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Clarissa
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I know, I know…most of you reading this title just had a good laugh – Me, A Rebel? Yeah, Right! It’s really true!
I am the proud new owner of a Canon Digital Rebel Xsi Camera! Now I can use my telephoto and wide angle lens left over from the era of film (it sounds so long ago!) and, hopefully, take the photography of Clarissa’s Corner to whole new level! Doesn’t it sound exciting!
Since it’s all so new to me, kind of like a “whole new world”, I went on a photo shoot around our yard and garden this morning! I have so much to learn about this endeavor but I am an eager student! So I just had to share this “first” few pictures with you all.
Joy 2 u …“C”
I am the proud new owner of a Canon Digital Rebel Xsi Camera! Now I can use my telephoto and wide angle lens left over from the era of film (it sounds so long ago!) and, hopefully, take the photography of Clarissa’s Corner to whole new level! Doesn’t it sound exciting!
Since it’s all so new to me, kind of like a “whole new world”, I went on a photo shoot around our yard and garden this morning! I have so much to learn about this endeavor but I am an eager student! So I just had to share this “first” few pictures with you all.
Joy 2 u …“C”
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Clarissa
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Last week, I did something I’ve not done in many years!
I remember picking blackberries when I was a young girl but evidently there was a lot of the experience that I forgot. I remember the plump juicy berries ripe for the picking – covered in cream and sugar or made into hot sweet blackberry dumplings. Simply delicious! I forgot the briars and thickets and chiggers and snakes and…..
So, when my friend, Teresa, invited me to go blackberry picking with her, I readily agreed. In fact, Dad and Jeanette came along for the adventure and what an adventure it was.
We hoped on the truck tailgate and off to the blackberry patch we went. When I say patch, I really should probably say, field because this was one huge tract of blackberries. Teresa’s mom, Carol, was our tour guide and showed us girls where the ripe (semi-accessible) berries were. Dad, being a guy, took off threw the middle of the briars looking for those evasive-extra-plump hard-to-get-to berries (come to find out – others before him had the same idea!)
As we were picking, the dogs kept us company for which I was thankful. You just never know what is in the briar thicket with you. But I was totally amazed to see them eating the blackberries themselves, right off the vine. Here I couldn’t even take a step without getting a long briar vine stuck in my hair or some part of my anatomy and the dogs were just sticking their heads in the brush and eating away (the good, plump, juicy ones!)
Speaking of things being in the thicket, everytime I stuck my hand in the bush for a really plump berry, I was very nervous, expecting a hiss or a rattle. How come all the best ones are just out of reach? I didn't realize that June Bugs also love blackberries...I don't know how many times I nearly jumped out of my skin when the June Bugs took off right by me! I even ended up with some in my pail and I had to find a big stick to get them out!! (It was quite laughable....afterwards!)
After an hour or so of trapaising around the patch, we finally had had enough. All together the three of us had picked almost a gallon and a half of berries. But we were so tired, scratched, bleeding, itching, and still getting stuck by the briars in our clothes. We felt like we had been rung through the wringer. Maybe I’m not as much of a country girl as I think I am!
I have come to one conclusion: Blackberries are worth their weight in gold. But, oh the satisfaction, of sitting down in a nice comfy chair in a nice cool house eating your own hand-picked blackberries covered in cream and sugar. Mighty tasty!
Joy 2 u ….“C”
I remember picking blackberries when I was a young girl but evidently there was a lot of the experience that I forgot. I remember the plump juicy berries ripe for the picking – covered in cream and sugar or made into hot sweet blackberry dumplings. Simply delicious! I forgot the briars and thickets and chiggers and snakes and…..
So, when my friend, Teresa, invited me to go blackberry picking with her, I readily agreed. In fact, Dad and Jeanette came along for the adventure and what an adventure it was.
We hoped on the truck tailgate and off to the blackberry patch we went. When I say patch, I really should probably say, field because this was one huge tract of blackberries. Teresa’s mom, Carol, was our tour guide and showed us girls where the ripe (semi-accessible) berries were. Dad, being a guy, took off threw the middle of the briars looking for those evasive-extra-plump hard-to-get-to berries (come to find out – others before him had the same idea!)
As we were picking, the dogs kept us company for which I was thankful. You just never know what is in the briar thicket with you. But I was totally amazed to see them eating the blackberries themselves, right off the vine. Here I couldn’t even take a step without getting a long briar vine stuck in my hair or some part of my anatomy and the dogs were just sticking their heads in the brush and eating away (the good, plump, juicy ones!)
