Monday, December 31, 2012

the measure of a good year.

 
2012 is ebbing away...
we are in her final hours and minutes now.
Looking back,
How do we measure that 2012 was a good year?
 
It has nothing to do with
 how much money you made
or how many trips you took to the far reaches of the earth....
It does have everything to do with your soul.
 
How much time did you spend in God's word?
Are you more like Jesus now?
Have you grown in Him,
in His ways?
What about your treasures?
Are you storing up treasures in heaven?
How many people have you shared the gospel with?
Maybe strangers,
maybe your own flesh and blood.
 
Are you praying more
or too busy to pray?
Are you seeking God more
in His word and in prayer?
He desires our prayers and answers them.
 
Are you committed to your church?
Are you serving there.....
more than at this time last year?
Don't go to church?
Be diligent about finding one that teaches the truth without apology.
We all need to know and hear His word proclaimed every week.
 
What do you think about...
the glories that await us in heaven,
or the never-ending desires of a sinful heart
that can never be satisfied with the "things" that the world offers?
 
First and foremost,
I write this to myself.
It has been a rough year,
filled with the trials of life.
It has also been a "growing" year because of the trials.
 
I hate my sin
and the grip the world has on me.
But I trust in God,
and His word,
and His son Jesus Christ,
and His Spirit,
 to have His way with me....
to mold me and shape me into the person
He wants me to be,
 doing His will and not my own.
 
"But grow in grace and knowledge
of our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. 
To Him be the glory both now and forever."
II Peter 3:18
 
 
 
 

Saturday, December 29, 2012

pretty packages tied up with bows

 
It was a very, merry "Bow" Christmas for me.
I love bows....
if it has a bow on it I am hooked.
Everything is prettier with a bow tied around it.
 
First of all...
I got my cashmere socks.
What a luxury!
 
Up high there is a black tweed purse
with a gro-grain ribbon cascading down the front of it.
There is a long pencil thin black skirt
and two sweaters with black bows on them as well.
 
There is a Vietre' platter
with Santa in the lounging position,
some wonderful scented soap sitting in a beautiful soap dish,
two birds to hang on the wall
and some french vanilla decaf coffee.
 
There is an exquisite gray vase for my pale pink roses
and prints of my favorite pictures from last year.
 
Lastly,
from David & Erika,
6 childrens plates from Pottery Barn Kids...
one for each of my five grandkids
and the sixth one....
that is for the little boy over in China
that they hope to make a part of our family soon.
 
Thank you everyone.
You all know me so well!
You know what I love.
 
Oh that I not forget the most amazing gift ever given....
"Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift."
Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
2 Corinthians 9:15 
 
 
 

Friday, December 28, 2012

"where's my kiss?"

 
Yesterday
we kept Jake and Eli
so that Mark and Amanda could have a little getaway
down at our beach condo.
 
We did chick-fil-a for lunch
and then borrowed Frankie & Sally's
golf cart for a ride to the
playground.
 
It was bitterly cold,
but the boys didn't notice and we all had a fun time.
 
Not getting to see these two very often,
Bubba and I both cherish the time we can spend
alone with them.
 
After dinner,
 we promised a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream.
Note that
 both of the activities we chose
are best carried out in warmer weather.
 
Anyway,
I promised a kiss
to the person in the car who spotted the DQ sign first.
It was really Bubba,
but Eli claimed that he was first...so he won.
I thought when we got out of the van that he would forget about it,
but
he ran over to me and said,
"Where's my kiss?"
I joyfully obliged him with a kiss on the cheek.
 
On the way home,
Jake leaned in and said,
"Grammy I really like you!"
I said,
"Why do you like me so much Jake?"
He said,
"Because of the way you love me."
 
My heart melted, just like wax.
 
In spite of the hard times dealing with my dad in these days,
God sends much grace
with reminders
that I am much loved by these boys.
 
 

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

no time to write at the moment

but plenty of time to thank God
for a most
blessed Christmas
and
the gift of His Son Jesus Christ...
the most precious gift of all.
 

Sunday, December 23, 2012

"glorious impossible"

 
 
I am working and waiting....
getting ready for our Christmas Eve party
tomorrow night
and waiting for my baby boys to get here.
I hear that
Jake & Eli are over the top excited.
 
