Our Palmetto Pride

Home Fix-up Time!

2010-11-19T11:51:00.000-05:00

Boy, what a mess! For the last four days we have been painting in our house, which has really needed it for a long time. The problem is, even after moving things to the middle of the room, the rooms are so small it is hard to move around. And then, we have to move everything back! Major color changes in several rooms, so of course, we are taking up the carpet in the living room and den! After getting part of it up, we found termite damage in the living room floor that was not noticed when we bought the house. We've got to get a few floor boards replaced before we can put new carpet back down! If I don't get the house back in livable shape soon, I'll just go crazy!

Greenville Textile Heritage

2010-09-20T11:35:00.000-04:00

We have recently joined the Greenville Textile Heritage Society Chorale. We are having fun singing with other folks our age or older who remember the mill villages and worked in the mills here in Greenville. Not to my surprise, there is a large number of Parker High alumni in the chorale. And one is also a Carson-Newman grad! We are preparing a performance for Oct. 3rd during Textile Heritage Week. We will be singing at the Upcountry History Museum. Our theme is "A Sentimental Journey," so we will be doing a sort of hit parade of the 1940's with a special tribute to our WWII vets. Its going to be good! Just wish we could get some more women to join the chorale. Our men tend to overpower the ladies! We could use about ten more sopranos and five more altos to really balance the group. We are rehearsing Thursday evenings at Sans Souci Baptist Church.

The Greenville Textile Heritage Society Chorale represents a diverse group of singers sharing a love of music and their common heritage. Initially most either attended Parker High School or grew up in one of Greenville's textile mill villages; however, interest in the Chorale has grown and the group has warmly included anyone who loves to sing and has an interest in the textile heritage of our area.Those who had the privilege of growing up in the textile communities are proud of their heritage and want to preserve their wonderful memories of days gone by.

The Chorale was formed in March 2010 under the direction of Mrs. Judy Edwards and is accompanied by Mr. Randy Blackburn. The Chorale made their debut performance at the God and Country Rally held on June 27, 2010 at the Legacy Charter School Parker Auditorium.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

October 3, 2010, 3:00PM

"Sentimental Journey"

Greenville Textile Heritage Festival

Upcountry History Museum

540 Buncombe Street

Greenville SC

A Great Way to Start the Day!

2010-07-16T09:56:00.000-04:00

I am having a great day today. I have been a member of the Gideons for roughly six weeks and have now been given twenty new PWT's to distribute. That's personal worker's testaments for those of you who don't know. I have given out three so far this morning in my comings and goings. I'm having lots of fun doing God's work!

Less Traveled - Beautiful & Interesting Places In South Carolina - South Carolina Insider

2010-06-16T09:58:00.000-04:00

Less Traveled - Beautiful & Interesting Places In South Carolina - South Carolina Insider

Obituary for IRENE BELCHER

2010-04-21T20:20:00.005-04:00

Irene R. Belcher

Irene R. Belcher went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 20, 2010.

She was born in Washington, D.C., April 2, 1932, the oldest of three children. She was married for 58 years to Rev. Bobbie H. Belcher.

She is survived by their four daughters, Sharon Belcher-Erwin, Russ Erwin of Salisbury, MD; Brenda, Lynn Lowery of Greenville, SC; Deborah, Ken Finlay of Chesapeake, VA; and Ruth, David Lundblom of Norfolk, VA. Also grandchildren: John Jenkins of Hebron, MD; David, Vicki Lowery of Greenville, SC; Michele, Jay Sessoms of Salisbury, MD; Mark, Sara Lowery of Malmo, Sweden; Bruce, Linda Finlay of Chesapeake, VA; Samantha, Chris Scott of Stafford, VA; Kristina, Brandon Thompson and James Finlay of Chesapeake, VA; Chad, Jackie Erwin of Sorrento, ME. Also great-grandchildren: Kenneth, Elizabeth, Michaela, Victoria, Abigail, Samantha; Miranda; Payton, Madison, Keagan; Alexis, and Anthony.

She will be remembered as a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose devotion to God was seen through the life and love of her family.

Her family will be celebrating her life with a family visitation held at Holloway Funeral Home on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 6-8 P.M. followed by a celebration service at Immanuel Baptist Church in Salisbury, MD on Friday, April 23, 2010, at 9 A.M.. A graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Norfolk, VA, on Friday, April 23, 2010 at 2:30 P.M. Irene R. Belcher’s family would ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Coastal Hospice At The Lake, 315 Deer’s Head Hospital Road, Salisbury, MD 21801, (410)742-8732, www.coastalhospice.org

Arrangements are in the care of Holloway Funeral Home, 501 Snow Hill Rd. Salisbury, Maryland 21804. To send condolences to the family visit www.hollowayfh.com.

Bare-be-que, Bluegrass, and Bear!

2010-04-13T15:47:00.000-04:00

By far the most family friendly, fun place to eat on Hwy 25 north is the Huntin' Camp Bar B Q & Grill! We have been there more than a couple of times now and each time it is a real treat. A BBQ buffet six days a week, along with a menu of specialty items just can't be beat. The wide, wrap around pourch is just made for sittin' and rockin' and listenin' to the live bluegrass or gospel bands each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, or just talking with friends after a wonderful meal. The staff is courteous and quick, while the slow cooked BBQ is the best in the area.

A great philosophy to follow

2010-03-15T15:58:00.001-04:00

David Simmons' sermon yesterday at Reedy River Baptist, a.k.a., "The River", was most excellent. He addressed the issue that most of us walk around with a frown, when we should be smiling. How can we show people that God loves them if we look like we've been sucking on a lemon? We should be joyful in all things. David took a text from the Old Testament as the basis for his sermon. Ecclesiastes 8:15, from the court of Solomon, the King whom God blessed with great wisdom. I have taken the liberty of sharing the main text from several versions, beginning with the King James Version. It is interesting to see how various translations treat this verse.

Ecclesiastes 8:15

15 Then I commended mirth, because a man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry: for that shall abide with him of his labour the days of his life, which God giveth him under the sun. – King James Bible

15 So I commended enjoyment, because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry; for this will remain with him in his labor all the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. – New King James Version

15 So I commend the enjoyment of life, because nothing is better for a man under the sun than to eat and drink and be glad. Then joy will accompany him in his work all the days of the life God has given him under the sun. – New International Version

15 So I commended pleasure, for there is nothing good for a man under the sun except to eat and to drink and to be merry, and this will stand by him in his toils throughout the days of his life which God has given him under the sun. – New American Standard Version

15 Then I commended enjoyment, because a man has no better thing under the sun [without God] than to eat and to drink and to be joyful, for that will remain with him in his toil through the days of his life which God gives him under the sun. – Amplified Bible

A New Old Car!

2010-02-27T22:46:00.000-05:00

It's been a good day today. I saw a listing on Craigslist for a car we could afford. A 1990 Buick Century. Four door, auto transmission, V6 engine, 132,000 miles, good tires. Runs well. The only major mechanical issue is it needs a new muffler. It does have some cosmetic issues we will need to address at some time in the future. It has not been kept under shelter, so there is some fading issues on the interior fabric. The weather striping all needs to be replaced and it could use a paint job and new headliner. But it runs! And we were able to pay cash!!!!! it will now be known as "Brenda's Buick" or "Bullet's Bomb".

