Don't It Always Seem to Go That You Don't Know What You Got Til It's Gone

THEY PAVED PARADISE AND PUT UP A PARKING LOT. - Jimmy Buffet

It's hard for me to intentionally use bad grammar. Here it is spoken the correct way.

Doesn't it always seem to be so, that you don't know what you've got until it's gone. They have paved paradise and they have put up a parking lot. elizabeth's translation

Ann and I, and Ellie and Luke, have returned from our trip to Evergreen.

We left on Thursday November 6 - last week. We made a stop at Cahaba Valley Rd and ate lunch at Burger King. I-65 took us through Birmingham, and we got off at the Hope Hull exit. Hope is a friend who lives there(I'll post those pictures on another day). She is Hope Baldwin Coon and her parents are Jamie and Beth Baldwin. Hope has a sister, Joy Baldwin Finch, whose Blog is on my list. Hope and Joy were friends with Ann and Laura Beth, beginning at ages 4 and 5 and 6 and 7. Their dad, Jamie, was our church's Minister of Education from 1986 to 1993. Beth and I are very close friends, and she and Jamie now live in Tallassee, AL where Beth grew up. Tallassee is a 30 min. drive from Auburn, AL - and thanks to hers and Jamie's generous hospitality, I often stay with them when I am visiting the girls in Auburn.

Back to our trip.

Planning to only stay at Hope's about 30 min, we indulged ourselves in a very long visit. Beth was there, also. It was so much fun. Ellie and Luke played outside quite a bit. Hope's little girl, Anna Beth, is such a girly girl and has all the same pink "stuff" that Ellie has. Anna Beth also has a wonderful swingset which her daddy built her. Luke and Ellie both loved that. They have cows and bulls. Luke was thrilled over the outside adventure.

Moving onto Evergreen, we arrived at about 4:35....

.... and acclamated ourselves to Mary Ann's house. Luke and Ellie took it over. Ellie's imagination ran wild - with no designated toys she was able to make up her own pretend games and involved Luke in all of them. After bathtime and bedtime Ann, Mary Ann, and I crashed, in the den, but then, in the bed.

Friday came - Ellie and Luke woke up in "full throttle". They were wild! We had an 11:00 luncheon date at my Aunt Mary's house.

List of those in attendance:
1. Florence Price: Mom's sister, 86.
2. Susan Bozeman Cook: married to my oldest cousin, Bert.
3. Melissa Robinson: Mary's 3rd born who lives with Mary and my uncle, John Law
4. Mary Ann: my sister whom we were staying with.
5. Mary Claire Robinson Warlick: Mary's 4th born who lives in Birmingham. She traveled down
to spend Friday and Saturday night - to visit with us.
6. Ann, Ellie and Luke
7. Myself
8. Connie Gunter Kilpatrick: A childhood friend. I've written about her on my blog.
She lived in the house next to mine, one Williams Street. Her mother still lives there.

We stayed at Mary's the biggest part of the afternoon, skipping Ellie's and Luke's nap.

Saturday Laura Beth and Ada arrived from McDonough, GA, but also Sarah from Auburn. We had Mary and Mary Claire over for late afternoon coffee ( a common habit in Evergreen - noone does that here in Scottsboro much, not that I know of) That was another good visit - after that, dinner.

Sunday morning, Ann had to leave for Birmingham, to cohost a baby shower for one of her college friends. The rest of us went to church. I stayed in the nursery with Ellie, Luke and Ada.

After church we walked around the corner to "Famous Floyd's" Restaurant. Again, saw folks I knew and the Robinsons were there, also.

As we were paying our bill, Floyd's wife told us she uses Mother's recipe for 7-minute frosting, which is in the Sparta Cookbook, for her cakes there at the restaurant. She said she thinks about Mother everytime she makes it. One of the ladies who I ran into at the restaurant, Mrs. Connie Nielsen, came to our table. I identified all of my children and grandchildren to her. She told Ellie she'd known me since I was a baby. I love it. It feeds my soul, to go to Evergreen. Everything's familiar. The air, the trees, the people, the places, the sound of the train engine, the names spoken - the ghosts or images I see in my mind's eye. Layer upon layer of images, memories, things seen, ages, events - it's all there. And when people speak of our past - I know I haven't made it all up. Sometimes it seems like I have.