I am worshipping
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
in my heart tonight as well.
 
We sang this song in church this morning.
I love it so much.
 
See the virgin is delivered
In a cold and crowded stall.
Mirror of the Father's glory
Lies beside her in the straw.
 
He is Mercy's incarnation
Marvel at this miracle!
For the virgin gently holds
the Glorious Impossible.
 
Love has come to walk on water
Turn the water into wine
Touch the leper, bless the children
Love both human and divine.
 
Praise the wisdom of the Father
Who has spoken through His Son.
Speaking still, He calls us to
The Glorious Impossible.
 
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Glorious Impossible.
 
He was bruised for our trangressions
And He bears eternal scars.
He was raised for our salvation
And His righteousness is ours.
 
Praise, oh praise Him, praise the glory
Of this lavish grace so full.
Lift your souls now and receive the
Glorious Impossible.
 
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Glorious Impossible.
by the Gaither Vocal Band
 
Joy to the World the Lord has Come

Thursday, December 20, 2012

decorating.....

the children's tree.
The Pooh oranaments belonged to David.
 
Have you ever noticed that when life is the hardest,
God's mercies and grace come in
super abundance?
 
First of all dad....
He is still in the hospital.
He has developed another infection
and they are keeping him for a few more days.
Very hard stuff...
People who love us have lifted us up
and sustained us during this time.
My heart is full of thanksgiving for all of you who have cared.
 
Bubba had a car accident today...
He is safe....no injuries,
but we lost our second car when we need it the most.
He had just picked up his van
on Tuesday after having the radiator replaced.
That was busted today along with
the front end.
But he wasn't hurt.
God spared him any physical injury.
Talk about God's mercy and grace......
 
Lucy spent the night with us last night.
What a joy she is.
We did some Christmas shopping today
and ended up in Forsyth Park at the playground.
We were there when we got the call
about the wreck.
 
Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, 
because His compassions fail not. 
They are new every morning....
Great is His faithfulness.
Lamentations 3: 22&23
 
This verse is the reason I stand.
 
 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

some more of my loves..

Amanda, Mark, Jake & Eli
at Christmastown ~ Busch Gardens
Williamsburg, VA.
 
I'll see them in five days.
How can I wait that long?
 
Dad still in hospital...
not doing so well.
 
"Behold,
a virgin shall be with child,
and bear a Son,
 and they shall call His name Immanuel,
which is translated,
God with us."
Matthew 1:23
 
"God with Us."
So amazing to think upon tonight as we go to rest.
"God with Us."
 

Monday, December 17, 2012

intense listening...

 
to my reading of Rudolph.
 
Bubba and I
were all ready to walk out the door at 8:00 this morning
when the phone rang.
We were going to Jacksonville to do some
Christmas shopping.
 
It was the nursing home.
"This can't be good,"
I said to myself.
 
Dad had tried to get out of the bed
and fallen on his head again....
they were transporting him
back to the hospital.
 
Been there most of the day.
He stayed...we came home.
 
I don't even know what to pray for right now...
except,
God, may Your will be done,
and,
give us all Your grace, mercy, comfort, and peace.
 
Thank you for praying!
Cathy
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Saturday, December 15, 2012

"the doll nobody wanted"

My grandmother
"Hodie"
made this doll for Amanda
when she was just a little girl.
I think she still looks good.
Look at the features on her face...
vibrant and full of expression.
Lucy and I will be reading this together very soon.
 
So glad that my brother got to leave the hospital a little while ago.
He has been there for almost a week with
pneumonia in both lungs....
very sick,
He had us all worried.
It has been a hard time for loved ones here in Savannah
these last few weeks.
God is merciful to heal and we are thenkful.
 
Just returned from Hilton Head...
spent some time over there with Bubba.
A gray day,
but the ocean is always beautiful,
and restorative.
Ate a little seafood,
did a little shopping too.
I am hoping that I can get my gifts bought next week,
if not it will be too late.....:(
 
Thinking about the power of prayer.
Thankfully,
God never sleeps,
always hears us when we cry out to Him
for mercy & grace.

