Friends Are Treasures

I am so thankful for friends especially friends that stick with you down through the years. Some are so close that you feel like family. You can always depend on their support through it all. And, I am always glad to make a new friend... we can never have enough friends!

I am reminded of an old saying or song "make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver, the other gold."

A group of sayings to share:
- authors unknown

Make new friends,

but keep the old.

One is silver,

the other is gold.

A circle is round,

it has no end.

That's how long,

I will be your friend.

A fire burns bright,

it warms the heart.

We've been friends,

from the very start.

You have one hand,

I have the other.

Put them together,

We have each other.

Silver is precious,

Gold is too.

I am precious,

and so are you.

You help me,

and I'll help you

and together

we will see it through.

Across the land

Across the sea

Friends forever

We will always be

Places To Go & People To See...

These two little guys have places to go and people to see. Watching a child at play is one of the most enjoyable things in the world. Watching them act like they are big, sprouting their wings and flying. The scary part... it won't be long until they are in real cars and really going places and seeing people.

Another cute story... Sunday, Breanna said, "Grandma you have pretty flowers but how did you get the grass in them?" :) I guess that I'd better get out the weed and feed. Brooklyn is so cute right now, too. You ask her a question and she says, "Yeth."

Little children!

Happy Anniversary Beth & Mike

Belated, Happy Anniversary Beth & Mike!

Wishing you many more happy years together!!!

Joy In The Lord

"Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall no herd be in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation." Habakkuk 3:17 -18 - (KJV)

After checking out the news headline, I've decided that it is just the same old doom and gloom. Quite frankly, today, I'm not in the mood for doom and gloom. So let's talk about the weather. Right now it is just up and down and unseasonably cold. Heh, heh, so much for global warming!

Amy and Beth weren't in my gallery of pictures so here is one that I found of them to share. There is a bond between the twins that a lot of people do not understand. They are sisters and best friends. I can only remember one short period of time around the age of 12- early teens that they would fuss. Most of their life they have cuddled together and talked. I think they will always cuddle together until they are old.

Funny story about the girls. When they were about two. I went into the kitchen and found them sitting on the floor together playing in flour. They had emptied the flour onto the floor and were having a ball playing in their flour "sand". :)

Happiness

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success!

Gallery of Photos

Gallery of Recent Photos:

Everlasting Love

"The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms..." Deuteronomy 33:27


"You are loved with and everlasting love and underneath are the everlasting arms." Elizabeth Elliot

How Green It Is...

Don't you just love how green it is? I spent about 3 hrs. mowing yesterday and I just love all the green with the beautiful tulips, daffodils, & hyacinths. All the flowering shrubs and trees just stand out as well. Spring is just a beautiful time of year. I really do just love each season of the year!

Yes, I have sore mussles. But, that doesn't last long. Beth and I planted more garden Thursday. Bless her heart she did most of the planting, but I did help with the roto tilling and Isaiah. Isaiah just loves being out in the dirt and yard. I don't think he quite knows what to think of it. He just doesn't like to go in after he has been outside. He's found out that there is a whole new world out there.

Although, right now I just seem to be running, running and running. So much to do. Just like the old saying... I have places to go, people to see and things to do. But that is normal for the busy times of year...isn't it?

Happy Birthday Stephen

Happy Birthday to a fine son. I just don't know where all the years have gone. Hope you have a great Birthday!

W

It was so good to hear President Bush's proclamation for the National Day of Prayer on May 1, 2008. I still like Bush in spite of all the criticism from the media and others. He has tried to take a stand for what was right. You've just got to admire his inner strength. I was just pleased to listen to him on the radio this morning when he was speaking about prayer.

The 2008 National Day of Prayer theme, "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield," is taken from Psalm 28:7, "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped."

On this day, I will be praying for the safety of our brave men and women in uniform, for their families, and for the comfort and recovery of those who have been wounded. I will be praying for God to heal our land.

Mark your calender for Thursday, May 1, 2008 for the National Day of Prayer.