One Month After SHARE Shapes Up

2010-02-05T13:28:00.001-05:00

Hey Hey Hey! One month after we started SHARE Shapes Up at work we had our second weigh-in. The diet program is working! No sudden weight loss, but a continual loss all month long of 1.5 pounds per week for a total of 6 pounds for me! That's a total reduction of 2% of my original weight. I no longer start my weight with the number 3!!!! This month I am determined to add some daily exercise to the mix. Maybe I can pull double digit weight loss for February!

Resolve to Save

2010-02-01T16:36:00.001-05:00

Resolve to Save

Posted using ShareThis

Debt Free? It’s Possible!

2010-01-16T17:44:00.001-05:00

Debt Free? It’s Possible!

Posted using ShareThis

SHARE SHAPES UP

2010-01-09T15:37:00.000-05:00

Yesterday we started a "Biggest Loser" type wellness program for us SHARE employees. There will be two chances to win a $500 prize : loose the most weight, or loose the highest percentage of body weight. I was weighed, had my blood pressure checked, my blood glucose checked, my waist measured, and my heart listened to, all before I was offically signed into the program. Our Wellnesss Nurse was very good at checking all of us out. Oh yes, we also had to have a before picture made! I hope to see a big difference in mine when the contest is over the end of May. I have been pleasantly surprised by all the encouragement I have received from my Facebook friends. That means a lot to have all these friends backing me up. I will work very hard not to let them down!

More about SHARE

2009-12-18T15:33:00.000-05:00

You would think I would get tired of telling how good it is where I work, but I just keep finding more good things towrite about. Today I was involved with the Resource Development Planning Committee. We had an excellent meeting with a committee formed by eight people from different areas of our organization. We were all interested in finding ways we could reach out into the community to help, and finding ways the community can interact with us. We discussed fund raising activities also. We were all in agreement that the first thing we need to do is have our website updated so any possible corporate sponsors doing research on SHARE would come away with a good impression. The current website has not been updated in at least six months!

Folks are starting to leave the building early after a miserable wet, cold, blustery day. Too bad we couldn't get some real snow before Christmas!

Happy Holidays at our house!

2009-12-04T15:08:00.000-05:00

For the first time in seveeral years we are truly happy at our house during the Holiday Season. We have so much for which we are very grateful. B has been doing well in school, and in her Phlebotomy classes. She has been scheduled for her clinical trials at the Patewood campus of Greenville Hospital System. Next step, she will actually have a job after four years of no work! Hooray for B! Hooray for me too! I am now very happily employed at a job I really love at SHARE. I am enjoying working at a Community Action Program that cares about helping the poor better their situations. It has saved us from the depts of despair and depression. God has carried us through the hard times to make us more able to appreciate the things that He does for us. after all, He gave us His Son! That's why we HAVE the Holidays!

Motivational Poems, Inspirational Words of Wisdom:
"One of our favorite motivational poems:

The Victor
Poet: C.W. Longenecker

If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think you dare not, you don’t

If you like to win but think you can’t,
It’s almost a cinch you won’t.

If you think you’ll lose, you’re lost.
For out in the world we find
Success begins with a fellow’s will
It’s all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise.
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win the prize.

Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man.
But sooner or later, the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can."

No unemployment

2009-11-19T15:53:00.001-05:00

Thank goodness I don't have to go around like this any more!

Don't Give Up, Inspirational Words of Wisdom

2009-11-18T16:52:00.000-05:00

Don't Give Up, Inspirational Words of Wisdom: "A Motivational Poem
Don't Give It Up
Poet: Z. Vujcic, © 2007
Today life gave you another slap
but don't give it up
throwing your towel in the ring
for things gone wrong, for words that sting
'cos there must be another way
you will see it in the light of another day
When everything seems sour, not in your favour
look around until you find better flavour
so, don't just give but live it up
pick up the pieces, be tough
grind your teeth and turn another cheek
don't give it up, that's exactly what they seek
It's too easy to walk away
quitter never wins so you should better stay
look challenges straight in the eye
don't say yet the last good-bye
fight like an animal in a trap
but don't give it up

More inspirational words to encourage you when you think about quitting:
Most people who succeed in the face of seemingly impossible conditions are people who simply don't know how to quit. Robert Schuller
People of mediocre ability sometimes"

Wonderful Sunday

2009-11-18T16:49:00.004-05:00

We had a wonderful Joint Service with Reedy River Baptist Church last night. One of my friends, who is a member of the second church, said he thought it must have been a glimpse of what Heaven will be like a the feast of the Lamb. Everyone was enjoying everyone else, and all were sharing in a fabulous feast, and prasing God and giving thanks together.

Motivational Poems, Inspirational Words of Wisdom:
"One of many famous motivational poems:

The Road Not Taken
Poet: Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."

Positive Thinking Quotes, Inspirational Words of Wisdom

2009-11-18T16:46:00.000-05:00

Positive Thinking Quotes, Inspirational Words of Wisdom: "'Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success.'
Dr. Joyce Brothers"

Hooray and Hallelujah!

2009-11-16T19:07:00.004-05:00

I haven't blogged in a while. Just didn't have any good news to report I guess, or else I was so far down in depression that I didn't THINK I had good news. Well, that's got to stop!

I am so glad that I have been hired by SHARE, Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc. I have blogged about them before, but that was as a "Temp Volunteer." Now I am a Human Resources Specialist, in compliance. My job will be to make sure all of our policies and procedures meet the appropriate guidelines for the various grant programs we have. I spent most of today reading the Employee Handbook, and the Personnel Policy and Procedures Manual. There is an awful lot of information I am going to have to memorize. I will also be dealing with the agency's lawyers when necessary, as well as being an administrative liaison to the accounting department. God, I LOVE this job!

Back after a long absence!

2009-08-17T15:18:00.008-04:00

I haven't blogged in over a month! No excuse for it, just had a rough couple of weeks and got out of the habit. I am determined to do better!

My application has been accepted for a permanent position here at SHARE. I sure do hope that it comes through. I don't think I could stand another rejection at this point. Faith keeps us moving forward, but sometimes it is so hard to keep on keeping on, if you know what I mean.

My church where I've been doing interim work finally got around to forming some actual search committees for the Pastor and Minister of Music. I think most of the choir is aware that I would love to have the permanent spot there. Attendance was up yesterday. We had over 50 in Sunday School for a change, and for the first time since Homecoming last April we had enough Children present to have Children's Church! We give God much praise for that! We also had the first Communion Service that Laurel has had in seven months. A wonderful service all together!

Today's Affirmations

2009-06-12T19:19:00.001-04:00

Daily Affirmations

Today I insist that my thoughts and attitude be of the highest order.
Today I consciously establish my new mental equivalents.
Today I live in timeless spiritual awareness.
Peace is the order of my day.
God is ever present as my light-filled life.
Today I live God-filled and joyous.
Today I live adventurously in tune with the presence and power greater than I am.
Today I commit to being of service—no matter how large or how small it may seem.
Love is my real nature; I sense love everywhere this day.

Today I consciously, quietly, and joyously court the Presence.

Daily Affirmations

2009-06-11T14:08:00.000-04:00

Daily Affirmations: "Today I live God-filled and joyous."

Oh WOW! What a voice!

