The Truth About Samson

Samson, Alabama, population 2000. The shocking carnage created by a lunatic with a grudge and a gun has put Samson in the national headlines. Samson is LouLou’s home and I know the place well.

Farm land, pecan trees, broad front porches, pick-up trucks, John Deere tractors, two stoplights. Mama Frankie’s (my great-grandmother) grand home is now occupied by cousins. I’m so happy they care for the grand-old-lady of a house. I know the good hiding places within those walls; there are lots of nooks where small children fit.

Daddy Dykes (my grandfather) owned the hardware store on Main St. A dim place with the smell of nails and tools and dusty hardwood floors. There used to be a glass case by the cash register with penny candy in it. Fireballs, bubble gum, sixlets, jawbreakers and peanut logs. I could pack a lot of delight into a little brown paper bag.

LouLou’s house was walking distance to her church. She moved just 5 years ago – she walked to church until she was about 97. My mom & dad married in this little church. LouLou helped restore the bell and have it mounted in the church’s front yard. Whenever we came to visit she would take us to ring the bell. Sundays, weddings and LouLou’s grandchildren’s arrival were heralded by the resonant ringing. (Photo circa 1986)LouLou’s brother was a major peanut grower and now his son holds the reins of the many farm enterprises. Our oldest child carries the Brooks name as it means love and family to us.

Traveler’s Rest is the cemetery where many stories have been recounted beside the monuments of those who’ve gone before us. My daddy’s marker is there. And I suppose one day I’ll rest there too.

All of these memories were made on Main Street, Samson, Alabama. I am compelled to
“Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” ~Romans 12:9

So now you know some good about Samson.

It's All in the Name

Laughter, hugs, fun, encouragement, acceptance, stories without end, silly songs, unconditional love, a listening ear, advice, excursions, guidance, faith, prayers, a safe place, provision, blessing.

That's what I want to be for this little girl ... just for starters. As you know, I will become a grandmother this summer. What will this little gift in the body of a child call me?

I don't really want to be called Grandma, Memaw or Granny. (All are active in our family.) I called one of my grandmothers "Grandmother" and it was too formal. "Nanna" is already claimed by the other grandmother-to-be. When I was a child, I called LouLou "MuLou", my pronounciation of Mother Louise. She's been a perfect grandmother. This is one of my favorite photos with her. I'm the little blondie in footsie pajamas.

So you, my dear blog buddies are being called upon to help with this important decision that will affect the generations that follow. Really - I need your input. Here's my short list. Write-in votes are appreciated.

1. Lovey


2. Mimi


3. Bebe


4. Grandie (the problem with this one is a child will probably say Granny!)


5. Write in - leave in the comments!

Fit for a King

“Hallelujah” is the only word I know that is the same in every language. Last week I heard a speaker say it means “the highest praise”. I went on the hunt in study because I thought it translated as “Praise the Lord”. What I discovered is that it does mean “Praise Yahweh”. I can see why it can be called the highest praise for several reasons.

1) In Revelation 19, there is a sound of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters thundering “Hallelujah”. I can only imagine the sound. Wow. It’s a victory celebration. There’s great comfort in reading the last chapter of The Book for assurance that everything’s going to turn out more than alright.

2) Unity is a glorious thing. I recall attending an international Aglow convention where women from more than 100 nations were in attendance. The language barrier often kept us from sharing more than a “Hallelujah” and a smile. But it was enough. We were able to connect. Hallelujah in that context spoke unity and love.

3) The Hallelujah Chorus in Handel’s Messiah is a stunning musical masterpiece. In many parts of the world, it is the accepted practice for the audience to stand for this section of the performance. Interesting Fact: Tradition has it that King George II rose to his feet at this point. As the first notes of the triumphant Hallelujah Chorus rang out, the king rose. Royal protocol has always demanded that whenever the monarch stands, so does everyone in the monarch's presence. As was and is the custom, one stands in the presence of royalty as a sign of respect. The Hallelujah chorus clearly places Christ as the King of Kings.

I leave you to a happier Monday now. If you say it out loud, it becomes a A NEW Hallelujah! Micahel W. Smith has it going on too… over HERE.

Someone's in the Kitchen Making Chicken Parmesan

It was our beautiful daughter-in-love’s birthday this week and she and our son came over for a fun evening. She requested Chicken Parmesan and it was a hit, so here’s the recipe.

