Thank God for FREEDOM!!! Happy Fourth Everyone!!

"Selah And The Special Dress" will be continued next week....

Have a happy and safe fourth of July!!!


Consider real freedom:

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is LIBERTY!!!

Love you all~





Darla

"Selah And The New Dress" continued...

Day 2

"Granna's Rose Garden"

Granna tenderly touched Selah's blond curls as the last shades of light disappeared from the tree tops.


What a day! My little angel is sleeping so soundly.... Granna remembered the tea party she and Selah had enjoyed by the rose garden. With heavily scented yellow cabbage roses to the left, an inviting table set for two was complete with warm country peach tea and vanilla tea cakes. Of course, Katie accompanied them. Katie went to all of Selah's tea parties! She was given to her by Granna as a birthday gift three years ago. Her weathered skin and fading gingham dress showed the special affection Selah had for her. She sat still and quiet on the patch work quilt beside the wrought iron bistro set where the two ladies immersed themselves in friendship, tea and stories.



"Selah and Katie, I want you two to know that this very rose garden was planted many, many years ago by Grandmother Sadie's mother, Ivey Elizabeth. Because of careful pruning and much attention over the years, it has not only survived, but thrived into a lovely, delicate garden. The red tea roses in the back are named after President Lincoln and the white and yellow cabbage roses were planted by my momma, Ona. The pink tea rose on the far right is named Wild
Wonder. I planted it the day you were born. See how tall and beautiful it has become? Even since last year, it is yielding more blooms! Mmmmm...smell it, doesn't it have a delightful scent? Those are the roses I chose for the bouquet in your room."

"Granna, what is the oldest rose in your garden?" Selah asked.



"Well, Say, we've replaced many of the older bushes, but the lavender florabunda rose has been here since great Grandmother Ivey planted it. It's name is Enchanted Evening. Here, take one." Granna gently plucked off one of the luscious blooms and handed it to Selah.



"Granna, how did Enchanted Evening survive all these years?", Selah's curiosity was obvious. "Well, honey, your question is a good one. I asked my mother the same thing! Your great Grandmother Ona answered me this way. 'When you love something so dearly, you are willing to do whatever it takes to preserve it. My mother Sadie was always very careful to water the Enchanted Evening first because it represented something her mother, Ivey Elizabeth, loved.' So, Selah, it must have been the love that we've each one had for our mother that has provoked us to care for Enchanted Evening. It's kind of like a heritage of love. Momma picked a rose from this same bush and explained to me the importance of loving one another. From that, she pointed out that we show our love for one another by taking care of one another's needs.....

just as we've done for this rose." Selah was speechless. She marvelled at the memories Granna shared of the Enchanted Evening rose and how special their love for one another really is.....from generation to generation.


"Oh, Granna, that's so beautiful." Selah whispered.



Back in Selah's room, Granna shook her head and smiled remembering today. She gently pulled the warm blanket over Selah's shoulders. She quietly thanked the Lord for this time she shared with her granddaughter.


"Lord, let these moments be special ones. With Your crowning approval, I ask that Selah's heart be opened to Your Way. Please help me to be sensitive to Your timing this week. I've waited eight years for this! Thank You, Lord. In Jesus' Name I ask these things, amen."

Granna kissed Selah's soft cheek as she rose quietly from the bed and dimmed the lamp as she slipped out the door and down the stairs.




(to be continued)

"Selah And The Special Dress" Day 1

Dedicated to my favorite Curly Girl, Anna Elizabeth Kaye.

Day 1

"Selah visits Granna"

The sun streamed through the window into Selah's (Say-la) room. She opened her sleepy eyes and stretched her arms wide as she flung the soft, pink comforter to the side. Her eyes glanced at the clock, "It's 7 o'clock in the morning....a whole week with Granna!!!" She dressed quickly and neatly folded the covers over her white princess bed. Selah carefully straightened her room, smoothed her blond curls into a pony tail and headed for the breakfast table.



Half-way through her cereal, the phone rang. It was Granna. "I'll be there in 20 minutes, honey. You be ready!"



Eight-year old Selah had waited weeks for this day to come. She had packed her suitcase the night before and could hardly sleep for excitement.





A honk announced Granna's arrival. After good-bye kisses to Mom, Dad and her older brother...she was out the door!





The winding, country road to Granna's house was dotted with wildflowers and canopied by beautiful trees. After a mile or so, it turned to a gravel road. Selah looked at Granna and asked, "Can I run the rest of the way, Granna?"





"Of course, Say!" It was Granna's special nickname that made Selah smile as she unbuckled her seat belt and hopped out.