On Monday we all took it slow - slow morning - but got out and ate, again, at Burger King. We like their fries. :-) Then we went to the train depot and took lots of pictures. Actually we'd taken some on Sunday - as Floyd's is across from the Depot - and that was when I first let Luke sit on the Railroad Track. He aptly named it the "ChooChoo Train Track". So.....Monday - we walked the streets of Evergreen. I named all the stores that used to be, but noone seemed too moved. They can't see it all, as I can. Mary Ann sees it.

Napped on Monday afternoon. Lazy afternoon. Oh - Florence came by on Monday morning. She had not seen Ada. This was Ada's first visit to Evergreen and all were wanting to see her. She is named for my great grandmother, Ada Chapman Henderson - whom everyone called Granny. The Robinsons had met her on Saturday - we missed Florence on Sunday - so she came by on Monday. Bert and Susan were out of town.

Tuesday we travelled home.

So - below are my pictures - and only a few compared to all the ones I took. Can't post them all.

Mary Ann's House

Luke sitting on Mary Ann's bed, wearing Daddy's Band Director's Hat.Florence, Ellie, and MarySitting at Mary's Dining Table
Again, we're beginning to enjoy the Chicken Pie, Baked Fruit, Marinated Green Beans, and Homemade Rolls which Melissa and Mary had prepared. It was so good and we were so hungry!I'm having a conversation with Mary. Didn't even know this was taken.
Connie Sue Gunter Kilpatrick and Mary Ann.Mary is getting Luke to blow out Florence's candle. Her birthday is November 29, but Mary had Melissa do this cake for her - since we were all together. Sunday Morning. Ellie and Ada in the rocking chair that Mother and Daddy have had longer than they've had Mary Ann and me. This was 'Daddy's Chair'. So many memories here. I've sat in it so many years. It's been recovered so many times.Ellie and Ada.Ada is dressed for church and we're playing in Mary Ann's front yard.running in Mary Ann's front yard.This chair that I'm getting Ada to sit in.....I remember when I was in the nursery and it was purchased. It was red with white arms to it. It was brand new to me, then and seemed so special to me. When I am at home, at church, I like to look and see if it is still there. This chair, behind which Ellie is posing for me, is one of the many chairs we sat in as preschoolers. The classes were called Primary Sunday School. Florence was my Primary Sunday School Teacher. I remember her teaching us, at Christmas, about the Christmas Story and how it was found in the second chapter of Luke. This room, in which Luke is standing under MUCH protest, has seen so many people and layers of years and conversations. Shortly after I became a Christian, our MYF met in here. I remember that and trying to communicate the change that had occurred in my heart. Some of my friends looked at me with complete confusion in their eyes, others understood what I was talking about, and others didn't seem to be bothered one way or the other.Ellie and Luke sitting at the church alter, for me. It was here I was married, Mother and Daddy were married, and their funerals were held. I knelt at this altar many many times and took communion here.Laura Beth and Ada posing for me. Behind them are some of the beautiful windows we have in our church, the choir loft where Mary plays the organ, and behind them is the piano at which Mary Ann plays. Laura Beth and Ada catching up with the others to walk around the corner to Famous Floyds where we plan to eat lunch.Inside the restaurant. Ada and Ellie.Mary Ann and Luke at our table in the restaurant.

Luke and the Evergreen DepotWalking down the track in front of the depot.

This is the train we watched.Watching the train.Waving at the train.Luke pointing out the train to us, with much enthusiasm.Black and White of the Train - more fitting for the time I grew up in.Ellie and Luke playing on "stuff" pertaining to railroads - this is between the tracks and the depot.

Ellie and Luke at the Evergreen Depot

The track which runs down the middle of downtown Evergreen - and you can see the bridge in the far distance.Luke standing in front of the track.Luke and the DepotSarah and Luke on the track.

