Well, 2010 is almost a thing of the past. It's very quiet at my house. Haley and I are planning to see the New Year in....if we can manage to stay awake. It's been quite a few years since I have stayed up to see the end of one year and the beginning of another.

How I spend my New Year's Eve now is quite different from some I have had in the past. I can honestly say I can recall all of them as good memories...no regrets. I've spent some at dances, parties, once at the movie (watching Gone With the Wind), quiet dinner with a couple of friends, quiet evenings at home and at Watch Night services at my Church. One I clearly recall, December 31, 1999, Rick Olsen and I spent New Year's Eve carrying my son, Ray, and his friend back to Georgia. We had to pick him up on Christmas after his truck had broken down. He left the truck in Georgia and caught a ride to Columbia, SC. This was the New Year's Eve that we were predicted to loose all computers, etc. We left Manns Harbor about 2:00 AM, got to Georgia, Rick helped Ray fix his truck, ate some great southern barbecue and Rick and I headed back to NC. I never let the gas tank get below half full; all the stations had notices on the doors that they would be closing at 11:30 PM just in case their computers failed. Rick and I talked about how weird it would be if everything went dark at 12:00. But, as we all know, that didn't happen. We managed to get back to Manns Harbor in time for Rick to give his wife a New Year's kiss. Quite frankly, I don't want to relive that particular New Year's Eve.

New Year's Eve is also the anniversary of my marriage to Tommy, TJ's and Ray's dad. Even though the marriage ended, I have great memories and have thought about a lot of them today. Regardless of what happened between Tommy and me, I will always be thankful for my two wonderful sons that are a result of that marriage. They are two of the best things that have ever happened to me.

As I look back on 2010 I have to say I am not sorry to see it end. Some people will say I am just wishing my life away. But 2010 has been a very hard year for me, and I am ready for brighter days. A lot of things happened this year; some good and some bad. Just like in everyone's life. I wish I could go back and change some things, but I can't and I have to live with that. There are things I would like to say to some people; but the time for that is past. There are things I would like to have done; but let the opportunity slip by. I don't want that to happen to me in 2011.

I have worked hard all my life and for the past 26 years, have held two full-time jobs; sometimes three. That ended this year. This has changed quite a few things for me, especially financially. But, as I adjust to the difference in income, I find that most of the things I can't afford to do anymore aren't really that important anyway. It's amazing how easy you can adjust if you can just get it through your head what is important.

2010 was a hard year for me physically and emotionally. But for the Grace of God, I wouldn't be here tonight to write this. But God has been good to me and I am so thankful for that. I hurt my children, family and friends this year and I can't take it back. But I know I am forgiven; by God and them.

There have been some additions to my family this year. TJ got married in June to an absolutely wonderful woman. I had kinda given up on him ever getting married. He almost did several years ago; but it wasn't meant to be. I believe Amy is the woman he is supposed to have in his life. And when we got Amy, we also got a great young man named Josh. He just turned seven and is undoubtedly one of the smartest kids I have ever known.

Ray has had his ups and downs but right know his world is UP. He has renewed an old friendship that seems to make him very happy. I pray every day that Jesus will put a good Christian woman in his life. I am just trusting Him and leaving in it His capable hands.

I have renewed some friendships through Face Book this year. Two of these friendships were people I knew when I lived in Edenton, 38 years ago. I fought getting on Face Book for over a year, but I have to admit I was wrong. I thoroughly enjoy it. I don't get involved in any of the games; but I love being able to stay in touch with friends and family through it.

New Year's Eve is also a kinda bittersweet time for me. My Mama passed away on December 30, 1994 and we spent New Year's Eve that year planning a funeral. Her service was on January 1. The last 4 years of her life were hard and even though I miss her, I know she is in a much better place and I will see her and my Daddy again one day.

I can recall other New Year's Eve when I made resolutions...sometimes many and sometimes only one. Sad to say, I hardly ever kept them. Oh, I tried, for maybe a month or so. But I always failed. And I think that happens with everyone. I think most of the time the resolutions we make are unreasonable.

I have decided to make a few this year; but nothing unreasonable. I want to recognize more of the important things in life. I live right on the water in Manns Harbor and have the opportunity to see the most amazing sights every day. I have a pictures folder on my computer called "Scenery" and most of the pictures in it are taken from my front porch. I want to be a better Christian; have a better testimony and be a better example to the people around me. I am often reminded that I may be the only example of a Christian that some people see....I want to show them a great example. I want to remember to tell my children that I love them every time I talk to them. I know they know I love them but I want to tell them. This also applies to my grandchildren and the rest of my family. I want my friends to know how much I love them and how thankful I am to have them in my life. I want to do more work at my Church and to open my heart to whatever God has planned for me. See, none of these are unreasonable. They are really just basic fundamentals.

I have a great life, a great family, a great Church, a great Church family and a great, no an awesome God. I have so much to be thankful for. And I want 2011 to express those things in my life.

What do I want to see happen in 2011? Like so many others, I want world peace. But I am realistic enough to know that isn't going to happen. I would like to see a better economy, more jobs for those without one. I would like to see a world where no babies are killed in their mother's womb. I would like to see a world where no child is ever abused. I would like to have a President that is a Christian and that cares about my country. I would like for our military to be able to come home. I have no control over any of these things. I can only do my part and let God take care of the rest.