Granna's house was unique and unlike any other she'd ever been in. It had antiques of years gone by and wooden floors that held the scars and scrapes of many generations of children. Granna and Grampa had moved in that beautiful old house when her 92 year old, Grandmother Sadie, had needed someone to move in with her. It had been in the family for well over a century. Although remodeled and refurbished, it's large, three-story structure still held a distinguished appeal to it. Selah loved hearing the stories of Grandmother Sadie's adventures. The stories of the wishing well on the back of their property was her favorite! Grandmother Sadie had been born in that house and so had all nine of her children. Years of family heirlooms and treasures were stored high up in the attic.





Granna's kitchen was always filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread and usually a homemade pie or cookies. The cabinets had been replaced a few years ago with sturdy oak panels polished nicely. Granna always took special pride in her kitchen and her cooking. She never allowed a dirty dish to lay in her sink very long! She had taught Selah how to knead the dough and shape the bread before putting it in the oven.





Selah carried her fire-engine red suitcase to the top of the stairs. Her room was ready for her! It was a small room with a large, bright window overlooking the rose garden. The walls were pink and white stripped and there was a feather bed on the left that was so soft, Selah would dive in, sinking down in shear delight! Granna had thoughtfully placed a bouquet of Selah's favorite pink roses on the ornately carved antique dresser. The scent of the her freshly cut garden roses was delicious!





A whole week here! Hmmm....wonder what Granna has planned? She pondered as she neatly placed her clothes in the tall, white chest beside her bed. Selah carried her Bible to the night stand on the other side of the bed and whispered a simple prayer that this would be a week to always remember....





(to be continued)

Happy Birthday To My "Wonder Woman"

There is an amazing woman that I'm privileged to know and love.

She likes soft, flannel sheets.

Her favorite restaurant is Outback...the 14 oz. Ribeye.

A few of her favorite things are vegetable gardens, heavily scented cabbage roses, baby chicks, pet rabbits, her grandchildren, her Momma and a table covered in Southern Comfort food!

Her house if filled with photo albums, framed pictures of her grandchildren and their artwork.

Call her anytime and she will have a complete meal ready and waiting for company in less than an hour!

She has those envious "smiley wrinkles" from years of positive thoughts, words and actions.

She cares deeply for everyone.

She doesn't have time to be a "neat-freak" or OCB...she's too busy sewing little dresses for granddaughter's baby dolls, fishing with her grandsons or taking video clips of the latest little one learning to walk.

Does she have enemies? I don't know of any and I don't think she's aware of any. She just couldn't bear the thought of having one. Oh, I'm sure there are those that envy her resilience and kindness....I have, myself, at times! But, she has always managed to find the very best in everyone.

She is loved by many.

I've often wondered what is the emotional make-up of this incredible lady that makes her so unique from all the others?

It must be her unwavering unselfishness.

She lives for others. She lays no claim to her own way...her own wants...her time. And the most amazing thing is that she does it all with gladness. As if it were a privilege to offer her help.

She is a pleasant person, not one that is moody. In the thirty-some years I've known her, she's had very few down days. Gone through hard times? Plenty of those, probably more than her share. She just doesn't let it affect her enthusiasm for life!

Only the tired eyes reveal how she truly feels. "I'm fine" is her answer to how she feels 24/7. (I love this one!)

Her attitude is not ruled or dictated by hormones!

As with the increasing number of people now days, She doesn't rely on medication to be content or happy.

So, what is her secret?

Is it her deep relationship with the Lord? or is she just naturally born this way? I wish I knew. Believe me, I've wondered about this one! It must be a combination of both.

She is a rare individual. One that is unforgettable.

To her ten (#11 is in the oven and due in a few months) grandchildren, she is a Queen! She doesn't spoil her grandchildren, she only corrects them when absolutely necessary and very lovingly and gentle. I don't remember her ever criticizing or raising her voice at any of my children.

She looks like a "Memaw" and isn't ashamed that age has slowly crept in her hair or drawn lines on her face. Her self confidence is not lacking. She doesn't have to try to look thirty years younger. She's content to be in this season of her life.

Memaw's house is not a three story mansion decorated with silk and tapestry, but her place is a palace to my children and the most desired place to be. Offer them a week in Hawaii, Disney World or Memaw's house....it's an easy choice for them! (Think that's an exaggeration? Ask 'em....I just did!)

Today is her 59th Birthday.

We celebrate her beauty, inward and outward, this day and commend the beautiful lady that gave birth to her, Granny Mary, for giving us a gift from heaven.