2009-06-10T09:57:00.006-04:00

Last night was the SHARE Economic Opportunity Gala, and Bren and I were privileged to be invited to this wonderful affair. SHARE honored its major contributors at their annual fundraiser. You might expect this to be a rather drab awards banquet but it was far from that! Even after hours the people from SHARE exude a marvelous spirit of happiness to be able to help others and work together. These people work hard and play hard. They actually enjoy each others company even when they are not working. That is so rare in today's society.

The best part of the evening was the entertainment. We were happily introduced to Ms Loretta Holloway, "South Carolina's Lady of Song." She has got to be one of the finest jazz musicians to which I have listened. This Belton native packs a huge voice into a small package. She has performed with the likes of Bill Crosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Jay Leno, and Alan King, and has done a Royal Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. In spite of these major accomplishments, she remains extremely personable and easy to talk to. She enjoyed talking with us after the performance, which just won her that many more fans. She will be performing in Anderson next month at the Burgundy Jazz Club, and I am going to make all effort to be there

Memorial Day 2009 Our Tribute: The Story of the Navy Hymn

2009-05-25T14:21:00.007-04:00

"Eternal Father, Strong to Save": The Navy Hymn

The song known to United States Navy men and women as the "Navy Hymn," is a musical benediction that long has had a special appeal to seafaring men, particularly in the American Navy and the Royal Navies of the British Commonwealth and which, in more recent years, has become a part of French naval tradition.

The original words were written as a hymn by a schoolmaster and clergyman of the Church of England, the Rev. William Whiting. Rev. Whiting (1825-1878) resided on the English coast near the sea and had once survived a furious storm in the Mediterranean. His experiences inspired him to pen the ode, "Eternal Father, Strong to Save." In the following year, 1861, the words were adapted to music by another English clergyman, the Rev. John B. Dykes (1823-1876) , who had originally written the music as "Melita" (ancient name for the Mediterranean island of Malta). Rev. Dykes' name may be recognized as that of the composer given credit for the music to many other well-known hymns, including "Holy, Holy, Holy," "Lead, Kindly Light," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," and "Nearer, My God to Thee."

In the United States, in 1879 the late Rear Adm. Charles Jackson Train, an 1865 graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis was a lieutenant commander stationed at the Academy in charge of the Midshipman Choir. In that year, Lt. Comdr. Train inaugurated the present practice of concluding each Sunday's Divine Services at the Academy with the singing of the first verse of this hymn.

The hymn, entitled "Eternal Father, Strong to Save," is found in most Protestant Hymnals. It can be more easily located in these hymnals by consulting the "Index to First Lines" under "Eternal Father, Strong to Save." The words have been changed several times since the original hymn by Rev. Whiting was first published in 1860-61. One will find that the verses as now published differ from the original primarily in the choice of one or two words in several lines of each verse. However, inasmuch as it is not known whether the original words are now available in a hymnal, those original words are given below:

Eternal Father, Strong to save,

Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,

Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep

Its own appointed limits keep;

O hear us when we cry to thee,

for those in peril on the sea.

O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard

And hushed their raging at Thy word,

Who walked'st on the foaming deep,

and calm amidst its rage didst sleep;

Oh hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea!

Most Holy spirit! Who didst brood

Upon the chaos dark and rude,

And bid its angry tumult cease,

And give, for wild confusion, peace;

Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee

For those in peril on the sea!

O Trinity of love and power!

Our brethren shield in danger's hour;

From rock and tempest, fire and foe,

Protect them wheresoe'er they go;

Thus evermore shall rise to Thee,

Glad hymns of praise from land and sea.

This last stanza was written much more recently and covers all branches of the Armed Forces:

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly

And those who on the ocean ply;

Be with our troops upon the land,

And all who for their country stand:

Be with these guardians day and night

And may their trust be in they might.

-- author unknown, about 1955

We used this hymn as a tribute to our veterans during our Worship Service at Laurel Baptist Church May 24, 2009.

A Magnificent Concert in Simpsonville

2009-05-19T13:47:00.010-04:00

The SC Singing Churchmen were in the upstate last night on the next to last leg of their 50th Anniversary 2008-2009 touring season. Performing and giving God praise at First Baptist Simpsonville, these Ministers of Music from churches all though the SC Baptist convention proved themselves to be among South Carolina's finest musicians. As well as performing as a complete choral unit, they broke into smaller ensembles : A Cappella Ensemble, Southern Gospel Ensemble, Praise Team, and Handbell Ensemble. In addition to singing, a small group of the men also served as the group's orchestra that accompanied the group, supporting the pianist and organist. Their sound was extremely good. There is just something about a men's singing group that makes you want to sit and absorb the wonderful sound. I have sung Tom Fettke's The Majesty and Glory of Your Name so many times that I had thought I would be indifferent to its performance. I was happily very mistaken! The Singing Churchmen made this truly MAJESTIC. The A Cappella numbers were done with the choir standing around the audience on the steps leading to the balcony. The sound came from above and around us. Truly, this be be what Heaven's sound will be like. The Southern Gospel Ensemble, while admittedly singing to a crowd biased in their favor, had the congregation standing and clapping along. The four men singing as The A Capella Ensemble also held the listeners spellbound with their rendition of Up Above My Head. The offertory was presented by the Praise Team joined by Handbells, an unlikely combination in most churches, presenting the contemporary praise chorus Come, Now is the Time to Worship. I'm sure those Ministers of Music like myself, who were sitting in the audience, wished we could have a group like that in our own churches. In summary, only the word AWESOME can do justice to the Praise Concert last evening. Thank you First Baptist Simpsonville for sponsoring this event, and thank you, gentlemen, the SC Singing Churchmen for a job well done and being a group for which we can truly have Palmetto Pride.

This group's final performance for this season will be June 19th when they take part in the Baptist Church Music Conference in Nashville, TN.

A Blessing through Tithing

2009-05-07T16:09:00.008-04:00

It pains me badly to admit we haven't tithed as faithfully as we should have. We let our wants and needs come before the most important thing, giving back to God. Although our circumstances hadn't really changed, Bren and I began a new emphasis for ourselves on doing what God wants at the first of this year. We started taking exactly 10% of whatever came in and giving it back to God. We haven't really missed it, and it has become quite a kick to see how God keeps blessing the gift. We started in January by giving $25 weekly, which seemed as much as we could do. Then we went to $35, or exactly 10% of my unemployment check. Recently I was able to work at a Funeral Home assisting during a service. That added $5 to the amount we gave. Next Laurel Baptist asked me to help with some interim music work. That has added an additional $15 per week. This week, In addition to the unemployment and the check from Laurel, Bren and I both received paychecks from the AARP Foundation Grant. We were able to give over $100 this week. ISN'T GOD GOOD?!?!?! We're not bragging here, far from it. If only we had keep this up went we first went to work. We feel SO good about giving back that we can't wait to see what God will let us give next. God owns this economy, and can turn it around when ever he wants. All we have to do is follow His guidelines. See you in church this weekend!

Sunday at Laurel Baptist was a great time of worship.

2009-05-04T15:48:00.004-04:00

We had a really good worship service yesterday at Laurel Baptist where I am currently filling in as Minister of Music. We had some musical guests, curtesy of our pianist, who is a music teacher in the Spartanburg District 5 School System. She brought one of her boy sopranos, HS. He was accompanied by his mother on dulcimer, his father on sax, and DG, our pianist.