I don't want to end this post with such negative thoughts. So....I want to wish everyone that reads this a very Happy and Blessed New Year. I hope 2011 is everything that you need it to be. I wish you all the happiness in the world. But, most of all I hope you can find the hope of eternal life that I have. That is the greatest New Year's wish I could give you. Make that your New Year's resolution, follow through on it and I can guarantee you a better life. God Bless You!!

As I sit here and think about this post, I realize that the last hours of Christmas Eve have evolved into Christmas Day. It has been a good day. I am at Albemarle, spending Christmas with TJ, Amy and Hannah. The one thing that would make it better would be having Ray here too.

I love this time of the year...not for the reasons that some may think. Of course, I enjoy the gift giving and receiving, the good food, the music, etc. But, I just enjoy the feeling that the Christmas season brings. Everyone seems to be friendlier. Everyone is hugging everyone else and telling them "I love you". The air just seems to be full of good will. I love how my Church looks at Christmas. We have a Chrismon tree, flowers, greenery and my favorite, candles. I will really miss being at my Church Sunday. I missed last Sunday too because I was at my sister's house. I can't remember when I missed two Sundays in a row. I think Marie and Arvin will both be singing Sunday and I will miss hearing them. I love to hear both of them sing. Marie will most likely sing "Mary, Did you Know?" and Arvin will probably sing "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day".

I have a lot to be thankful for this Christmas. I have my family, a job that I really love, a great Church, some of the best friends in the world and I could go on and on. I guess I need to get to bed. I'm not really sleepy but tomorrow is going to be a long day.

I want to take this opportunity to wish all my friends a very Merry Christmas and I hope you all have a Happy and Blessed New Year.

Letter from Jesus about Christmas...

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.

How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary - - especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.

I LOVE YOU,

JESUS

---

Candi - My Best Friend

 

It's been a while since I have put anything on my blog. I was sitting here playing a computer game, thinking about either reading or crocheting and decided instead to write something.

 

I have a really great friend named Candi. She is also my Pastor's wife. The first time we met, we just clicked. It was as if we had known each other all our lives. I have visited in their home in Smyrna three different times and have felt like it was my home. I was even able to take Haley with me each time and she was welcomed also.

 

Candi and I are very different in our looks. She is small and blond. I am tall and dark haired (well now it's silver, but it used to be black). Our personalities are very similar. We can finish each other's sentences and usually have very similar opinions about just about everything. Both of us are very emotional; it doesn't take much to make us cry.

 

We spent most of today together. We met at Church early this morning and did some cleaning. Then we stopped at Ace, Family Dollar, Home Depot, Walmart and Food Lion before we made our way back to Manteo. I was so tired when I got home, I just wanted to leave my stuff in the car. But of course, I couldn't do that--I had groceries.

 

We stopped at Sonic for lunch. We needed an energy boost so we could do the power shopping we had planned. When our order came, we were "arguing" about paying. The man that brought our order asked if we were sisters? Our first answer was no because we aren't. His comment was that we sure sounded like sisters. Then we told him that we might as well be. And that is the truth. I am the baby in my family and my siblings are 10, 12 and 15 years older than me. So, Candi is the younger sister I never had. And I love it. I get to be the older sister and tell her when she's out of line and should behave. She will know I am joking when she reads this. We just have a lot of fun together.

 

She is my confidant. It's nice to have a friend that can know ALL your secrets, dreams, desires, etc. and love you anyway. She never judges me. She never asks me to be anything other than what I am. We have laughed together and cried together. Sometimes the tears have been happy tears. I know she is always there for me. I knows she prays for me and my family every day as I do hers. She is a great mother and her children are blessed to have her. Her grandson, Charlie, is very special to her and he knows it.

 

She will probably be embarrassed that I chose to write about her; but she is a special friend and I wanted her to know it. Several months ago we took one of those silly surveys on Facebook to see what kind of animal we are. Just to show how much alike we are, our animal was a llama. So now she is Lilly Llama and I am Lucy Llama. Just more of the foolishness we enjoy together.

 

Physically, Candi has changed a lot since I first met her. But, not on the inside. She is a warm and loving person and I am truly blessed to call her my friend. I love you girl!

 

Albemarle Fall

I am visiting Amy and TJ in Albemarle and it is such a beautiful morning. The fall air is crisp, the sun is shining brightly and there is the unmistakable smell of farm in the air. If you've never lived on a farm or in the country, you don't know what I am talking about. It can't be described....it's just there.

I grew up on a farm and I have to admit that I wasn't too crazy about it. It was hard work; I mean really hard work. And it was all the time except for December, January and February. As Janet and I were driving to Albemarle yesterday, we talked about a lot of things. But I especially enjoyed talking about my time on the farm as a child. Janet had never experienced any of those things. TJ has told me several times I need to put all those memories on pen and paper and today, with the ease of posting things on a computer, I have decided I am going to do just that. It will be a slow process, mostly because I have a lot to tell. I had a great childhood, raised in a home with not a lot of material things, but a lot of love.

