Happy New Year





A New Year About to Dawn

2011 is fast approaching, only hours away; we've more chances to make a difference in someone's lives, maybe our own.  More chances to call family and friends, extend kindness to a stranger, or neighbor, and then draw closer to our Father who waits for our prayer.

May 2011 be the year we really care.

We often put off calling until it's too late 

because time has slipped into the dawn of another day, 

we busy ourselves with the work at hand 

and say we'll call later if we can.

 In the New Year coming,

let's pray to our Father,

 call family and friends, 

smile brighter, 

sing louder, 

shake more hands, 

and give more hugs.



Spring Wildflowers



Wildflowers on a Hillside in Jackson County, Kentucky 

    We took this picture a few years ago on my brother's farm in Jackson County, Ky.  
   It had been many years since this land had been farmed, so when my brother bought it; it had a lot of big timber and undergrowth.  
   We drove up to see it that April, and were surprised at all the wildflowers we saw there, the most we'd seen anywhere.  It was a beautiful site. 
   Lying undisturbed for many years, the remnants of a chimney, and foundation rocks was all that remained of the old homeplace.  God's beauty is everywhere!  We just need to look for it.
                                                                                                      

Aprons for Christmas!



My Favorite Things

    Of all the things I received for Christmas; these two beautiful aprons are among my favorites.  Our daughter made them, and they are precious to me.




A Gift From a Friend

   The day before Christmas I received two packages in the mail.  One was these minature utensils from my dear friend, Susan.  I think they are beautiful, and work so well in my kitchen.  Susan is not only a good friend, she is a good cook as well.








Brenda

  The other package I received was from my childhood friend, who now lives in Nebraska.  It was my favorite candy and a friendship magnet.  The candy was great.  The magnet was beautiful.  The friendship; priceless.










Christmas 2010

    We received so many thoughtful gifts this year it is hard to include them all.  From boxed candy, ham, shuck beans, homemade candy, crafted items, fleece sheets, candles, a beautiful scarf, muscadine jelly, flannel shirt, Case knife, movies, cd's and I could go on and on. 
    We are thankful for the beautiful Christmas snow, and all our family and friends.  And are so thankful for the many gifts we received.
    What a Blessed Christmas, 2010 was.

Life in Kentucky in the Early 1900's

My Husband's Great Grandpa in the early 1900's 

    This is my husband's great grandpa, Tom.  Tom lived in McCreary County, Kentucky and raised a large family there.  He lived a simple and hard life.
   Like most folks back then he lived on a farm and worked hard to raise his family. 
   The large cedar tree, his chair is leaned against, is all that is left of his old homeplace.
    Sometimes one generation will pass, without a single reminder of a person's life.
    But, with God, no one is forgotten.  Thank the Lord!

Hiking in McCreary County Kentucky




Old Rock Fence Back in the Mountains

    One of our favorite things to do on a pretty day is to go hiking.  The last time we went hiking in McCreary County, Kentucky near Beaver Creek, we hiked a few hours and went way up into the mountains and came across this old rock fence.  There were several sections of rock fence that look like may have been used for livestock pens, and one section around a backed up creek, that looks like may have been an old mill pond, at one time or another. 

   There was no trace of a homeplace except for the old rock fences.  It is a beautiful site.  Completely remote and undisturbed for many years.  I was glad I had my camera.  This beautiful place is another one of God's many blessings.  Only seen by those willing to leave the beaten path. 

'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

( Author unknown to man, but, known to God.... )

         'Twas the Night Before Jesus Came

'Twas the night before Jesus Came and all through the house
Not a creature was praying, not one in the house
Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care
In hopes that Jesus would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed.
Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.
And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap
Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash.
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear
But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.
With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray
I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY!

The light of His face made me cover my head
It was Jesus! returning just like He had said.
And though I possed worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand 
Was written the name of every saved man.
He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;
When He said, "It's not here," my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love
He gathered to take to His Father above.
With those who were ready He rose without a sound.
While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but, it was too late;
I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate.
I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;
Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;
The coming of Jesus is drawing near.
There's only one life, and when come the last call
We'll find that the Bible was true after all!

