"Car 54 where are you?"

Some of you will remember that expression...anyway...I am still here. I was accused of spending so much time "blogging" that I had no time for my card ministry. What is a card ministry?
Years ago our Adult Sunday School class had what we called "Secret Pals". Our teacher and his wife had made a decision, after much prayer, to move to North Carolina. Marty wanted to be closer to her father, that was one reason that I remember. We had a huge class....everyone understood that this was an answer to prayer...but most were sad. One gal seemed "devastated". Stan and Marty ( the couple that was leaving) had also prayed for a replacement couple to take over The Circle of Friendship...that couple was Jason and me. That year I got the "devastated gal" for my Secret Pal. I worked very had all year long to send personal notes, gifts, be clever....prayerfully select just the right words, gifts to show my love for this gal....and I was very secretive....anyway....to make a long story short...this gal...is Linda Turner. She and her husband, again after much prayer, also decided to move away to North Carolina...approximately 13 years ago. After she left...I was devastated. I began sending cards....I spent all my time, energy and money selecting the best Hallmarks and then send personal handwritten notes to Linda after she moved. Over the 13 years....it has become challenging to find cards I haven't already sent. Hopefully we are both at an age that if I send a repeat she doesn't remember....since obviously I don't when I buy it a second or third time.
I love emails...I love blogs....but my heart will always lean toward a personal handwritten note or card. I appreciate them more when I receive one...and I like sending them. I don't care about the cost of stamps....well I do, but what's 41 cents if it really makes someone's day?????
I started spending more time in card shops lately and that is the reason for my bloglessness...is that a word?
The Bible says that the older women should teach the younger women...and so I would say this....Ladies, teach your children the art of writing thank yous. I don't know anyone who doesn't appreciate receiving a handwritten note. I don't know anyone....so if you miss my blogging...hang in there....I might just be sending you a handwritten note....Just call out...." Car 54 where are you?" I'll be right there.

Circle of Friends

What a wonderful time with forever friends. This was taken on our last evening together in North Carolina....from L to R...Paul, Marty, Stan, Sara, Jason, Debra, Linda and David. Thank you for a wonderful BIRTHDAY WEEK. I love you all.

Breath Freshener

Robin and I are attending a Women's Bible Studay....Conversation Peace by Mary Kassian on Sunday evenings. Our Words....powerful....they can heal or destroy. Anyway...most Bible Studies include weekly Scripture Memory and this is no exception....only instead of calling them Memory Verses, this gal calls them Breath Fresheners. Don't you just love that? A Bible Study on the Tongue and our speech and our memory verses are called Breath Freshener.

Ever been in a pit?

I am reading the best book...Get Out of That Pit - Straight Talk about God's Deliverance.... by Beth Moore. I am so thankful for the Godly women that God has placed in my life. Women who really know me, who love me unconditionally...who hold me accountable...who mentor me. Women who always point me back to the Savior...who remind me to look up. Have you heard the message on James...
James 1
1James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.
2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
3Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Do you see the word when? "When not if" is what one dear friend used to say...
Today, I am just thankful...thankful for God's word...thankful that I'm a CBK...chosen, beloved and kept. I am never alone. God is faithful and I need to remember that when God allows a trial in my life....it's not because I'm being picked on....I was picked out! God entrusted this to me because He has faith in me. I need to live up to it...all the way up.

Antiques Antiquing

Just returned from a wonderful week with the Turner's in North Carolina...so many stories to share...but for now...

On our way to NC, we stopped in Rutherfordton, had lunch and stopped in Victoria Lace Antique shop. I saw a teacart that I just fell in love with ....maple...had a drawer...well made...but I just wasn't sure. I checked her hours and thought we might stop there on our way home.

Turns out we decided to leave Sunday morning and the shop in Rutherfordton was closed.

We did make a stop in Madison, Ga. on our return. GREAT TOWN!! Decided to stretch our legs...have lunch and look through a few shops that WERE open. Found this teacart and knew immediately why I wasn't able to buy the one I had seen earlier. This one is SO MUCH BETTER. Cherry wood....fine details...carved wood...glass compartment for my Silver Service...It was a great price...fit in the honda with no problem...and is one of the best birthday gifts I have ever gotten. I have to do some research to know what all the different areas are for...but thought I would share.