A WONDERFUL Workplace

2009-04-22T14:54:00.005-04:00

I feel so lucky to have been placed at S.H.A.RE. by the AARP Foundation. Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc. (SHARE) is a Community Action Agency (CAA) serving Greenville, Anderson, Pickens and Oconee counties. They are a non-profit agency that provides a wide range of services to low and moderate-income residents in upstate South Carolina. The mission of SHARE is to help low-income individuals, families, and neighborhoods become self-sufficient. They serve families whose annual incomes are at or below the poverty level as defined by federal guidelines. Services are provided based on need and our ability to help, without regard to race, color, creed or gender. I am enjoying very much being associated with a place that does so much good. Almost everyone that I have met is extremely friendly and truly concerned with making this world a better place. It is SO different from the last place I worked. I hope I will be able to find a permanent spot here or with one of their affiliate programs.

The Best Week in a Long, Long Time!

2009-04-17T14:07:00.004-04:00

Bren and I have been so blessed this week with having jobs to go to again! Although we each only get 18 hours and minimum wage, neither of us have had a job in so long that we are grateful for what we;ve got. Add to that the beautiful weather we're starting to have, and it just seems to be getting better and better. Last night I had a call from the chairman of deacons and music search committee of one of our Greenville Baptist Association's churches. We talked for an hour over the ohone and I met him at his business this morning for another hour and a half. Looks like Sunday Bren and I are invited to the church's 130th Homecoming, and Wednesday I will meet with their choir for the following Sunday. One of my former pastors has told them he thinks I will be a perfect fit for the church. I am so grateful!!! We are about to get back to normal!

It's been a great week!

2009-04-13T09:32:00.008-04:00

Hasn't the weather been great here last week (in spite of the gale force winds!)? The days were beautiful when the sun came out after the rain we have needed so badly. All the flowers and trees in bloom, and the grass so green, Spring is finally here! Bren and I had good news this past week. I decided to go to the AARP Foundation at the county offices to see if they could help us find work. Guess what?!?!?!?! THEY DID!!!!!!!!!

Bren will be working at the Goodwill Job Connection trainning on office skills. I will be with Sunbelt Human Advancement REsources. ( We discriminate against NON-humans! :) What SHARE does is and interesting story. http://www.sharesc.org/ We are so excited about breaking out of our slump!

Hope everyone had a blest Easter yesterday.

Spring Fever and Plans for a Trip

2009-03-19T19:39:00.004-04:00

This was another BEAUTIFUL day! I am so ready to plant my garden. I have my seeds ready, some in need of transplanting, and I want to see them grow. I especially am ready for some home-grown veggies! Tomatoes, fresh from the vine with fresh lettuce, and fresh white bread with some hot crispy bacon. BLT’s! That’s what I’m talking about!

Next weekend Bren and I are going down to Charleston with friends from Airport Baptist Church. We are supposed to get to go to Magnolia Gardens while all the azaleas are in full bloom. It should be a great trip if the weather cooperates with us. If it doesn’t we will still have fun with some good companions. Charleston is a wonderful place to visit.

What wonderful weather!

2009-03-09T20:25:00.004-04:00

It's hard for me to believe that this time last week we had SNOW on the ground, and yet, today we had a high temperature of 85F! If the weather today doesn't suit you just wait a few days. The temperature is supposed to get in the 40s for this coming weekend with rain for three days straight. I'm for enjoying this warmth while we can. We've even got our seeds started in our greenhouse. I think I may grow some tomato plants for sale here in the neighborhood!

Back to the blog.....

2009-03-02T22:22:00.003-05:00

He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still. - Lao Tzu

Need money? Maybe you have some that you don't know about. Here's a few tips for finding out if you do.
By Emma Salkill

If you're a little financially embarrassed right now maybe you don't have to be. You could have money and you don't know it. The real hurdle is finding the money. If you ever had a bank account that you never officially closed you could have money sitting at the bank. Some people have had checking or savings accounts where they withdrew most of the money and never used the account again. The money has probably drawn some interest over the years but still may not be much. If you left only a couple of bucks in the account and never used it again - perhaps you moved - the money is likely still there. Check with your previous financial institutions to see if you have funds. Sometimes it only takes a phone call but more than likely you'll have to go to the actual establishment to verify who you are before the money will be released.

Have you ever belonged to a co-op? You may have and don't even know it. Some utility companies and even stores are a co-op. Many people move before receiving their annual check. Sometimes the company can barely meet its expenses and there is no check. But some companies that have made a profit in the course of a year will share the wealth by sending cooperative members a small check. And you could have more than one check awaiting you. For instance, if you originally gave your address as a post office box but you no longer use that box the checks may have been returned to the company office. You could have years worth of small checks that add up to quite a sum. Check with all area cooperatives that you've ever had an account with to find out if you have cash waiting. Usually you can call or go to their main office and show a picture ID to claim the money.

Anytime you move it's a good idea to file a new address card with the post office. People or companies who are required to notify you of existing funds can find you easier, making you glad you did.

There are other occasions where you might have money and not know it. If a family member has died and you were not present for the reading of the will you could have money or property that was left to you. If the attorney hasn't been able to contact you it will remain in estate until he does. If you've been out of touch with your family for some time it might be a good idea to call and check on everyone - you could be in for a pleasant surprise.

There are online services now that allow you to search for money owed to you by various establishments. There's usually no charge to search but if the search results turn up your name you are charged for the details of the money. Although the charge usually isn't really expensive it could prove to be more than or as much as the money you are owed.

Potential - there's the rub of it!

2009-02-04T09:49:00.003-05:00

"Successful and unsuccessful people do not vary greatly in their abilities. They vary in their desires to reach their potential." - John Maxwell

Our church lost a faithful friend on Sunday. Diane Martin was relieved of her physical ills and went to her reward. She didn't let her handicaps stop her from reaching her potential. In the end it wasn't diabetes and its complications that took her. It was a tumor on her brain that spread through her weary body. I know she was met with thee words "Well done, faithful servant. Enter into your reward." Her family was doing fine at the funeral home Monday. Keep them in your prayers as they go through the next few weeks. I'm sure her husband Mike will feel her loss more as the days move on.

More Pictures from Sweden!

2009-01-29T19:10:00.005-05:00

I had a surprise in my e-mail today. Son Number Two sent some more pictures of Grand daughter Number One! Of course I have to share them!

That sorta made our day. We had several things to add to our prayerlist today. Acouple of our friends had surgery over the last two days. We are praying for their speedy recovery. Also, we had a number of personal, family issues we prayed over. V has suggested we start a prayer session together. I think that is a real good idea.

A day started right

2009-01-28T16:56:00.005-05:00

One of the things I am trying to do better than I have been doing is strengthen my personal prayer time. This morning after dropping Bren off at G'vl Tec I went up to the FBTR and made some serious use of the prayer room. Just me in the small room talking out loud to God. Its the talking out loud that is hard for me to do. I mean, I don't have a problem praying out loud in public, far from it, it's just doing it "by myself" that is difficult. I know God is there, but I've normally just done silent prayer in that case. I think to grow more I am going to have to speak out loud. Maybe by going to the church I can feel freer to do that. At any rate, I felt GOOD after that. I'm looking forward to doing it again tomorrow. I made it for 45 minutes today. It seems there was a lot to say. If any readers have prayer requests, drop me a line and I will add them to my own list.

