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Today is my parent’s 40th wedding anniversary. Forty years ago they stood before a minister in Hamilton with their mothers as witnesses and took their marriage vows. What a journey it has been – leaving family to study Bible School in Minnesota, serving as youth ministers in Ohio, multiple jobs to make ends make, raising two children, illness, moving from state to state, and now pastoring a small church in Mt. Vernon, Ky. Their story is one of God, the great supplies who moves on behalf of those who love him. When God is at the center of a relationship, anything is possible. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! I love you and pray you have many more blessed years together!
Joy 2 u... * C *
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Clarissa
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It’s that time again, school has started, fall is just around the corner and the Upward Bound soccer season is in full swing.
Although my nephews have played soccer in North Carolina for a couple of seasons, schedules just have not worked out for me to be able to attend one of their games. Just enjoy the video clips and pictures my sis-in-law frequently shares.
So I get to support (and a noisy supporter I can be – when they get older, I probably won’t be invited) my little cousins, Grace and Brett (Jeanette’s niece and nephew). They have both participated in the soccer program for the last two years.
Actually Brett participated unofficially the first year since he was so little but a great coaching team made room for the little brother. Now Brett is on the first team of his own (Go Dragons!) Last Saturday, when we arrived, Brett’s team was on the field – the one in the blazing hot sun! Some of the smart moms brought sun block, umbrellas, and extra drinks. Oh, but what a game! I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy watching these little guys and girls! Starting out in the correct positions and ending up all over the field. Some waving at the families, some finding insects in the grass and some just in a daydream. But Brett did so well – he was right in there giving it his all! We decided that when he grows up he is probably going to be a coach or a goalie.
It was getting hot by the time that game was finished so we were all glad when Grace’s team, the Tigers, played in the back field. Finally, we could sit beneath the shady pine trees and enjoy the occasional cool breeze.
It’s amazing what a year’s difference in experience can make and this team of second and third graders is prime examples. After warming up for a few minutes, the team and their coach prayed together. These girls played so well with each other and with the other team. When one of the girls in white fell down, three of the tigers in blue stopped to make sure she was okay. Way to go! They also played their positions so well. Having only seen the little ones play, I never realized just whose job was what. Did you know there is a player who assists the goalie? I had often thought the goalie had the hardest job of all. The tigers may not have won this game but I was totally impressed! Although it will be a couple weeks, I can’t wait until I can see the next games!
Until next time….joy 2 u!
Although my nephews have played soccer in North Carolina for a couple of seasons, schedules just have not worked out for me to be able to attend one of their games. Just enjoy the video clips and pictures my sis-in-law frequently shares.
So I get to support (and a noisy supporter I can be – when they get older, I probably won’t be invited) my little cousins, Grace and Brett (Jeanette’s niece and nephew). They have both participated in the soccer program for the last two years.
Actually Brett participated unofficially the first year since he was so little but a great coaching team made room for the little brother. Now Brett is on the first team of his own (Go Dragons!) Last Saturday, when we arrived, Brett’s team was on the field – the one in the blazing hot sun! Some of the smart moms brought sun block, umbrellas, and extra drinks. Oh, but what a game! I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy watching these little guys and girls! Starting out in the correct positions and ending up all over the field. Some waving at the families, some finding insects in the grass and some just in a daydream. But Brett did so well – he was right in there giving it his all! We decided that when he grows up he is probably going to be a coach or a goalie.
It was getting hot by the time that game was finished so we were all glad when Grace’s team, the Tigers, played in the back field. Finally, we could sit beneath the shady pine trees and enjoy the occasional cool breeze.
It’s amazing what a year’s difference in experience can make and this team of second and third graders is prime examples. After warming up for a few minutes, the team and their coach prayed together. These girls played so well with each other and with the other team. When one of the girls in white fell down, three of the tigers in blue stopped to make sure she was okay. Way to go! They also played their positions so well. Having only seen the little ones play, I never realized just whose job was what. Did you know there is a player who assists the goalie? I had often thought the goalie had the hardest job of all. The tigers may not have won this game but I was totally impressed! Although it will be a couple weeks, I can’t wait until I can see the next games!
Until next time….joy 2 u!
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Clarissa
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Friends, pizza, pets, baseball, old-maid, go-fish, and hi-o cherry-io – what do you get – the perfect recipe for a Friday night get-together.