Friday, December 14, 2012

leaving now.....

 
to go see my dad.
I have not been in two days....
not since I wrote my last post.
 
Bubba has gone faithfully...sometimes twice a day.
I think I can face it now...
whatever I find there.
 
Needless to say...
his sudden memory loss took me by surprise.
His therapists are baffled as well.
 
But....in my mind,
as hard as his head hit the asphalt,
nothing good can come from that.
 
I'll write more after a while...
after I go and see for myself what today has brought.
 
"The glory of young men is their strength,
and the splendor of old men is their gray hair.
Proverbs 20:29
 
*Back home at almost four.
Dad knew who i was...he knew bubba too....
called us both by name.
He is on antibiotics for an infection.
We'll see where this goes in the next few days.
I am thankful he is better.
 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

looking for the "new normal"

 
Things have changed.
It is cold and dark outside.
 
I am struggling to find the
"new normal"
with my dad and his life in the nursing home.
 
He was days before being discharged to go home.
He was walking (unsteadily) on his own.
His mind was sharp (for 89).
I brought him books from the library.
took him to the dollar store,
out to breakfast,
and to his various doctors.
Needless to say,
in the last three years we had grown close.
He could certainly be exasperating,
but we had a comradery.
 
The last time we went out
 he took a terrible fall
onto the pavement of the street.
Now, almost two weeks later, he seems to be declining.
 
The thing I've always enjoyed so much about my dad
is that we could talk
about anything and everything.
The Bible,
the stock market,
politics,
the great-grand children.
 
When I walked in yesterday,
he was sitting in his wheelchair.
He looked at me and said this....
 
"I've forgotten everything."
 
I cried all the way home....
God have mercy.
 
Thankful in all things and praying!
cathy

Saturday, December 8, 2012

for lindsey on her birthday

 
Lindsey is having a birthday today.
We all love her very much.
She is sweet and kind and loving.
she is creative, talented,
and very smart.
She is a speech therapist
working with elderly patients in a nursing home.
Not everyone can do what she does...
she is patient...has to be.
 
This is one of our Christmas Eve manger scenes.
Lindsey is the one with the crown...
an angel I think.
that looks like Robbie in the manger.
Look at that sweet little head.
 
Now I am confused about David and Amanda.
This is the second picture this week
where Amanda has been towering over everybody else in the picture.
David is clearly older, but much shorter.
Just one more mystery...
one more thing to wonder about.
 
Love you so much Linds!!!
Happiest of birthdays ever!
 
 

Friday, December 7, 2012

the goat connection

Tonight is the last night
of the drive through nativity
at Liberty Baptist Church in
 Lanexa, VA.
Such a hit this show is!
People come from miles around.
It is done well!
 
These are three of my best people
 all decked out in their shepherd costumes
ready to play their parts.
 
There are live animals
in this drive through nativity scene....
Goats!!!!
 
On the first night,
Jake and Eli got to be the keepers of the goats.
Little Eli kept his vigil for the whole time,
patiently feeding his goat hay
and keeping him calm.
 
Jake,
on the other hand,
only lasted for an hour tending to his goat,
opting to go inside and watch a video.
 
At the end on the first night,
Eli was rewarded
with leading his goat to the pen
where it would spend the night.
 
Jake, I am told had a
"complete hissy fit,"
because the person who took his place
got to do the bedding down of the goat honors.
 
Moral of the story...
"Finish your job well and you will be rewarded."
 
The picture above was the second night.
Look at the faces.
Eli is disturbed
having to waste time taking a picture
before he can get out to his goat.
 
Jake seems resolved
to patiently stand by his goat for the whole show
so that he too can get to
put his goat to bed.
 
Love you guys so much!!!
 
I write
so that I can look back in the years ahead
and remember
funny things that happened. 
If I didn't write them down
they would be
forgotten.
 
 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

lucy turns seven


Where have the years gone?
So glad that God blessed us with this child.
 
We had a quiet birthday
here at the house.
She asked for a chicken~broccoli casserole.
It was delicious.
 