Reminders from God

2009-01-27T18:19:00.003-05:00

"So often people cry out for some blessing, but hold so tight to some earth-treasure that they have no hand to receive Mine as I hold it out in Love." This is a quote from a Google Widget I have on my Google start page. The widget is called Reminders from God. I think this one is very true. I've been very guilty of this one myself. I've been reading lately in a book by T.D. Jakes called "Loose that Man and Let Him Go." A most excellent book describing why a lot of men today, myself included, act the way they do. It also gives some excellent advice on moving beyond the place where we find ourselves and being the best men we can be. I HIGHLY recommend this to all men. Women, find it, and insist your man read it. It will do you both good.

Nothing extraordinary about today

2009-01-26T16:23:00.004-05:00

I've spent most of today catching up on different pieces of personal and family business. I did get a break for a little while to chat with my daughter in law in Sweden. Her Dad had come down from Stockholm and was busily spoiling our grandchild! It was fun chating via facebook across the Atlantic to Sweden. According to all reports Miss Miranda is growing cuter every day, and is now following a schedule , somewhat, so Mom and Dad are actually getting a bit more sleep.

Tommorrow will be interesting. I have to have Bren to court for a traffic violation. An alledged hit & run on her part. I know darn well the girl who phoned in as she was driving was just trying to get Bren in trouble. We are pleading not guilty, of course. I hope we get this taken care of right away.

Fully licensed again

2009-01-22T18:53:00.006-05:00

After about six months of absence, I have returned to being involved with Primerica. I am once again licensed for Life Insurance, Lending, and P&C. The people I associate with there are very uplifting so it helps get my spirits up by going there. And we DO offer a good service!

Thank goodness it warmed up some today. I have been so cold in the mornings. Looks like we will get a little relief before it gets cool again. And our dogs were glad to get to spend some quality time in the sunshine today. They told me so themselves!

Concert in Fountain Inn

2009-01-18T17:31:00.011-05:00

Bren and I had a good time last night in Fountain Inn. The Foothills Philharmonic had their January concert at the Fountain Inn Civic Center. It was a step back in time going in to the auditorium, which is the circa 1929 Fountain Inn High School auditorium. It is laid out almost identically with the old Parker High auditorium. I knew where everything was! It was so strange. And this fall they will be having Merith Wilson's "The Music Man" performed. I've got to go see it! It will be my senior year at PHS all over again.

The concert was preceded by a "By Invitation Only" Supper at the home of D & V! We haven't been together since before Christmas so we had a lot to talk about! In honor of my elderly sister's birthday D & V fixed her traditional Chicken and Dumplings. Guess what? The magic supper worked its spell for us because we had snow this morning!!! If CLB had been there for the supper we would probably have been snowed in!

The concert itself was very good. Two numbers by Bren's favorite composer, Mozart, and then a n excellent rendering of Peter and the Wolf. The only problem with the last piece was that I couldn't get the darn theme to PATW to stop playing in my brain! It was so hard getting to sleep last night, and it was still going part of this morning! dum dum da dum dum dum........

Getting back to posting!

2009-01-15T12:01:00.006-05:00

I haven't posted anything lately, partly because of a terrible cold, and partly because of depression. Today I have decided it is time to take charge of my life again and kick this thing!

I got B off to her classes today and then went to two different banks to make deposits. Then I went over to Long Forest Drive to "strike the keys," and pick up some collards that the Sarge said he had for us. I spent a little time there, but my darn throat won't let me talk at the volume he needs when he doesn't wear his hearing aids, which is most of the time!

I am praying that I will get a call from the music committee at C----1st. I interviewed with them for a permanent part-time position as Minister of Music. It appears to be a really good church, and I think I could do some good work there. It would be sad leaving TR1st, but I think Wendell and I could combine the two choirs for some good presentations. I really miss planning worship experiences, and would certainly welcome the chance to get back in the saddle.

What a trip!

2009-01-02T19:02:00.003-05:00

What a trip we just completed! We set out on time on December 20th for Christmas in Sweden. We had to go to Rock Hill SC to drop off our truck at my sister's home and then she was to take us to Charlotte NC's Douglas International Airport to catch our flight at 3:00 to Newark NJ. We got there in plenty of time for an international flight, but then bad weather in Newark caused our flight to be cancelled! We had to scramble to get a flight. We got our luggage checked and caught the next flight out on US Airways, but it didn't arrive in Newark in time for us to make the connection to Air France's flight to Paris! We had to go through several RUDE people before we got an agent to help us. We were then booked on a Continental Airlines flight to Paris and on to Copenhagen. We were seated at the rear of the plane, three hours later than expected, but at least we got underway! Arriving at Paris, we rushed through security to get checked in to Copenhagen, and wouldn't you know it, that was on the other end of the airport! More stress!

To make a long story short, we finally arrived at Copenhagen, just a twenty minute train trip from our destination of Malmo Sweden, but when we went to get our luggage, guess what!?!?!

Our baggage was still in Newark! Air France didn't forward it! We filled out a claim form and left for Malmo with the clothes on our backs and my carry on bag. All of our warm clothes for the Swedish winter were missing along with the presents we brought! We arrived in Malmo around 4:30 PM and Mark had been waiting at the train station for five hours for us! Our cell phones didn't work in Sweden and we had no way to contact him until we got there. I hope we never go through that again! Our luggage finally arrived December 26th and had to be delivered to us in Stockholm! If it hadn't been for the following it would have been the worst trip ever!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2008-12-19T15:59:00.008-05:00

Bren and I have been very busy today. We're trying to get packed for our trip to Sweden and do all those last minute chores, go to the bank, and give blood! So far, so good! We made it to the Blood Connection and donated blood by noon today. We may not be able to give money to charities, but we can at least give something to help save a life. I think we have both given over a gallon. It makes us feel good to be able to do something for others at this time of year. By the time we take off on Sunday we may be tired enough to actually sleep on the plane!

Many thanks to D&V for sending some more OTC drugs our way. We are trying to clear up our head colds before we get on the plane. We want to be able to hold the grandbaby. (Bren is starting to grin thinking about it. She's had that funny smile all day! It's a little scary!)

Yuck! Now I've got it!

2008-12-17T16:35:00.002-05:00

D&V warned us, but we went anyway. D had a scratchy throat and sinus probelems last week. V got them from D. Now I have the same symptoms on the brink of our Swedish trip! YUCK! The family that plays together gets the Creeping Crud together.

So Much to Do at Christmas!

2008-12-16T13:02:00.015-05:00

It's been two days since my last post. I've just been too busy to sit a the computer for a long time! This past Saturday evening we enjoyed The Living Tree at Berea First Baptist Church. My sister SLF got tickets for Bren and me, and my parents. It was the 30th anniversary of their 1st performance of the Living Tree. Brend and I have sung in it three times,. and D & V joined us the last time we sang. It was very good, with some old favorites from the 1st tree and some new elements to spark new life.

We had a great time at our church, First Baptist TR, Sunday morning. Then, on Sunday afternoon we went to First Baptist Simpsonville to see their performance of We Come with Joy. Once again, an excellent performance. We were surprised to get to see D conducting the orchestra at the beginning and end of the secession. We were so proud! Also, the woodwind ensemble played his arrangement,"Christmas Winds" before the doors opened to the public.

Monday evening more family time! D and V had us over for chili, so we've had our traditional Christmas supper from a bowl together this year after all! After supper we went to CVS, where D&V were incredibly generous by stocking us with medical supplies. We're fixed for a while!