I'm not going to start the process today. I am on a little mini-vacation and really need to give it more thought. TJ and Amy had to go to the clinic to check on a horse that Amy had to operate on yesterday and get him ready to go home with his "parents". After that we are going to the storage shed and unload the trailer and Jeep and then do a little sightseeing and maybe a little shopping. Oh, we are also going to visit the alpaca and llama farm. I've already seen them, but Janet hasn't and she's excited. She also wants to find some old cookbooks and I'm sure TJ or Amy can find her a source. We had a great trip getting here yesterday, only getting worried a few times and are looking forward to a great day. Tonight we are going to visit the Maze of Terror. I'm not real sure how I feel about that. I don't do well with scary things; but we'll see. I'll post more about that later.

Wednesday night prayer service

Last night I attended the usual Wednesday night service at my Church. I have to admit I almost decided to not go. I am fighting a sinus infection and upper respiratory infection that is borderline pneumonia. But, one of the ladies I pick up in Wanchese called to be sure I was coming and I told her yes. And, I am so very glad I did.

Our service was anything but the usual Wednesday night service. We always take time for prayer requests, praise reports and anything else that needs to be mentioned. Sometimes each member will take a portion of our prayer list included in our Sunday bulletin and specifically pray for those items in addition to anything else mentioned. Sometimes we each have things that we have not mentioned, even as an unspoken request. Last night was something rare and special. There were several requests and praises; Pastor mentioned some of the items in the bulletin and especially our country, the military and our missionaries we have scattered all over the world. Some of these missionaries are in dangerous areas of the world; we have several in Mexico and in the Middle East. These missionaries lay their lives on the line every day in the process of doing the Lord's work. We always have time of quiet prayer and then Pastor Tyler will close the prayer time, praying aloud.

When Pastor Tyler returned to the podium and prayed, he thanked God for the reverence in the service and I can't remember his exact words, but used the words "time to be holy" in his prayer. The phrase stuck in my mind and I knew there is a hymn titled "Take Time to be Holy" so I decided to play that for the offering. After the prayer, Pastor Tyler asked if anyone had a song they would like us to sing and I called out "number 329". The words to the song are beautiful and just went with our prayer time like peanut butter and jelly. After we took the offering and I was returning to my seat, Pastor commented that "he was in a fix". I had looked at the clock as I was sitting down and it was a few minutes after 8:00 and we are usually out of church by 8:15. Pastor Tyler said his time was already up and he wasn't going to preach and hold us any longer. Anyone that knows a preacher knows that it is a rare thing for a preacher to not preach, irregardless of how long we might need to stay. But, his reasoning was valid and I'm sure God understood.

He asked if anyone had a testimony to share and several of us spoke. I commented on how there have been several times I have felt the presence of God in our services and that tonight was definitely one of those. It was so tangible I could almost touch it. And.....to use one of my absolute favorite words when it comes to describing the Lord...it was awesome.

When I left church last night, in all honesty, I wasn't feeling any better physically. But, spiritually, I was healed. I had been in one of the greatest prayer services, in my humble opinion, we have ever had in my Church and I was blessed to have been a part of it.

A Great Sunday

It's been a long time since I've been on my Blog. I guess I got too busy with other things and the Blog just got lost somewhere. But, I had such a great day at Church yesterday, I wanted to share some of the blessings.

I drive the Church van on Sunday morning and pick up children and today, 2 adults. Candi rides with me-she navigates-and I enjoy that time with her. It's interesting to see the faces of the children as they wait to be picked up. Sometimes they are smiling, ready to go and other times you can tell by their faces, it might be a tough morning. We picked up a boy yesterday morning that looked almost angry when we picked him up but once we got to Church and the Pastor spoke to him, his frown disappeared and we saw a smile. I think he really likes Pastor Tyler and it definitely showed.

I had the blessing of teaching the toddler class for Robin yesterday. We were studying Cain and Abel and I had to explain why God always expects our best and why he wasn't happy with Cain's offering. The class went well; Charlie and Hayden paid close attention, answered the questions and at prayer time, both asked me to pray for their sisters. For our activity, we had to color pictures twice. The first time we had to color fast and be very sloppy; the second time we had to take our time, staying in the lines and coloring neatly. This was a good way for the children to understand the difference between just giving God an ordinary, not very nice offering and giving him our best. I've always loved to color so I took part in this activity too. Thanks, Robin, for asking me to substitute for you. I really enjoyed it.

My Pastor is a great preacher and puts a lot of work and study in his sermons. They are almost like lessons and I really like that. I love to take notes and have many filled notebooks from many years and many preachers. Our morning worship service was good but I especially enjoyed the evening service.

Pastor Tyler used Psalms 103 as his text and brought out several pertinent points. He explained why we should bless the Lord for all the things he has done for us:

• forgives our sins
• heals all our diseases
• redeems our lives from destruction
• crowns us with lovingkindness and tender mercies
• satisfies our mouths with good things so our youth is renewed like the eagle's
• shows us mercy and grace; slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.

Then he explained why we should bless the Lord for all the things he has not done for us:

• does always chide us and will not always be angry with us
• has not dealt with us after our sins and not rewarded us according to our iniquities (thank you Lord)

The most important point Pastor Tyler made (as far as I am concerned) was found in verse 12: "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us". I wonder how many people comprehend how truly awesome this verse is. "As far as the east is from the west" is an unmeasurable distance. East and west can never meet. This a symbolic portrait of God's forgiveness. When he forgives our sin, he separates it from us and doesn't even remember it. We never need to wallow in the forgiven past, for God forgives and forgets. We all have a tendency to dredge up the ugly past, but God has wiped our record clean. If we are going to follow God, we must follow his model of forgiveness. When we forgive another, we must also forget the sin. Otherwise, we have not truly forgiven.

