Random Memories of Germany

31 May

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

I have already written several posts about our time in Germany.  But recently my husband, Fred, and I have mentioned to each other some events or incidents that happened while we were there.  They were fun memories, and I would like to pass them along to you.  Perhaps you have experienced something similar in your lifetime.

As we were eating our strawberry/blueberry combination one morning, Fred mentioned he had seen a strawberry/blackberry combination.  Telling him that it sounded good, but I really dislike the blackberry seeds in my teeth, he asked if it was blackberry bushes we saw walking along a path from our housing area to another while in Heidelberg.

Heidelberg castle from the Korn Markt

You see, there was a “short cut” from our area (Mark Twain Village)

Part of Mark Twain Village – across the courtyard from our building to Patton Barracks, and it wove through an area of garden platz.  While most of the gardens within the platz were fenced in, the pathway itself was not.  And those blackberry bushes were there for anyone to enjoy.  

And we did enjoy them.  We would pick some of the berries and bring them home.  I remember making jam out of them, but the seeds just made it uncomfortable to eat – at least for me.  I think I even made a pie from them, but the same situation.  We have found some jelly made here in the States that is blackberry, but the seeds have been strained out.  Much better!!

Blackberry, Berries, Fruit, Bush

Credit Google Search and Pixabay

I remember once, when our girls and I were walking along that path, and Janet was trying to reach some of the berries that were back (obviously someone had picked the ones up close to the path), and while trying to help her reach those distant berries, I accidentally pushed her into the bushes!  And, unfortunately, she came home with a few scratches from that!  Not a good move on Mom’s part!

Credit Google Search and Pixabay

One of the reasons we liked to walk the path to Patton Barracks was that one of the eateries on Patton Barracks was a pizza parlor.  And they made the BEST pizza!  We would frequently call ahead, so that our pizza would be ready for us when we arrived.  So we could just sit down and eat it.

Pizza, Food, Takeout, Box, Pepperoni

Credit Google Search and Pixabay

Do you remember the TV series “Dallas?”

DallasLogo.jpg

Credit Google Search and Wikipedia

 We didn’t watch it, by the way.  However, one season-ending cliff-hanger was with J. R. Ewing getting shot.

Larry Hagman as JR.jpg

J. R. Ewing, portayed by Larry Hagman – Credit Google Search and Wikipedia

According to Wikipedia, that wasn’t resolved until the fourth episode in the next season, November 21, 1980.  There was a lot of hype about it, even with the catch-phrase “who shot J. R.” and it seemed like the entire world was eager to see who did it.  As it turned out, that particular night, the pizza parlor was having a special – come order a pizza and watch that episode.  Well, since we weren’t big fans of “Dallas” we didn’t realize all that was going on, and we ordered a pizza!  After walking along the garden platz path, and arriving at Patton Barracks, we discovered the place was packed with people!  When I went up to the counter to get our pizza, they told me I would have to wait in line – and it was a LONG line!  And then, when we finally made our way to the counter through the line, they then told me we should have come up to get the pizza, as it was ready!  Talk about being frustrated!  I think we even just took the pizza home – it was too crowded to eat there.

Looking back – it was a fun and funny memory.