( This could still be your best Christmas Season ever!)

The Beauty of Christmas!



What Beauty God hath Bestowed Upon Us!

1.   And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2.   ( And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3.   And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
 4.   And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5.   To be taxed with Mary his espouse wife, being great with child.
6.   And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that should be delivered.
7.   And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8.   And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9.   And, lo the angel of the Lord came upon them. and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid.
10.   And the angel said unto them. Fear not:  for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11.   For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 
12.   And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13.   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14.   Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15.   And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16.   And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17.   And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18.   And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19.   But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20.   And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
                                                                                                                     Luke 2: 1-20

White Christmas in Kentucky



Fresh Fallen Snow, How Beautiful!

    

     We awoke to a rare and beautiful white Christmas this morning.  It's been a very long time since we've had a white Christmas in Southeast Ky. 

We've got to put out some seed for the birds this morning, before we have Christmas dinner ourselves.

                   Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday to My Lord!

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           Happy Birthday Jesus!

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Merry Christmas Cards



Christmas Blessings

    Christmas is one of my favorite times of year.  And one of my favorite things about Christmas is seeing and hearing from family and friends.            Many, we do not see or hear from, until we receive a Christmas card in the mail.  It is a special time when we read that they are still doing well. 
    We wish you all the Blessings of Christmas!
   



    If you haven't received the Greatest Christmas Gift ever given to man, we pray that you receive Him into your heart this Christmas. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

The Greatest Gift, given to Man.



   We received a lot of Christmas cards this year as usual.  All are beautiful, but, some really stand out.  This is one of my favorites, because it is true.

My Friend Bertie Mae Grew Up in Leslie County



Bertie Mae

    This is my friend Bertie Mae, she grew up in Leslie County, KY.  Everyone called her grandmother and grandfather:  Mammie and Big Daddy.  Well Mammie and Big Daddy had a big family and most of them lived with them in their big farm house, including Bertie Mae, her family, and other aunts and uncles and their families.
    Bertie Mae told me about one time when she was just a child that they all went to church one Sunday and when they came home they found Mammie out in the front yard rocking in her rocking chair, and the house was on fire. As Mammie sat there and rocked, she said, "Well Children, the house is burning down." After that Mammie and Big Daddy bought a farm in a nearby county.  The only family that made the move with them was Bertie Mae and her family.  I loved to hear the stories about Mammie and Big Daddy.  I hope you enjoyed it too.  Many Blessings. 

Something to Think About this Christmas.

         My Daughter reminded me yesterday that:  Mary Wrapped the First Christmas Gift.  Not in traditional paper and ribbons, but, in swaddling clothes; and what a Blessed gift it was!

The Littlest Yarn Spinner




Jenny, The Littlest Yarn Spinner

This is my husband's neice, Jenny.  When she was about three year old she loved to make up stories.  And that was right up my alley.
    We called it Yarn Spinning.  She would climb up in my lap and say, " Aunt Pat, let's pin some yarn." (She couldn't sound her S's out and always sounded so cute.)  Then she would tell me the biggest yarns, you've ever heard, and I in turn  would try to top it.  It was never easy to top one of Jenny's stories, but, I had fun trying.

    Jenny is all grown up now and lives somewhere in the North West, I think.  I hope she is still as enthusiastic about her story telling as she was when she was a child.  I would just like to say 
                                                                                Merry Christmas to my Little Yarn Spinner!    

Everyone Needs a Saviour

Jesus

    Is there anyone in the world who doesn't need a Saviour?  No there isn't.  But, a lot of people don't know they need one.  We need to tell them that there is a God that loves them, and He sent His Son to die on the cross to take away their sins.
    I've known many people over the years who professed to be Christians, they went to church, sang in the choir, and some even taught Sunday School; yet, outside the church others could not tell that they were indeed Christians.
    I pray that God will bring them back to Himself, that their witness might be restored.  We live in trying times and need the Lord to walk beside us everyday. 
    Blessed Jesus, restore unto us the joys of thy salvation.  Amen.