Monday afternoon I went to Gateway Family Medical Center and was seen by Jo Bradley, the FNP. She was so nice! She spent about an hour with me going over my diabetic problems, and I ended up leaving with over $300 in samples if it had been sold at the drug store! She also told me to go to Marrietta First Baptist and use their Family Life Center for walking. Brenda and I took her advice today. What a magnificent facility. Open to the public at no cost! For a one time fee of $10 you get a pass to the weight room, where they have all sorts of exercise equipment. It's like going to the YMCA for free! No excuses now! Maybe I'll get down to this size!

The following is a Christmas sermon given 0n Dec 17, 2002 by my late father-in-law, Rev. Bobby H. Belcher:

JOY TO THE WORLD

TEXT: Luke 2:10, Psalm 98

INTRODUCTION: One of our freshest and most invigorating Christmas hymns is also one of our oldest. “Joy to the World”, was written by Isaac Watts and first published in 1719. It is a free rendering of the last part of Psalm 98.(read the psalm)

Birthdays are always occasions for joy and celebration, and it is most fitting that the birthday of our King be characterized by the singing of joyful carols. Christianity is a religion of joy. While other religions have fine ethics and morality, only the Christian faith gives men something to SING and REJOICE about.

(I) HEAVENLY JOY OF THE ANGELS. (Luke 2:9-14) Usually celestial beings are not seen by mortal man, nor are they heard by them. But with the coming of Jesus Christ to the earth, the heavens could contain them no longer and the angels literally burst with joy. We do not understand all of the characteristics of angels or their creation or purpose. But we do know that they are representative of the population of heaven and as such, minister to God constantly. We know that they rejoice when a sinner is born into the Kingdom of God, and surely they must have rejoiced with great joy when the Redeemer Himself came to earth. Why should it matter to us whether angels in heaven rejoice or not? When we are terribly discouraged and it seems that we have no allies among our fellowmen, it strength the resolve and heartens the spirit to know that there are countless angelic hosts who rejoice at our smallest happiness and who stand ready at God’s command to help us in every difficulty. We do not know what kind of fellowship we will have with the angels when we are in heaven ourselves. But, surely, there will be a wonderful compatibility, for they seem to rejoice over the same things that give the deepest kind of happiness to mankind.

(II) THE HUMBLE JOY OF THE SHEPHERDS.(Luke 2:20) “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.” The shepherds did not have the heavenly quality of the angelic choir, nor did they have the wealth and possessions of the wise men, but this did not keep them from expressing unutterable joy that they knew in their heats after seeing the Christ child. Poverty in worldly things ought to make us rejoice more in the gift of God’s heavenly things. The less we have of this world, the more room there is for God to give us heaven’s blessings. Those who cannot sing because they are poor or because they feel inadequate in the world, would probably not sing if they have all the possessions and abilities that others seem to have. The deepest joys of life often flow from the quietest and simplest streams.

(III) HONORABLE JOY OF THE WISE MEN. (Matthew 2:10) “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Men of science are not given to undue and overt expressions of emotion, but when these stargazers of the Orient saw the start of Bethlehem they “rejoiced with exceeding great joy..”

Two misconceptions about Christian father involve the intellect. ONE, IS THE BELIEF THAT NO MAN CAN HAVE AN ABUNDANCE OF KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM AND STILL BE HUMBLE AND GENUINE IN HIS Christian faith. This has led to much mistrust of those in high places of educational, scientific, and economic fields. Some of the most outstanding testimonies of the validity of the Christian faith are made today by brilliant, ambitious, and successful people in all walks of life. (Dr. Atkinson, surgeon of Irene, Wake Heart Center, Raleigh, NC)

The SECOND misunderstanding is that which believes that the GOSPEL STORY OF JESUS CHRIST IS TOO SIMPLE to interest or appeal to intelligent people. A new pastor in a college town found himself trying desparately to produce the kind of intellectual sermons that would appeal to the students and professors in his congregation. Finally, a professor called the new pastor aside and said quite gently, but plainly, “Pastor, when I come to church I do not need or expect to be intellectually stimulated or scientifically informed. I come here to feed my soul and to bathe my weary feet in the fountain of life. The story of Jesus Christ is the most appealing thing you have to offer to any of us from the pulpit.”

The story is told of a GROUP OF NOBLEMEN who were gathered together in London when the KING OF GREAT BRITIAN entered. They all knew him personally, yet they all honored him as their king. So, when he entered, THEY STOOD TO THEIR FEET, “take your seats, gentleman,” said the king. “I count you my personal friends.” And then jokingly he added, “I am not the Lord, you know.” One of the noblemen, a true Christian, spoke up, “No, Sir, if you were our Lord, we would not stand to our feet. We would fall on our knees.”

The loveliest thing about the Christmas story, IS NOT the simple faith of the shepherds who were keeping their flocks by night; NOT the singing of the angelic host, BUT it is when the WISE MEN found the baby JESUS and FELL ON THEIR KNEES BEFORE HIM AND WORSHIP HIM.

(III) THE INHERITED JOY OF THE SAINTS. In verse 10, the angels give the good news that the promised joy is to be universal and to be shared – ‘TO ALL THE PEOPLE,” Actually the JOY ITSELF is not promised directly to ALL THE PEOPLE regardless of whether they are Christian or not. It is the PROCLAMATION of the “good tidings of great joy” that is promised to all people. Then, whoever and wherever these people are who respond to the proclamation and receive the good tidings, joy shall surely come.

JESUS WANTS US TO HAVE J OY AS HIS PEOPLE. In John 16:22 He promises us, “Your joy no man taketh from you” and in verse 24, he promises again, “You joy may be full.” There seems to be two ideas concerning joy about which Jesus often spoke. He combines them both in John 15:11, “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”

CONCLUSION: As we too often do with the singing of most of our hymns, we usually OMIT THE THIRD STANZA of “Joy to the World, The Lord is Come.” This third stanza admonishes us thusly –

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

It is only when we are WILLING to let sins and sorrows and thorns LEAVE our world and LET HIS blessings FLOW IN, that the curse of sin can be REMOVED so that we can really have joy. Are you willing to empty your heart of everything that is keeping you from these and receive today, the beauty and depth of HIS peace and joy?

THE JOY, JESUS GAVE TO HIS WORLD!

Family fun!

2008-12-12T10:44:00.011-05:00

We had the BEST time last night with our elder son and daughter-in-law D&V! We were celebrating a number of things, V's birthday, my birthday, belated birthday for D and Mine and Bren's anniversary in advance. And celebrate in style we did! D and V took us out to The City Range, one of the better steak places in G'ville. Bren and I both got prime rib, D got a specialty dish of blacken tenderloin medalions topped with crabcakes with a blue cheese sauce, and V had a marvelous burbon glazed salmon. You might say she had sauce in her sauce!

You might wonder how this ties into the Christmas traditions I have been posting. Well, the answer is simple. This is one of OUR traditions. On Christmas Eve our immediate family gets together for a Christmas bowl of soup. Nothing too heavy, since we KNOW we will be eating extremely well at our family Christmas Dinner. This year, since Bren and I will be in Sweden with our younger son's family, we celebrated early with D and V. Dand V made it feel like a Christmas celebration. We will be seeing them again in just a few days when we go to Simpsonville First Baptist for their Christmas presentation.

Oh yes, and Saturday evening we will be attending the singing Christmas Tree at Berea First Baptist, so we will get a lot of live Christmas music this weekend!

