Faith, Folklore, and Friends

Have you had one of 'those' days? Overwhelmed?  Confused?  Wondering if this one will ever pass?  Breathe in.  Breathe out.  Be still. "I myself will be the Shepherd of my sheep and cause them to lie down in peace, " The Lord God says. Ezekiel 34:15

On this day in 1849, the safety pin was patented by Walter Hunt.  If Walter could have seen into the future, he would not have sold his invention for a mere $100, although he might have thought that was big bucks in 1849. How many times has one safety pin saved us from complete disaster?  For example... popping a button on your skirt or pants while you were at school; temporarily fixing a raveled hem until you could get home; closing drapes together at hotels; closing pillow cases; using a safety pin as a hook to hang something with; saving the day when a bra strap pops at the most inconvenient time. These are just a few things that I have used them for.  Of course, we can't forget the diaper pins (blue or pink heads) that we used back in the day when our babies wore cloth diapers.   I always carry at least one in my purse.  People often come to me in emergencies because that fact is well-known.  It is a small thing, but thi...

It is Monday and I'm thinking of all the things I have to be thankful for.  One special thing is my friendship with Margie. I met Margie years and years ago when I first attended a meeting of the Shoals Wildflower Society.  She was president of that group, and I was totally impressed with her knowledge and generosity.  Since then, we have attended many meetings and field trips together. She is responsible for most of what I know about wildflowers. In spite of some difficult health problems in recent years, she has built beautiful gardens at her home in the country.  Last week, she opened her gardens for all of us to come and enjoy. Thank you, Margie, for making this world a better place.  If I ran the world, you would be declared a National Treasure.

Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers today;  And give us not to think so far away As the uncertain harvest; keep us here  All simply in the springing of the year. -- Robert Frost On this blessed, holy week-end, may you find the pleasure and beauty that only comes from our Father.  Give us eyes to see, O Lord.

This post was written by my friend, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, at allthingssouthern.com.  Enjoy! The Passover Benjamin shivered in the morning air, a grave expression deepening the lines around his eyes. He wasn’t an old man. His face was just prematurely aged from the years of labor under the hot Egyptian sun. This morning Benjamin’s dark brown eyes were troubled. It was all so confusing. Young Ben, his firstborn son, stood beside him with Baby Sarah in his arms. Only a father could see the fear in the boy’s eyes. He was proud of his son; the last few months had really matured him. Benjamin met Leah’s eyes, barely visible now over the head of her eldest son’s head. He saw the brave smile clinging to her lips and he watched as her arms went around their little girls’ shoulders, hugging them reassuringly. It was a strange time for them all. What should he do? Believe? Oh, how he desperately he wanted to believe! From a child he’d heard the ancients declare, “Believe! Be...

Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends.  It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment. ~ Grenville Kleiser Don't you just love it when you laugh 'til you hurt?  Thanks to some lovely but somewhat deranged girlfriends, I never run out of things to laugh about.  In fact, I have an abundance of memories that can make me laugh out loud when I remember them. Laughter can make you feel good all over.  A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones . ~Proverbs 17.22