Pineville Kentucky, Home to Clear Creek Bible College



Walk Bridge at the Clear Creek Bible College

When we travel through Bell County Kentucky we are in awe at the beauty of the mountains reaching high into the sky.  Tourists often visit Pine Mountain State Park, but, not everyone knows how beautiful the Clear Creek Bible College Campus is. This old walk bridge is just one of the pretty sites you find there.  Many of the structures are built with cobblestone.  Some old and some new, but, all are beautiful.

The Natural Arch in McCreary County, Kentucky



The Natural Arch

  
    This is one of my favorite places to go hiking.  This is the Natural Arch in McCreary County, Kentucky.  It is located just off Hwy. 27 between Burnside and Sterns.  It's hard to tell it's size in this picture; it is enormous.  There are beautiful hiking trails that go down under the Arch, and a small park with a shelter and picnic tables.  Nearby are other hiking trails that go through a big Gorge and around other rock formations. 
    It is also near the Blue Herron Coal Mining Camp (Park like replicas) and the Historic town of Sterns.  You may take a train ride through the mountains and up to the Blue Herron.  It is well worth the trip.  I think it is closed during the winter months. 
    Can't you just see God's handiwork everywhere?  I can.  The trees, the sky, the cliffs, the rivers, the flowers and everything else.  When it is cold outside, and we have to stay indoors a lot; I start thinking about places we can go, and things we can do in the Spring.  And I start looking at my seed catalogs and deciding what new flowers or vegetables I want to try come Spring.  And I thank God that we live in such a beautiful place, and thank Him we can get out and enjoy it.

Few Things Prettier than a Holly Tree



Holly Tree Loaded with Bright Red Berries

   Merry Christmas!  Just wanted to share this picture of a Holly Tree, loaded with berries.  We have been blessed to live in an area where we can get out and walk through the woods, and fields, and down to the lake.
    Kentucky is such a pretty state and has beautiful native trees and wildflowers.
    Sounds like we may be in for a White Christmas.  Two more rounds of snow are supposed to be heading our way.  The last round could end up being a Winter Storm.
    Need to make sure we have plenty of Hot Chocolate,  Popcorn, and Movies.  And wood for the cookstove, in case our electricity goes out.

Making Bread Kentucky Style



Making Bread in Kentucky

    Around here we are big eaters and we love our bread.  It's especially good when we have some cow butter to go with it.
    We love the big ol' dusty biscuits, cornbread, flapjacks, hoecakes, fritter bread, pone bread, and cracklin' bread.  I like the store bought bread too,  but, husband always says that lite bread is what's killing people.
    About everybodys knows what cornbread and biscuits are, but, a few might not know what in the world I'm talking about when I talk about flapjacks and such as that.
    Well, around here we mix up flour and water and fry it like pan cakes and call'em flapjacks.  We mix flour and meal and fry in little cakes and call'em hoe cakes.  For fritter bread, we mix flour and water and drop by spoonfuls into a hot greased bread pan and bake until good and brown.  And for pone bread we mix flour and water and pour into a hot greased iron skillet and bake.  Now, the cracklin' bread is another story.  Cracklin's are rendered hog innards and are hard to find.  When we do find some, we bake them in a pan of cornbread and call it Cracklin' Bread.  It sure is good!  Another one of God's many blessings.

Yet, Another Holy Mountain Sabbath

    The drive to the Old Country Church this morning was cold and brisk.  Icicles clung to the sides of the cliffs along Hwy. 90 and little traffic stirred.  A few icy patches here and there, made for slow driving.   When we got there; Sunday School had already begun.  We were studying in the book of Jude.  7 Preachers were present this morning and made for lively conversation.  All of the Preachers gave their viewpoints and some really got fired up and almost preached during Sunday School.  It was a good service and God was with us.  Well worth the 30 mile drive it takes to get there.  Merry Christmas on this Holy Mountain Sabbath!      