2008-12-08T19:46:00.010-05:00

Christmas Pageant at Travelers Rest First Baptist Church

We had our Christmas Pageant at our church last night. It was quite nice for a church the size of ours. Our Minister of Music did not use a “store bought” program, but rather picked music for each scene from some old favorites as well as some newer contemporary tunes. Our Children’s and Youth Ministers wrote the scenes and directed the actors, so it was an effort of the entire staff.
After starting off with a sing-along with such classics as “Up on the Rooftop” and “Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer”, we quickly moved into the sacred meaning of the holidays. We watched as a family heard the Biblical story of Christmas as other church members acted out the biblical scenes.

One of the cutest parts of the pageant was when our children’s group, “Pocketful of Praise”, had their singing parts.

Just blog stuff and The Tradition of the Candy Cane

2008-12-04T20:35:00.023-05:00

I am having so much fun with this blog! I didn't realize just how theraputic it would be for me to write all these things down. I hope I'm not boring anyone who might happen to come across the blog. Hopefully some of the information is useful. After the holidays I am thinking about a series of articles on diabetes, and maybe adapting some gourmet recipes for folks like me! That will give me two more things about which to write.

The Tradition of the Candy Cane

Did you know that the candy cane was created to honor Jesus? If the Candy is held upright, it is in shape of a shepherd’s staff, which the shepherd uses as he watches over his sheep. Jesus is our Shepherd. If the candy is turned upside down, it becomes the letter “J” for Jesus.

The Bible tells us that by Jesus’ stripes we are healed. Jesus was beaten and stripes were put on His back when He was crucified in payment of our sins. So, the candy cane was made with red and white stripes to represent the blood of Jesus that washed away our sins and makes us pure and white as snow. One bold stripe represents one God who is Father of us all. The three fine stripes represent the Trinity: one God, who has revealed himself to us in three ways: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

There are a lot of candy canes in the stores today made with different colors. But they are not TRUE candy canes unless they are red and white and have one bold stripe and three fine stripes. True candy canes are Christian candy because they tell the story of Jesus.

Christmas in Sweden

2008-12-03T17:37:00.021-05:00

Since we are going to be in Sweden for Christmas visiting with our new Grand Daughter, I thought I would share some of the Christmas customs I have read about for Sweden. I'm sure we are going to find these traditions vary when we actually get there, but it gives us a basis for comparison once we arrive. Oh yes, we will be visiting with our younger son and his wife as well as the grandbaby, and with the rest of our friends in Sweden! We will be in Malmo and Stockholm from Dec 21 through Dec 30. Got to find out about drinking Glogg! Anyway, here is what I have learned so far.

Christmas in Sweden
Christmas begins in Sweden with the Saint Lucia ceremony. Before dawn on the morning of 13 December, the youngest daughter from each family puts on a white robe with a red sash. She wears a crown of evergreens with tall-lighted candles attached to it. She wakes her parents, and serves them with coffee and Lucia buns. The other children accompany her. The custom goes back to Lucia, a Christian virgin martyred for her beliefs at Syracuse in the fourth century. The Saint Lucia ceremony is fairly recent, but it represents the traditional thanksgiving for the return of the sun. Often she is followed by star boys, who wear pointed hats, and carry star wands.

Candle-lit processions to Church feature Scandinavian Christmases, where, in the home, it is mother who always lights the candles on Christmas Eve.

Christmas trees are usually found in Swedish homes two days before Christmas. Decoration may include candles, apples, Swedish flags, small gnomes wearing red tasseled caps, straw ornaments. The houses may filled with red tulips and smell like pepparkakor, which is a heart-star, or goat-shaped gingerbread biscuit.

Swedish Julafton, or Christmas Eve dinner may be a smorgasbord, or buffet with julskinka, or Christmas ham, pickled pigs feet,lutfisk, or dried codfish, and many different kinds of sweets. Risgryngrot a special rice porridge, has hidden in it an almond which as tradition has it the person who finds the almond in his or her bowl will marry in the coming year.

After Christmas Eve dinner, a friend or family member dresses up as tomte or Christmas gnome. The tomte, unlike Santa Claus is supposed to live under the floorboards of the house or barn and ride a straw goat. The make-believe tomte, wearing a white beard and dressed in red robes, distributes gifts from his sack. Many are given with funny rhyme that hints at the contents. In Sweden, Jultomten, a little brownie helps Santa Claus give gifts to the children who have been good. The julbok, which is the Christmas goat, is responsible for the distributing of the presents.

On Christmas morning, churches are lit up entirely by candles for the Christmas service.

From Mia
The Julbock (Christmas Goat) has nothing to do with the Tomte (Santa Claus)... He doesn't ride it. When Sweden was changing from goat to Santa they came together but that was more than 20 years ago. So it use to but no longer. And it was originally to honor the goats that Tor (an old God) used to pull his carriage. Today basically no one knows why we have them. Sadly and the Tomte doesn't live under a barn anymore. Now it is like in America, he lives at the North Pole. In the old days the tomte took care of the farm and lived there but then he had nothing to do with Christmas (then it was the goat). He was mean and hard to work with but he made sure there would be food on the table and looked after all the animals, IF the people on the farm took care of him and behaved well. No Christmas.
Balls of Glass are in our trees as well as Tinsels now but most of all: You've forgotten about the most Christmassy in Sweden Donald duck at TV at 15.00 on Christmas Eve. Has been shown on TV since 1960-somethink.

Jolly fellow in the red suit rides again!

2008-12-02T22:28:00.005-05:00

I've had a great time tonight! I had a gig as my alternate ego. I spent about 45 minutes in character as Santa for one of my cousins. He has followed his late father's tradition of having a Christmas party on the Saturday following Thanksgiving for a good number of years. This time, though, due to illness we had to put it off until today. When I don the red suit I don't play a part; I AM Santa. And I am carrying on a family tradition too: My grandfather was the Santa for one of Greenville's department stores years ago when all the shopping was done downtown! It is so much fun watching people as they react to Santa Claus. Tonight I was Santa for children as young as six months, and as old as seventy five years. Once you start talking to the jolly old elf you become a child again yourself.

History and Legend of the Poinsettia

2008-12-02T13:47:00.014-05:00

The following article is one from a gardening website. I liked the history of the poinsettia because Joel Poinsett settled in the Greenville South Carolina area back in the 1800's. It's great to have an Upstate tie to Christmas!

ps My friend the HVAC service tech was able to get our heat back on HOORAY!!!!

History of the Poinsettia

By Tamara Galbraith

That holiday superstar, the poinsettia, actually has its own holiday. By an Act of Congress, December 12 was set aside as National Poinsettia Day.

The date marks the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who is credited with introducing the native Mexican plant to the United States. During Poinsett's appointment in Mexico, he wandered the countryside looking for new plant species. In 1828, he discovered a beautiful shrub with large red bracts growing next to a road. He took cuttings from the plant and brought them back to his greenhouse in South Carolina.

Years later, William Prescott, a historian and horticulturist, was asked to give 'Euphorbia pulcherrima' a new name as it became more popular. At that time Mr. Prescott had just published a book called the Conquest of Mexico in which he detailed Joel Poinsett’s discovery of the plant. So, Prescott named the plant the poinsettia in honor of Joel Poinsett’s discovery.
We're not sure what Mr. Poinsett would think of the latest trend in painting the colored bracts of his beloved plants with various shades of blue and layers of sparkles, but holiday shoppers certainly seem to dig them. Whatever the case, Poinsett's introduction is now a tradition that brightens the holidays every year.