Charnelsa Kay Diller, I am blessed to call you "Momma".

Happy Birthday!

I love you!

Why I go....

A sense of expectancy fills the air! We've gathered again to feast. A banquet has been prepared by the host of heaven and we've been invited to "come".

Three times a week we gather. To sing. Worship. Share. Listen.

Tonight....the beauty of hands raised and hearts full of His praise crown the final song. Just as the minister comes to deliver what God inspired, my rambunctious two (and sometimes four) begin that parade of restlessness, throwing whatever is near by and punctuating it all with those loud, outside voices.

Deep inner sigh....I scoop up my #2 twin, open hallway door, release the energizer bunny and follow his toddler steps to the brightly lit foyer.

Sundays are long, weary days for me. Mixed emotions of the joy and privilege to gather twice that day and yet wrestle with our little angels as Jacob did thousands of years ago. (Only it's my back rather than the hollow of my thigh that gets out of joint!)

I love to saturate myself in the love of God's people as we fellowship and pray for one another. So many services I've left with the weight of worry lifted from my burdened shoulders...just knowing that God was going to take care of it.

And He did.

Yes, I've seen the unveiled "humanness" of those present. I've felt disappointment...until I realize I've disappointed others. I truly believe the Love that flows from the inner fountains of His Spirit deep within us covers all things. We are His Body.

Sinking down into one of the foyer's overstuffed guest chair, I listened through the opened doors to the ministed Word as Luke makes a well worn path in front of the glass doors.

From my point of view, I could see the nicely trimmed hair of men and skillfully designed hairdos of women that I call "Brother and Sister in Christ". New believers...children...Elderly saints...

I pondered as I sat.

Some are here because of obligation to Pastor, parents or whoever they feel accountable to....some come for tradition....others are here out of curiosity....still some gather to be seen or heard....and yet, there are those very wonderful and enviable individuals that have tasted His glory and come purposefully. They are driven by desire. Passion. They know Him....and He speaks to them.

Hmmmm..... my mind raced back throughout the years. I am fifth-generation Apostolic. I've experienced each one of those reasons for coming. In the ebb and flow of life, I am still experiencing them.

I'm remembering as an eight year old being submerged by water baptism in the name of Jesus. I received the Holy Ghost (as in Acts 2:38) by my bedside with Mom and Dad praying for me.

Did my life change then? Good question.

Six years of wanderings past. Wandering and tasting youth. Which road to choose? The way of my parents or the desire of my eye?

At fourteen I found Him. More than just that taste of honey that I received as a child. My heart longed for something deeper. I needed Him. His arms were opened to me. He melted my heart. No words could describe the fulfillment that Jesus revealed to me in relationship with Him.

I was truly in love. Gathering weekly to worship was my delight! Spending hours in His Word became the steady diet of my day. Witnessing the miracles of His touch on my life only drew my heart closer to His.

Whatever...where ever, Lord. Let me follow You. Like a starving man feasting on a table of delicacies....just hearing His voice speaking tenderly to my spirit lit a fire....I wanted more.

Throughout every season of my life, I've still yet to find a love that compares to His. The love of a husband....children...parents...best friends...are the height of human love. His love is different.

That Love has carried me through years of good times and bad times.

Now, with four beautiful children to prepare each Sunday morning, I sometimes collapse on the pew after each one has been carefully assisted to their Sunday School class. And the weariness that follows an evening service of wrestling with toddlers can cause me to question whether it's really worth going.

But, then He comes. His Word refreshes me. His Spirit lifts my heart full of cares....concerns....desperate to hear. Hoping that the wrestling match between my twins doesn't cause too much distraction, I whisper a prayer for help, and as always....Help arrives.


I'm understanding that each time I gather my little chicks around me (yes, I do feel like a mother hen sometimes!) and we make our nest on the third row of section D, I am making an investment. An investment in their lives and mine.

I'm praying that the day will come when, as an adult, they will gladly say, "I am sixth-generation Apostolic!"

That is why I go.....

His First Youth Camp...

We packed in a frenzy Sunday morning after church.

Going on the advice of our great friends, the Grays, we headed for Lake Benson where eight and nine-year olds were running everywhere...

It was time for Youth Camp!

Excitement filled the air and suitcases lined the dorms. Quickly after checking in and being searched for head lice, Landon scouted the crowd for his fellow Bible Quizzers!

Wow...three days without Mom and Dad! Three fun filled days of friends, ice-cream cones and activities! Three days without chores and responsibilities! I know he felt like a FREE MAN!!!