A Favorite Verse

    But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

1 Peter  5: 10

A Christmas Prayer

 



Blessed Holy Season

                                                                             
              My Christmas Prayer

If it by Thy will, O Lord

I would ask a thing or two

Make me mindful of the plight of others

And make me even more like You

May I hear the slightest voice

If ever there be a need

Lead me down the righteous path

And ever my hungry soul, feed

Not just now at Christmas, Lord

     But forever is my Prayer

   And even in the darkest times

    Give me the strength to care                       

Wee Guardian Angel



Callie Mae Sits in the Shadow of the Cross

                                                                                         I purchased this little doll almost 20 years ago at Renfro Valley in Mt. Vernon, Ky.  This little doll is an angel and has removable wings.  She was made by   S. Lehman, ImLay City, MI. 
    A friend and I went to Renfro Valley to watch a show, it was the last show of the Christmas Season; and they would be closing all the shops after the show until after New Years Day.  We had already looked at everything in the shops and I wouldn't buy this little doll because it was too expensive.  I had shown this doll to my friend and she laughed at it and said it was the ugliest doll she had ever seen.  I thought the doll had charm.  From the mud colored clay she is made of, to her little bare feet, she speaks of a gentler time.  I named her Callie Mae. 
    After the show the MC announced that all the shops would be opened for 1 hour offering 50% off any purchase.  Well, I knew exactlly what I wanted.  My friend said, "Surely, you're not going to buy that ugly thing, are you?"  I said, "I surely am."   Callie Mae sits in front a handmade framed cross, that we received as a Christmas gift today.  It was made by a very Special Friend and I will treasure it as much as I have treasured Callie Mae.  You know something, God doesn't look on the outside, either.  He looks on the heart.  I am so glad.  God is no respector of persons.  And, no matter what color clay we may be made of, it is of no importance to him, for He looks upon the heart.  Praise God!

Snow Fog Rising



Snow Fog Rising Across the Fields

    Another glorious December day!  We were spared the brunt of the winter storm that dumped snow and ice accross much of the Bluegrass.  We only had a light coating of ice, then temperatures quickly rebounded and caused a beautiful snow fog to rise accross the fields behind our house.
    Only nine days until Christmas!  What a wonderful time of year.  We have lots of cookies to bake and candies to make, but, can't deliver them until the roads clear. 
    As soon as it clears up some, we hope to get everything delivered, because they are already talking about another winter weather system heading for Kentucky in the long range forcast. 
So what we plan to do, we need to do quickly.
    Merry Christmas Everybody! 

Life's Little Treasures



An Inheritance and a Gift From a Friend

   The little celluloid doll on the shelf; I received as an inheritance from my Aunt Dema.
   Her treasured things, worth little to others, but, worth the world to her, and to me.  Each time I look at it, I remember her smiling face.
   The little clock on the shelf is a gift from a very Special Friend.  It is timeless treasure to me.
      

Lone Streets Cloud, his wife Meda, with Friends and Family



Waiting at the Train Depot

  
  













   
 
    This is our step grandparents Pappaw and Mammo Cloud.  They are pictured from left to right, with friends and relatives, the one on the end is Meda's Dad.
    Pappaw was born around 1889 and Mammo was born around 1900. 
    I don't know if this is their wedding picture or not, but, they were really dressed up for some reason.   
    Things change so quickly it seems; when we were growing up we never imagined a time when Mammo and Pappaw wouldn't be around.  We were Bessed to have had them as long as we did.  And we thank God for them.