This next article is another part of a program I used at one of my churchs that explained the traditions and synbols of Christmas.

The Tradition of the Poinsettias

The poinsettia has become the traditional Christmas flower. Although it is treasured in all parts of the world as a symbol of Christmas, it can be traced back to an old Mexican legend. A poor peasant girl going to her church to visit the manager scene on Christmas morning was broken-hearted because she had nothing of beauty to offer the Christ Child. On her way, she picked some weeds from the side of the road and, as her only possession in the world, laid them at the feet of the statue of the Virgin Mary. Miraculously, they were transformed into the scarlet brilliance of the poinsettia we know today.

What a Day! and The Story of Christmas Candles

2008-12-01T17:39:00.020-05:00

What a day it has been! Our heat has been out at our house and I've been having to build a fire to warm us up. The fireplace works great, but it keeps the back part of the house cooler than I want it. And the old saying is true: If you use your fireplace you warm yourself twice, once getting the wood together, and secondly, after you get the fire going! I've called a friend who is a HVAC service tech, but he is having to get a part for the gas-pac so I guess we won't have central heat until tomorrow. On the bright side, it will keep our gas bill down!

My bookloving son and daughter-in-law would have enjoyed the treasure hunt Bren and I had this afternoon. We were looking a some second hand books to see what treasures we could find. I managed to get hard-cover copies of five great cookbooks by Jeff Smith, "The Frugal Gourmet." I also got a copy of Burt Wolfe's Eating Well. If the kids behave I might just let them look through these!

The Tradition of the Christmas Candles

Long before the celebration of Christmas, candles were used to signify Christ as the light of the world. In medieval times, there was a charming legend, which said that on Christmas Eve the Christ Child wandered throughout the world, looking for places where he would be welcomed. Those who loved Him, hoping that he might find their homes, placed lighted candles in the window to invite Him in.

No one, of course, knew for sure how he might appear. Perhaps he would come dressed in the rags of a beggar, or he might come as a poor and lonely child. Might he come on the form of a disabled person who was put out to roam the streets of the city or the lonely footpaths of the countryside?

So, it became customary for devout Christians to welcome into their homes all who knocked on their doors on Christmas Eve. To turn away may have meant the rejection of the Christ Child, who had come in an unfamiliar garb.

During the Advent season, we remember that the Christ Child is wandering along our streets, looking for homes where he will be given warmth and shelter. The candles in the windows of homes and churches symbolize to all of our community that Christ is our guest. Here is a place where there is room in our hearts for him.

It's almost CHRISTMAS!

2008-11-30T10:31:00.015-05:00

I have always enjoyed the Christmas season. We have so many different traditions to celebrate. Over the course of the next few days I will try to share some Christmas symbols with you. A lot of the information that Iwill share I've garnered from many different sources, and I have used this information to create a "Hanging of the Greens" program that I have used during my time as Minister of Music in various churches across North and South Carolina.

A Christmas tree, Yule tree or Tannenbaum (German: fir tree) is one of the most popular traditions associated with the celebration of Christmas. It is normally an evergreen cone bearing tree that is brought into a home or used in the open, and is decorated with Christmas lights and colorful ornaments during the days around Christmas. An angel or star is often placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity story.

The Legend of the First Christmas Tree:
The night of the Savior's birth, all the living creatures, both flora and fauna, came to Bethlehem with gifts. The olive tree brought its fruit and the palm its dates. But the little fir tree had no gift and was so tired it couldn't resist when the big trees pushed it into the background and hid it from view. But then a nearby angel took pity and commanded a cluster of stars to come and rest on its delicate boughs. When the Baby Jesus beheld this lovely lighted tree, He smiled and blessed it, declaring henceforth that fir trees should always be filled with lights at Christmastime to please little children.

"Oh Christmas Tree"
1. O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
Thou tree most fair and lovely.
O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
Thou tree most fair and lovely.
The sight of thee at Christmas-tide
Spreads hope and gladness far and wide.
O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
Thou tree most fair and lovely.
2. O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
Thou hast a wondrous message.
O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
Thou hast a wondrous message.
Thou dost proclaim the Savior's birth,
Good will to men and peace on earth.
O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
Thou hast a wondrous message.
3. O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
You glow with Christmas brightness.
O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
We sing with joyful lightness.
The radiance of this happy night,
To all of us gives hope and light,
O Christmas tree. O Christmas tree,
You glow with Christmas brightness.

Thanksgiving part II

2008-11-29T11:55:00.010-05:00

After a magnificent meal on Thanksgiving day, I've had a chance to do some more reflecting on things for which I am grateful. In spite of a rough year financially, Bren was able to go back to school! She is working hard at getting her associates degree at Greenville Tech, one of the great things in South Carolina. I am thankful that I live in such an excellent part of the Upstate. We can be in the mountains in a matter of minutes or at the beach in just a few hours. South Carolina has it all! ( Of course, I am just a little prejudiced, being a native born son!) I am grateful for some of the fun traditions we have here: the family dinner at major holidays, friendly rivalry between some of our schools: Clemson and USC, Furman and The Citadel, and the old time Parker High versus Greenville High game. Of course that last one is just a memory, but for graduates of those two schools before the 1970's, those games are still fresh and the fun is in talking about them.

I'm thankful that I can still learn something! Our eldest and his wife have taken up the hiking bug, and I've been following their progress with great interest. They have even found a place here in Greenville County that I didn't know about. Just recently they went hiking at the Conestee Nature Park. With that name I would have thought that it is located downstate, but it is right here in Greenville County. I guess us older folks will have to go take a look at the place and do a little non-strenuous hiking ourselves. We have a good number of parks available to hike in our here. Table Rock (pictured), Paris Mountain, Jones Gap, and Pleasant Ridge just to name a few. The last three are in Greenville County.

I am especially happy to have found an old friend on Classmates.com. FER and I have been friends ever since elementary school, sharing many,many experiences. Somehow we lost touch over the years, but now we get a chance to share again. God is good!

Things for which I am Thankful

2008-11-25T17:32:00.000-05:00

At this time of the year it is good to pause and reflect on things for which we are thankful. Even though the times have been very tough for us economically this past year, we DO have quite a few things for which we are grateful.

Let's begin with the big one: We are so thankful for our family.

We have a new granddaughter! Our first grandchild is a very special gift from our younger son and his wife. She was born in Sweden in October. We will see her for the first time at Christmas. Her other set of grandparents are flyig us to Sweden for the holidays! We are so grateful for our friendship with them!

This year our older son and his wife gave us the present of a special family vacation to Tybee Island GA. Without their help we would not have been able to go on vacation this year. They have been very good to my wife and me this year, helping us out when they could, and just generally brightening up some tough times.

We can be thankful for our parents too. Even though they are getting on up there as far as age is concerned, they are as youthful as ever in their attitudes. They have helped us out when we would have been without transportation more times than once. And they have helped to keep our spirits up also. My wife's sisters and mother helped her go on a cruise this fall so they could have some family time together. Her sisters are trying to support each other more than they have in the past and it is allowing them to grow closer together.

We are especially thankful for our church family. Yes, I said family. Not church friends. Our church is a very friendly church, and they have taken us in and helped us several times. They have helped with the support of cash, and prayers, and even once, new glasses after mine broke. That's not just friends, that's family.