More on the path from Mark Twain Village to Patton Barracks next time.

~~~~~~~~~~To Be Continued~~~~~~~~~~~

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

\

Tags: ,

You have what it takes to get through this season

30 May

Walking by Faith, Not by Sight

Janet Perez Eckles

Reblogged May 30, 2020

May 22, 2020

I applaud my hubby. His creativity to fix anything in the house leaves me in awe. But his method is not to run out and get a new part or new material or a replacement. Instead, he finds a way to use what he already has within his reach and voila! Repair completed.

Our world also seems to be broken on many levels, but like my hubby, we have what we need to fix our own broken plans, to repair what malfunctions and to put together our confidence that’s falling apart.

It’s all doable because in Scripture, we have the blueprint to begin the mending. To work on a new start, overflowing with expectations and anticipation of something better.

That’s because the blueprint of God’s Word showcases details for us to follow, to count on and to sustain us through the worst of times. With these three steps, we can have the boldness to defy the gloom:

1.  No matter what we face—the dwindling of our bank account, the delay in our unemployment check, the virus with no cure, the uncomfortable change in our routine. All seem to be against us.

What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:29-31)

He’s for us. He’s on our side. And He fights the battle. He brings on the defense, the weapons and the victory. If God is truly with us, why do we worry about what seems to be against us?

2.  How often, in the silence of night some of us asked: Our plans are broken, Lord. What will tomorrow bring? 

Here’s His answer in Jeremiah 29:11:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

“We’ll never go back to normal,” many say. But God’s promise for a future still stands. “Life will be harder when all this is over,” some complain. But God’s future could be better than we ever expected. And if that future God promises is His own design, why do we worry?

3. Thoughts of loneliness must be deleted. And notions of abandonment need to go into the garbage disposal of life because God says:

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So, we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

No government can bring the assistance we need. God is our divine helper. No amount of economic bounce back compares to God’s supernatural help. And no predictions from experts will provide the hope we need. God is the one we call our divine helper who will never abandon us…that’s why we cannot and must not fear.

Let’s Pray

Thank You, Lord for reminding me that in You, I have all it takes for me to live confidently, reassured and comforted by Your promises. In Jesus’ name.

How does this message apply to you?

Janet

______________________________________

Did you know I wrote a book filled with words of encouragement, uplifting thoughts and illustrations of real-life triumph to empower you? Its title, Trials of Today, Treasures for Tomorrow: Overcoming Adversities in Life. You can get it HERE.

CLICK HERE for a one-minute inspirational video.

Looking for a speaker for your upcoming event? A great speaker makes the difference between a so-so event and one that shines with impact. I invite you to view one of my two-minute videos HERE.

Feel free to share Janet’s posts with your friends.

Janet Eckles Perez

Some say she should be the last person to be dancing. Her life is summarized in this 3-minute video: http://bit.ly/1a8wGJR

Janet Perez Eckles’ story of triumph is marked by her work as an international speaker, #1 best-selling author, radio host, personal success coach and master interpreter. Although blind since 31, her passion is to help you see the best of life.

www.janetperezeckles.com

Tags:

Life During Covid-19 Part 15

28 May

Waiting on the SpaceX Demo-2

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I wrote last week about my disappointment that our return to the North Carolina mountains was delayed. Within frustration comes positives, especially if we are open to accept them and one of them was being in Florida for the historic launch of the SpaceX Demo-2 launch.

Foto: NASA clipset.20minutos.es

Our town is on the banks of the Indian River which is directly across from Kennedy Space Center and the launch pads. Due to Covid-19 the local media advised the locals to stay home and watch the launch from their yards. I was good with that idea. Our area has a low virus rate and the thought of mingling with people from all over the country kind of freaked me out. But…our daughter writes novels about the space program and she has followed the progress of SpaceX from its infancy and was determined to be at the river.

Our usual viewing involves parking at a church near the river, then walking to a good viewing spot. Once the launch is over, we quickly move to our car and beat the traffic.