Meet my Mom



My Beautiful Mommy

   Mom was born in 1914 in Harogate, Tennessee.  Life was much harder then.  I recall the stories she told of having to clear fields with oxen; and when they didn't have oxen, she and her older sister had to pull the plow themselves.
    She told of the many times they had little to eat, but, God always provided and they didn't have to go to bed hungry.
She told of seeing a car for the first time and hidding behind a tree. 
    Mom was full of life, and, a bit of a spitfire.  She had a good sense of humor; she and Dad was always playing tricks on one another.  
    Mom was not one to reckon with either; though only pint size she packed a considerable whallop.  She wasn't afraid of anyone or anything, and she made that plain. 
    But, when she cooked a big meal she made sure we took a plate to an elderly neighbor.  The neighbor wasn't in need and had lots of family living near her, but, mom always said you take it on out to her, she might like some of this.  She was a woman of grit, but, had a heart of compassion.  

Barefoot in Kentucky, Sure we Were

Barefoot in Kentucky

   Many people like to sneer their noses at Kentucky life in the 50's and 60's.  They think all Kentucky kids went barefoot. Well this little Kentucky girl went barefoot from early summer until Fall; not because she had to, but, because she chose to.  We did of course have to wear shoes when we went somewhere.  And we didn't like it either.  We grew up in Whitley, Laurel, and Jackson Counties, then moved to Southern Indiana for a few years, then back to Kentucky.
   I was so glad to get back home, I've never wanted to move away again.  We live in Southern Whitley County now, it is our home, and it is where we plan to stay until God calls us home.  Lord willing, that is.  I think every child should know what mud squishing between their toes feels like.  And get to make a few mud pies, too.  Kind of keeps us down to earth a little, I think.

An Old Pickle Jar and Vintage Ornaments

Vintage Ornaments

    In one of our recent trips to the Vendors Mall we found this old pickle jar.  We didn't know what we would do with it when we got it home, but, we bought it just the same.  When we put up the Christmas tree I didn't have room to put all the ornaments on the tree, but, found the perfect place for them, the old pickle jar.
    I think they compliment one another.  If I could, I guess I would decorate with everything old at Christmas. 
    May God Bless you this Christmas Season.  And we hope everyone finds the true meaning of Christmas.

Another Kentucky Snowfall

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas!

  What beauty God has blessed us with, again in the mountains of South Eastern Kentucky.  A mid December snow, how precious.  We went many years, not so long ago without a snow deep enough to track a rabbit in.  But, this year is different.  Thank you God for the beauty and solitude of a fresh fallen snow.  Sure takes us back to when we were kids, and the snow often didn't melt until Spring.  This would be a nice day for a sleigh ride or a good snowball fight.
   Ohh! And some snowcream; haven't had that in a long time.  Think I'll make some, just for old time sake.  Have a great day!  May God Bless You!

The Christmas Light



The Christmas Light

The Christmas Light

There was a Light,  that men could see

It led them to Him, the Babe, a King

Some came from fields, others came from far

Some guided by angels, others followed a Star

There's still a Light to guide the way

Through the Holy Spirit in whom we pray

 So come Dear Friends, from near and far

  Come to Christ The King, Come as you are

                                                        The best Christmas Gift, that has ever been given

                                                  For by His grace, we can be forgiven. 

                                                                              
                                                                                    I hope you like this poem,

                                                                                   I've written for you. 

                                                                                  Merry Christmas!

The First Holiday Season Without my Mom

Mom's Pumpkin Bread Recipe

God's Way of Comforting Me

   Many years ago, I was at my mom's just before the Holidays  and while I was there, I copied her recipe for Pumpkin Bread.  My mom made the best Pumpkin Bread, I've ever tasted.
   While I was there, our Aunt Ella's daughter, Jenny came by.  We had a good visit and Jenny sang us a song.  "Mother's Not Dead, She's Only a Sleeping"  I copied the words on the back of the Pumpkin Bread Recipe, and never thought much more about it.  I used the recipe many times over the coming years and never really noticed the words of the song on the back.  But, the first Holiday season after Mom died in 1991, I was feeling really sad and wondered how I would make it through the Holidays without her.  When I started my baking, I pulled out Mom's Pumpkin Bread Recipe and as I unfolded it, I noticed the song that had been there all the time.  I read the words and it brought a smile not only to my lips, but, to my heart also; for I know that was God's way of comforting me.  See how bright the back side of the paper is where the song is written.  Only fitting, I guess.
   So Merry Christmas to all those who wait for us in Heaven!