This has been a tough summer for me. I am so thankful God has forgiven and forgotten my sins. He has brought me through a lot and was right by my side every second. Thank you Lord.

It's time to get ready for my work day. I hope all of you have a great day.

"This is the day the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it."

Why is the American Flag Folded Thirteen Times?

Have you ever wondered why the flag of the United States of America is folded 13 times when it is lowered or when it is folded at the burial of a veteran?

Here is the meaning of each of those folds and what it means to you:

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of all veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.

The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, “Our Country, in dealing with other countries may she always be right: but still our country, right or wrong.”

The sixth fold is where our hearts lie.  It is with our hears that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all.

The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of her republic.

The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother’s Day.

The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who  have made this country great has been molded.

The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The eleventh fold, in the eyes of the Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The twelfth fold, in the eyes of the Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies in their eyes the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost, reminding us of our nation’s motto, “In God we trust”.

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

MY MOTHER!

My son, sent me an email with the following in it.  I thought you might enjoy reading it/

 

1.  My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE.

     “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside, I just finished cleaning.”

2.  My mother taught me RELIGION.

     “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”

3.  My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL.

     “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week.”

4.  My mother taught me LOGIC.

     “Because I said so, that’s why.”

5.  My mother taught me MORE LOGIC.

     “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”

6.  My mother taught me FORESIGHT.

     “Make sure you wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident.”

7.  My mother taught me IRONY.

     “Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about…”

8.  My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS.

     “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”

9.  My mother taught me about CONTORTIONISM.

     “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”

10. My mother taught me about STAMINA.

     “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”

11. My mother taught me about WEATHER.

     “This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”

12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY.

     “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”

13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE.

     “I brought you into this world and I can take you out.”

14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION.

     “Stop acting like your father!”

15. My mother taught me about ENVY.

     “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”

16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION.

     “Just wait until we get home.”

17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.

     “You are going to get it when you get home!”

18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE.

     “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to get stuck that way.”

19. My mother taught me ESP.

     “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”

20. My mother taught me HUMOR.

     “When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”

21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT.

     “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.

22. My mother taught me GENETICS.

     “You’re just like your father.”

23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.

     “Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”

24. My taught me WISDOM.

     “When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”

And my favorite:

15. My mother taught me about JUSTICE.

     “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you! Pay Back.”

SOMETHING TO CHEER ABOUT

This post was the editorial in the 9/25/99 edition in the Coastland Times. I cried when I read it sitting at my desk that day and I cried again as I posted it today.

    “ Saturday’s football games were undoubtedly the last thing on the minds of most flood victims of eastern North Carolina.  But there were at least 20 of them on the East Carolina team facing its biggest game of the year under almost impossible circumstances.

     By now, you probably know the story even if you aren’t a big football fan ---  how the Pirates overcame just about every obstacle one might imagine, including a 20-point deficit, to beat ninth-ranked Miami, ironically the Hurricanes, and join the elite of the nation’s top 25 teams at number 19 in the latest AP poll.

     In the first half of Saturday night’s game --- a home game played away from home at Raleigh because of the flooding in Greenville --- they looked like a team that had been stranded in Columbia, South Carolina, for a week with only the clothes on its back and without sufficient means to fully prepare.

     The 27-23 victory, however, was no fluke.  This is a Pirates team with a good deal of talent, pride and an immensely competitive spirit; what sports writers call heart.

     It has never had the following of UNC or NC State, but it can sure play with the big dogs.  The 1974-79 teams had 48 victories to 43 for State and 40 for UNC. In 1983, the Pirates lost only three games --- by one point to Florida State, by seven to Florida and by five to eventual national champion Miami.

     And then there was that 1991 come from behind victory by ninth-ranked ECU over NC State in the Peach Bowl that captured the national attention, but nothing like the past Saturday night’s victory.

     The best may lie ahead for the 1999 Pirates but for now they have proven that they, like other victims of hurricane Floyd, will not stay down; they they will overcome, whatever the odds.

     The gave the entire state, as well as the nation, something to cheer about.”

Note-the reference to being stranded in Columbia, SC was exactly what had happened to the team.

RANDOM THOUGHTS

The Images of Mother

4 years of age-my Mommy can do anything!

8 years of age-my Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!

12 years of age-my Mother doesn’t really know quite everything.

14 years of age-naturally, Mother doesn’t know that, either.

16 years of age-Mother? She’s hopelessly old-fashioned.

18 years of age-that old woman? She’s way out of date!

25 years of age-well, she might know a little about it!

35 years of age-before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.

45 years of age-wonder that Mom would have thought about it?

65 years of age-wish I could talk it over with Mom.

 

 

The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure she carries, or the way she combs her hair. 

The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. 

It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

 

Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it every day.

Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.

Love is when Mommy gives Daddy the best piece of chicken.

Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford.

Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day.

When you love somebody, your eyelashes to up and down and little stars come out of you. (what an image!)

You really shouldn’t say “I love you” unless you mean it.  But if you mean it, you should say it a lot.  People forget.

When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too.  That’s love.

When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different.  You just know that your name is safe in their mouth.

 

For those with no children—this is hysterical!