Back in Scottsboro. Luke playing with cars. Ellie playing dressup.

Charlie and Luke, on my kitchen floor, pushing cars to each other.

They make a really cool noise.

That's it. Our trip to Evergreen.

Steve will return from Greece on Saturday. Have I mentioned that he is there?

This morning Ann talked with him. He was studying at a Starbucks in Ephesus. How strange is that? Imagine the Apostle Paul communing with God at a Starbucks in Ephesus.

HELLO THURSDAY

Can't post much today.

I am traveling.

Ann, Ellie, Luke and I are headed for Evergreen. I plan to take plenty of pictures and perhaps post from there. Otherwise, I won't be writing anything until next week.

In the meantime,

November continues to be beautiful here in North Alabama.

The weather is so nice.

Ann just called - she's about to pick me up!

Gotta run!

Day After the Elections

So this is the progress my trees are making. This one in the front yard is so slow about turning. See what I mean? It's still mostly green. I want my trees to be golden when everyone else's is. Some around town take my breath away.

This Sugar Maple is doing better, but the leaves appear dry.

Still, it's turning, but not like some I've seen.

I think this is my best one.

I'm going to google it and see why some Sugar Maples have better color than others.

I'm thinking water, soil, sun.

I'm starting to think it's something in the soil - because in my neighborhood there are other trees, all ages, and they have similar water conditions and sunlight but are showing healthier leaves and color. It's got to be minerals in the soil. I'll google it.

I did vote for John McCain, applauding Sarah Palin as his running mate. Of course I regret the outcome - but empathize with the passion of those who see the world the way Barack Obama sees it. I strongly disagree with him regarding abortion, taxes, government involvement, national security, and probably so many more issues. I now know that there is a community in the United States which strongly believes that socialism is the best form of government. I never knew that until now. Tragic that we would be willing to toss aside Democracy and the morals of it which are based on the laws of the One True God. Our country is treading on ground so dangerous we cannot comprehend it. I believe that.

How do I feel this morning?

My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand; All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood, Support me in the whelming flood. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh may I then in Him be found. Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne.

The following scripture from God's word tells us about His sovereignty.

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth. Psalm 57:11 and Ps. 108:5

O Lord, Our Lord How majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. The Lord is exalted over all the nations, His glory above the heavens. Psalm 148:13

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above Him were seraphs, each with six wings. With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord Almighty. The whole earth is full of His glory" Isaiah 6: 1-3

After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven.

....there before me was a throne in heaven...with one sitting there who had the appearance of jasper and carnelian... around the throne were four living creatures having six wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and worship Him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they were created and have their being." Revelations 4: 1,2,3,6,8,9-11

Election Day

Guess what? I don't have time to post because I need to go vote!

In Christ, Our Liberty

We bind ourselves in freedom's chains; The cross has set us free.

God's anvil forged each link with love, In Christ, our liberty.

Tho' creeds and laws imposed by pow'r May mock equality,

Our trust in Christ and Christ alone Will keep our spirits free.

We have no need of priest or king To intercede for souls;

To live for Christ our covenant, To die to self our goal.

His call to us is servanthood, Not false humility.

Until we die to love of self, We are not truly free.

Now free in Christ it's time to stand, It's time to stand and cry

That freedom will not live beyond Our willingness to die.

God told his chosen people, when they were exiled:

"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper." Jeremiah 29:7

Abraham Lincoln's address, at the Great Western Depot in Springfield, Illinois, to his community of friends, after he was elected President and was leaving for Washington, D.C., February 11, 1861:

"My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell."

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 2, 2008

It's been a week since I've written in my blog.

Ellie on Friday night before we went Trick or Treating.

Luke, Train Conductor

Luke and Ellie

Again.

After Trick or Treating. Ann helping with the candy.

Ellie beginning to enjoy the Candy.

Luke loving his candy.