Since we have been trying together for awhile and her husband was out of town, last Friday evening, it just worked out for us to visit my friend, Anissa and the kids. After picking up pizza, breadsticks and drinks plus a tray of my Mom’s delicious breads we were all set.
After everyone had eaten their full, it was playtime (and picture time). Now Bethany is an ideal model as she loves to have her picture taken – posing anywhere – with the dogs, on the swing set, playing school with Jeanette. Her brother, John, on the other hand…let’s just say I had to “make a deal” - a game of baseball in exchange for a smile (goodness, why not basketball or kickball? Baseball!) What in the world have I gotten myself into this time?
To the front yard we went, in the heat of the evening, for rip-roaring game. Anissa pitched, John and Jeanette were up first. Thankfully I had Bethany to help me run after the ball. Jeanette got a home run but it took their team so long to get a good hit and it was so hot, that we begged for two outs. Bethany got a good ball right off the bat but she had been changing shoes when John picked out the bases. After running all over the yard, they still got her out. What a heartbreak! Everyone was ready to call it quits and head inside for some rip-roaring card games!
I’ve not played so many hands of Old Maid, Go-Fish, and Hi-ho Cheerio in ages. John has a trick that makes everyone, including their “brown” guinea pig, Blackie, quiet down which tickled us but Jeanette and Blackie had their own language. We were beginning to think Blackie was a guinea pig prince who just needed a kiss to become Jeanette’s lost knight in shining armor! After a snack, pictures and hugs, it was time for bed and time for us girls to head home!
There’s nothing like hanging out with good friends – a chance to let your hair down, be yourself, laugh, talk and just relax. My life is enriched and blessed by these God-given friends!
Sweet dreams until next time! C
Since we have been trying together for awhile and her husband was out of town, last Friday evening, it just worked out for us to visit my friend, Anissa and the kids. After picking up pizza, breadsticks and drinks plus a tray of my Mom’s delicious breads we were all set.
After everyone had eaten their full, it was playtime (and picture time). Now Bethany is an ideal model as she loves to have her picture taken – posing anywhere – with the dogs, on the swing set, playing school with Jeanette. Her brother, John, on the other hand…let’s just say I had to “make a deal” - a game of baseball in exchange for a smile (goodness, why not basketball or kickball? Baseball!) What in the world have I gotten myself into this time?
To the front yard we went, in the heat of the evening, for rip-roaring game. Anissa pitched, John and Jeanette were up first. Thankfully I had Bethany to help me run after the ball. Jeanette got a home run but it took their team so long to get a good hit and it was so hot, that we begged for two outs. Bethany got a good ball right off the bat but she had been changing shoes when John picked out the bases. After running all over the yard, they still got her out. What a heartbreak! Everyone was ready to call it quits and head inside for some rip-roaring card games!
I’ve not played so many hands of Old Maid, Go-Fish, and Hi-ho Cheerio in ages. John has a trick that makes everyone, including their “brown” guinea pig, Blackie, quiet down which tickled us but Jeanette and Blackie had their own language. We were beginning to think Blackie was a guinea pig prince who just needed a kiss to become Jeanette’s lost knight in shining armor! After a snack, pictures and hugs, it was time for bed and time for us girls to head home!
There’s nothing like hanging out with good friends – a chance to let your hair down, be yourself, laugh, talk and just relax. My life is enriched and blessed by these God-given friends!
Sweet dreams until next time! C
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A new day, an early rising, heading to the infamous Cades Cove. As we headed to checkout, we got distracted by creek side pics but this gave us an opportunity to help some honeymooners make some memories. John and Leslie from Alabama had gotten married Friday in Gatlinburg but they hadn’t any pictures together except at the wedding!! No way! So several sets of batteries, two cameras, memory card errors, you name it - it happened but they were great sports even crossing the creek a couple times to get the “picture”. I think we got some pretty cool (and perhaps “priceless”) pics that will be the beginning of a lifetime of memories for this special couple. Congratulations and Best Wishes to you both!