For those who already have children past this age, this is hilarious. For those who have children this age, this is not funny.  For those who have children nearing this age, this is a warning. For those who have not yet had children, this is birth control.

                      Things I’ve learned from my children – honest and no kidding!

A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.

If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

A 3 years old voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.,

If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate a 42 pound boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape.  It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20 x 20 foot room.

You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn’t  stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

When you hear the toilet flush and the words “uh oh”, it’s already too late.

Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

A six year old can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36 year old man says they can only do it in the movies.

Certain Lego blocks will pass through the digestive tract of a 4 year old.,

Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

Super glue is forever.

No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool, you still can’t walk on water.

Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

VCRs do not eject PB&J sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

You probably do not want to know what that odor is.

Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.

The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

It will, however, make cats dizzy.

60% of men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

 

 

IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND LIFE…JUST ASK KIDS

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin (5) and Bryan (3). The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.” Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Bryan, you be Jesus.”

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six year old daughter and said, “Would you like to say the blessing?” “I wouldn’t know what to say,” the little girl replied.  “Just way what you hear Mommy say”, the wife answered.  The daughter bowed her head and said, “Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?”

A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, “The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and turned to salt.”  His son asked, “what happened to the flea?”

Another 3 year old put his shoes on by himself. His mother noticed that the left shoe was on the right foot.  She said, “Son, your shoes are on the wrong feet.” He looked up at her with a raised brow and said, “Don’t kid me Mom. They are the only feet I got.”

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Since Sunday is Mother’s Day, I thought I would share some of the poems, notes, etc. that I have collected over the years about Mother’s Day.  Hope you enjoy them.

 

MOTHER’S WINGS

When they were little boys, I’d try

To dry each tearful, tiny eye---

To pick them up each time they’d fall--

And calm their fears, both great and small.

A mother hen, with wings outstretched,

In memory, the scene is etched,

Of me, their mother, hovering near---

Protecting them, my children dear.

As time passed by, how they did grow!

Those little boys, whom I loved so!

Yes, they grew tall—shed childish things,

No longer fitting ‘neath my wings.

Then by and by, I knew that they

With their own wings, would fly away!

No longer boys, but young men each,

At last, they flew out of my reach!

Though as a “Mom”, I’d done my best,

With pain, I viewed my empty nest.

The pain of birth, by mothers shared,

Is mild, when to this pain compared.

But now, God’s Spirit comforts me!

I look into His Book and see

His wings protect my precious two,

Far better than my own can do!

This was written by Nancy Pearl Walker, a dear Christian lady that attends my church.  She writes such beautiful poetry and you know it all comes straight from her heart.

The next item is from an article in the Coastland Times several years ago.  Judge Edgar L. Barnes used to have a column called “View from the Bench” and this is his article for Mother’s Day.

It has been so aptly said that the mother holds the key of the soul; and she is it who stamps the coin of character, and makes the being who would be a savage but for her gentle caress, a (moral) man.

This week we set aside a day to honor our beloved mothers, of course conceding that a century of days would be inadequate to accomplish this aim, but not to try would be the epitome of irreverence.

Dear Mama,

  Thank you for giving me birth when your doctors encouraged you not to let my budding life continue. Thank you for rocking me to sleep and for reading me bedtime stories from the Bible. For tending to all my cuts, bruises, abrasions and for kissing my boo-boos. For sitting up with me all those nights when I was sick.

For helping me pick up the whole peck of blueberries I spilled when running to proudly show you that I had picked them. For swooning over the flowers I gave you even though I picked them from your flower beds.

For chasing down the school bus when I left my Dick and Jane reader on it. For insisting that I work during the summers to earn my own money to buy my own clothes.  For wearing those outfits much longer than you should have in order that we could have more.

For teaching me to respect all life, human and animals. Thank you for teaching me manners, and respect for my elders and authority, and that work did not always have to be a burden. For all those birthday parties.

For holding my hand when I broke my arm and foot and got stitches. For staying with me all those days and nights in the hospital. For smoothing down the edges of dad’s temper before he gave me what I deserved. For all those wonderful Christmases. For always encouraging me to study harder.

Thank you for all those prayers that kept me safe when I acted irresponsibly. For all that delicious fried chicken. For waking me up early to share the glory of the Star of Bethlehem on that special Christmas.

For letting us have all those pets regardless of all the trouble. For the trumpet and braces I know you and dad couldn’t afford. For the never-ending love in your eyes, comfort in your touch and encouragement in your voice.

For forgiving me when I didn’t deserve it. For agreeing with me that Michele was the one. For loving my dad. For living the love of Christ.

Thank you Mom for loving my children more than you love me.

A tribute to Ethelene Russ Barns.

God save this State and this Honorable Court. Court’s adjourned.

 

 

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart walking around outside your body.

 

 

IN MOTHER’S HEART

By: Cynthia Morgan Dickens

(my adopted daughter)

A child’s hands holding tiny toys--

The treasures of small girls and boys;

Those hands that will draw unique art

Are intertwined in Mother’s heart.

A doll or bat are in the hands

That grow too fast for Mother’s plans.

Though growth marks are high on the chart,

The baby hands are in Mom’s heart.

And still they sprout and grow and change.

Mom wonders why they act so strange;

And though they may be miles apart,

Those hands will stay in Mother’s heart.

Tribute……

Thomas Swartz Jordan, Jr.