We left home around 1 pm for the 4:33 pm launch. We had packed lunches, water and chairs. We drove past the park we love (photo on left) and it was packed with cars.

We continued driving north and ended up at large park. We easily found a parking place and backed into it.

HINT if you ever have the opportunity to view a crewed launch, back into your space.

And then we sat in the car for three hours. With no internet on our phones. And it rained.

I don’t know if you have noticed but there is a huge societal battle going on. To mask or not mask. Sitting in our vehicle my first thoughts when I saw people walking past with masks, were give me a break, people. You are outside with way more than 6 ft distancing.

After thinking on the masks for a time, I reverted to my usual wear or not wear attitude. People were here from all over the country and may be following guidelines to which they are accustomed to.

An extremely heavy line of storms moved in on us. The trees were whipping and the rain was coming down in sheets. Our cell phones were not able to access data so we didn’t have any idea what was going on. Once we were back home, I saw this on Facebook.

Mims is about 5 miles from where we parked. It was a small tornado

Finally around 3 pm the rain ended although the skies remained dark, although there were patches of blue. My daughter and I decided to venture out to the river bank and stake out our viewing space. My husband stayed in the car. He’s not rain tolerant. I was impressed that few people had left during the rain. There were a lot of soggy clothes but many had come prepared with rain gear.

A brave group of kayakers paddled past. A boat is an ideal viewing spot but the hassle of getting ones boat to a dock and out of the water afterwards is not worthwhile for us. Been there, did it once. Now the kayakers are brilliant. No boat dock needed!

In Titusville we have “The Bridge” It is a lovely bridge that crosses the Indian River and connects Titusville to Merritt Island on which the space center is located. “The Bridge” replaced an ancient structure that used a bridge keeper to open and close the draw and each side of the bridge has a generous walking lane. It is a thing to walk “The Bridge” ( Yes, a local boutique sells T-shirts bragging about walking the bridge)

For the launch, the bridge is closed to traffic and is a prime viewing area.

The rain held off and patches of blue peaked through and around the clouds. As the time of launch drew close, my husband joined us. We were ready for the rumble! Then, without warning, people around us began gathering their belongings. People began streaming off the bridge. The dreaded word, scrubbed, could be heard. We couldn’t believe it. The sky was almost clear. But not clear enough. Less than 15 minutes from life off and it was over.

I was outraged! Pre smart phones we would have been listening to transistor radios, then later, boom boxes, getting updates from mission control. All I can assume is the crowd overwhelmed the cell tower capacity.

The launch is rescheduled for Saturday. Hopefully we will finally be back in the mountains. It was fun being a part of launch day, even if it didn’t launch. One thing was missing though…conversation. Usually there is an atmosphere of camaraderie, sharing stories and launch experiences. I missed that. I hope social distancing does not become the permanent normal.

Our daughter is on her own for Saturday. I wonder if she might rent a bicycle. Post launch traffic is a bear!

I love this picture Rebekah took of children enjoying the rain puddles.

Hopefully, next week I will be writing from the mountains!

Tags: , , ,

Cardinal

25 May

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Photos by Melody 

You can imagine our astonishment when we moved to Florida from California and saw our first Cardinal. Males the color of fire engines immediately caught our attention. It took a bit longer to acknowledge the beauty of the females in their soft orange and taupe finery and their orange bills. 

After we had lived in our home in Florida for a few years, we decided to make our back yard into a refuge for birds and butterflies, and that was when we began to observe their behavior more closely. We heard the sweet and clear calls of the birds. I’ve read since they have 16 different calls and songs. Last year a female cardinal built a small nest close to our front porch. When it was finished, she patiently sat on the eggs and the male brought her food day after day. Later in the process, he sat on the nest to give her a few short breaks. 

The babies hatched in twelve days. The parents stayed close, one watching while the other gathered food. The babies grew until the nest seemed way too small for them. Then one day they were gone. Oh, no, they weren’t ready! Did something get them? It seemed a great loss and we felt terrible that we had not been able to take care of them.