Adopted Lamb

Well, well, well... I've just adopted a lamb. A black lamb has been dropped off to live with my farm animals. He's a noisy little thing, but he may keep me awake when I'm blogging. :) By the way, I thought I taught you girls to take care of your own things. I don't have a lot of room for many more animals. In fact, I released my cow and let him go. Now I have a sheep! :)

Now I have two sheep... that's what I get for complaining!!!

Thanks for sharing!

Side of The Page...

Notice my little animals which are for the young and young at heart. Believe it or not, children and adults still play with them. :) Hey, keeping it real!

This is a picture of Isaiah. He was so cute yesterday when Beth and I went to visit mom and dad. He was so hungry that he prayed 3 - 4 times before the table was completely set. So cute! I told Beth that she had to try to get a picture of him while he was praying.

Another prayer story, I remember once, when Ryan was a little guy just a little older than Isaiah, Merrill and I took him to a restaurant with us. He stood and prayed out loud and lots of eyes were on him. I think he made an impression. Merrill wasn't to the table yet with his food, but Ryan was ready to eat.

At our family dinners, we usually let a grandchild pray if they want to. Sometimes we cover everything and everyone in those prayers. You can see them checking out who is there and mentioning their name in prayer. A little child shall lead them. :)

Grandchildren are totally awesome!

Have a Blessed Day!

Act On This...

"Act on this... take it to your heart! "..Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.." Ephesians 6:6

I listen to a devotional every morning that is based on this scripture. I guess, for some reason, the words just popped out at me to make sure that I act on God's word and take it to my heart. Scriptures that I think about a lot and that are very popular are The Fruits of The Spirit, The Beatitudes, The Ten Commandments and 7 things that God hates. These scriptures teach you how to live, what pleases God and what displeases God. One can't stay a Christian without living a holy life like God wants us to. Ask yourself, "What would Jesus do? How would He handle this situation? How would He treat people?"

Your Light...

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and gloryify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

I've been reading and studying Jesus sermons the last few weeks. I like to do this when the world seems to be pressing in. I feel His guiding and comforting presence so much more. The words that Jesus spoke in this scripture is good for today.

I like this scripture because it reminds me that I have an obligation to do good works towards my fellow man. A call of encouragement to a lonely individual, a small gift of appreciation, a helping hand, a smile & a prayer for a passing stranger. So many times, it's me, mine and ours. God says it's the world around us. No, works does not save us. But, reaching out and showing God's love to those we come into contact with is showing God's love. We are the only Bible that some people will read.

This morning I was looking for a picture of an old saint of God called, Sister Hill. When I was a young mother at home with my six children, I often felt like I wasn't doing much for God. Preachers were preaching about becoming missionaries and preachers. I failed to see that all Christians were called to minister to those around them. Sister Hill would stop me at the front doors of the church when I was leaving and she would say, "This is your church, your ministry." That helped me so much. For you see, she was ministering to me, a young mother with a desire to serve God. Well, my children are grown now, but I still have a ministry and that is the world around me. Every which way I turn there are sinners and people in need.

I didn't find her picture, but I did find this little card which I will share with you today.

Take My Hand

When life gives you
challenges and you need
strength to survive,
be reminded of a friend's
hand selflessly reaching out
to lead you to
a closer walk with God.

Take my hand,
I am by your side.

unknown

Papa's General Store

Papa was a kindly man, quiet and godly. I don't think that we realized the impact that he made on people, until he was gone. Maybe, that is as it should have been.

I remember Papa and Mama praying in the dining room every morning, kneeling at their chairs. I think that made a life long impression on me about the importance of prayer. For you see, that was their God given strength, through prayer!

When Papa died, I was 13 years old, but I remember people getting up all over the congregation and telling of the things that he had done for them. Things that others did not know about. He wouldn't have wanted the praise in life. But in death, he brought remembrance to others and they told of his good works. He was a great example of how a Christian should live. I still miss him. There are times that I get a lump in my chest even after all these years. I still love you Papa!

Papa’s General Store

I remember Papa’s General Store.
With A Big front porch across the building.
Wood framed siding.
Covered by an old metal roof.

Walking through the front door into its many wonders.
My childish eyes saw many things.
A unique interior of wood, walls, and shelves
That held many surprises.