This was the year that grammy gave her
a sewing kit...
She loves to sew and now she has her very own pink pin cushion
and a lady-bug basket
in which she can keep all of her supplies.
 
she is a joy...
a blessing,
a sweet spirit.
 
She is taking tennis lessons too...
went to play with her dad today.
 
We had lunch at Leopolds
and we ate ice cream for lunch & dinner.
 
The last picture is Lucy and her doll Molly
 in their matching
American Girl pajamas.
Can' wait to spend the night with them!
 
Happy Birthday Lucy!!!!
Love,
love,
love you!
 
ps...dad is out of the hospital and back at Tara
to start all over again with his rehab.
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

stirrings

 
Last week
I went into one of the artist supply stores
in downtown Savannah.
They abound on every corner
because of the SCAD presence here.
I was looking for a pen for Harry...
one pen and with a click there are eight different colors of ink.
I had bought one for Lucy when we went to
The Nutcracker,
and well, Harry loved it and you already know the rest of the story.
(I think he has lost it)
 
Anyway,
when I walked into the store
there were stirrings in my heart,
brought on by the amazing amount of things to be creative with.
I have real longings in my heart
to create beauty.
 
This is what I think...
When I get to heaven, I will be able to be creative unimpeded.
Oh I long for that day.
 
I want to teach and draw and paint and write...
all of the things that make me happy now,
but without sin to hold me back.....
Fully able to praise and sing and dance to the joy of the Lord.
 
If you are a believer, the same is true for you.
Whatever you love in your heart will be what you will be doing in heaven.
I can't wait.
 
Life is hard, but these trials are temporary.
One day all will be perfect...
no more sin, sickness, and death.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
 
Read Randy Alcorn's book "Heaven."
 
 
 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

this is amanda

leading the children's musical at
Liberty Baptist Church in
Lanex, Virginia.
 
Do you know how much I would have loved to be there?
Jake was playing the part of LEON,
NOEL spelled backward,
and I heard he did a wonderful job
and brought much glory to God along with
 the other children.
 
I don't see Jake & Eli,
but I know they are in the picture somewhere.
 
I keep making mistakes with everything I do
so I guess I better get to bed.
 
I think everyone who knows me has been in touch about my dad.
Thank you for caring and for letting me know.
Witnessing his accident
and all that followed
has shaken me up pretty badly.
Your kind words of love and encouragement have helped immensely.
Thank you,
cathy
 
 

Saturday, December 1, 2012

coming home

 
We were going out to eat.
He found out that Papa's restaurant serves
home made bananna pudding every day.
Daddy choses that for lunch every time I take him out.
 
The front innards of my car are dragging.
We have not had time to get it fixed yet.
Turning causes metal to scrape asphalt producing
a sound like I've never heard before.
We were talking about that.
 
Before I knew anything,
Dad was getting out of the car
and heading for the door....
hungry and ready for his pudding.
I got to him just before he fell.
 
I heard his head hit the ground and saw that he was not moving.
I called to him and got no response.
He was bleeding profusely from the head.
 
That's when they started coming...
the angels,
They just surrounded us and took over.
Someone brought me a chair to sit down.
I was shaking.
 
One of the angels told me to start talking to my dad
and that is when he started coming around.
The ambulance came,
and the next thing I knew,
I was following it to the hospital.
He was sitting up & coherent.
 
When I walked into my home last night
I was overcome with a sense of peace and thankfulness.
Bubba and I ate a sandwhich
and talked for a long time
about the angels and the Lord God,
and how He works in our life.
 
Dad spent the night in the hospital.
We will see what today brings.
I know for sure who will order it and see us through.
 
"For God will give His angels charge over you
to guard you in all of your ways."
Psalm 91:11

Friday, November 30, 2012

lethal mail

 
My sister Teri was staying in the guest room.
The lady next door was moving.
 
One day
a large, flexible, green
trash bin appeared in her driveway.
It started out empty
and every morning
treasures would appear overnight.
 
Being naturally curious,
and having the mindset of finding
"something wonderful for nothing,"
early mornings
would find us examining the contents of said bin.
 
And yes....
there were treasures to be found.
 
Teri's long time heart's desire was right there in the bin....
An almost unused,
 very expensive set of bar-b-que utensils.
"I've never seen a set with such a sharp knife," she said.
 