I have a question that maybe you can help with. How are you supposed to serve it? I just put the separate dishes on the table with pasta, sauce and the baking dish with chicken and everyone served their own. I guess you could fix each plate before setting it on the table. Any other suggestions?

Parmesan Crusted Chicken
2 large eggs
1 cup dried plain-style bread crumbs
2 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
3/4 cups freshly grated Parmesan-
4boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Sliced Mozarella cheese

Whisk the eggs in a pie plate to blend. Mix the bread crumbs, garlic powder, and Italian seasonings in another pie plate. Place the cheese in a third pie plate. Sprinkle the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Coat the chicken completely with the cheese, patting to adhere, then dip into the eggs. Coat completely with the bread crumbs, patting to adhere. Add to greased 9×13 pan.

Bake at 375 for 35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and crispy. (I cooked it for an hour and added the mozzarella for the last 10 minutes until it was melted & lightly brown) Serve with angel hair pasta and pasta sauce. (I used Prego brand).

I have gotten some great ideas and recipes fom Saturday Stirrings over at Carol's so go visit her for kitchen inspiration!

Paying It Forward- We have a Winner!!

Sara, Come on Down! Sara won the Pay It Forward drawing and will be receiving a $10 Starbucks Gift Card. Thank you all for playing! I used Random.org to determine the winner.

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
2
Timestamp: 2009-03-13 19:26:38 UTC

I got my CD in the mail this week and that was a bright spot in my day. Thanks, Linda!

The Lord bless you and keep you: The Lord makes his face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you:The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Everyday Epiphanies- Week 3

A newly married son of a very good friend was just deployed a month ago to Afghanistan. I’ve been hearing first-hand stories about the conditions over there and it’s humbling to think about in light of what I consider “rough”.

Everyday Epiphanies is causing me to push out of my comfort zone in acts of kindness. Expressing my thanks and support to our troops (especially the ones who don’t get much mail) is always very worthwhile.

If you've never done this before and want to know how, the best website for starters is http://www.anysoldier.com/index.cfm

I’ve put together my own boxes in the past with socks, wetwipes, hand sanitizer, etc. In the food packages, I’ve done Gator-Aid mix, Kool-aid packs, cookies, candy and gum.
You can get free boxes at the post office since Flat Rate postal is a good deal if you pack them totally full. Don’t mix food items with non-food items. This week, when researching this, I saw a request for magazines. I have a collection of my huband's outdoor magazines that he hates to just throw away and I’m filling up the largest flat rate box with for the cost of $10.95 to ship.On the home-front, I’m continuing my mission to send hand-written cards and notes on a daily basis. I discovered Target now has a greeting card section with cards that are .99 or less. They’re actually decent cards and I am finding they are helping me accomplish my mission.

Have you had any experiences with Everyday Epiphanies that you’ve shared on your blog? Any ideas or suggestions? Then link on up below, or leave a comment.

Prussian Crackers

I hear voices calling me to a castle in Germany. And I call back, “send me a plane ticket and I’ll be right there!”

I got an email this past weekend from a dear cousin who has done extensive genealogical research for my mother’s side of the family. I’m glad he’s the detective as the research involved makes me tired just thinking about it.

He extended an invitation to join him in Germany this summer for a celebration of our ancestry. Picturing my relatives in a castle in the German countryside makes me want to schedule a visit. Too bad they’re all dead. Apparently, I have an ancestor named Arthur Franz von Bardeleben who was sent to America just prior to the Revolutionary War around 1773 in the von Ditfurth Regiment and stayed in America. This part of my mom’s family lives in Alabama as the DeBardelebens. I’m sure there are lots of fascinating tales of what took place in the migration from Germany to Alabama.Another line of the family came by way of Holland. This history lesson got me thinking about the untold stories that we can’t even imagine in each family lineage. I’ve noticed the skeletons in our closets become less embarrassing as the skeletons age. Just a pile of bones with a story.

I ‘m also reminded that each of us is a unique little melting pot. We should be ready to embrace every nation, creed and color because as Americans, it’s a reality that there’s a little of the whole world in most of us.

I want to write down the things I remember; the stories told by my great-grandmother and my great great aunts. Keeping history alive is a responsibility, really. I think I’ll start a history series on my blog called “The Cracker Chronicles” (in honor of the many Florida crackers in the mix). My aristocratic relatives would love that, don’t ya think?