Without Faith it is Impossible to Please God



Now Faith is the Substance of Things Hoped for,
 the Evidence of Things Not Seen ...Hebrews 11:1

  But without Faith it is impossible to please Him:  for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6



7.  For we walk by Faith, not by sight:  

                                                               
8.  We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 

9.  Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of Him.

10. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.     2 Corinthians 5: 7-10     
                                                                                                                          

Aunt Dema's Pearls



Aunt Dema's Pearls

   After Aunt Dema passed, her brother's wife sent Aunt Dema's jewelry box to me, they had talked it over and wanted me to have it.  I opened it and almost cried to see Aunt Dema's treasures.  The little cedar box was filled with costume jewelry and little tid bits that was special to her.  There was a small celluloid doll that may have belonged to her daughter.  Tie clips that probably belonged to her husband, and these pearls.  They are not real, but, she treasured them.
   Aunt Dema received mail at the nursing home for a long time after she passed.  She got many letters from places like March of Dimes, Save the Children and many other charities.  It seemed that even on her limited income, she shared what God had blessed her with, even to the end.
   So, in my book.......Aunt Dema was the Pearl!

Aunt Dema was the Pearl



She was a Pearl of Great Price

  This is Aunt Dema, one of the most precious ladies I have ever known.  She is my Dad's sister.  We lost her several years ago, but, know that she waits on us in her new home. 
   Aunt Dema lost her only daughter, when her daughter was just a young woman; she lost her husband early in life, she lost three of her brothers when they were still young men, and then a sister who probably lived to be in her 70's.  She had one brother left, who lived away from here.  Aunt Dema was nearly blind and carried a white cane.  She was one of the kindest and sweetest people I have ever known.  She spent her last years in a nursing home.  We went to see her often.  I worked near the nursing home, so it was easy for me to stop by on my way home. Aunt Dema was all smiles, no matter how bad she felt.  I feel blessed to have known such a precious soul.

The Smells of Christmas, Cedar, Pine and Holly

Holly, Cedar and Pine Bowl

   Winter sunshine, and melting snow.  Really got us into the Christmas Spirit today.  It had been too cold to go out and find our usual evergreens to decorate our table, until today.
   The snow still lingered in patches across the fields and some places were slippery.  But, the warm sunshine took a little bite off the cold wind.
   We suited up in insulated coveralls and the like and headed for the woods.  We found the Holly in a fence row in the middle field behind the house, but had to go into the edge of the woods to find the Cedar, we clipped the Pine branches from low limbs on the trees in front of our house.  I put about a quart of water into an amber bowl and placed the evergreens in it.  The smell of Cedar and Pine, the bright red berries on the Holly, and the hot apple cider, and coffee we had, when we got home, all tells me it's beginning to look and smell a lot like Christmas.  The Blessings of Christmas, need not cost a thing.  They've already been provided, if we'd only have it so.