The next day I went into the back yard, and there I saw two small brownish birds clinging to the stems of the jasmine vine that covered the back fence.  Having seen them in the nest, we knew these were our baby cardinals! In a few days we began to see their parents teach them how to fly, how to take a bath, and best of all how to sing and call. It seems to me all the world sings in one way or another, and it tells me that our Lord God loves all kinds of music. I know he loves to hear it from his beloved people like you and me. 

“All I need to do is to call to you, singing to you, the praiseworthy God.

When I do, I’m safe and sound in you.”

The Passion Translation Psalm 18:3 

Hear the songs of the cardinal

DiVoran has been writing for most of her life. Her first attempt at a story was when she was seven years old and her mother got a new typewriter. DiVoran got to use it and when her dad saw her writing he asked what she was writing about. DiVoran answered that she was writing the story of her life. Her dad’s only comment was, “Well, it’s going to be a very short story.” After most of a lifetime of writing and helping other writers, DiVoran finally launched her own dream which was to write a novel of her own. She now has her Florida Springs trilogy and her novel, a Christian Western Romance, Go West available on Amazon. When speaking about her road to publication, she gives thanks to the Lord for all the people who helped her grow and learn.  She says, “I could never have done it by myself, but when I got going everything fell beautifully into place, and I was glad I had started on my dream.”

Tags: , ,

Quarantine Time-Take 3

24 May

SUNDAY MEMORIES

QUARANTINE TIME – TAKE 3

I’m sincerely hoping that this will be the final “Quarantine Time” post I will make.  I hope that for the most part, it will be over by next week, and the country will be up and running as it should be.

However, along that line, there was something on facebook recently that really caught my eye.  I would like to present it to you here:

Each one of these has predicted the same thing – we’re ALL going to die!  Well, yes, we are – eventually.  As my beloved father-in-law said, “100% of us die.”  But we do NOT have to live in fear.

And that brings me to something else I saw on facebook:   

Fear does not stop death.  It stops life.  And worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles.  It takes away today’s peace.

And yet again:  

 I never thought I would see a time that so many people were so afraid of dying that they were willing to stop living.

I mentioned to someone recently that my step-father was the stereotypical pessimist.  For instance, as we were about to go to Germany in 1980 for our three year tour in Heidelberg, my step-father said to me, “well, I hope to see you again!”

Almost in a fury, I turned to him and said: “Sid, if the balloon goes up (world war 3) while we are overseas, one of two things will happen – I’ll either live or I’ll die.  If it is God’s timing for me to die, then NOTHING in this world can keep me here.  If I am to live, then NOTHING in this world can take me out.  I REFUSE TO LIVE IN FEAR!”

And that has pretty much been my mantra ever since.  My life is in God’s hands, and I trust Him completely.  And if it is, indeed, time for me to die, then I know I will be instantly in the presence of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!  Nothing is better than that.  

The peace of mind that brings to me is far beyond anything I could imagine.  And as I said before,

 I REFUSE TO LIVE IN FEAR!

Jesus promised:

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

John 14:27

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:7

Do not live in fear!  God has your back!

Judy is living in Central Florida with her retired U.S. Air Force husband of 50+ years. Born in Dallas, Texas, she grew up in the Southwestern United States.She met her husband at their church, where he was attending the university in her town. After college and seminary, he entered the Air Force, and their adventures began.They lived in eight of our United States, and spent six years in Europe, where their oldest daughter was born. She was a stay-at-home mom for many years .

  Judy has always been involved with music, both playing the piano and singing. Always interested in exercise, she was an aerobic dancing instructor, as well as a piano teacher for many years, and continues to faithfully exercise at home.

After moving to Central Florida, she served as a church secretary for nearly nine years.Her main hobby at this point in time is scanning pictures and 35mm slides into the computer. She also enjoys scrapbooking.She and her husband have two married daughters and four grandchildren, including grandtwins as well as a great-grandson. She and her husband enjoy the Disney parks as often as possible.

