A Lost Art

In a report published by Forbes - June 2005 "greeting cards could be found in about 100,000 retail outlets in the U.S. and approximately 7 billion greeting cards are sold each year." Back then they estimated the average household buys 30 individual cards a year.

With the advances in technology many people make their own cards or just send an electronic card on special occasions. There are some dear friends and family members who still send cards. It really is a lost art because to me it takes time to go to the store and pick out that perfect card and then hand write a personal message. Receiving a card in the mail is uplifting. It is more special when it arrives on a "no occasion day".

Over the years I have saved many cards. Sometimes I pull them out of a drawer and re-read them and some I have not opened since I first read them. Those are the cards I received after my mom died. The words penned in those cards provided such healing to my spirit but somehow re-reading them invokes a memory I don't want to resurrect.

I've purchased several packages of blank cards at a dollar store that I plan to write a word to a friend in need of encouragement. Would you do the same?

Tracing My Family Roots

If you read my very first blog you will remember I mentioned taking a trip to Cherokee, NC - an Indian reservation.


During the early years of my marriage I began creating a family tree. I started hitting dead ends on my mother's side of the family. You know there were reports of fires in various states over time, or that unique spelling of the last name changed by one letter or the census taker did not write it down correctly. 


I also heard a story that "Indian blood" runs in my paternal side of the family but I could not find a thing. A couple of days ago my brother shared that he joined http://www.ancestry.com. This is a fee for service group where he has created his family tree. I was able to provide him some information and he found on their site U.S. Census Records from the early 1900's that lists some of our parent's lineage and other intriguing stuff.


Would you believe it! I found the Indian relative. She married into my father's side of the family when she was 14 years old! She married a 22 year old. She lived in the home with her father-in-law - according to the census record. Her birth place was in Tennessee but was relocated to Oklahoma and later married and moved to Georgia. From the census record I assume she did not know her birth parents because she listed their birth place as unknown.


This was a WOW moment for me. 

Shut In

If you attend church somewhere you may know some senior saints. Some may no longer be able to get out to church any longer so we call them "shut in". Once in a while I will give one a phone call to say hello. They are so happy to be remembered. They often share stories of the past and how wonderful the "good ole" days were and then turn to the drone of current events that leave them waiting for that trumpet sound. Today was a good reminder for me that I need to stay in touch with our shut ins more often. They know we live busy lives but theirs were so much harder than ours. One day I'll be a shut in and will be sitting by the phone longing for it to ring and hear my name called out from a friendly voice. If this note gave you a gentle reminder - don't wait till another day - call that someone that just flashed in your mind. It will make their day and yours also!

Service for a Fee

Any organization that provides a service for a fee is in that service to make a profit.

Service categories include:

• Beauty / Barber
• Taxi / Limousine
• Plumber / Electrician
• Doctors / Dentist

This is a short list. You may not have thought about the last item being a service to make a profit but since our President changed healthcare, doctors now have a check list of services they must meet quota on each month or they could lose their license. I learned this from a physician's assistant this year. They must offer a certain number of prescriptions per month was one of the items. Imagine going to a doctor that doesn't treat common ailments but now must meet a prescription quota. He must offer something so how about an antihistamine prescription? You may not need it but he must write a prescription.

Housekeeping

One of my most dreaded housekeeping chores is cleaning the refrigerator. Recently I noticed a dried spill on one of the shelves. While wiping it up I noticed that the task at hand would require more effort than I intended to spend on this chore. I had to remove other shelves along with the vegetable and fruit drawers. What first looked like a quick wipe down turned out to be a major clean up.

In the Bible, 2 Corinthians 3:16-18, the believer is reminded that we are God’s temple. He resides in us. Similar to the refrigerator that gets dirty from spills and splashes inside and out; things can defile our Spiritual temple that we allow to be "placed on our shelves". Sooner or later that perceived “small spill” becomes a major clean up effort that requires God’s intervention. Sometimes the Holy Spirit prompts us that we need to remove "all the shelves" and get a deep cleaning. He shows us just what a mess we have made of our lives by not allowing God to keep us clean by the washing of the Word.