Speaking of things being in the thicket, everytime I stuck my hand in the bush for a really plump berry, I was very nervous, expecting a hiss or a rattle. How come all the best ones are just out of reach? I didn't realize that June Bugs also love blackberries...I don't know how many times I nearly jumped out of my skin when the June Bugs took off right by me! I even ended up with some in my pail and I had to find a big stick to get them out!! (It was quite laughable....afterwards!)
After an hour or so of trapaising around the patch, we finally had had enough. All together the three of us had picked almost a gallon and a half of berries. But we were so tired, scratched, bleeding, itching, and still getting stuck by the briars in our clothes. We felt like we had been rung through the wringer. Maybe I’m not as much of a country girl as I think I am!
I have come to one conclusion: Blackberries are worth their weight in gold. But, oh the satisfaction, of sitting down in a nice comfy chair in a nice cool house eating your own hand-picked blackberries covered in cream and sugar. Mighty tasty!
Joy 2 u ….“C”
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Clarissa
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Have you ever just seen something that just “clicked” with you and thought “WOW! That is just the coolest!” It has happened to me.
Last weekend, at our auction, we sold a 1965 Plymouth Valiant Convertible. As soon as I saw it, my imagination went into overdrive. I could just see it – fire engine red, cream convertible top folded back, shiny silver trim, a long flowing scarf around my neck, just cruising down the highway! Yeah, Baby!
The reality is the car was in need of some work. Okay, I will be honest, “some work” is probably the understatement of the year but the potential was there! With some body work, a good paint job, new grill, headlight, the convertible awning (is that what it is even called?), a motor and other essential parts, this car could be a beauty, a collectible. The other reality is that I could just see my family’s face when I came home dragging (or towing) a heap of junk..priceless! (But wouldn’t it make a cool spot for photo shoots?) Can't you just see what 'could be' in these pictures? (Of course you can thanks to pictures from the History of Chevrolet website!)
As I thought it over, I know most people would take one look at that car and just keep walking…not seeing the unrealized potential. Later that evening as I went down to the youth center, my thoughts took another turn: our own unrealized potential. What about me? Do I need to dust off some dreams? Do some work on myself to realize my unseen potential? What about you? What do people see when they look at you?
As a little boy, my brother used to have a T-shirt, he wore all the time! The slogan: God don't make no junk!
And it is so very true! Whether it's me, you, kids on the street, the homeless, the middle class, or the elite of society. God don't make no junk! We are all works in progress!
Do we judge others by the exterior wrappings like hair styles or the latest fashion or by the home we live in or the car we drive? Or do we see the “treasure” of potential hiding beneath the surface, the beauty beneath the layers of grime, dirty faces, baggy holey jeans. So the next time you start to turn your nose up at someone because they are different or admire them because of their good looks, wealth and got-it-all-together attitude, why don’t you just take a second look. Maybe it is not all as it seems! Invest some time and hard work: with a smile, kind words, some encouragement, and mentoring, you could make a difference in another’s life - rich or poor, smart or well, you get the picture! And, in the process, change your own for the better! Now that is really priceless!
Hmm, maybe I should have bought that heap just as a reminder!!
Until next time…joy 2 u! ~C~
Last weekend, at our auction, we sold a 1965 Plymouth Valiant Convertible. As soon as I saw it, my imagination went into overdrive. I could just see it – fire engine red, cream convertible top folded back, shiny silver trim, a long flowing scarf around my neck, just cruising down the highway! Yeah, Baby!
The reality is the car was in need of some work. Okay, I will be honest, “some work” is probably the understatement of the year but the potential was there! With some body work, a good paint job, new grill, headlight, the convertible awning (is that what it is even called?), a motor and other essential parts, this car could be a beauty, a collectible. The other reality is that I could just see my family’s face when I came home dragging (or towing) a heap of junk..priceless! (But wouldn’t it make a cool spot for photo shoots?) Can't you just see what 'could be' in these pictures? (Of course you can thanks to pictures from the History of Chevrolet website!)
As I thought it over, I know most people would take one look at that car and just keep walking…not seeing the unrealized potential. Later that evening as I went down to the youth center, my thoughts took another turn: our own unrealized potential. What about me? Do I need to dust off some dreams? Do some work on myself to realize my unseen potential? What about you? What do people see when they look at you?
As a little boy, my brother used to have a T-shirt, he wore all the time! The slogan: God don't make no junk!
