Come

There is absolutely nothing better than a good old-fashion, after-church, "on the grounds", casserole dish, covered-dish, pot-luck, finger-food, we got the meat - you bring the fixins, soup-n-salad, ice cream sundae social, spaghetti dinner!! Whew!

Let's face it... Southern Baptist love to eat and it seems that we take every opportunity to do just that! If Southern Baptist were ever to sponsor the Olympics, free-style eating would certainly be in the line-up!

We eat on demand, deliverance and dedication. It doesn't matter if it is sympathy or showers, we are going to nibble, if not naw. Committees can't even congregate without some type of chewing!

As if that isn't enough, NOW we are feeding breakfast at Sunday School. Since when did Sunday School become associated with eating?? Am I over-reacting or are we over-eating at church?? I have attended a few Sunday School "Conferences of the South" and I really do understand the concept of feed 'um and reap, but it seems to me like this may be a subtle attempt to replace the responsibilities of Pop Tart Police in our own humble kitchen.

I have been out of college for a few years (okay... 30 years), but I remember studying about a man named Pavlov. I truly believe his work on conditioned reflexes with the salivating dog is note-worthy at this particular juncture. From my own personal experience, and from what I have observed, Southern Baptists salivate at the site of a steeple. I can remember the little "finger game" I use to play with my boys...."Here's the church, here's the steeple, open the door and here's the people." Remember it?? We should now take this a step further... "Here's the church, here's the steeple, open the door wide, there better be food inside!"

This pattern has certainly taken it's toil on statistical seating numbers within the church. Ten years ago, the average church pew could seat 10 adults. Today's statistics reveal a sharp (or should I say "round") change in that figure. The average church pew seats 7.5 adults with no room for wiggle.

There have been attempts made in good faith to balance the scales. The Christian community has developed hundreds of weight loss programs: Weigh Down Workshop, Weight Loss for Christian Women, First Place, The Eden Diet, Vonder Wheley's Weight Warriors, The Lost Vineyard, Fit To Be Me, .... just to name a few. If you google "Christian Weight Loss Programs", you will be amazed at the never-ending list of weight-loss communities for the brethern.

However, the fact remains, "Here's the church, here's the steeple, open wide, there's food inside."

"You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial." 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)

CLAXTON-EVANS COUNTY, GA... RATTLESNAKE ROUNDUP

 

























 

On the 2nd weekend of March, the small rural communities of Claxton and Hagan, Georgia are submerged with visitors from all over the South. People from miles around come to see the sights of the annual Rattlesnake Roundup. The event has played host to as many as 15,000 on-lookers... 4,000 more people than the county has as residents!


The event began in February 1968, in an effort to reduce the population of the rattlesnakes in the area. The first year a total of 48 snakes were captured. By official count, the largest number of entries collected was in 1992 when 588 rattlesnakes were captured.

The event has become an economic boost for the community. It will certainly be interesting to see what 2009 holds. Not only is there a side-show of snakes, but there is a local beauty contest, Rattlesnake Run and parade. The 200 plus arts and crafts exhibitors fill the grassy lot adjacent to the Evans County Wildlife Club building in Hagan, GA.

The Shriners come out in full force for the annual parade! It's an event that brings the city of Claxton to a complete halt! Weather permitting, thousands will line the streets of Hwy 301 and Hwy 280 to watch dignitaries, beauty queens, floats, bands, and full-grown men either dancing in their Aladdin costumes or driving go-carts that are 10 times too small for their derriere.

I must confess, when Justin and Jordy were small we were faithful to adorn our Roundup Tee-Shirts and position ourself for the best seat on the parade route. It was a huge event for our family. Cousins Ashley and Terry would come to Claxton and off we would go!

Years have passed and so has my passion for the parade and the roundup. I don't think I have actually seen the parade "in person" for several years. A television station in Savannah, GA covers the parade, so it's much easier to watch it from the comfort of my couch, in my pj's with my coffee cup in hand. And as far as the vendors, how many leather belts, house plants, and wood carvings can one person own?? The traffic is comparable to downtown Atlanta on a Friday afternoon!! Have I mentioned the only fast food restaurant we have in Claxton is McDonald's?? (Do you get the picture??)

The Evans County Wildlife Club members, however, have done a great job of making the weekend memorable for those who attend. Up until a few years ago, the Roundup was held in a tobacco warehouse... yes, it was crazy and jam packed! Moving to an outside venue has certainly helped in dealing with the crowd and with the traffic. There are also many vendors who provide some delicious food which does help the long line at McDonalds.

There are some truly awesome things that the Evans County Wildlife Club and the Rattlesnake Roundup in itself does for our community. A large part of the revenue received from this event goes to worthwhile organizations and charities. It is like a MAJOR stimulus check for many groups who do "good things" around our area.

Maybe I should re-adjust my thinking on this aggravating weekend... where 15,000 people come to my small quiet little town of Claxton, GA. But I'm still watching the parade in my pj's. 

