Feeling Old

Where on earth did the years go? Just yesterday I was a carefree little girl with all my dolls and stuffed animals lined up in a row in my bedroom playing school. In my little mind, I was a great teacher and I had some of the best students in the world. They listened and paid attention, never talking out of turn and never being loud and rowdy.

Just look at me nearly 49 years later! I just celebrated my 29th wedding anniversary the 6th of this month; today I will receive an award for 20 years of service as an employee of the State of North Carolina; on Saturday I will drive to South Carolina to celebrate my 30th high school class reunion; and I have one son who will soon turn 24 and another son who will turn 27 two weeks later. Unbelievable!

We spend the early years of our lives wishing to be older. I remember being very excited about turning 5-years-old and, from there, I could not wait to turn 10, then 16, and then 18. But, once I hit the ripe old age of 20 -- zoom -- the clock of time went into warp speed!

Yep -- I'm feeling just a tad old right now. So many things (good and bad) have happened in my life over the last 48-3/4 years that I couldn't even begin to write it all down in one post. But, you know what? I'm forever grateful that a loving God has allowed me to live each and every year. I only hope I can spend whatever time I have left on this earth working harder for Him than ever before. God is good -- all the time!

My Firemen

Last night, like soooo many other times in the past, when the pagers in our house went off and woke me from my sound sleep, my heart began racing -- again like soooo many other times in the past. You see, my husband and both our boys are volunteer firemen/first responders, and every time they answer a call, the potential is there for none of the three to come back home -- ever again. That is quite a sobering thought! I could all of a sudden find myself "husbandless" and "childless" all in one fail swoop. I try not to think about it too much, though, because -- well, it's honestly too much to even imagine!

My guys absolutely love their role as firefighters/first responders, and even though everything they do is on a volunteer basis, they take their role very seriously. Many times, on snowy/icy mornings or nights, they have jumped a guardrail in an effort to escape a sliding vehicle careening out of control, and many times they have run into a burning structure in an effort to extinguish flames and insure the safety of those who may be inside -- all the while giving no thought for their own danger.

I'm very proud of the three of them (as well as all other such volunteers who place their lives in jeopardy on a daily basis), and while it would be more devastating than I can even comprehend to lose them in the line of duty, I know that were such a horrible fate to happen they would die doing something they believed in with all their hearts.

So, on nights like last night, when they were called out to a possible structure fire; anytime they are called to work a wreck somewhere; and every time they crawl into their personal vehicles to answer a call -- no matter what it is -- I do the only thing I can do to help them -- PRAY, PRAY, PRAY AND PRAY SOME MORE!

Thank you, God, for my volunteers!

I Feel Like a Kid Again!

Today is the day -- YIPPEE! WOOHOO!! I'm sooooo excited! Yep -- it's raining, but not hard, and even if it keeps raining at this pace for the rest of the day -- it's gonna be a good day at the Mountain State Fair in Asheville, NC! I have rain gear, so I'm not worried. Do you have any idea how long it's been since I've been to the fair?

Some of the happiest memories from my childhood were the times my mamma and daddy took us to the Anderson County Fair (Anderson, SC). Mamma and Daddy didn't have much in the way of money, so we tended to make our own fun most of the time -- for free! But, Daddy always saw to it that we got to go to the fair every year because, quite frankly, he was as big a kid as we were and loved it just as much. I was the dare-devil of us two kids -- my brother tended to analyze things a bit much, so he deduced that a lot of the rides weren't safe enough to get on -- and, he didn't. Mamma pretty much shared my brother's opinion, so they always found something else to do while Daddy and I rode. There wasn't a ride at the fair that we didn't get on, and I remember with much happiness the way my daddy screamed, yelled and laughed along with me on each and every ride. Imagine my surprise when I had children of my own and Daddy confessed that he really didn't liked those rides as much as I thought he did -- he only rode them because he knew I loved them so much and he didn't want me to get on them by myself. Now, people -- THAT'S LOVE!!!

Once we had visited the livestock area, the arcade area, etc. we were always allowed on the way out of the gate to stop and get either a candy apple or cotton candy -- YUMMY! That was always a hard decision for me since I loved both, but I generally ended up with a candy apple because I so love that red stuff they dip those apples in!

When I visit the fair tonight, chances are I won't get on a single ride because in my older years I have become quite the sissy when it comes to rides. But, you can bet your bottom dollar I'll take in all the rest the fair has to offer. And on my way out of the gate, they better have just one red candy apple left for this kid at heart!!

Furry Friends

I never knew one four-legged little critter could bring me so much joy! This is my Belle, and I really don't know what I ever did without her. Except, I do have a cat -- Bree -- and she was my "baby" before Ms. Belle came along. Bree is still my baby because I had her first, but you just can't love a cat and a dog on the same level. Cats want to be loved on their own terms while dogs just want to be loved all the time. So, when Bree rolls over on her back, exposes her furry tummy for me to pet, I try my best to accommodate. I've learned over the 6 or so years that I've had Bree to let her come to me for cuddling and not try to force cuddling on her. She likes to play with a string or chase around a little ball for fun, but she requires her own space sometimes -- much like us humans.