January 19, 1947 – March 18, 2009

A year ago today, my children lost their Dad. Their relationships with him had always been up and down, but thankfully, before he died, all things were laid to rest.

On December 19, my son, TJ put a post on his blog named, “Hands of the Father”. It was a tribute to his Dad and spoke a lot about the traits Tommy had passed on to him and Raymond.

This is my response to TJ’s post: “Early Saturday morning, after listening to the wind howl all night, I decided to give up the losing battle of getting any sleep and get up. Naturally I went to the computer as I usually do first thing. I saw TJ had made a new post on his blog. As I started to read, the tears began to flow. TJ and Ray’s dad and I had a very eventful and sometimes explosive marriage. We both had very strong personalities and often those personalities collided. I loved him, but I couldn’t live with him. I hate to admit we did not remain friends after we separated and our 2 sons suffered the consequences. But, thankfully, in August 2008, Tommy and I settled our differences and when he passed away in March 2009, I am glad to say we were friends.

TJ, your recent post is a beautiful tribute to your Dad. You are right about him; he was a craftsman in his work. A lot of houses in Dare County, his home for most of his years, proudly display his craftsmanship. He was an awesome cabinet maker. He didn’t have the fancy tools or education to draw circles, angles, etc. He had a lot of imagination and wasn’t afraid to use it in his cabinet making. His father, Lucky Jordan, was another craftsman and Tommy learned a lot from him. Your granddad had one of the most respected names in the construction business. I have seen Tommy take a pizza pan, his tool of choice, to make circles, arcs, openings in doors and designs on cabinets. He also used glasses, cups, anything that happened to be lying around and had the arc or angle he needed. A prospective customer could show him a picture of what he wanted and where he wanted it to go in the house and that’s all it took. Soon that particular item was complete. After both you and Ray were born, I was fortunate to be able to work at home the first year and I spent many happy hours working in the shop with him. In fact, looking back, those were probably our happiest times together. Because…we were together. He taught me a lot in those days. I learned to use most of the tools but never acquired any confidence with the router. It just turned too fast. But the band saw was my favorite toy. Note, I didn’t say tool, because to me it was the neatest toy ever. Papa Jordan taught me to replace the blade after getting tired of changing it for me. I quickly learned, the hard way, not to cut the angles too sharply and not get the blade in a bind because the cost of those blades came out of my pocket. Buster at Beach Hardware next to the shop learned to keep a good inventory of that blade.

Your post reminded me of some of the good times Tommy and I had. It reminded me that our marriage wasn’t all bad. After all, you and Ray are a result of that union and I will never be sorry for the gift of you guys. Tommy and I had our differences, but he was a craftsman in his woodworking. I am so glad his talent has been preserved in you and I am glad you are using that talent. When I look at yours and Ray’s hand, I am very much reminded of your Dad’s. I always thought he had beautiful hands. They could be hard as stone when necessary, but they could also be so very tender.”

The picture of Tommy above was taken Christmas of 1976. We lived in a small apartment across the hall from his Mom and Dad. This is the Tommy most of the people in Dare County will remember. Tommy spent most of his life in Dare County, from the time he was a small boy until the summer of 1994. He was making the last trip back to Dare County to get the last of his belongings the weekend his Daddy died. He had moved to Murphy, NC. He made a big move – from the seashore to the mountains. There he met Becky, they were married and they had a daughter, Tommielynn. They later moved to Georgia and that’s where Tommy was living when he died.

Tommy’s life was often hard and most of the time, through his own making. He and Raymond are very much alike when it comes to personality. They did not get along well and were not very forgiving of each other. They didn’t have much to do with each other for a long while. Raymond made the decision in 2008 to move to Alaska. He knew at that time that his Dad’s cancer had returned and that he was dying. We had a long talk and he decided to go to Alaska by way of Georgia. He got there late Thursday and stayed for a few days. Not long after he left, Tommy called me to let me know Raymond was on the road again and how happy he was that Raymond had come to visit with him. He was crying when he hung up the phone. Not long after that, the phone rung again and this time it was Raymond, calling to let me know that he was on the road again. When I asked how the visit had gone, he said he was very glad he had taken the time to go. His comment was “for the first time in years, I have a Dad”. It’s a real shame they lost all those years, but I am so thankful that they were able to finally put all the bad things behind them and be Dad and son again.

TJ and Tommy got along pretty well most of the time. They are also alike in a lot of ways. TJ has a lot of Tommy’s traits. He lived with his Dad for several years. It broke my heart the day I got the phone call from Tommy telling me TJ wanted to live with him. When I hung up the phone, I just screamed at the top of my lungs until I couldn’t scream any more. Tommy and TJ were close just like Raymond and I were close. Most of the time it happens that way; the baby in the family is closer to the Mom.

Tommy and his sister, Lynda, were estranged for a while also. Lynda went to visit him not too long before he died and thankfully, they were also able to reconcile and become friends again.

This picture was taken in 2006. TJ and Raymond had gone down to spend a little time with Tommy and give him a hand with his work. I think TJ’s girlfriend, April, also went with them. They had a great time. Hannah, TJ’s daughter, also got to meet her granddad at this time. She was very impressed with the idea of shooting guns. Every time one of the adults got a free minute or two, they had to go outside with Hannah and Tommielynn so they could shoot. Hannah became a real “Annie Oakley” on that trip.

