mama's friends

I had lunch with mama's friends today.
We went to Johnny Harris.
The original birthday group consisted of five.
Now they are down to three.
I started going with them after mama died.
I grew up with these ladies and I love them every one.

clockwise:
me, Mary, Gloria, and Betty.
We got all caught up and I like that.....
sweet ladies who loved my mom very much.

Just got back from River Street.
We toured the Coast Guard Tall Ship Eagle.
Even with the sails down it was an awesome sight.
Lucy and Harry enjoyed it very much.

I will do some beach pictures tomorrow.

Thankful
always........cathy

they're gone :(

I went down to the ocean today....
by myself with a book and my chair.
It just wasn't the same.

There were no buckets or shovels,
no plastic rake and hoe,
no watering can
no snacks in zip lock bags.

No one begging to go into the ocean or
down to the lifeguard stand.
No hole digging,
no thousand trips
back and forth
with buckets of water
to be poured into the hole.

I didn't stay long.
This trip was over.
Special guests will come this weekend
and the condo had to be cleaned.

I took lots of pictures that I will be sharing in the next few days.

An astounding thought.....

"Whatever the Lord pleases He does,
in heaven and in earth,
in the seas, and in all deeps."
Psalm 135:6

And we would question God?
cathy

remembering Who the blessings are from

"O God, Thou art my God;
I shall seek Thee earnestly;
My soul thirsts for Thee,
My flesh yearns for Thee,
In a dry and thirsty land'
where there is no water."

"Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise Thee."
Psalm 63: 1 & 3

Hanging at the beach
with my sweet daughter &
her little guys.

Plenty of sunshine and ocean breezes.
We lack no good thing.
These times are priceless.

lucy's fling into the water

I forgot a few things so I came home to retrieve.

Thought I would share these pictures while I am here.

Lucy put on quite a show in the pool last evening.

She is truly an amazing little girl.

~

I took my dad to the doctor this morning.

We then went and ate a late breakfast together.

I think the hardest things in life bring the greatest rewards.

Just to have the opportunity to share God's truth with him

makes up for everything that happened in the past.

~

As of this morning the dolphins had not found my red sunglasses.

There are plenty of those guys out there in the surf looking for them.

I honestly think they may still turn up.

~

Got to get back to the beach.

Think I will pick up some Wiley's Bar-b-que for tonight.

perils at sea

I am at the beach without my computer....
posting now from Amanda's.

Eli and I almost got swept away by a rouge wave this morning.
My favorite red framed sunglasses were lost at sea during this incident.
Eli refused to go back in the ocean.
At a later time Jake and I both got stung by a jellyfish.

All that to say....we spent the rest of the day at the pool.

Oh, one more very important thing.
Lucy jumped into the pool and went under the water for the first time.
Watching her cousin Jake's underwater prowess egged her on.
We are all very proud of her accomplishment.

Having lots of fun....
cc

another quote

Daniel Webster ~

"If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend,
the credit is due to my parents
for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures.
If we abide by the principles taught in the Bible,
our country will go on prospering and to prosper;
but if we and our posterity neglect its instructions and authority,
no man can tell how sudden a catastrophe may overwhelm us
and bury all our glory in profound obscurity."

This quote is prophetic. (not divinely)
It is a word of wisdom for us in the year of our Lord 2010.

I like how so many of these great men
give credit to their parents
for giving them a good,
firm foundation on the truth of God's word.

cathy

The Bible

We went to the beach today.
Lucy and Harry thought the waves were the best ever.
We all got a little too much sun,
but that didn't stop the fun.

Amanda and the boys are coming tomorrow.
We will be spending next week at the condo.

Some famous quotes about the Bible....

George Washington ~ "It is impossible
to rightly govern the world without
God and the Bible."

Andrew Jackson ~ "That book, sir, is the rock
on which our republic rests."

Abraham Lincoln ~ "I believe the Bible is the best gift
God has ever given to man. All the good from the
Saviour of the world is communicated to us
through this book."