Belle, however, is an entirely different story. She'll take cuddling whenever she can get it. And, this little girl would play 24/7 and never get tired! She has this little personality all her own, and there are many times I'd sure like to be inside her head to know exactly what she's thinking. She can be a little hellion sometimes, though, especially when it comes to tormenting Ms. Bree, pulling things out of the garbage can, and making a mess in general. It's really hard to get mad at Belle, though, because she always gives me this look as if to say, "I'm sorry, mommy -- please don't be mad!" Then, my heart just melts.

Bree has a small problem keeping her floppy little ears in their proper position, so what you see above is what she looks like a large majority of the time. I don't care whether or not her ears flip forwards or backwards -- I love her anyway!

It's such a pleasure to come home -- no matter what kind of day I've had -- and see that happy little face "smiling" at me. Unless they're sick for some reason, dogs don't have a bad day. And, they don't get mad at us for leaving them alone in a crate all day, either. Now, what they say about us under their breath after we leave them is a question that will never be answered. But, they get over it as soon as they see us walk through the door, and every time we walk through the door it seems like the best day of their life!

I thank God for making animals -- even huge, scary black bears and screaming coyotes that show up uninvited in the wee hours of the morning! I make no claims of knowing anything about what Heaven will be like; all I know is that I'm going there some day. And, in my heart I believe that, even though animals don't have souls, God will have plenty of them in Heaven because He knows they make for a happier place!

Always Remember

On that horrific day -- September 11, 2001 -- I was sitting in a room waiting for roll call for jury duty. We soon learned that our case was settled out of court, so all potential jurors were dismissed to go home. I had forgotten my cell phone, so I called home from a pay phone in the hallway to tell my husband, who was staying with our sick son. That's when he told me he was watching the news and had just watched the second plane fly into the Twin Towers.

We all know what happened from that point forward. I remember going through such a range of emotions, i.e. shock, unbelievable sadness, and fury -- all within a matter of minutes. As I got into my car, I began praying out loud, "Oh, dear God in Heaven, please help us -- there is no way we can get through this without You!"

It's so hard to believe that 8 years have passed since that awful, tragic day, and even though it hasn't been constantly on my mind, I have thought about September 11, 2001, many, many times during that 8-year period. So very many lives lost; so many innocent people taken away from their families in such a short time span.

Those of us who are left here to mourn the carnage of that day should make a special effort to pause each and every September 11th to remember the thousands upon thousands of those victims' family members whose lives have been forever changed. May we always remember that day with remorse, and may the United States of America always be the land of the free, the home of the brave and one nation under God!

Simpler Times

How I long for simpler times when life was meant to live,
Before our days were packed so full and we had time to give!
When we needed ideas for supper, to the garden we would have gone,
And there we’d find a smorgasbord of veggies we had grown.

If we needed entertainment, the porch swing was always there,
We’d sit and swing and watch kids play -- they never had a care.
Or maybe we would take a walk beside a babbling brook,
The sights we saw were more grandeur than any picture book.

Life’s more complicated now, to slow down – well, that’s taboo,
We rush around so frantically – there’s much we have to do.
Yet, taking time for simple things would enhance our lives so much,
Like gazing at the fluffy clouds or feeling a baby’s touch.

So, let’s strive to make the most of each and every passing day,
And thank God for each blessing He has sent along our way.
Let’s slow down just a little as we travel through this vale,
And appreciate the little things along life’s “simple” trail!

Written By: Dawne J. Coward
September 9, 2009

Blessings

WHERE do the years go? The older I get the more I sit and ponder that question. Seems that just yesterday I walked down the aisle of my church in South Carolina and married the love of my life. Yet, as of this past Sunday, September 6, 2009, that "yesterday" somehow turned into 29 years! As we celebrated our anniversary, I looked back in my mind's eye to our life together. Has it always been wedded bliss? Are you kidding me? What on earth is wedded bliss?!? Have there been times I have just wanted to walk out the door and go far away from him never to return -- and have there been times he wanted to do the same thing? You bet your bottom dollar! But, we've held in there -- together -- and made it through to this phase in our lives. And somewhere along the way, we've managed to raise two wonderful sons. Of course, we didn't stay married this long on our own nor did we raise our children all alone -- we had God right there beside us. I shudder to think what we would have done with Him, too! Wow -- 29 years -- that's a long time to be married to the same person. Amazing how a love that you think can't grow anymore just grows deeper and deeper and deeper with the passing years!

