Friday, September 18, 2026

FANTASTIC FRIDAY!

Together Again....2026 is a great start for this fabulous but emotional Friday! 
We had not visited since October 7, 2025 and were looking forward to being with them again!
Even a sign on the road seemed appropriate for a visit the Heinzes!
Going 64 E towards Highlands after Franklin, NC we could follow our noses so to speak and enjoy the ride. Left on Walnut Ridge and up the narrow road a bit, we began looking for Lick Skillet Road for a good old laugh. Familiarity with roadways and jeep rides has a way to welcome all who have ever visited the Henize family,

Past the wooden cross and row of black mailboxes we turned right to head up Glennview Lane! Of course, passing the Garage Mahall had both of us and every one who has ever stayed there with a sweet memory and a catch in their throat. Think T-Cups!
Our granddaughter Lucy even zip-lined down to it from their house!

They were waiting on the front porch for us! After meeting their son Scott for the first time, we moved from swinging on the wooden porch swing we pulled up the wicker chairs for easy sitting and lots of chatting!
Before working in the insurance business, LEL, was a pastor and his life, as well as hers, was filled with serving others. 
They still have beautiful!stained glass windows in their home, plus books on on most every table. Margie just finished The Calamity Club and is trying to get hime to read it now!
A current story he shared was about their three kids, who remain closely connected. Karen (70), Bud (68), and Scott, aka Scottie, (65), all retired within one year of each other! His face glowed as he told the story! He winked as he said it was a way to have one of them with them every time they came back to the mountains lately! Now they even cook for them and drive them around!
Larry admitted that he would be 90 in October so he no longer was driving! Margie quickly interjected, "I am only 95 and won't be 96 until November! I can drive if needed!" (???) a

WORDS don't do justice for the time spent with these special friends!

As always, she rings the bell as we leave! Traditions have a way of remaining regardless of age! He might have waited on the porch but pastor Henize, Uncle Larry, aka Lawrence Eugene never misses a chance to say"Good Job" as a way to encourage his Muzzie!
A fantastic Friday like no other!






Thursday, September 17, 2026

SAVOR MOMENTS!

Heading into Jimmy's Produce, I was welcomed by Purple Alamanda.......
......and a chat with the clerk who always welcomes me with kindness.
For age-related folks who have reached "80" kindness counts big time, especially when mixed with patience!

Thank you LORD for all the moments you use to encourage me through others. 

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

GRATEFUL!

GRATEFUL!
What a beautiful word!!
A word to be worn by every Christian! 
In everything, give thanks....(1 Thessalonians 5:18)
It is God's will.
How grateful I am to have family who make that an easy adjective to add to one's day! 
From floral bouquet to YUMMY food it was the "BEST YET" as Jack says!


A big thanks to BB and Poppy for a home-cooked birthday lunch extraordinaire! (w/ a go-box of ham, home-grown tomatoes & a fave lemon-blueberry pound cake)
Much obliged as Daddy would say!

Monday, September 14, 2026

BEST DAY EVER!

BEST DAY EVER chanted Jack as he jumped up and down on the bubble wrap! 
The first time I heard the LOUD POP, I thought someone had fired a gun at our house! 

Then, the BIG surprise--- my daughter came in with a bouquet of flowers mixed with cards from every family member I've ever had along with hometown chums, Memphis church friends and even a few PiPhi sisters. Her goal was 80 cards for my 80th......and then some!


Oh Happy Day! (Romans 12:10)


Sunday, September 13, 2026

SURPRISE! SURPRISE!! SURPRISE!!!

EARLY AM CALL FROM NY!
SINGING FROM NORTH CAROLINA!!!
BBC TV  from our 3 kids

A work of art from cedar wood our FL artist who, with his wife, sits on the back pew w/us at FBC here in Bryson........
...& cards, texts and emails from family & friends that blessed my heart!

Grandparent's DAY Prayer was a special boost---9 times over!
I heard from each one of them via a BIG BritBox surprise subscription!

Saturday, September 12, 2026

FRIDAY NIGHT FUN!

LOVE AND UNITY = FAB FAMILY, GOOD FOOD, A HEALING BOO-BOO & an unrevealed surprise!
A place filled with many fun memories of laughter and yummy food!
An old pic from back in the day!

Still not open in April 5, 2026. Glad we kept trying!
Jarrett House employees tried to find help for my "boo-boo" from their first aid kit but they accepted my rolled up sock of ice without criticism.
Grandboys rocking w/ Grandmother as their mom, who is a real photographer, took the pic! 
Love and respect are a part of married life, regardless of the number of years. (Ephesians 5:33)

RESULT---a good time was had by all 6 of us from age 8 to almost 80!

Friday, September 11, 2026

BURN DAY!

A somewhat foggy beginning to our day.....
turned into a burn day!

But...it was much more than that! Think analogous of true friendship in both neighboring and faith!
Note 2 people seen through the bottom left window pain. AKA friends!
Together making way for a clearer mountain view and some wildflower planting.

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

LISTEN FOR GOD'S VOICE!

In my noisy world today, with text dings, doc appointments' portal emails and loud music when on hold for a credit card company investigating a hack, it's difficult for me to hear anything without fear & confusion.

But God has a voice---I just need to listen. 

Then, I heard a train a-comin'---it was a subtle nudge to remind me of quieter times. Times past. My childhood home had a on S.  Virginia St. just past Dixon's grocery. Even trips to Mama Davenport's 2nd St. in Clarksville past Ft. Campbell, KY had a RR crossing down the hill to be heard from her front porch! Memphis college dorm and Central Avenue rental both provided train a'comin' toots and clackity-clacks to urge us to run across Southern for a class or wait patiently in car 

Even today's extra loud GSMR.... 


....took me back to those sweet Polar Express rides with my two youngest grands.

Those noises are so rich with memories I can still be surrounded by an inner quiet/stillness which allows ears to hear as I continue to listen for God's still small voice. Think internal prompt from the Holy Spirit.

Being still ---still listening. 


Monday, September 7, 2026

GOD'S UNFAILING LOVE!

When I open my computer, my eyes receive a needed boost!
If it's an early AM opening it's a double boost..............
......I'll take it! 
A foundational prayer of love and trust!

Saturday, September 5, 2026

SATURDAY SMILES!

God created plant life. God said and it was so.
God saw that it was good. (Genesis 1:11)
Daily, I too, see that it is good.
GOD uses the beauty of creation to show His love for us.
Friends and neighbors use it to bless our hearts more than once.

Even if the card is signed with dog, Emme's name.
Lovely flowers are the smiles of God's goodness. (William Wilberforce)
Well said, Mr. Wilberforce. 
I concur..... with a smile!