U.S. Grant ~ "The Bible is the sheet-anchor
of our liberties."

Robert E. Lee ~ "In all my perplexities and distresses,
the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength."

John Ruskin ~ "Whatever merit there is in anything that I have written
is simply due to the fact that when I was a child my mother daily read me
a part of the Bible and daily made me learn a part of it by heart."

The Bible.....
God's Word to us.
What has happened since these men spoke these words?

she said......

"There's Grammie,"
and came running a good distance into my arms today.
It had been almost a week since I had seen her.
Much too long.

We all met up for lunch at PF Changs.....
Jacksonville, Florida.
David & Erika
Lucy & Harry
Estelle
Bubba & Me.

There was a big round table full of Chinese food
and lots of hungry people enjoying themselves.
Lucy asked kindly if we could visit the candy store next door
before our food even came.
I tell you....
they never forget a thing.

Our trip was a huge success.
Everything that we set out to accomplish
was brought to fruition.

Estelle had a ball at the hen party
down on the beach at St. Augustine.
From what I hear....
there was lots of talking and eating going on.

Family,
Special times,
Being home safely again.
Thank You Lord for these and all blessings.
cathy

ps ~ There is an almost full moon
in a gorgeous sky
outside of my bedroom window
that God hung there for our pleasure.
I will be watching it as I doze off in just a little while. :)

a must read part 2

First of all read my previous post if you will.

As you all know.....
I stay out of politics on my blog.
People are too sensitive about it.
Why?

The article that I posted
and asked you to read a little while ago
is so informative.
I have read it twice and
now Bubba and I are going through it together.
He helps me to understand.
It is not an easy read but
it explains so well what is going on in our country.
Most people are oblivious to what's happening
much less understanding why.

Run it off and read it until it starts to make sense.
Share it with others if you will.
At least we will understand.

Having a wonderful time.
Going to look for some ice cream.

cathy

a must read

http://www.spectator.org/

Article to read:

America's Ruling Class - and the Perils of Revolution

"This is the special summer issue cover story that everyone is talking about."

22 pages if run off

Everyone needs to read this.
It hits the nail on the head.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We are relaxing in Florida.
Will return home with Estelle tomorrow afternoon.
In all things rejoice!
cathy

a church on the move

This is the church that was used in the filming of the movie
"The Last Song."
It is making it's way down the road to it's new home.
It will be reassembled over by the Tybee lighthouse
to be used as a wedding chapel.
Can't wait to see the finished project!

Tomorrow we are taking Estelle
down to St. Augustine, Florida,
for a visit with her cousins.
We will leave her there until Friday
to frolic and have fun.

She has requested that we "lunch" at PF Changs on Friday.
I think that can be arranged.

In the meantime.....
Bubba and I will wing it.
Just do whatever strikes our fancy.
We have no idea where we will end up.
Kinda sounds like fun, doesn't it?

"Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord,
who walks in His ways.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed,
and it shall be well with you."
Psalm 128: 1&2

alligator.....

a large, scaly amphibious reptile similar to the crocodile.

Sadly, I don't like anything shaped like this. (the lizard shape)

~

Last evening, on our bike ride over at Hilton Head, we saw these guys up close.

They have an evil look in their eyes,

as if they are stalking and ready to attack.

I think the only reason that first one didn't come charging

was because he simply wasn't hungry.

~

As a bit of comic relief, if you look closely,

he had a piece of pine straw on his snout.

~

Just a few days earlier,

one of these big guys was found playing in the waves at the main beach area.

Thankfully, according to Lisa, he was

wrestled to the sand,

duct taped,

and carted off.

~

I am now rethinking my fearless surf swimming.

c
see previous post today....

this bird......

was spotted yesterday evening.
He was peacefully standing by a lazy lagoon
over on Hilton Head Island.

Even though the lagoon looks serene,
it is the habitation of several rather large alligators
and some baby alligators that probably hatched in the spring.