The rest of the story ends yesterday.
It took Bubba a long time to find a box,
pack the treasures,
and send them on their way across the country
to the front porch of the Crosby home.
 
Teri and Anna drove up to their house.
They excitedly noted
a package on the front stoop.
Packages on the front stoop always elicit great joy.
The anticipation......
"what could it be?"
 
This one, however,
had an extremely large and menacing knife blade
 sticking out of the top.
 
Anna's first words were,
"Mom, it looks like a machete."
 
Bubba had mailed the package last week.
He told me to tell her it was on the way.
I forgot.
They had no idea that the long awaited utensils were on their way.
 
Questions....
At what point in the mail process did the knife break through the box?
Was it somewhere over Kansas maybe?
Did no one think
to gently push it back in
and close the hole with a piece of tape?
Really???
 
Always something to write about.
Life is funny and deserves to be told!
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

let's see if this works...

 
Yea....the blog is back working again!
Sadly,
I am too tired to write tonight.
but,
I will tell this little tidbit of news.
 
Lucy lost her other top front tooth today.
Granddaddy
had the honor of pulling it out this afternoon.
You know what that means....
the tooth fairy will be coming tonight.
Can't wait to see what she brings.
 
I will say this too...
I am so honored to be Lucy's grammy.
She is a very special little girl.
 
....at the ice cream shop
before
the Nutcracker on Saturday.

Monday, November 26, 2012

the problem is solved

After seven years and almost two thousand blogs and countless pictures
my blog filled completely up.

I used all of the gig that they had alloted me.
I had to purchase more gig which I just did.
Hopefully by tomorrow I can write again.
Thanks for waiting for me!
cathy

Saturday, November 24, 2012

so...

I just went to write my blog for tonight.
It was going to be a good one too..ha ha.
A big blurb came on and said...
Oops, you are out of gig room.
My gig is full.

I have no idea what that means,
but my blog writing may be over.
Just thought I would let you know.

I will try to work through this with my computer man.
What I need is more gig...
just don't know how to get more gig.

Friday, November 23, 2012

"this one was born in zion"

 
A couple of days ago,
while reading Psalm eighty seven,
I came across the phrase
quoted above.
 
It sent me crashing back to the 1980's
when Wayne Watson
recorded a song with that title.
I loved that song
but I don't think I realized it's impact.
 
I searched for and found the song on the internet
and have listened to it over and over.
 
"This one was born in Zion
make no mistake,
this one is mine.
This one was born in Zion...
this one will never,
this one will never,
this one will never die."
 
Oh my, what a promise.
 
"Zion is the place of God's presence.
Zion is the place of God's power and blessing and protection.
Zion is the hope of God's future rule over the earth."
john piper
 
Born to never die.
Name written in the book of life.
 
"This one was born in Zion."
"Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me."
"This one will never die."
 
(thanks Sarah A for letting me use your picture)
 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving!

 
Let us reflect today and remember
who we are in Christ...
where we came from and where we are headed.
 
While we are on this journey of life
let us always remember to be
thankful
for what He has done,
that He made us and sustains us,
provided salvation,
and has prepared for us a home in heaven
with Him for eternity.
 
Not to take lightly this freedom we have....
for it may soon be gone.
 
Praying for all who read that you may know the joy of
life in Christ.
 
Love,
cathy

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

it's almost that time

 
Pumpkin pie and orange leaves
candleglow
a chilly breeze.
 
Old and young
we gather together
bundled up against the weather.
 
Turkey and dressing
butter crisp rolls
a fire in the fireplace
a smell to the nose.
 
Remember last year and all the years past
we come together and have a blast.
 
Men on the outside
gathered around
a large vat of grease in which turkeys abound.
 
Laughter and busyness
girls in the kitchen
Preparing the dishes
Who's saying the blessing?
 
Coffee and dessert
did you save any room?
Come on it's Thanksgiving I think I'll have two.
 
Clean up the kitchen?
I think that can wait.
Just want to sit on the sofa and satiate.
 
Thanksgiving I love you!
 
Ha ha...my feeble attempt at a Thanksgiving poem!!!!