Tags: ,

Life During Covid-19 Part 14

23 May

…And We’re Still in Florida

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.

Last week I was confident I would be writing from our home in North Carolina but as Proverbs 19:21 explains, many plans are made but the purpose of the Lord will prevail.

Last Sunday we were all set to leave the following morning except for some final packing. Allergy season has been rough this year and Sunday afternoon, the wretched oak pollen destroyed me, sapping my energy.

Monday my husband awoke with breathing issues, so we pushed our leave taking until Tuesday. Tuesday morning our daughter informed us that during the night she had experienced nausea and well, you know, the other stuff. We decided a road trip with limited facilities available wasn’t a good idea until we could confirm her malady wasn’t contagious.Thankfully, she wasn’t contagious but she was quite ill and being a mother, I didn’t want to leave her on her own.

Now you know, this story has to come around to my hair.My long, unsightly hair.

Image by StockSnap from Pixabay

At the end of the previous week my hair stylist texted me with an appointment date of May 21st. With great sadness I turned it down as we were not going to be in Florida. I decided to stop fussing about it and put God in charge of my hair. I felt excited about who I would meet in North Carolina to do my hair.

Wednesday, our daughter was still unwell so I decided to text my hair stylist to let her know I was in town and available, hoping she might have a cancellation. She replied with a date the following Thursday, May 28th. I really didn’t want to commit to staying another week. I asked my husband’s opinion and suggested we pray about it then see if we are in agreement.

All afternoon, I dithered. Leave on Thursday or stay another week. Groomed hair or cool mornings on our mountain house porch. Late in the day I decided that if I had put my hair situation in God’s hands, who was I to grouse over the extra days in Florida?

When I shared this with my husband, he agreed. And since we are staying longer, I was able to get him a doctor appointment that was cancelled due to the lockdown. Our daughter is recovering and returned to work. We will be able to enjoy being together in church Sunday after weeks of separation AND if the SpaceX launch goes as planned on Wednesday, we will be here for the return to manned space flight.

They say good things come to those who wait. I guess it holds true even if the waiting wasn’t the first choice.

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

I'm a winnerAfter my retirement, I decided to re-learn the canning and preserving skills I learned from my mother but hadn’t practiced for twenty years. I titled the blog Old Things R New to chronicle my experience.  Since then I have been blessed to have six other bloggers join me, DiVoran Lites, Bill Lites,  Judy Wills, Louise Gibson, Janet Perez Eckles and Melody Hendrix

In addition to blogging, I work as the publicist/marketer/ amateur editor and general  “mom Friday” for my author daughter, Rebekah Lyn. I also manage her website, Rebekah Lyn Books  where we frequently host the best in up and coming authors.

My 2019 goal is to use my love of photographs and words to be an encourager on social media. You can visit Real Life Books and Media You Tube Channel if you would like to view some of the mini-videos I have created for our church, Gateway Community in Titusville, Fl.

Tags: , , ,

ROSEATE SPOONBILL

18 May

My Take

DiVoran Lites

Photo by Melody Hendrix

As we drive through Cape Canaveral, which is also a National Wildlife Refuge, we spot a single Roseate Spoonbill in a ditch, with water up to her knees.  This is the first juvenile Roseate Spoonbill we’ve ever seen. She bends to run her beak through the water in order to scoop a beak full of Roseate Spoonbill food.

We drive past that spot frequently and at first, we felt sorry for the small bird, because she was alone. Being the passenger in the car, I see her almost every time we go by. Lately she has been with a flock of half-a-dozen water-grazing White Ibis. I spot her immediately in the group by the splash of deep-rose color on her wings.  It’s good for her not to be alone anymore. Rosie now has a family. 

“God sets the lonely in families…”

Psalm 68:6 World English Bible

Tags:

Quarantine Time: Take 2

17 May

SUNDAY MEMORIES

Judy Wills

As I mentioned last time, we are still in “lockdown” or quarantine over this COVID-19 or coronavirus.  Fred and I are doing pretty well, all things considered.  Here in Florida, things are beginning to open up again, and for that, we are thankful.  The only way to get this economy back on track – is to get PEOPLE back to work!

One of the things we’ve missed the most is not being able to go to our house of worship and fellowship with our fellow believers.  I think a lot of people are having the same issues.