In a little while I will post some more pictures
taken on our bike ride,
but I thought this lovely beach bird should stand alone. (literally)

You regular blog followers have probably guessed by now....
I am a nature lover.
All of the things that God made are intriguing to me.
They speak loudly of His glory in creating and sustaining the earth.

This verse was just brought to my remembrance:
The words of Jesus our Lord to the Pharisees
who had told Him to rebuke His disciples for praising His name
on His Triumphal entry into Jerusalem before He died for us.......

"I tell you, if these (the disciples) were silent, the very stones would cry out."

God's creation never fails to bring glory to His name.

more in a little while...
cc

water baby

Lucy and I went swimming at the pool at our condo today.

It was just the two of us.

Very hot temperatures.

The water felt great.

~

After swimming we both went up and took long naps.

What a fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

~

David is teaching Sunday School to the adults this summer.

We are doing a book by Jeffery Bridges....

"Respectable Sins"

~

If you haven't read it yet.....do.

It is one of the most convicting books I have ever read.

~

an example......the sin of ungodliness.

~

"The sin of ungodliness may be defined as

living one's everyday life

with little or no thought of God,

or of God's will,

or of God's glory,

or of one's dependence on God." (page 54)

~

I've always thought that an ungodly person

was basically a wicked person.

How wrong I was!

~

I love to be taught the truth.

Thank you David & and Mr. Bridges

the Lord's lovingkindnesses never cease

What can I say to my friend who is suffering?
Nothing that comes out of my mouth seems adequate.

My only help in the tragedy of your situation comes from God's word.
I offer this hope to you.
Think about this passage tonight and be at peace.

"Remember my affliction and my wandering,
the wormwood and bitterness.
Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.

This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.
The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Thy faithfulness.
The Lord is my portion says my soul,
Therefore I have hope in Him.
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,
to the person who seeks Him.
It is good that he waits silently for His salvation."
Lamentations 3: 19 - 26

my 1,000th post

I posted my first blog on Friday, June 8, 2007.
It was entitled "heart ~ stopping show."
I wrote about Arlington Cemetary.
We were still living in DC.
My mother was alive.
I still had my cat, "da girl."

My first picture was posted on Friday, December 28, 2007.
We were in Chicago celebrating Christmas with David and Erika.
Harry was a tiny baby and Lucy was barely toddling around.

I have loved this experience.
I have a chronicle of the last three years of my life.
These years that I've written about
have been some of the most challenging of my life.
Hard trials....
but so beneficial to my spiritual growth.

You readers have inspired me to keep writing.
That you read so faithfully amazes me.
I don't know why you keep reading......
but I am thankful that you do.

"Oh give thanks to the Lord for He is good;
His steadfast love endures forever."
Psalm 118:1

if you need me....

I will be down where the ocean meets the sand.
In the morning I am moving to the beach for a couple or three days.

I won't be taking much.
I have a new book
a movie cd
some beach towels
my bose and ipod
a couple of bathing suits
and a beach chair.

I will be camping on the beach
very close to the water.
If you need me, that's where I will be.

Just returned from seeing Toy Story 3.
I went with Lucy and her mom and dad.
The popcorn and cokes were only $1.00 so we did that too.
I didn't cry......
I really like Woody the best!

Live your life to the fullest!
If you love someone, tell them!
Be happy and joyful and give thanks in all circumstances
for this is God's will for you!
c

87 years

I want to call him to make sure he got home alright but.....
I don't want to insult him.
Dad left here in a rainstorm without his seatbelt on.
I prayed that he would make it safely back to Summer Winds.
I think I will leave it at that.

Dad's birthday party went so well.
The food that you saw in the previous post was cooked and raved over.
Lucy and Erika made some delicious cupcakes and
he blew out a lone candle in his honor.
I am so thankful for him.

We are having some massive thunderstorms.
The clouds started gathering at about 3:30, much to my delight.
One storm moves through
and then another
and another after that.
It is still thundering and dark as pitch.
I love, love, love these summer afternoon storms.

Tired.
The bed will feel good.

summer's bountiful harvest

I'm standing over a hot stove cooking....
thanking God for His provision
and the ability to bring all of this together in a wonderful meal for those I love.