And it is so very true! Whether it's me, you, kids on the street, the homeless, the middle class, or the elite of society. God don't make no junk! We are all works in progress!
Do we judge others by the exterior wrappings like hair styles or the latest fashion or by the home we live in or the car we drive? Or do we see the “treasure” of potential hiding beneath the surface, the beauty beneath the layers of grime, dirty faces, baggy holey jeans. So the next time you start to turn your nose up at someone because they are different or admire them because of their good looks, wealth and got-it-all-together attitude, why don’t you just take a second look. Maybe it is not all as it seems! Invest some time and hard work: with a smile, kind words, some encouragement, and mentoring, you could make a difference in another’s life - rich or poor, smart or well, you get the picture! And, in the process, change your own for the better! Now that is really priceless!
Hmm, maybe I should have bought that heap just as a reminder!!
Until next time…joy 2 u! ~C~
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Clarissa
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As we were driving down the road the other day, I heard a story about Noah’s ark being rebuilt with legos. Legos? Knowing how much my own nephews love to build with legos, my interest was piqued so I had to check it out.
Here’s the story: 150 grade school age kids at a church day camp in Illinois built a world-record setting model of Noah’s Ark. The ark measured 12 ft long, two feet wide, and 18 inches high using 35,000 legos. Can you imagine the patience and creativity involved in this project? It included a view of the three inner decks and a five color rainbow! And Lego shipped the pieces from their world Headquarters in Denmark.
Wow! Now that would be one amazing Lego project! Personally, after all that work, I couldn’t bear to take it apart but where would you store a 12 ft ark?
Here’s the story: 150 grade school age kids at a church day camp in Illinois built a world-record setting model of Noah’s Ark. The ark measured 12 ft long, two feet wide, and 18 inches high using 35,000 legos. Can you imagine the patience and creativity involved in this project? It included a view of the three inner decks and a five color rainbow! And Lego shipped the pieces from their world Headquarters in Denmark.
Wow! Now that would be one amazing Lego project! Personally, after all that work, I couldn’t bear to take it apart but where would you store a 12 ft ark?
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Clarissa
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I would like to introduce someone to you!
Now, before you stop reading or lose focus and click this page away, I ask that you read on, since you are already here, taking time out of your busy day. Maybe you read my blog for the fun and crazy adventures that just seem to find me causing you to nearly roll out of your seat in laughter, or maybe your heart has been stirred by some of my more poignant posts. Then it is my prayer, that this one, which I would like to share with you will also impact your life. Since I care so much about you, my readers, I would be remiss as a writer to not share my testimony with you. This post is by no means all of my testimony, only a small portion. (I don’t want to overwhelm you, just to share a bit!)
As you probably know by now, I am a preacher’s kid who grew up in the church! As a baby, I took my naps and as a little girl, I played quietly under the pews!! I have grown up singing with the youth group, attending church camp, conferences and revivals! I listened to the preacher and was involved in the Sunday School Classes. I read my Bible and believe it was the inspired Word of God, memorizing Scriptures upon Scriptures. I knew what I needed to do to be saved. I believed Jesus is God and that he came to earth to redeem us, to die in our place so that one day, we can live with him! I prayed to the Lord and he answered my prayers – maybe because of my child-like faith. I’m sure I probably repented many times asking the Lord to forgive me of my sins and turn my life around. I guess I thought everything was just peachy – in fact, I never gave the possibility of not going to heaven a thought.
Until I was a young fifth grader!
Our church was in revival and during the first night of service, the Lord must have decided it was time for me to commit my life to him and receive all he had for me – which was more than I ever imagined. All that evening, the Spirit of the Lord dealt with me, drawing me to the altar, it was like a physical ache, a war going on inside me. I had never felt anything like this – what was going on? I was a very shy kid and there was this mental argument going on inside of me with God! Couldn’t he understand that although I longed to go to the altar, I was afraid – I couldn’t be the first one at the altar! What if no one else came up? What if the evangelist made a scene? (I realize now that these were lies from the devil because he didn’t want me to make that life-changing trip down to the altar!) No one else went up during the altar call service that night so I left church miserable!
All the next day at school, I worried that I had missed my opportunity or that the evangelist wouldn’t have an altar call. I made up my mind that I would be the first one at the altar somehow and someway. And I was! The Lord met me there! His presence just swept over the church and all of a sudden, everyone there was praising the Lord! It was so awesome!