And that brings me to what I want to mention today.  Our church has done everything in their power to bring God’s word to us.

As soon as the quarantine was ordered, we stopped meeting in the building – and the Senior Pastor had us do a “drive in” church.

Credit Google search and South Orlando Baptist Church website

We all parked on the grass in front of the building, sat in our cars, tuned in on our radios to the special fm frequency they had acquired, and listened to our pastor preach.

Credit Deborah Selfridge

Our church school has a bus that they parked near the main street, and someone lent us a scaffolding, set in front of the bus, that the pastor stands on to preach.  (Incidentally, we are back to having the drive-in church, now that some of the restrictions have lifted)  

Some church members were unable to drive to the church – or were afraid to do so – and so the pastor preaches the same sermon an hour later live stream over YouTube channel.  Our Minister of Music and the music team (piano, guitar, drums, trumpet, flute) have put together the music portion of the regular service, and it’s on YouTube along with the sermon.

Okay, that works.  Then “they” said we couldn’t do the drive-in church.  So it was just the YouTube version for us all.  At that time, our Sunday School teacher set up video conferencing with a Zoom meeting, and we began having our Sunday School time before the worship service.

The Deacons began having their monthly meeting via Zoom.

Any other committee meetings that needed to meet are being held via Zoom.

The Wednesday evening service began having time on Zoom for any members who care to tune in.

The Legends (our senior adult group) have a call-in conference call Bible Study every Tuesday morning with the pastor, for an hour.

The Sanctuary Choir began having meetings with our Minister of Music via Zoom on Thursday evenings.

In other words, our church has NOT stopped meeting!  Something that a lot of people don’t realize – or understand – is that the church is NOT the building!  The church is the PEOPLE.  We have God living in us – each and every one of us that are believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour.  WE ARE THE CHURCH – and we will not allow any government or plague or virus or anything else stop us from worshiping our God.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!   PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

MEMORIES

QUARANTINE TIME – TAKE 2

As I mentioned last time, we are still in “lockdown” or quarantine over this COVID-19 or coronavirus. Fred and I are doing pretty well, all things considered. Here in Florida, things are beginning to open up again, and for that, we are thankful. The only way to get this economy back on track – is to get PEOPLE back to work!

One of the things we’ve missed the most is not being able to go to our house of worship and fellowship with our fellow believers. I think a lot of people are having the same issues.

And that brings me to what I want to mention today. Our church has done everything in their power to bring God’s word to us.

As soon as the quarantine was ordered, we stopped meeting in the building – and the Senior Pastor had us do a “drive in” church.

Credit Google search and South Orlando Baptist Church website

We all parked on the grass in front of the building, sat in our cars, tuned in on our radios to the special fm frequency they had acquired, and listened to our pastor preach.

Credit Deborah Selfridge

Our church school has a bus that they parked near the main street, and someone lent us a scaffolding, set in front of the bus, that the pastor stands on to preach. (Incidentally, we are back to having the drive-in church, now that some of the restrictions have lifted)

Some church members were unable to drive to the church – or were afraid to do so – and so the pastor preaches the same sermon an hour later live stream over YouTube channel. Our Minister of Music and the music team (piano, guitar, drums, trumpet, flute) have put together the music portion of the regular service, and it’s on the YouTube along with the sermon.

Okay, that works. Then “they” said we couldn’t do the drive-in church. So it was just the YouTube version for us all. At that time, our Sunday School teacher set up video conferencing with a Zoom meeting, and we began having our Sunday School time before the worship service.

The Deacons began having their monthly meeting via Zoom.

Any other committee meetings that needed to meet are being held via Zoom.

The Wednesday evening service began having time on Zoom for any members who care to tune in.

The Legends (our senior adult group) have a call-in conference call Bible Study every Tuesday morning with the pastor, for an hour.

The Sanctuary Choir began having meetings with our Minister of Music via Zoom on Thursday evenings.
