stuff i tell my sister

We are fortunate as we go through life, to be introduced to many people along the way.  A young man who I knew while still in his mama’s womb is now sharing with others what he is learning in life. The words are powerful and  I feel honored to share them.  Thank you, Kannon Manis!  I am proud of you!

Regime Change

August 8th, 1954, my parents were married in the parsonage of a little Nazarene Church in Marlow, Oklahoma.  There is much I could share with you about them and the positive influence that they have had on the lives of our family and most anyone who’s ever known them….but I think the words below pretty much sum it up~

I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me drink. I was a stranger and you invited me inside. When I needed clothes, you clothed me…

Whatever you did for one in need, you did for ME. (a paraphrase of a portion of Matthew 25)

 Happy Sixtieth Wedding Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Thank you both for all you do for others.  Still.  Much love and enjoy your celebration!

(Want to know more?  Read “Love Story“, by my mom.)

A few of my favorite shots from our town’s fireworks display.  Happy Birthday, United States of America!  May God continue to bless this nation, even when we don’t deserve it ~  Be Safe, Friends!

This flower is hanging on the front porch at my parent’s home in Moore, Oklahoma. It was there before the tornado, and it remained after the storm as well.  The window directly behind this plant is shattered to pieces.  The siding is obviously coated in muck and ick.  But just look at this flower!  What a wonderful representation of the spirit of the people of Oklahoma. . .

Happy Monday, friends.  Be nice to each other ♥

Today should probably be a silent day, out of honor and respect to each person lost and so many touched by the terrorism that occurred in the heartland of Oklahoma.  April 19, 1995.  I have no words of wisdom.  There is nothing I can say that hasn’t already been said.  It is simply a day of reflection. Of grieving hearts. Of questions that will never be answered.

My thoughts now go to the tree.  The Survivor Tree.  An old elm in downtown Oklahoma City. It witnessed everything.  It endured the blast.  And because of the love and care from those who surrounded it, it still stands tall. Kinda like Oklahoma. ♥

Witness to Tragedy, Survivor Tree:   Symbol of Strength

(from www.OklahomaCityNationalMemorial.org)

“It is more than 80 years old. An American Elm Tree in the heart of downtown Oklahoma City, it survived the bomb’s blast and witnessed one of the worst terrorist attacks on American soil. Today, we call…

Good Friday.  I never really understood why it was called good.  I’ve read the account repeatedly.  I could understand Easter being called “Good Sunday”.  But Friday was a horrific day for Jesus.  For those that loved Him.  For His mama.

When I ponder on the heartache I have held for my own children, I cannot begin to  imagine Mary’s.  Illness.  Struggles. Disappointment.  Mistakes.  A mama wants to fix these things for her children, no matter their age.  The hardest place is when you come to the realization that you have no power to change a circumstance.  Were the many prayers sent up for this child all in vain?

And then I reflect upon Mary.  She had no power.  No prayer left.  Her heart exposed.  I cannot help but wonder, when her eyes met His eyes that day ~did she know?  Did she know through the tears, the blood, and…

 It was a gorgeous sunshiny and very windy day in Joplin, had I stopped to notice.  But I didn’t slow down as I was in hurry mode that afternoon. I had a check off list with many “to do’s” still left undone.  Across town I ran into my realtor’s office to drop off what I hoped to be the last of extensive paperwork before finally selling our house.  You see, I had been living in this ninety year old house of our dreams, alone. Now having dealt with open houses, realtors, criticism, frozen pipes and a tree branch that crashed through the front porch, the dream was long gone. It just HAD to sell this time.  My husband had been forced to move on to start his new career in Oklahoma where he was living in a hotel.  The entire situation was growing older with each day and I’m afraid…

Sometimes, a person needs help.  Your car won’t start and needs a jump; you need a ride somewhere; you are sick and you need a few things from the store or maybe you simply need to bounce an idea or a heartache off of someone.  There are people who don’t mind asking for help from a friend or a complete stranger.  And then there are folks who will never ask for anything, even when they really need it.

On this particular day, she was walking down a main street in our town, and he was following behind her aggressively, yet with a little distance.  Anyone paying attention could see he was up to no good.  She was walking fast with her arms wrapped tightly around her waist. He was yelling and slapping his coke bottle against his fist.  I turned the car around to follow and they had already crossed the busy street.  When I was…

I have shared this post before…..and here goes again.  A gift from the heart that is a meaningful and fun project.  By the way….it does not need to be just for Valentine’s Day.  Have a great day and Be nice to people! ♥

A while back I stumbled across a cute idea on www.pinterest.com and made a mental note, “I am going to do this for my hubby.” I bought a deck of cards and jumped on my computer to make my list of “52 Random Reminders of Why I Love You”. (Am I the only one who thinks this resembles a ransom note?) When I  started, I was a little slow, honestly. But after about  number ten, I became lost in my list and was having to do trade-outs to keep the number at 52! I still keep thinking of things I missed at the time and know I could easily…