This is the Tommy I became friends with when I went to visit in 2008. I will always be grateful to Becky for giving us the time to talk and put all the bad times behind us. Both of us had gotten saved and it nice to be able to forgive each other and know that we would see each other again one day. Tommy had been married several times but I feel like Becky was the woman that made the most difference in Tommy’s life. I know Tommy loved me, in his own way, but he was always looking for something else. Always…..until Becky. Whatever it was he had been looking for…..he had finally found it.

I wanted to dedicate this post to Tommy, not to brag on our relationship or to take anything away from his relationship with Becky. I wanted to do it for our sons. They loved their Dad and they miss him very much.

So, Tommy, I know you are looking down on all of us. Be proud of our boys. They’ve both made mistakes and will again, but they are good men. TJ has met the girl he wants to spend the rest of his life with. And I know Raymond will find the right girl too. I love my boys and am very proud of them.

I hope, by this time, you have met my Daddy and Mama, and my brother, Ronald. I am jealous that you have met our grandson, Raymond, before I did. I think of him often. Rock him and give him a kiss from me.

My children will probably hate me

I know when my boys see this post, they will both cuss the day I learned about a blogspot. I’m sure Tommy will be so sorry he taught me anything about it and Ray will probably cuss his brother for teaching me.  But, this is a Mom’s right – to show pictures of her children.  And I honestly don’t think any of them can be considered embarrassing.

This picture is of Tommy (and if I fall back on old habits and call him TJ, just bear with me ‘cause he’s been TJ to me all his life).  He was born Thomas Swartz Jordan, III on June 24, 1977, a Friday. We didn’t have a hospital on the Outer Banks then and my doctor was in  Elizabeth City.  I had been in labor since my doctor visit on Wednesday but  went into hard labor in the wee hours of Friday morning and you might know the truck gas tank was hugging “E”. We stopped at a gas station (TW’s Bait and Tackle now), filled up with gas and a highway patrolman was there.  He was a friend of ours and when he saw the situation, he gave us an escort all the way to the Currituck Bridge and another patrolman took over at the other end and escorted us all the way to Elizabeth City.  I look back now and realize what unusual treatment that was. TJ came into the world, yelling all the way, late Friday afternoon, weighing 8 lbs. 8oz.

He had a head full of black hair and the longest legs I had ever seen on a baby.The picture above was taken on Monday after we got home.  Shortly after it was taken, his Daddy took him to Al VanCurrin’s restaurant for his first cup of coffee.  (See – his addiction goes way back!). My Mom, who had been with us for almost 3 months because I had been confined to bed, almost had a fit that his Dad was carrying him out in public.  In her time, you didn’t do that with newborn babies – germs and all that stuff. 

Here he is probably about 5 or 6 months old.   He really changed a lot in those first few months.  These overalls were a gift from his Papa; note the hammer and saw on the front. 

This was his first professional picture that Nanny Jordan insisted he have.  Personally, I think I take pictures that are just as good.   He really looks bashful; but any of you that know him, know that he doesn’t have a bashful bone in his body.

This was taken at Roses Department Store. My Mama, who TJ called “Muver” had this one taken.  I had to fight to get a copy.

 

I think this was the first school picture.  I hate to admin that I didn’t write the dates on the back of the big pictures.  I always put it on the small copies.

 

This is another school picture and I might have this one and the one before it switched as far as time goes.  My old brain just won’t remember.

 

This is another Olin Mills picture that Nanny Jordan wanted.  He wasn’t quite so bashful looking in this one.

Shortly after their Dad and I separated, the kids and I moved to the Pink Shell Cottage Court where I was the live-in Manager.  Sometimes it was a real struggle to manage my full time job as an accountant, my second full time job as manager of the Pink Shell and my third full time job as a Mom.  And, I am sorry the “Mom Job” was usually the job that went lacking.  My kids were very good about helping out at the Cottage Court.  They had certain chores of their own that made my job a little easier.  I really do regret the lost time; I can’t do anything to recover it but I do know that as they got older, they understood.

 

Raymond Thomas Jordan came into the world Tuesday, May 19, 1981, weighing 8 lbs. 14 oz.  His Dad was in Delaware working when Ray was born and got there 2 days later.  I had to go stay with my Mama in March, again because I was confined to bed and Ray was born in Edenton, NC.  The  labor was long and hard and there were several complications with his birth. I had been trying for a long time and was very tired.  But, I heard the doctor say he was going to have to break his collar bones so he could be born and that mother instinct kicked in and with both of us screaming, he arrived. He also had a head full of black hair and was very bruised.  Mama’s next door neighbor had delivered a little girl the day before Ray was born and when she brought TJ to visit, she first carried him to the nursery to see his baby brother.  When Mama pointed out Ray to him, he told her he didn’t want the “bruised one” – he wanted the pretty pink little girl. (See, even then he was checking out the girls.)  I had to stay in the hospital a few extra days and had to leave Ray one day longer because he was jaundiced. When Ray was only 4 weeks old, the family traveled to Delaware to move his Daddy back home.  Tommy and TJ were in the truck and Ray and I in my car. We had CB radios to stay in touch.  Two days after we got back to Nags Head, Ray had his trip to Al VanCurrin’s restaurant for his first cup of coffee. 