In other words, our church has NOT stopped meeting! Something that a lot of people don’t realize – or understand – is that the church is NOT the building! The church is the PEOPLE. We have God living in us – each and every one of us that are believers in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour. WE ARE THE CHURCH – and we will not allow any government or plague or virus or anything else stop us from worshiping our God.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY! PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!

Tags: ,

Life During Covid-19 Part 13

16 May

Corona Couture

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

I wondered how long it would take before Corona Couture hit the stores. I made a quick trip to Beall’s Outlet this morning and found these shirts.

I confess that if the Faith over Fear shirt had been in any color except yellow, I would have taken one home. Faith over Fear is my personal mantra when I am feeling overwhelmed.

I only found one item I needed in the outlet store so my husband drove me to the Beall’s Florida store. I was searching for a bandana type protection mask. No luck, but I did see this box. I can’t tell you how exciting it is to me to see merchandisers realizing that people are not willing to live in fear.

Tags:

Life During Covid 19 Part 12

14 May

Leaving Florida

On the Porch

Onisha Ellis

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:7

That sounds really spiritual doesn’t it? In truth, I am being part silly and part serious. You see, I have waited weeks for Florida to allow hair salons to open. WEEKS! We even delayed our return to God’s country, AKA Western North Carolina, hoping for an appointment this week.

When the anxiously awaited text arrived, my appointment was for a week from today. With great sorrow, I declined the appointment. You see, in my morning prayers this week I told God that if I didn’t get a date ( That I had been praying fervently for) this week, that I would give my hair care to Him. The Bible tells us that God’s ways and thoughts are higher than mine and I am banking on him having a better plan for my hair. I wonder who I will have the opportunity to meet.

So far, my hair salon experiences in North Carolina have not been positive.

I do believe in miracles so I am hoping for my stylist to have a cancellation. We need to pray for all of the barbers and hair stylist, you know they are going to be worked to death! Not only do they cut our hair, they have to heavily sanitize between each client.

So, it seems Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise, next Thursday I will be writing to you from North Carolina. I’m not sure if they have toilet paper in the stores but I do know that one of the distilleries is making hand sanitizer. I plan to buy a gallon!

Remember how we once laughed at our Depression era parents who saved things? I absolutely understand now. I can imagine once I am gone, some stranger going through my things will ask with scorn why the old lady kept all those yucky bottles. And don’t get me started on paper products. I’m thinking we may need to add a paper products room to our house. Or failing that, I am sure my husband will be happy to give up his workshop. LOL

Another area of Coronavirus induced understanding is church attendance. In the last century people would pack lunch and load up the wagon or car and take the family to church for the WHOLE day. I couldn’t imagine that. Now I can. For the most part people in the past were rural and didn’t have much interaction outside the family. Church was a time to join together in worship and friendship. With all of the staying at home, my heart grew hungry to be with my brothers and sisters in Christ. It was thrilling to attend service last week, even socially distant. Smiles and nods only.

Our North Carolina church has been having drive-in services and I look forward to attending. The Governor might have closed the sanctuaries but he hasn’t quenched the desire to worship together.

We will be without a friend when we return to our North Carolina house. The parents of Gus, our beloved porch dog, have sold their house. We hadn’t seen him on our security cameras and worried that he might have been in an accident. We are pleased he is ok, but will miss his sweet presence on our porch. He enriched our lives.

If we had to be stuck at home, I am thankful we were with our daughter. We made memories on our Sunday drives, suppers on the patio and savoring frosty whipped coffees.

I am going to miss my friends…a lot. We have friends in North Carolina too, and I love them, but my Florida friends are the ones who have shared my life and I cherish them.

Okay, getting too mushy, time to wrap up this blog piece. It’s not like this is the first time we have made this transition. I will blame it on Corona. To the mountains we go!

Webcam at Newfound Gap North Carolina/Tennessee line.

← Older Entries
Newer Entries →