Ask God to show you which "shelf" in your life requires a wipe down before it turns into a major clean up. 

Remembering Dad

All dads work hard to provide for their families. They rarely take time out for themselves but rather think of the members in their family, about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The following is a treasured memory my husband shared that I felt was really worth sharing today!

My father worked a number of years at Borden’s Dairy. He worked long hours and hard days. My little sister was having a birthday party and my Dad asked if he could have the day off to spend at his daughter’s party. He was told “no.” So he made the decision to choose the birthday party instead of continuing to work at Borden’s. I believe he had to choose between the world’s best (a secure job) or God’s best (investing in his family). I’m glad he chose God’s best.

We often hear we need to choose between the good and the best, but I believe the choice is often between the world’s best and God’s best. If you have not read the story of William Borden, I suggest you read it. You can find it at this website, http://www.thetravelingteam.org/node/400. William was born in 1887 and was an heir to the family fortune. William was educated at Yale University. After high school graduation his parents gave him a trip around the world. This is where he felt God’s call to the mission field to win the Muslim people to the Lord. He spent time in Egypt learning the Arabic language in preparation for his ministry to Muslims. It was there that he caught spinal meningitis. William died one month later and was buried in Cairo. He was twenty-five years old. Found written in his Bible was written these three phrases: “No reserves. No retreats. No regrets.” 

- by Tim Chavel

Flamboyant Are We?

During a ride through a section of the Blue Ridge Parkway near Cherokee, NC my husband and I spotted beautiful wildflowers on the side of the road. One of many was the Rhododendron calendulaceum (Flame azalea).

We stopped to make pictures of them and soon some other sharp shooters joined us. One of the visitors was a wild flower enthusiast and he shared some info about this flower. He said it grows best in the shade. Later I did a little research on this flower and learned that it prefers full sun but may need more shade. It has surface roots and must be planted in shallow dirt or with light mulch. It also requires a moist, acidic soil.

I immediately thought of personality types that tend to fall under this description. One type that likes the limelight and another that works behind the scenes; often unnoticed. The Flame azalea tends to bend toward the sunlight but its shallow roots cannot withstand the heat. Its moisture is soon evaporated. If it rests along the shady mountainside it is nourished by the decomposing soil at the base and in just the right season it begins to unfold its beauty and glorious colors. A gentle reminder to me!

Crawl Out from Under That Rock!

Sometimes life's circumstances can be overwhelming and tend to make one depressed. You may have quipped "I just want to crawl under a rock!" Now that sounds like a plan. When frustrated and grief stricken, crawl under a rock and crush your pain under its weight. 


I have good news! God's plan in time of trouble is outlined in Psalm 27:5 (KJV) 

 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion:

in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me

 He shall set me upon a rock.

God provides Himself as that rock for the believer. God is that firm foundation for a wobbly believer to stand upon. No matter how heavy your heart may feel under the circumstances; a renewed vision comes from the ROCK. Lay the weight of your circumstances on God and watch Him produce a new thing from the midst of chaos.

Sani-Check Please!

While waiting for the doctor in the “intake” room I read the familiar signage placed on the wall above the sink. The one you all have seen in public places.

Five Steps for Hand Washing:

1. Wet your hands
2. Apply soap
3. Scrub both the front and back of hands thoroughly and wash the fingers and underneath the nails for 20 seconds.
4. Rinse well
5. Grab a paper towel; use to turn off the faucet and dry your hands.

 Today it occurred to me, who are these instructions for? I would hope that the doctor had this training in school and doesn't need to be reminded. Ironically, next to the hand washing sign is a clear box filled with three sizes of latex gloves with no instructions.

Well, if this note is specifically a reminder for the medical staff, the nurse failed the test. I was escorted to the room and given instructions to wait for the doctor. Finally, the doctor arrived. He reached out to shake my hand and said “hello.” He never washed his hands.

I suppose the next time I go to a doctor’s office I should look out for myself and put on the latex gloves!