It was a great Halloween Night. One of the best ones I've enjoyed, ever - including all my childhood memories - thanks to the neighbors on our street. They really had the community spirit. At most houses, 2 adults were sitting in front of their door ready to hand out candy - or an older child or teenager - and the houses were decorated very creatively. There were so many people and cars bumper to bumper, but moving at a snail's pace. Charlie, Ann, and I walked with Ellie and Luke while Steve drove the car, following us down the very long street. Steve has such a funny, hilarious sense of humor and he had me so tickled about everything. Ellie and Luke have not been exposed to really scary characters - so at some houses they had to get past some scary stuff to get the candy. We didn't know if it was worth it to them - we said over and over, "It's just pretend, it's not real!". I bet we said that a thousand times. At one house we walked up and there was a strobe light/black light situation going on. Ann, Charlie and I were trying to communicate - Ellie and Luke were freaking out - and the visual effects were really weird - BUT we got the candy and got the Heck out of there. :-) It was all funny and fun.

Before we went T or T'ing - I had made Taco/Santa Fe Soup(as had everyone else in Scottsboro, judging by the congestion on the bean aisle at Wal-Mart that morning. We needed a State Trooper to direct traffic.) We ate dinner and then went out.

Following the outing - We all came back to the house - ate Candy - Ellie wanted to spend the night - she did. Steve took Luke home - and Ann ended up staying with us also - so she could retrieve Ellie first thing in the morning.

On Saturday, Charlie was into Auburn Football, Steve was into Georgia Football - so Ann and I drove, with the kids, to Huntsville - to window shop - we had no money to spend. We did spend a little - but it was beautiful drive and beautiful day - and we took it slow and Ellie and Luke seemed to enjoy it.

Today, Sunday, after church, again, Ann, Steve, Luke and Ellie and myself drove to G'ville State Park, the Lodge Restaurant - to eat lunch. Charlie had to prepare for trials and couldn't take the time. Leaves are gorgeous - too beautiful for words - my tree which I've shown on my blog is still not turned. There is a hint of turning. Mine are always slow. I don't know why. I'll take pictures this week and post them to update progress.

Ellie and Luke after lunch. There was a playground. Luke is still wearing his conductor's hat. He wore it all day, following church.

That's all. There's a lot on my mind this week. The church - the body of Christ. Praying for God to convict believers - to bring mature believers and believing church leaders to repentance - to not let us be lukewarm - to not let us be complacent - to not bow the knee to our idols - to not listen to the world but to be true true true salt and light in the world. That we would go before God who lives in and through us and trust Him for truth.

Our country is on my mind. Our culture is perverted and denying God and there are idols on every corner. We kill unborn babies and disrespect the aging adults. We overspend to acquire stuff and encourage the overspending. Churches deny the power of God's word, and the truth of God's word - and neglect the destitute. Churches have bought into the message of the world, rather than the opposite.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven. Luke 5: 13-16

That hasn't happened in the United States. Our culture, more than ever before, is filled with mega churches, with programs and gimmicks and techniques and systems to "grow a church and make it big". Marketing schemes have been applied to any church or leader who will buy into it. But Christianity isn't salting our culture. It isn't lighting up our world. We're killing babies and condoning immorality and greed.

My prayer is for God's wisdom, for the leaders in our churches to have broken, yielded hearts...to love God's word. I pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of men, drawing them to Himself.

In our church we're studying Colossians. Paul wrote in the first chapter, verse 9:

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being stengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

Paul wrote this from prison - he was being persecuted for his faith.

It would seem possible that our country is headed into a time when our faith in God, through Christ, will no longer be tolerated. I pray that isn't so. If it is, lukewarm faith will no longer cut it. It never has, really - Christ spoke of it in Revelations. He said,

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm-neither hot nor cold-I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, 'I am rich: I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline, so be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." Revelations 3:14-22

I've told God many many times - show me my sin - bring me to repentance - break my heart - reveal to me my idols - empower me to let go - I want Him to be God of my heart and life. I do not want to be lukewarm. It's so hard to tell, in a lukewarm world - but now it's a cold world to the things of God - Lukewarm believers won't survive it. He has to be Lord of our lives - Lord of everything.