More pictures tonight after the birthday party for my dad.
~~~~~brought to you by
cathy "deen"

the crown of old age

Jake took this picture of his everloving grammy.
I thought he did a fine job if I do say so myself.

Five is a very interesting age.
Five is
fearless and fun....
an independent streak,
but still an unquestionable devotion to his people.
"Come on Grammy, Let's jump in the pool."
"Let's go out in the ocean....."
"Come on Grammy," as we hike up the beach.

I wonder sometimes if I will be able
to keep up with these young ones as I grow older.
The good thing is that they keep me
"thinking young"

"Grandchildren are the crown of old age."
Proverbs 17:6

I wear the crown of grandchildren with a humble, thankful heart.

salt air

Salt air flows in the depths of my being.......

I breathe it in daily,

smell it

taste it

was born to it

feel comforted by it.

Living on the coast near the ocean is a necessary part of life for me.

I am thankful that God put me here in this wonderful place.

~

A couple of little fish are in the pictures above.

Jake has completely mastered the underwater world.

Now he just needs to work on his skills.

Eli at least is comfortable in the water....a big step.

~

The time has come for a mid-summer vegetable feast.....

I stopped by the market on the way to the beach and bought fresh

peas

butterbeans

tomatoes

eggplant

cucumbers

and

boiled peanuts. (These have already been gobbled up!)

~

A savory roast and all of these things will be prepared on Monday.

That will be my Dad's 87th birthday.

Can't think of any gift he would rather have.

~

The bounty of the Lord's blessings in my life overflow.

Thank you Lord Jesus!

~

ps torrential rainstorm at Tybee tonight!

my yellow umbrella

It's been a long day.
I swam in the ocean......
swam in the pool......
and
hosted a party for twelve tonight.

It was all good....very good.

Just had to share this picture of Jake
with my yellow umbrella
before I hit the hay.

"Turn to me and be gracious to me,
as is Your way
with those who love Your name.
Keep steady my steps according to Your promise,
and let no iniquity get dominion over me."
psalm 119: 132 & 133

Look at that....
God turns to and is gracious to those who love His name.
I know that truth in my life.
To God be my profound thankfulness.

cathy

"understanding to the simple"

These roses are a deeper pink.
God's handiwork intrigues me....
the colors that He uses on the flowers are so gorgeous,
and every one is different.
A flower never fails to bring glory to it's maker.

The gifts are for Amanda.
We will celebrate her birthday tomorrow if....
we can get them to leave the beach.
The report today was that they were having a glorious time,
staying on the beach and enjoying the water.

Tomorrow Mark and David are playing golf.
I plan to go to the beach early to get in on some of the fun.
They say Jake is swimming like a fish.....
There will be a lot of "watch me grammie."

Notice the song that I posted earlier today.
When I start to worry about our country
I have to remind myself that God is sovereign over all of this.
Whatever happens.....we are His "in Christ."

Ya'll....I love the Psalms. Listen to this:

"Your testimonies are wonderful;
therefore my soul keeps them.
The unfolding of Your word gives light;
It imparts understanding to the simple."

The more we read His word the more light is given to us.
And the best part? Even the simple can understand it.
That gives me much hope, how about you?

goodnight to all.....
cc

In God We Still Trust - Diamond Rio

just a summer afternoon

There is just something wonderful about these long summer evenings.

Nothing special going on....

just sitting in the backyard,

watching the children play,

swatting mosquitoes,

talking about this and that....

just like in the olden days

when after supper

everybody went outside to cool off.

~

Jake took the first picture with my camera.

He took several and everyone was focused and good.

I think we have a budding photographer.

~

Anyway.....

God is so good to us!

~

Sleep tight and don't let the bedbugs bite!

cathy

Charleys ~ the best

Tybee Island is a quirky little beach town.
Tiny bungalows like this are the norm.....
most of them painted in what I call the "Key West" colors.
This one has been made into a restaurant.
It is very small & quaint and reservations are required.
This is where we go to eat crab legs.
Charley really knows how to cook them.

Amanda, Mark, Jake, and Eli are vacationing at the condo this week.
They left here about 4:30 this afternoon headed for the Crab Shack.......