So, we missed the early edition of Cades Cove – another day, another visit! But we still saw turkey, squirrels and several deers including some fawns. Although there was excessive bear activity in the area, we missed all of them. Not that we didn’t try to see a bear. In fact, a bear had just been sighted as we arrived at the Moore cabin. How come everything cool calls for a hike? Yet again! We are totally crazy at times…nervous – what if we actually see a bear? Excited – hey, we might get to see a bear! I really had no idea a hike was involved when the ranger told me about the bear. All the other buildings had been along the road. But off we go on another mile hike, through the woods, the deep dark woods, nearly alone, no cell service, probably not a very wise decision. Really, what would we have done if we had seen a bear? No one would have believed the pictures snapped as we ran away and we would have run! It’s one thing to see a bear from the safety of your car with your window rolled down and quite another out in the woods on a trail with no place to hide!
Definitely added Cades Cove on our list of places to visit again…early in the morning, late in the afternoon or when the rangers tell you it takes 3 ½ hours to go eleven miles! Drop everything….there’s wildlife on the move!
Enjoy the moments of each day… C!
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What to do? On our own now that my family is on their way home? Shopping? Hiking? Food? Relaxation? It’s definitely time to try out this Rebel?
After some quick shopping in Gatlinburg, we headed to the Clingman’s Dome. What an incredible experience! What a fantastic view! I heard of it but always thought it was a hike to a rock formation (ooops!). I had never realized that 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower on the summit offers a scenic 360 degree lookout over seven states and 100 miles on a clear day - with only a moderate one-half hike – cool – we can do this!
Halfway there, the gas hand dropped to a quarter tank – what in the world!! Miles from anywhere, heaven help us! Push forward and hope for the best or go back to Gatlinburg…surely we can drive 40 miles on our remaining gas!
As we wound through the mountains passing the creeks and mini waterfalls, it seemed like a forever drive higher and higher. Sprinkles, sunshine, fog, cool breezes – what a mixture. Not knowing really what to expect, we were shocked at our first glimpse of Clingman’s Dome that we didn’t even get a picture.
When we arrived at the parking lot, Jeanette saw a sign that said climbing was prohibited. Momentarily disappointed, we then realized it meant no climbing on the rocks – Good one Jeanette! In all honesty, though, if I keep my photography hobby, I am going to end up physically fit! We thought a half mile hike – no problem. We didn’t notice the path straight up the mountain and didn’t take into consideration the high altitude and thin mountain air. I have only one question: who in the world rates these mountain hikes? Before we even got out of the parking lot (I can’t believe I am admitting this) we were huffing and puffing. Halfway up, I really didn’t know if I was going to make it but turn around now? Are you kidding? No way! After several rests to catch our breath (by the way, we weren’t the only climbers taking breaks – old and young alike!), we kept climbing thanks to the encouragement of those coming down the mountain.
Then out of the greenery and mist, there she was: Clingman’s Dome! A huge cement alien rising out of the natural beauty. And oh what surrounding beauty! The sheer rugged majesty of the mountains took my breath away (what was left of it anyway!). I just stood in awe of our matchless Creator! All the minute details in those views seemingly went on forever and preserved just for our enjoyment. Wow! I really can’t figure out how someone can surround themselves with nature and its beauty yet not believe in a Creator. It blows my mind!
After the long hike up, I didn’t want to leave but to savor the moment. I could have sat there for hours going round and round the ever changing scene. On one side dark stormy clouds, thick rising mist and on the other, sunshine and a clear view for miles and miles – as different as day and night. So Amazing!
Finally, we were thirsty, bellies were growling with hunger and it was getting late, so we started back down the trail. Taking our time, stopping for lots of pictures that we didn’t have the energy to care about on the way up – like a cross carved into the trunk of tree, raspberries, blossoms, ferns galore, and the view – always back to the view! We could smile encouragement to those on their journey up and secretly enjoy the fact that young, fit guys were huffing and puffing up the mountain. (just maybe it was the altitude!)
It seems there aren’t words to express how this venture imprinted my heart and my mind. My heart uplifted in praise and gratitude to our mighty Redeemer Creator Extraordinaire! My mind filled with optimism and determination. For most visitors it was probably just another stop along the vacation way but the experience increased my determination. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Only one life so soon it will pass. How can I touch my world? How can I touch the lives of those around me for whom I care so deeply for! Only a mountain, I could have quit, I could have turned around. But I made it to the top – victory! The race of life and our ultimate goal of making it to heaven is not to the fastest but to those endure to end! So don’t quit – look up – enjoy the view from right where you are right now! I love the verse: I lift my eyes up to the hills from whence cometh my help! My help cometh from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. Jesus is our hope and strength. He is walking with us each step of the journey through the ups, downs, highs, and lows. Speaking of down, I must confess going down the mountain is a whole lot easier…especially with a victory under your belt!