Bro. Clay, his Counselor, reassured us that he would be well taken care of. Landon had quizzed with his son, Wes, and really liked them both. I was glad for that!

I had packed three days worth of casual clothes neatly in gallon sized plastic zip-lock bags with each day written on the front in black marker. I packed all his bathroom toiletries in a duffel bag and any thing else necessary was placed nice and securely in his black suitcase. Everything was organized and looked great! With a disposable camera on hand and $20 for spending money...Landon was ready to go.

He glanced up at me, "Mom are you about to cry?"

"I could if I let myself." Biting my lip, I didn't want to put a damper on this day for him.

I reminisced of my Youth Camp days...those days were so carefree. I was more shy and hesitant to make new friends. But, by the end of the week, I was surrounded by wonderful new friends with names and addresses to keep in touch throughout the year. Time goes by so fast!

The drive took about an hour. He grinned the whole way! I knew the entire $20 would be spent on ice-cream cones....

Leaving him that Sunday night with a crowd of kids and Counselors was difficult for me! His assuring nod that "You can go now, Momma. I'll be alright" helped me and Daddy load the twins in the van and head for home.

Back home, Landon was greatly missed!!! Every day I prayed for him. I wanted the Lord to give him "God Experiences" at camp that would last a lifetime.

Finally, Wednesday came and we drove back down that beautifully tree-lined street to the Camp Ground to pick up my boy!

I spotted him immediately....my heart melted! His Counselor was near by and reported that Landon had been well behaved. (Whew!) Clay directed me to the boy's dorm deck where I could retrieve his luggage. I looked around at all those little guy's luggage laying around and clothes/underwear/etc drying on the deck's sunshine from what must have been a water fight!

He said his good-byes and climbed into the van. All the way home he shared cute stories and interesting adventures...we laughed over and over!

He and Luke (fellow Bible Quizzer) had been inseparable. He was chased by girls (and didn't like it...he'll feel different about that in a few years!) He and all his dorm buddies had an awesome time together...

He actually had $6 left of the $20 we had given him!! Amazing!

I asked if he took any pictures with the disposable camera. "No, Mom...I couldn't get that thing to work!"

"Did you ask Bro. Clay to help you?"

"Naw, I figured if I didn't know how, surely he wouldn't know either!" We laughed. Mainly because Clay is a doctor.

Everything had been squeezed back into his two pieces of luggage. Including pillow and sleeping bag. (I still don't know how they did it!)

When I unzipped the suitcase lid...Ewwww! I rummaged through damp, dirty clothes all wadded up and stuffed together.....Ugh! Remainders of what must have been a great time on the water slide!

I asked if he wore his dressy shirts during the evening services. "No, Mom, I just wore this" (what he had on...red T-shirt and dirty jeans) "Did you take a shower each night before church?"

"Not Tuesday night. Bro. Clay smelled my hair and said it smelled good."

His daddy and I were really laughing now...

"You haven't had a shower since Monday night?"

"Well, not really." (Lan is not one that considers a shower to be luxurious!)

Today has been his first full day home...he's been napping since 3pm. Now, with the sun setting and he's still zonked, it's evident to me that my little boyfriend has had a wonderful time at his first year of Youth Camp!

Oh yeah, his Aunt Angela reported that he did, indeed, have some God Experiences....he danced and praised God and was renewed in the Holy Ghost....doesn't get any better than that!

Happy Daddy's Day!!!

The look of panic crossed his face the moment he knew.

I remember it so well! I had carefully placed a pair of yellow baby booties and my pregnancy test in a beautiful gift bag.

It was our first.

For nine years we were FREE. Free to stay up late (if we wanted to). Free to travel anywhere, eat anywhere without interruptions and cold food. Free to think, act and feel however this husband and wife team wanted to! It was great.

Things would never be the same....and he, this man of mine...this reality-thinker, understood this.

Now, almost a decade later and four (or actually three) positive pregnancy tests later...I am looking at a man that I am so grateful to call the Father of my children.

Think he'd do it all again?.....the twinkle in his eyes the moment babies come running and wrapping their little arms around his pants leg at lunch reveal to me that, yes, undoubtly yes. Besides, who in their right mind would want to trade all those free kisses and hugs for an immaculate house anyway? The feel of their tiny hand holding your finger or watching your eight-year old son hitting that ball just like his daddy did years ago....those moments are not replaceable with things..stuff...or even a steak at Outback!

That moment of panic has turned into one of the most wonderful rolls he plays now:

Not just Father, but Daddy.

Randy Jones is truly a Daddy...in every sense of the word!!

Happy Father's Day