This is the night when the Lord filled me with the Holy Ghost, complete with the evidence of speaking in tongues, a heavenly language I didn’t know and had never spoken before! Maybe you don’t know what the Holy Ghost is or maybe you don’t think it’s for us today – only for those Apostles and saints in Jesus’ time. Believe me when I say it is real and available to you!
I was so excited but now I knew I had to be baptized in the name of Jesus! And that very night! Even though it was a school/work night and getting late, there was no persuading me to wait until the weekend or at the very least until daylight! So we went to Berea, waking up the pastor, so I could be baptized in a neighboring church. Normally, I would have been baptized at Lake Linville or in Buckeye Creek, but it was dark and I was afraid of what was in the water. (Hey, I was a kid!) Finally, the preparations were all made, and the evangelist baptized me in the Precious Name of Jesus Christ! I was so excited that I couldn’t stand still so when I came up out of the water, everyone was praising the Lord, but I was out of the baptismal tank in a flash! (So fast…the evangelist thought he had lost me in the tank!)
I wanted to tell it! Tell it! Tell it!! Who could I tell of my experience this late at night? I called my Grandma Maggie in Ohio to share the good news. The next day I told my friends at school although most of them didn’t understand. But the peace that comes in knowing you are forgiven, the joy of knowing the Lord has called, chosen you, and has plans for you…well, it still overwhelms me to this day!
Do you ever feel unfilled? Like something isn’t quite right inside? Or do you ever question if there is something more out there for you? Jesus is what you are long for – a real and lasting relationship with the King of Kigns! Is it easy to serve the Lord? To allow him to turn your life around? To live a wholly dedicated life? To be a light in the darkness? To be an ambassador of truth and freedom? To be real?
Honestly, Easy – Definitely No! No – you say? There are days when you might feel let down, or forgotten, or when bad things happen, and you begin to wonder why and question “Where are you God?” Or maybe you’ve let something come between you and God so you’re not talking with him like you used to or not reading his Word to hear what he would speak to your heart. A million and one things can happen!
But He is Here with us! He is strength when we are weak. He is our comfort when we are hurting. He is wisdom and answers to our questions. He is Joy and Peace when we abide under His Shelter! Dig into the Word. Meditate, memorize and study the Scriptures – the answers are there! Lay a solid foundation of remembrances of answered prayers! Spend time with Jesus in prayer, talking with him, telling him about your life, listening to His sweet voice, just like a conversation with a dear friend! Praise Him for all He has done, for who He is, and for all He is going to do! He loved you first but love Him back! Learn more of Him every day and share Him and what He is doing with those around you! All of these things make it easier because it’s not about us – It’s All About Him!
Maybe you think – this gal is a preacher’s kid, what has she ever done that is so bad? She doesn’t know what it’s like to really sin, to ruin a life, to be unforgiveable, to mess up so badly. Listen, your sin makes no difference to Jesus! Jesus went to Calvary and died for you and your sins – all of them – there are no white, black or gray areas to sin. He suffered in agony for you. He took the stripes on his back for you. He bore the piercing of his hands and his feet for you! For you and for me, for all us! What an unconditional, uncomprehensible act of love! He is also the healer and repairer of broken lives! Won’t you give him a chance? What have you got to lose? Oh, but you do have so much to gain!
If He is speaking to you, drawing you to him, please, do not turn him away!I pray you will not wait another day but choose life! Abundant Life!
Praying for you….”C”
Now, before you stop reading or lose focus and click this page away, I ask that you read on, since you are already here, taking time out of your busy day. Maybe you read my blog for the fun and crazy adventures that just seem to find me causing you to nearly roll out of your seat in laughter, or maybe your heart has been stirred by some of my more poignant posts. Then it is my prayer, that this one, which I would like to share with you will also impact your life. Since I care so much about you, my readers, I would be remiss as a writer to not share my testimony with you. This post is by no means all of my testimony, only a small portion. (I don’t want to overwhelm you, just to share a bit!)
As you probably know by now, I am a preacher’s kid who grew up in the church! As a baby, I took my naps and as a little girl, I played quietly under the pews!! I have grown up singing with the youth group, attending church camp, conferences and revivals! I listened to the preacher and was involved in the Sunday School Classes. I read my Bible and believe it was the inspired Word of God, memorizing Scriptures upon Scriptures. I knew what I needed to do to be saved. I believed Jesus is God and that he came to earth to redeem us, to die in our place so that one day, we can live with him! I prayed to the Lord and he answered my prayers – maybe because of my child-like faith. I’m sure I probably repented many times asking the Lord to forgive me of my sins and turn my life around. I guess I thought everything was just peachy – in fact, I never gave the possibility of not going to heaven a thought.