With all that fresh mountain air and exercise, these girls ate a huge New York style pizza and then rejuvenated our feet in the hotel Jacuzzi.
Keep your focus….C!
After some quick shopping in Gatlinburg, we headed to the Clingman’s Dome. What an incredible experience! What a fantastic view! I heard of it but always thought it was a hike to a rock formation (ooops!). I had never realized that 6,643 feet, it is the highest point in the Smoky Mountains National Park. The observation tower on the summit offers a scenic 360 degree lookout over seven states and 100 miles on a clear day - with only a moderate one-half hike – cool – we can do this!
Halfway there, the gas hand dropped to a quarter tank – what in the world!! Miles from anywhere, heaven help us! Push forward and hope for the best or go back to Gatlinburg…surely we can drive 40 miles on our remaining gas!
As we wound through the mountains passing the creeks and mini waterfalls, it seemed like a forever drive higher and higher. Sprinkles, sunshine, fog, cool breezes – what a mixture. Not knowing really what to expect, we were shocked at our first glimpse of Clingman’s Dome that we didn’t even get a picture.
When we arrived at the parking lot, Jeanette saw a sign that said climbing was prohibited. Momentarily disappointed, we then realized it meant no climbing on the rocks – Good one Jeanette! In all honesty, though, if I keep my photography hobby, I am going to end up physically fit! We thought a half mile hike – no problem. We didn’t notice the path straight up the mountain and didn’t take into consideration the high altitude and thin mountain air. I have only one question: who in the world rates these mountain hikes? Before we even got out of the parking lot (I can’t believe I am admitting this) we were huffing and puffing. Halfway up, I really didn’t know if I was going to make it but turn around now? Are you kidding? No way! After several rests to catch our breath (by the way, we weren’t the only climbers taking breaks – old and young alike!), we kept climbing thanks to the encouragement of those coming down the mountain.
Then out of the greenery and mist, there she was: Clingman’s Dome! A huge cement alien rising out of the natural beauty. And oh what surrounding beauty! The sheer rugged majesty of the mountains took my breath away (what was left of it anyway!). I just stood in awe of our matchless Creator! All the minute details in those views seemingly went on forever and preserved just for our enjoyment. Wow! I really can’t figure out how someone can surround themselves with nature and its beauty yet not believe in a Creator. It blows my mind!
After the long hike up, I didn’t want to leave but to savor the moment. I could have sat there for hours going round and round the ever changing scene. On one side dark stormy clouds, thick rising mist and on the other, sunshine and a clear view for miles and miles – as different as day and night. So Amazing!
Finally, we were thirsty, bellies were growling with hunger and it was getting late, so we started back down the trail. Taking our time, stopping for lots of pictures that we didn’t have the energy to care about on the way up – like a cross carved into the trunk of tree, raspberries, blossoms, ferns galore, and the view – always back to the view! We could smile encouragement to those on their journey up and secretly enjoy the fact that young, fit guys were huffing and puffing up the mountain. (just maybe it was the altitude!)
It seems there aren’t words to express how this venture imprinted my heart and my mind. My heart uplifted in praise and gratitude to our mighty Redeemer Creator Extraordinaire! My mind filled with optimism and determination. For most visitors it was probably just another stop along the vacation way but the experience increased my determination. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Only one life so soon it will pass. How can I touch my world? How can I touch the lives of those around me for whom I care so deeply for! Only a mountain, I could have quit, I could have turned around. But I made it to the top – victory! The race of life and our ultimate goal of making it to heaven is not to the fastest but to those endure to end! So don’t quit – look up – enjoy the view from right where you are right now! I love the verse: I lift my eyes up to the hills from whence cometh my help! My help cometh from the Lord the maker of heaven and earth. Jesus is our hope and strength. He is walking with us each step of the journey through the ups, downs, highs, and lows. Speaking of down, I must confess going down the mountain is a whole lot easier…especially with a victory under your belt!
With all that fresh mountain air and exercise, these girls ate a huge New York style pizza and then rejuvenated our feet in the hotel Jacuzzi.
Keep your focus….C!