Christmas 1962.......Remember When

   Like so many Kentucky winters before, the cold weather came early and snow blanketed the ground long before Christmas.  The County schools had been closed for weeks and the snow packed mountain roads showed no signs of melting.  Snow blew through cracks in the ceiling and our water froze in the water buckets every night.  Our brothers got up early and built the fires in the heating stove in the living room, and in the wood cookstove in the kitchen.  Strings of shuck beans and dried hot peppers hung from the ceiling in the corner of the kitchen, along with a clean feed sack half full of dried apples; mom was saving for a Christmas stack cake.  We had plenty of water carried up from the spring, so little sister and I could spend the day playing with Walking Dogs, Jimmy Dancers, and our Fox and Geese board.
   Dark came early, so we had a lot of family time in the evenings.  Mom popped dishpans full of popcorn and told us ghost stories.  She put potatoes in the ash pan of the heating stove and shook the grates and let them bake.  She boiled molasses and made popcorn balls and tough jack candy.  We were happy and content with what God had given us.
   It was almost Christmas and the weather was brutally cold.  The clay dirt road that led to the highway had frozen and thawed so many times that it was nearly impassable.  That cold and snowy evening along about dark, a car drove up the half frozen, rutted out dirt road, and pulled into our driveway.  We wondered who could be out driving on roads like this and on a night like this.  It was our older sister and her husband from Ohio.  All the sudden things began to change around the old homeplace.  They drove mom to town and my brothers hurried out and cut down a little pine tree; brought it back and decorated it.  When the others got back from town they were loaded with Christmas presents and goodies.  The next day was Christmas.  The food was good, the presents appreciated, but, what I remember the most about Christmas 1962 was having the family together again for Christmas.

It's Snowing...........Again.



It's Snowing

      December has just begun and it has already been the snowiest December, I can remember in recent years.  When we have snow this early, it makes for a long winter.  This poem was on the Christmas cards I sent several years ago.  
I heard a bird sing in the dark of December,  
               Twas a beautiful thing,
                So sweet to remember. 
   Growing up in Eastern Kentucky in the 50's and 60's, the weather was much like our northern states are today. 
   School was called off, because of snow before Christmas, and often didn't start back until Valentine's day.  When we returned, we took our gifts from where we'd drawn names for Christmas, and our valentines on the same day.   The last several years, we've had rather mild winters and have grown to love them, and to expect them.  But, we take what comes and thank God for it.  Amen.
                        On another note, I came across this scripture in Zechariah 13: 8-9 and wanted to share it with you.......
8.  And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein.
9.  And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried:  they shall call on my name, and I will hear them:  I will say, It is my people:  and they shall say, The Lord is my God.
   I sometimes think that true Christians are being brought through the fire, right now.  Some in authority now, cater to those of low decree and like passions and persecute Christians.  It ought not be so, but, we know it will come, and maybe now is.
And yet another note:  1 Peter 3:12
12.  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous and His ears are open unto their prayers:  but, the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.
Thank the Lord for looking over us, and hearing our prayers.

A Front Porch Christmas, and a Holy Mountain Sabbath

  
   What a Blessed Holy Season.  A light snow is falling in Kentucky and all is well.  God's peace surrounds us on this beautiful Sabbath Day.


A Front Porch Christmas, a Beautiful Way to Brighten Someone's Day. 

Welcome to Our Home 

Let Your Light so Shine

                                                                                                                                                  

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify the Father which is in Heaven.

Blessed Christmas Season

  I wish everyone a Hot Apple Cider Christmas!  A good warm fire to sit by, eggnog, apple cider, homemade gingerbread, and family and friends to share it with.  Let's make our Christmas, the best ever!  We've already recieved the best gift that could ever be given. 
  7.    And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swadling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
  8.   And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
  9.   And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid. 
10.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord.
                                                                                                                     Luke 2: 7-11

Why Doesn't Everyone Love the Lord?

   Sometimes I am puzzled, why everyone don't love the Lord like I do.  I have often thought about this and have come to the conclusion that they must not feel His presence in their lives, ( I'm talking about the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit) or they would love Him.
   Many things are about to come into pass in these last days that will try all those upon the earth.  We only have to read the Bible and listen to the world news, to see many of the things written about already coming to pass, and many more are in the making. 
   If I didn't know the Lord, I would cry out to Him for mercy, because I could not stand alone.  This is the season we celebrate His birth.  Many celebrate Christmas and don't even know the One they are celebrating. 
   In this Holy season, my prayer to God is, that if someone doesn't know Him now, that they would not let precious time pass until they call out to Him.
He is Holy.... He is Worthy.... He is Merciful.  His grace is the greatest gift of all.