another "must do" Tybee restaurant destination.
Lots of swimming and beach time is planned
with some long afternoon naps and golf for Mark.
Have tons of fun you guys.

I borrow this from David
who borrowed it from M. L. Jones.
This touched my heart
and expressed my longing
for others
to have the unprecedented joy
of knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

"If you were to ask me to give a definition of a Christian,
I should say that he is one who,
since believing in Christ,
feels Himself to be the happiest person in the world,
and longs for everyone else to be equally happy."

cathy

true & lasting freedom

I came across this scene in the Bonaventure Cemetery last week.
A small tribute to a few soldiers.
So many suffered...
too many died,
fighting for the freedoms that we enjoy today.

I say to you on this Independence Day that we are not truly free....
not until we know the truth of God's word.

Yes we live in the USA.
We experience and take for granted
freedoms that other nations only dream of........
but these freedoms are tenuous.
Godless leaders will give them away for the price of a vote.
We cannot assume that we will have our freedom forever.

God says this in John 8:32.......

"If you abide in My word (the Bible),
you are truly my disciples,
and you will know the truth,
and the truth will set you free."

The freedom that comes from being in God's word,
which is absolute truth,
knowing it,
believing it,
and trusting in God's provision in Jesus Christ,
is freedom that can never be taken away.

To know Christ is to be free indeed.

Looking for my babies to come up the driveway in just a little while.
Nothing is better than that!!!!

a touch of spring

Been sitting out on the back porch reading.

Every once in a while,
in the midst of the horrid heat of the summer,
comes a day like today.
The feel of it wraps around your body like a gossamer shawl.....
the gentle touch of spring,
coming back for a short visit.......
a reminder of how it used to be.

Reading about being thankful ~ in everything.
Reading about being joyful in life's toughest circumstances.
Praying for my friends who are going through such difficult times.
Relishing in the beauty of God's creation.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart."
Trust is believing that what God says in His word will happen.

"And lean not on your own understanding."
We can't pick our trials...
God handpicks them for us.
He knows what we need to grow and be complete in Him.

"In all your ways acknowledge Him"
This is the kicker in these verses.....
Bring yourself in complete submission to God's will.
Accept graciously whatever He brings your way.
Give Him the glory that He knows best for you.

"And He will direct your path"
This is what I want...
to go down the path He has for me without grumbling and complaining.

God's way is always best.....
He will see you through with great compassion and love.
He will never leave you or forsake you.
He keeps all of His promises.

the palest pink

Ivory roses with just a hint of the palest pink.

They look lovely in my grandmother's vase.

~

I made my famous broccoli ~ chicken casserole tonight.

Bubba, David, Erika, Lucy and Harry all said it was the best I had ever made.

I don't know about that.....but it was very good.

~

I like to listen to music when I work around the house and when I drive.

I know how to make cd's from my computer.

I usually put about fifteen or sixteen songs on each disk.

Then I proceed to listen to them constantly.

I literally listen until I cannot stand to listen anymore.

~

The songs that I am listening to now will have to go soon.

I'm not there yet but I'm very close.

I am always glad when I can find new music that I like.

Then I can start the process all over again.

~

The only negative from my bloodwork last week was....

I have a very low level of Vitamin D in my system.

I asked what would cause that and the nurse said.....

"You must not be getting enough sunlight."

Easy remedy to that...

I am going to move to the beach for the rest of the summer.

Seems like the perfect solution to me.

~

David told me tonight that I need a new little kitty running around the house.

I think that he is right sometimes but.....

I don't miss the cat hair and the litter box at all.

I have been running some names around in my head though.

I love the name Bella....

we'll just have to see........

~

sometimes I still miss "da girl."

I will see something white on the floor and think it is her.

No other cat could ever replace "my girl."

~

cathy