And, for our anniversary, we celebrated by going to God's house. I can think of no better way to celebrate! We didn't get each other material gifts because we've recently remodeled our kitchen, and that will be our anniversary, birthday, and Christmas gift to each other for awhile to come. But, we did go to our favorite place to eat -- Carrabba's -- and it was awesome, as usual! Following our meal, we headed down to South Carolina to spend Labor Day with my parents. I can honestly say that I did absolutely nothing in the way of "labor" on that day -- and it felt soooo good to do nothing!

What a blessed person I am! I don't know why God chooses to bless me so much! After all, I am the person who lays down in the bed at night, starts saying my prayers, and falls asleep almost instantaneously. I am the person who gripes and complains about the most trivial of things. And, I am the person who all too often takes for granted everything my God in Heaven does for me. Nevertheless, He loves me and blesses me anyway. It's hard for me to fathom the love I have in my heart for my family and friends. It is an impossibility for me to comprehend the love Jehovah God has for me!

Family Matters

I love my family! I love the family I live with (my husband and youngest son); the part of my family that doesn't live in my house anymore (my married son and his wife); my entire family that still lives in South Carolina (my mamma, daddy, brother, brother & his family etc.) and part of whom live in Charlotte, NC (my niece and nephew); my church family; all of my other "extended" family; and my "pet" family (Bree, Belle, Sox, Maggie and Samson). God has richly blessed me (even though I don't know why) by placing all these people and creatures in my life, and for that I am extremely grateful!

In this post is a picture of another part of my "family". They are so very near and dear to my heart that I could never express in words exactly how much they mean to me. There's daddy Steve, mamma Paula and son Tyler, and I couldn't imagine not having them in my life. They are in no way related by blood to anyone else in my family, but they might as well be because I love them with the same love that I have for my blood family! They've been there for us through thick and thin and they know things about my family that no one else knows. They are simply THE BEST! Are they perfect? Heck, no! But, then again, I don't know anyone other than our Heavenly Father who is! Doesn't matter, though, cause in the words of the country music icons "Alabama" -- "they're close enough to perfect for me"!

I love you with all my heart, Becks!

More Treasures

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Mamma -- happy birthday to you! I'm very thankful, at my age of nearly 49, to still have a mamma and daddy who are alive and, for the most part, well. Not many people my age are that fortunate. That is a treasure.

And speaking of treasures, the sweet faces you see in today's post are each a treasure in their own unique way!

That first face you see is my Tanner. Wow -- what a special guy! He's another one of the many children from our church who I've known since he was in the womb. I've watched him grow, mature and come out of his shell so much over the past several years. He's the smartest guy and so well-rounded. He loves everything from hunting to NASCAR to football to WWE wrestling and so much more. He's been my "go-to" guy several times when I needed someone I could depend on to help out in Christmas plays, etc.

The face right beside Tanner? Well, that's his little sister, my Lydia, and she is quite the character. She's the sweetest, sassiest little thing you'll ever meet and you NEVER know what's going to come out of her mouth! She can be sooooo funny sometimes. And, one day when she's older I just know she's going to get embarrassed when her mom and I start reliving her toddler and preschool years and talking about her huge crush on my son, Dan! Tanner and Lydia have the greatest parents -- Greg and Natalie -- and they are working hard to make sure their children are brought up in the church!

The cute little face in the bottom picture is my Addie. Her name is Addison, but most of us at church call her Addie. She's such a sweetheart, and one of her passions in life is playing on the playground. I do believe that child would swing and slide all day long if she were given the chance! Her daddy is fairly new to the "preaching profession", but he has already preached at our church a couple of times and does an absolutely great job. Her mommy cleans teeth for a living (and, by the way, she has my utmost respect cause I'm not sure I could play around in people's mouths like that all day!). The three of them make up one of the most precious families I know. Addie is now a PK (Preacher's Kid), and PKs can get a pretty bad rap sometimes. I hope Addie is one of those PKs who proves everybody wrong!

So, you see, my treasures don't come in the form of diamonds, gold, money and other such worldly things. My treasures come in the form of family members, church family members, the promise of a Heavenly home, health, freedom, etc. These are treasures that cannot be bought!

I've Fallen In Love With Fall

Just when I think God can't improve on His beauty anymore -- along comes FALL and He totally and completely outdoes Himself! I absolutely love autumn. I'm thankful for all seasons, but fall is my favorite time of the year. I am constantly amazed on my drives to and from work at how the color changes day by day until these mountains are absolutely aglow with reds, yellows and oranges. The Master Painter certainly knows how to use His paintbrush to create majestic pictures that no human artist can touch!

How peaceful it is to view a God-made waterfall while the leaves fall from the trees and float lazily down to the waters below. How exciting it is to hear the cheers and roars from stadiums as football season begins. How tasty it is to bite into a beautiful crunchy apple picked fresh from the tree.

I don't know why fall means so much to me -- unless it's because I was born in the fall of the year -- but, it always seems to renew my spirits immensely. I thank God for allowing me the privilege of living in these gorgeous mountains where I can witness some of the most beautiful scenery in all the world!