**For more current pics of 2011 Roundup click here!

**********************************************

Be generous: Invest in acts of charity. Charity yields high returns. Ecc. 11:1

I See The Moon and The Moon Sees Me

When my boys were small, we would often take late evening walks to the pond next to our house. There were many nights when the moon would be bright and brilliant. But then, there were those nights when the moon appeared blue. However, it really didn't matter what color the moon displayed because it was always magical and illuminated our evening walks.

There is a sweet rhyme that we use to cite when the moon made an appearance. "I see the moon and the moon sees me. God bless the moon and God bless me." This little sing-song rhyme was soothing, happy and always brought a giggle. I believe the boys liked it as well. :-)

The moon was certainly no stranger to us. We enjoyed our nightly adventures by moonlight , but we also spent many a bed-time ritual reading "Happy Birthday, Moon" a delightful children's book written by Frank Asch. This book was a simple little story about a bear who befriended the moon by carrying on a conversation with the moon. The closer the little boy got to the moon, from hill-top to hill-top, the clearer the conversation became. The conversation was in reality the echo of the little boy's own voice. However, this repetitive monologue revealed that they both had the same birthday and they both wanted a hat for their birthday! You do get the picture.. don't you?? The little bear buys the moon a hat and because of a strategically placed tree limb, the hat is a perfect fit for the moon. Later on that evening, a breeze blows the hat right to the footstep of the bear's house. When the bear finds the hat, he assumes this hat is a gift from the moon. There are a few more twist and turns to this story but it is truly a simple story of friendship, caring, sharing and forgiveness, along with a lot of determination! My boys loved this little story.

Isn't it awesome how God provides us with life lessons through His creations. Look for them, they are everywhere!

God spoke again to Ahaz. This time he said, "Ask for a sign from your God. Ask anything. Be extravagant. Ask for the moon!" Isaiah 7:10

Don't Worry .. Be Happy!

There is just something so magical about the transparent, genuine smile of a child. There is no inhibition or restraint, just pure bliss.

In 1988, Bobby McFerrin, Jr. recorded a song that made it to #1 on the billboard, Don't Worry, Be Happy. The song was awarded Grammy's Song of the Year and the album, Simple Pleasures, won Album of the Year.

I actually googled "smiley face." The top entries listed were related to the little yellow smiley face which displays nothing more than two small dots for eyes and a slight curve for a mouth. Often times the words "HAVE A HAPPY DAY!" will accompany this little face. There is a large debate over the originator of that face, but the fact remains, that particular "smiley face" is bigger than ELVIS and very much alive! Smiley Face is frequently on buttons, posters, t-shirts, beach towels, mugs, greeting cards and earrings.

Smiles are contagious. Some are lopsided. Some are crooked. Some are down-right frightening. Smiles can be weary or weathered. But then there are those smiles that are full of energy and electricity and just make you smile when you see it... like the one in that photo!

The one thing that we all have in common about our particular "smile" is that we control those "smile" muscles. As we grow older we may need a bladder tact due to muscle issues or we may have under-arm "bat wings" as a result of lazy muscle tissue, but those little smile muscles are faithful. With minimum daily use, a smile can ease the heaviest burden of a distraught friend. It can make the wait at a fast food drive-through a little more bearable. It can say "your special" without uttering a word.


Psalm 42:11 (The Message)
"Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I'll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He's my God."

Best Friends

Wikipedia defines "friendship" as a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more people. Other words of interest that are noted in the definition include trust, empathy, loyalty and affection.

This particular picture is of my son Jordy and his best friend since Pre-K, Kelvin Goodson. This candid shot was taken right before their Senior Prom. They had been posed and polished with their dates on each arm, but as this picture reveals, it was time to relax and just laugh. This is the kind of picture that just simply makes a person smile.

There has always been something special about the friendship between Jordy and Kelvin. I think one of the most interesting aspects of their relationship has been the lack of competitiveness. Boys, in general , just seem to have a natural competitive streak. However, throughout the years, these two best friends have always had "each other's back". Growing up and watching them play, I was always amazed at how they wanted the best for each other. They have both had other friends... lots of other friends. But their friendship has a closeness and a bond that is truly special.

I often wonder where life will take Kelvin. He is a very smart young man with great athletic ability. Kelvin has spent many, many hours on the baseball field. His versatility makes him a "coach's favorite" and his gentle, but domineering conduct crowds love! He has social graces that are sadly becoming obsolete!! Of course, I always wonder where life will take my Jordy!! My son is intelligent and he has a personality that brightens up the room when he enters. And although he hasn't put as much time on the playing field as Kelvin, Jordy is the ultimate team player that brings balance and consistency to a team. He doesn't give up. He looks for the best in people and always considers their feelings.

Ten years from now, I don't know where Jordy or Kelvin will be or what they will be doing. But one thing I feel is certain, they will have each other's back and they will most definitely still be best friends.

"Friends come and friends go, but a true friend sticks by you like family." Proverbs 18:24