Until I was a young fifth grader!
Our church was in revival and during the first night of service, the Lord must have decided it was time for me to commit my life to him and receive all he had for me – which was more than I ever imagined. All that evening, the Spirit of the Lord dealt with me, drawing me to the altar, it was like a physical ache, a war going on inside me. I had never felt anything like this – what was going on? I was a very shy kid and there was this mental argument going on inside of me with God! Couldn’t he understand that although I longed to go to the altar, I was afraid – I couldn’t be the first one at the altar! What if no one else came up? What if the evangelist made a scene? (I realize now that these were lies from the devil because he didn’t want me to make that life-changing trip down to the altar!) No one else went up during the altar call service that night so I left church miserable!
All the next day at school, I worried that I had missed my opportunity or that the evangelist wouldn’t have an altar call. I made up my mind that I would be the first one at the altar somehow and someway. And I was! The Lord met me there! His presence just swept over the church and all of a sudden, everyone there was praising the Lord! It was so awesome!
This is the night when the Lord filled me with the Holy Ghost, complete with the evidence of speaking in tongues, a heavenly language I didn’t know and had never spoken before! Maybe you don’t know what the Holy Ghost is or maybe you don’t think it’s for us today – only for those Apostles and saints in Jesus’ time. Believe me when I say it is real and available to you!
I was so excited but now I knew I had to be baptized in the name of Jesus! And that very night! Even though it was a school/work night and getting late, there was no persuading me to wait until the weekend or at the very least until daylight! So we went to Berea, waking up the pastor, so I could be baptized in a neighboring church. Normally, I would have been baptized at Lake Linville or in Buckeye Creek, but it was dark and I was afraid of what was in the water. (Hey, I was a kid!) Finally, the preparations were all made, and the evangelist baptized me in the Precious Name of Jesus Christ! I was so excited that I couldn’t stand still so when I came up out of the water, everyone was praising the Lord, but I was out of the baptismal tank in a flash! (So fast…the evangelist thought he had lost me in the tank!)
I wanted to tell it! Tell it! Tell it!! Who could I tell of my experience this late at night? I called my Grandma Maggie in Ohio to share the good news. The next day I told my friends at school although most of them didn’t understand. But the peace that comes in knowing you are forgiven, the joy of knowing the Lord has called, chosen you, and has plans for you…well, it still overwhelms me to this day!
Do you ever feel unfilled? Like something isn’t quite right inside? Or do you ever question if there is something more out there for you? Jesus is what you are long for – a real and lasting relationship with the King of Kigns! Is it easy to serve the Lord? To allow him to turn your life around? To live a wholly dedicated life? To be a light in the darkness? To be an ambassador of truth and freedom? To be real?
Honestly, Easy – Definitely No! No – you say? There are days when you might feel let down, or forgotten, or when bad things happen, and you begin to wonder why and question “Where are you God?” Or maybe you’ve let something come between you and God so you’re not talking with him like you used to or not reading his Word to hear what he would speak to your heart. A million and one things can happen!
But He is Here with us! He is strength when we are weak. He is our comfort when we are hurting. He is wisdom and answers to our questions. He is Joy and Peace when we abide under His Shelter! Dig into the Word. Meditate, memorize and study the Scriptures – the answers are there! Lay a solid foundation of remembrances of answered prayers! Spend time with Jesus in prayer, talking with him, telling him about your life, listening to His sweet voice, just like a conversation with a dear friend! Praise Him for all He has done, for who He is, and for all He is going to do! He loved you first but love Him back! Learn more of Him every day and share Him and what He is doing with those around you! All of these things make it easier because it’s not about us – It’s All About Him!
Maybe you think – this gal is a preacher’s kid, what has she ever done that is so bad? She doesn’t know what it’s like to really sin, to ruin a life, to be unforgiveable, to mess up so badly. Listen, your sin makes no difference to Jesus! Jesus went to Calvary and died for you and your sins – all of them – there are no white, black or gray areas to sin. He suffered in agony for you. He took the stripes on his back for you. He bore the piercing of his hands and his feet for you! For you and for me, for all us! What an unconditional, uncomprehensible act of love! He is also the healer and repairer of broken lives! Won’t you give him a chance? What have you got to lose? Oh, but you do have so much to gain!
If He is speaking to you, drawing you to him, please, do not turn him away!I pray you will not wait another day but choose life! Abundant Life!
Praying for you….”C”