There is a considerable contrast between the picture above and the picture below. Ray’s hair was very curly and his Daddy got tired of people telling him what a handsome little boy (TJ) and beautiful girl (Ray) he had that I had to cut his hair.  I cried the whole time I was cutting it.  And he wouldn’t just let me cut it shorter, he made me give him a GI haircut.  But, I have to admit, Ray had the physique  to handle the haircut.  His Dad called him his little marine.

 

This picture was his first professional picture taken at Rose’s Department Store. He wasn’t very happy; in fact, in the original 8 x 10, you can see tears in eyes.  My Mama had this picture taken. Ray called her “Wuver”.

The next two pictures were taken Christmas, 1982. Ray was 19 months old. These were the second professional set, taken by Olin Mills.  Nanny Jordan had these taken. His haircut  reminds me of the little boy on Dutch Boy paints.

This was his school picture, about fifth or sixth grade. 

 

     

This is the last school picture of Ray that was taken.  He was living with his Dad in Murphy, NC at the time and was in the High School band. He played the saxophone.

 

Looking back at their lives, I wish things could have been different.  I wish their Dad and I had been able to make a go of our marriage and been a complete family.  I wish I could have had more time to spend with them and do more things with them.  I had to work really hard to make ends meet and even harder for them to have some of the extras their friends had.  I know sometimes I let them down; but I tried hard to be a good Mom.  I love my boys very much.  They fought, like all brothers do, but they would also defend each other to the end of the earth.  TJ could call Ray names and Ray could call TJ names, but nobody else could. They have each had struggles in their lives but I think if they were to be honest, they would tell you most of the time the struggles were because of something they themselves did or did not do.

I am also proud of my boys.  They are very different in the things they want to do and in their outlook on life.  Both of them are very smart.  They both love to read, which is something I think I passed on to them.  I never fussed at them for “having their head in a book” as their Daddy called it.  They both love to write. I have to admit of the three of us, TJ is the better writer.  But Ray and I can hold our own. They both love to cook and are great cooks and that talent they did NOT get from me.  They are musically inclined, good photographers, love dogs (and cats) and basically are just good men.  I wouldn’t exchange either of them.  In fact, I’m glad  we kept the “bruised one” and I think TJ would agree with me.

So guys, don’t be too upset with me about showing off your pictures.  You know, I could have pulled out those of you laying bare-butt on a blanket and I have to admit I did think about it.  But, I decided I wouldn’t do that to you.

 

 

 

 

My Haley Girl

I really love my Haley girl. The last dog I had was a black lab named Patch. He was so beautiful and such a gentle boy. He wouldn't even bark at the ducks that would come up in the yard. They would walk all around him and he never even raised his head. The kids would throw things in the water for him to fetch until I would have to tell them to stop. I believe he would have fetched forever. After both my boys left home, I gave him to a friend down the road that had 2 kids. John carried him to his boat shop every day and Patch eventually passed away one day lying there in the sun. When John call me and told me Patch was dead, both of us cried. He was a truly special dog.
Now back to Haley. I got her in September 2006. I was a little hesitant to get her and there were 3 other couples that had been to see her and wanted her. But when Ray and I went in the house, it was as if she had always known us. Larry told us if we wanted her, she was ours. I had to go back to work so Ray brought her home for me. She is a sweet dog, a little over weight I admit. I'm sure the vet will scold me when I carry her back in for her yearly checkup. She sleeps with me, under the cover at the bottom of the bed. I guess she did that with her other owner or either she knew I was a pushover. When the alarm goes off in the morning, she crawls

up from the bottom, puts her head on the pillow next to mine and tucks her head under my chin. Since I do not have a fenced in yard, I can't just turn her loose outside. She has a long rope and can reach the pecan tree for shade or get under the porch. If I turn her loose, I learned the hard way, she will put her nose to the ground and just walk. The only time I did that, I found her 3 miles down the road. After her morning constitutional, she gets back on my bed and just waits on me. I can go in and out of my bedroom a hundred times and she never moves. But the minute, I put on my shoes and earrings (the last thing I do before I walk out) she jumps off the bed and goes into the living room. She is kennel trained and as soon as I get her a dog bone she trots down to the office and goes in the kennel and waits for me to shut the door.

There she waits for me until I get home from work. Last year, during the busiest time of my tax season, I carried her to work with me to I would't have to leave at 5:00. She slept on a bed at the end of my desk and greeted everyone that came in. After we went to the post office and bank, we would go for a short walk and both of us benefited from that. I will probably do the same thing this year. She loves all people and gets along with most other dogs.

The picture above is where she spends most of her time when I am home. She is lying on her bed in my office-at-home. Wherever I am, that's where she will be. I sometimes feel I am not being fair to her. I can't do much walking due to having arthritis in my foot and she loves to go for a walk. I honestly don't have a lot of time to spend with her; but she seems perfectly content . Tommy tells me that she's happy and I should quit trying to find her a "good" home. I just feel like she deserves better. But, she is definitely my pal and I love her a lot. I can tell her all my secrets and I do and I know she will never tell on me. I have wrapped my arms around her and cried, many times, and she just snuggles down and gives me whatever comfort she can. I can gripe about my day when I come home and she just sits there with her head cocked to one side waiting for me to finish. She brings her toy to me when she wants to play and keeps hitting me on the leg with it until I stop what I am doing and play. She only wants to play for about 5 minutes and then it's nap time again. She is a great dog.