In His Presence

Moses became well acquainted with the children of Israel during their forty-year journey to the Promised Land. They had fallen into sin on numerous occasions and strayed from God’s commandments. Moses and the people sensed God’s displeasure and they began to repent. After reading this account from Exodus 33 I began to recall what I felt like as a child being sent to my room and out of the presence of my parents for some act of disobedience. Separation from the presence of a loved one for a short time proved to be beneficial in the end.

The times I most sense the Lord’s presence is during trials when my own stubbornness is exposed. When I find myself in these immovable moments I am forced to pour out my heart to the Lord and beg for His mercy. I remind Him of His promises and ask Him to carry me through in spite of my sinful ways. It is reassuring to feel the warmth of His grace cover my weary soul; His presence passes over me and I am renewed.

Flag Day in America

I am submitting a devotion that my husband wrote for our church. We thank God for those who served in the past and and who serve today to protect our freedom in America. God Bless America!

Psalm 51:7

Flag Day in America is celebrated to commemorate the day in 1777 when America adopted the Stars and Stripes flag to be her official flag.

We celebrate Flag Day on June 14th each year. Individuals and businesses hang flags outside. You will see flag poles all over the nation flying the Stars and Stripes. Some patriotic organizations will also honor the flag by having a parade or other Flag Day celebrations.

Liz loves the American Flag. We have one that is flown at our house almost every day.

Have you ever wondered what the colors represent? I did a little research and found the following information. The colors of the American Flag did not have any significance however, the red, white, and blue colors included in the Great Seal of the United States, which first appeared 1782, did purportedly represent ideals and beliefs of our Founding Fathers.

Their significance was explained by Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress, and included in the book "Our Flag," published in 1989: White represents purity and innocence; red represents hardiness and valor; and blue represents vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

We live in a great nation and the character qualities mentioned above are wonderful. But even more so is to be washed in the Blood (red) of Christ so one may be washed as (white) as snow, then spend eternity in heaven (blue).  I am proud to be an American, but much more so to be a Christian. 


by: Tim Chavel

Thirty Years and Counting

Today my husband and I celebrated thirty wonderful years of “happily married life!” To celebrate, we took a trip to the North Carolina Mountains. We stayed in Cherokee, NC and then enjoyed a half day trip in Bryson, NC on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad – Nantahala Gorge Excursion. We rode first class coach on the MacNeill. The trip was well worth it. One “must stop” is the Choo Choo Coffee shop where we bought homemade jellies. We sampled several and bought three: Kudzu Blossom Jelly (made with real Kudzu), Old Fashioned Traffic Jam (Blueberries, Raspberries and Strawberries) and Creamed Honey. Place orders from their website.

There were many attractions in Cherokee; we were not able to visit them all. More information can be found on Trip Advisor. While in Cherokee we visited the following attractions: Oconaluftee Islands Park, Cherokee Baptist Church, and the famous casino. Let me provide an overview of each. 

The park attraction featured a clear wading river with open places for picnicking, relaxation and pure family fun.

Our visit on Sunday to Cherokee Baptist Church was warm and inviting. The members were predominantly Cherokee natives along with visiting bikers and other members and guests. The congregation sang verse one of Amazing Grace in English and the last verse in Cherokee. That was awesome! Danny Sweet, a visiting preacher, delivered an awesome message from Psalm twenty-three.

The most unusual visit was to the casino. I refuse to recognize the formal name of this attraction. An old press release published that an “Eastern Band of Cherokee Tribal Council” approved this casino in January 2007 by an overwhelming vote. It opened Labor Day weekend 2010. Since its grand opening they have added Paula Deen’s Kitchen and will soon open a food court and other shops. We were in and out in less than thirty minutes. Oh the sites we saw! There was a father on a second floor landing zone away from the machines “babysitting” his two young children who were in a double stroller. I assume he was watching his wife gambling down below. There were many, many, senior adults; presumed retirees. I saw a young woman begging (assumed husband) to let her play one more time. Most likely the Tribal Council believed that their approval of this casino would bolster their economy on the reservation but from my observation of the surrounding property this did not happen. There were many vacant hotels, and for rent signs in store front windows. The casino is in business for profit and no monies are spent to revitalize the reservation or boost tourism in Cherokee. No – we did not play any machine!