How Great Thou Art

Last Sunday after church, I went on my regular jaunt to Alabama to see Lou Lou. My new daughter-in-love had never met her and had the opportunity to go so Uncommon Blonde, daughter-in-love and I were off through the woods. LouLou was so happy to see us and called to everyone that went by, wanting to introduce us. I got so tickled as she would say, “These are my granddaughters. They are lovely and charming and educated.”

At 102, she gets frustrated that she can’t remember our names, but I tell her that’s all right, because we know she loves us. She can remember the words to an endless number of hymns though, as well as her favorite poems. Her favorite hymn is “How Great Thou Art.”

I am sharing this memory borrowed from my cousin Katelyn’s June blog post. The impact LuLu’s life has had (and continues to have) on our very large extended family is profound.

Katelyn writes: “Growing up, the entire family spent our summers at Lou Lou's "Beach House" which was really on the bay. She has always had a love for the water. In fact I believe she taught my mom and her sisters how to swim. Lou Lou was her happiest when everyone was together.

After Lou Lou sold the Beach House (about 15 years ago), the beach trips were moved to our beach house during the month of October. Lou Lou, Uncle Brother, my grandmother Barbara and her twin sister Bettye would spend the entire month together at the beach. Day in and day out, Lou Lou would walk outside during sunset and sing How Great Thou Art. Loud. Arms raised to heaven. I can see her now. She is the definition of a woman of God... having her still here with us only adds strength to my belief that God is good.”

My soul sings today! Shalom.

Love, Laughter and Peppermint Mocha

One of my favorite ways to spend a day is shopping with my daughters. Now I have 3 daughters! We have so much fun. They are always glad to dispense fashion advice and prevent me from buying things that shouldn't be in my closet. One of our shopping stops today was Destin Commons. The Christmas decorations there are awesome.

I had read on someone's blog that the Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Twist is awesome. Oh, yes indeed it is.

We do my mom's shopping for her, so we go and buy her gifts as well as those we give each other and and then pretend like we don't know what we're getting. The funny reality is that in the busy month that passes before we open the packages under the tree, we really do forget half of what we chose. Granted, it cuts down on the surprise factor, but it also eliminates disappointment as well as the hassle of returns and exchanges.

The bargains abounded and I am so happy to be home in the recliner. 'Tis the season! Merriness to you.

7 Quick Takes – Vol. 2

I like Friday Quick Takes over at Conversion Diaries. It works for me today!

1. Thanksgiving was special and wonderful. We always watch a Christmas movie on Thanksgiving night. This year it was “Elf”. Yeah, I’ve seen it at least 8 times and I laugh harder every time. I don’t know how it gets funnier every time. (Have I mentioned before that I’m easily entertained?)

2. Today we deck the halls. FuN! So much more fun with everyone home to help.

3. I have almost made it through the NaBloPoMo! I have posted every day in November – Woo Hoo!

4. I still haven’t decided whether Christmas Cards are going to make the budget cut. I really want to send them – we have a terrific photo from our son’s wedding this year. I think it’s too special to pass up. After all, I haven’t travelled in my private jet once this year to save on fuel. (Sorry, I’m still thinking of the automakers’ summit in Washington.)

5. My girls got up at 4:30 to go to Target this morning for big savings. It’s 7:30 (AM!)- they are back from shopping and they scored! Builderman was also out the door before dawn to hunt. I have been drinking coffee in peace. : )

6. We shop together tomorrow for our deals. My proven plan is if you go early (like 8 AM - not 5 AM), you beat all the people who have shopping hangovers from Friday and still hit all the sales. I’m counting on getting most of my shopping finished, though I haven't even started. You see why I'm called Pollyanna?

7. Please leave a comment with 5 adjectives to tell me about you. (You can cheat and use just one noun.) I would love to get to know you. Here’s mine:
Energetic
Warm
Musical
Expressive
Happy

Your turn!

Abe Started It!

On October 3, 1863, an Act of Congress designated an annual National Day of Thanksgiving as proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln:

"I do, therefore, invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States… to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the heavens…it is announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord…It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people."

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise, Be thankful to Him,and bless His Holy name. Psalm 100:4

Works For Me – Music to Go

I have wanted to participate in Work for Me Wednesday for a good while. This is the day!

Have you always wanted to be able to play a musical instrument and just don’t know how? I’ve got the instrument for you.

I love music. As I’ve stated before, I breathe music.

My dad was a musician and when we started kindergarten, it was time for us to begin to learn an instrument. I chose the piano and took formal lessons for 13 years. The problem with the piano is it’s not mobile. I taught children’s church for years and always enjoyed the music portion, but found that when I sat down behind the piano, I lost their attention. So I began the search for an instrument that was mobile and could be learned easily.

I am on now on my second OmniChord and it is so much fun. (I wore the first one out.) Children and adults alike are fascinated by it. I describe it as an electronic autoharp. I currently use it when I go see my sweet grandmother.

My best friend did not ever learn any instrument but really loved my omnichord . I used it to lead praise and worship in a small group Bible Study we did at her house. She bought one and learned to play it!

This instrument is not expensive and I think you might possibly love it as much as I do. Let me know if you have any questions about it. Be blessed!

Who Needs Pockets?

I figured you're busy making lists and thinking hard about those lists. Here's your daily dose of laughter so you can lighten up. 100% silliness:

I'm Booked!

Most of us are feeling pretty booked about now, which brings to mind the Grinch declaring "6 o'clock, dinner with myself - I can't cancel that!" "I'm booked!" takes on a new meaning this holiday season because of Linda.

Mocha with Linda is hosting a "Booked for the Holidays" give-away that is awesome. Thanks, Linda for the book I've already won! You can click here to get it on the week 2 give-away. Sign-up ends Weds. at noon. But this is just week 2 so there's more fun ahead.

Her site also got me thinking about what a great gift a book is... for almost anyone. It becomes a personal and relatively inexpensive gift when carefully selected with the recipient in mind.

Get booked in the peaceful way this year.