Letters waiting in little boxed openings.
Waiting for their owners.
Bills to be paid.
Letters to be shared.

Many beautiful colored yard goods.
Lined up in a row.
To be made into shirts, dresses and blouses.
Carefully cut, and rolled in a brown paper and tied with a string.

Stick candies waiting in jars.
Little hands reaching up to take hold of their treasures.
Smiling faces.
Rewarding enjoyment.

Redwing shoes.
Can goods and staples.
Clothing.
A general supply of needed goods.

The old potbelly stove.
Surrounded by wooden chairs.
Tall tales.
Camaraderie beholding.

Wonderful times.
Are forever in my memory.
Always tugging at my heart.
Never forgotten.

Connie Lavy 2006

Thank You...

Thank you so much for reading this blog. I guess I didn't realize how many liked to read what I had to say until last week at convention. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement!

Life is short and over before we know it. Everyday we rub shoulders with relatives, friends, neighbors, people we work with, people in our everyday commute or shopping. Take the opportunity to show God's love.

Life Is But A Journey

Life is but a journey
That's lived day by day.
God is our pilot
For whatever comes our way.

Life is but a journey
Lived by one and all.
Each day is on the map
God's word the guidebook for all.

Life is but a journey
From beginning to the end.
God is our pilot
Until life's ending call.

Connie Lavy 2008

Eagles Wings

"..they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 KJV

Have you ever thought about eagles? Eagles are a magnificent bird. They soar high in the sky. It is said that they stand alone, they're devoted and committed to their family. Other birds fly in flocks... but eagles fly alone.

Satan wants the church beat up and broke down, but God wants the church to be victorious and soar as the eagle. All I can say is... hallelujah!

Just Love A Rainy Day...

I just love a rainy day... That's today! It did kinda mess up some painting plans, but hey, there's next week. I may have been pushing the outside painting anyway. It's a nice easy going rain and not windy, just perfect for the just planted garden. :)

Wayne & Lauryn were just here. I asked him if he remembered this, when he was little, he told someone that his mom wasn't fat, just fluffy. Today, I'm just fluffier! :) Kids do say the cutest things. Isn't it funny that sometimes when things come to mind the person that you are thinking about shows up? Right now... they are trying to fish in the rain. I think I will stay in and keep my fluff dry!

Happy Birthday Paul

Happy Birthday to a fine son. I just don't know where all the years have gone. Hope you have a great day!

Remember this photo?

We Did It!!!

Yep, we did it. Beth and I got our early garden planted. So far, we have leaf lettuce, radishes, onions, peas, potatoes and the big one, corn. It is too early for corn, but hey, we had to try. The broccoli plants are little too young to put out, so I'm waiting until next week.

Beth and I are doing it together again this year. We hope she'll be able to get all her canning and freezing done before fall because her baby is due in Nov. It isn't easy to can over a big stomach.

Gardening this early, for me, is good. I did garden before I had Paul whose birthday is today and I did garden before Stephen's birthday which is the 25th. So, I have done it before, but both boys are in their 30's so it has been a long time. Usually, Merrill does the early garden and I do the mid-garden because I prefer to work in the warm weather.

All you gardeners can relate... I am sore all over since I haven't used some of these muscles since last fall. And, I haven't been so bent over since last years plantings. I probably looked like one of those signs of the lady bent over with the polka dot drawers. Hopefully, I was more modest than that! :) ... Anyway, its started!

A Funny Thing...

A funny thing happened on the way to the convention...
Well, it could have not turned out funny, but to think back on it, it was funny.

I was parked on the fourth floor of the parking garage at the convention center. So, I got on the elevator at the fourth floor and pushed the button for the floor the ramp was on. Well, it went to the 5th floor and then to the ground floor. So, I pushed the button again and ended up back on the fifth floor, pushed the button again, but went back down to the ground floor. Finally, I decided that the elevator was not going to stop on the floor that I wanted it to and decided to get off at the next floor it stopped at and take the stairs. I just didn't want to take the chance of getting stuck in the elevator if something was really wrong. After coming down the stairs, a parking garage policeman informs me that the elevator wasn't working the previous day and evidently wasn't working right again. Phew! I was sooo glad that I didn't get stuck somewhere in a non-working elevator. I must have made 4-5 trips up and down on the thing before I decided that it wasn't working right... I was pushing my luck, for sure!

And that is my elevator story...

Another Beautiful Day

It is another beautiful day! I was checking our soil to see if I can plant tomorrow. It is getting exciting out there. The weather doesn't feel too bad either. A friend is bringing his large rototiller over to do our garden. That will help me a lot since I have a midsized Troy Bilt.

***

Today was the last day of the IHC (Inter Holiness Convention). It was great to get to see friends and family and worship together as a large group. It is just something that I look forward to each year.

Good messages from various preachers, a neat children's program and, of course, the combined choirs made for a great last day to the three day convention. I'm so thankful that I got to go again this year.

A Beautiful Day...

"A heart at peace gives life to the body." Proverbs 14:30

It is such a beautiful spring day. It is still nippy this morning, but the sun is shining and the spring bulbs look so pretty and the grass is so green. I just love it!

We're getting closer to gardening time and I can hardly wait. Some of my relatives were able to get some early crop in, but it rained before I could get my ground worked up. I'll have to be faster next time. :) Probably, this Friday if the ground gets dried out.

Enjoy the day!

Greeting From A Traveler ...

Well, I didn't know that we were going to NC until the day before I left. I was happy to get to go. I posted in NC, the last post, but I didn't put it up until today. I seem to do that a lot. :) I wanted to post pictures, but I didn't have my chord to load them onto the computer with me. You probably aren't going to get the pictures today either since I have a lot to do. But, I will fill you in on some of the details.

We wanted to see Mayberry. Of course, in real life there isn't a Mayberry in NC just a fictitious town used for the Andy Griffith show. But there is a place called Mt. Airy close to Pilot Mt., that has Andy Griffith, Barney and Aunt Bea memorabilia and businesses. We were driving through early Tues. morning so most things weren't open. But, we got a look-see! Enough, that we will want to go back sometime because it is cute.

We ate breakfast at Aunt Bea's Barbecue. Now that was good. Merrill wanted a waitress and quaint breakfast which we didn't get because it was a cafeteria style. Otherwise, we were well pleased. At least, we could say that we ate at Aunt Bea's. I saved my Styrofoam cup and have a couple pansy plants growing in it, just for memory sake. The cup says, Pilot Mt. which goes along with the whole story.

I did get my onion sets in Virginia, as well as some of my corn seed. I also have a cabbage plant from NC. So, that may be a fun thing this summer. Plants from different states. I think I need some from Kansas. What do you think?

From NC

We stopped at the Tamarak in WV on our way to NC. For the first part of the trip, it was wet, since it rained in Ohio and WV. It had stopped raining before we got to the Tamarak which is a place that we make regular stops to on our way to NC. There were mandolin players and a resident potter along with other crafters and artists at the Tamarak. The art in the art gallary was changed since we were there in January. It is just a nice place to visit.

The trees down here are beautiful. Lots of pretty blossoms and lots of green. But, it has been raining off and on.

Just A Busy Day...

Well, it was quite a busy day for me. I did have lunch with my parents. My dad told me this cute little story. I'm sure that some of us can relate to it.

There was this little old couple that were having a hard time remembering. They went to the doctor for their problem. He told them that they were going to have to write things down so that they did not forget what they were going to do. Later in the evening, the wife asked the husband to go and get her a bowl of ice cream. He left the room and did not come back for at least a half-an-hour. When he walks into the room, he hands her a tray with the breakfast that he had just fixed of bacon and eggs. But, he said he forgot the toast. She replies exasperated, "I just knew that you'd forget the toast!"

Well, can you relate to that? :)

Congress Drops The Gas Tax.....April Fools!

If Congress drops the gas tax, we might, just might, have cheaper gas real soon! Maybe, that is what we should ask for. Anyway, that is the only April Fool's joke that I could think of. I may try it a few times today and see how far I get. :)



Here's my favorite little when you think that you've seen everything picture. Isn't it fitting for today?