What’s in a Name?



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 My husband would often take our early teen age, son and my husband’s brother to work with him during the summer. Doug was 4 months older than our son, and he lived with us for a period of several years. Five early teens in one house was an interesting time.  

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The boys were given simple tasks to pick up the wrappings from the packs of shingles, and other non dangerous clean up jobs. If the job was Tar and Gravel, they had to stay home because this could be more hazardous.

Our roofing crew consisted mainly of family, a cousin, an uncle, and my husband’s step dad.  At times we often employed an extra man.

Our Step-dad had a habit of calling our uncle, “Brother-in-law,” instead of his given name. Send up a bucket of hot tar - “Brother-in law.” Using the pulley, soon a bucket of the hot asphalt would reach the platform at the top of the roof.

One day we hired a young black boy as a helper. The men except for Uncle were all on the roof. Uncle was the kettle man and they needed another bucket of tar. The new black boy ambled over to the edge of the roof, and yelled, “Brother-in-law, send us up a bucket of tar.”

No one could hold a straight face after that, and they all laughed until their bellies hurt.

Realizing the joke was on him, our black friend laughed too. The fellows told him, Uncle's name is Ern, but “Brother-in-law” will get his attention better! As long as that young man worked for us, he continued to call our Uncle “Brother-in-law.”

Many of us have been given a pet name by someone we love. Be it honey, dear, sweetie, darling, lover, or something else nice. We had a friend that they called “Shortie,”one called “Red,’ for his hair and another was called “Gimp” because he limped a bit.  Some kinds of nick names can be hurtful.

Amazing enough is the fact that God not only knows our names, but he knows all about us. He knew us even when we were still in our mother’s womb. Even the very hairs on our head are numbered.

The book of Revelation says that one day soon, we will receive a new Heavenly name.

I wonder if it will be similar as to the woman taking the man’s name at a marriage.  After all there will be a marriage supper of the Lamb. What a thought!

I am reminded of the hymn, “There’s a New Name Written Down in Glory and it’s mine."

This post was inspired by some thoughts received when I read Floyd’s great post:  Enjoy his story here: http://theregoi.com/finding-floyd/the-beginning-of-faith/

Linking today with Blog Hops you will want to view their sites
Joan Davis, Sharing His Beauty 
Jen’s Finding Heaven, Solo Gloria

Prince of Peace

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Gleaning from his sermon, I took notes as Pastor Carl read from Luke chapter two, where Caesar Augustus had made a decree that all were to journey to their city of lineage to be taxed.

Mary and Joseph traveled from Galilee, and arrived at Bethlehem but there was NO room in the inn, however they were offered lodging in a stable, which they graciously accepted.  Mary being great with child, and while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

600 years prior to this time, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the Savior would be born of a Virgin in the city of Bethlehem and that his name shall be called “The Prince of Peace.”

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That starry night, the Angels sang; “Glory to God in the highest, Peace on Earth, Good Will to men.”

Shepherds tending their flocks saw and heard the angels and were extremely frightened. “Fear not,” the Angels told them, “for unto you this day is born a Savior in the city of David.”

These poor lowly shepherds gladly received this news and quickly left their flocks and went in search of the new born baby. Finding him, they bowed down and worshiped the Christ child Jesus.

One of our Christmas Carols we love to sing is: "Hark the herald angels sing; Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled"

About 40 days hence the child was taken to the temple in Jerusalem for a purification ceremony and was received by Simeon the High Priest who blessed the child and prophesied that he would be pierced as well as Mary's heart. Simeon said, "Now I can die in Peace for I have seen the salvation of the Lord."

The entire life of Jesus was one complete peace offering.  He forgave sinners and told them to go in Peace.  Jesus came as a servant and washed the feet of his disciples commanding them to do likewise and to serve one another.  Jesus then told his disciples, “My peace I give unto you.”

Peace is a gift of God.  Peace is one of the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Peace was never intended to keep to ourselves. We are called to be Peace-Makers.

There are times we encounter “Trouble Makers,” in our friends, our family, our work place, and even in our church. There are six things God hates, and one of these is persons who sow discord and division. Hurtful words send forth dissension among the brethren.

We enjoy harmony and a peaceful atmosphere. It is good to be surrounded by those who care for us and are forgiving and able to overlook our faults. We need to love and be loved, to serve and be served, to forgive and be forgiven. To live in Peace, and plant seeds of peace.

It is true that we reap what we sow. What goes around - - comes around!

May we ever sow peace and follow after the Prince of Peace.

Linked up today with Hear it on Sunday

And with Evatt at: Beautiful Messy Mondays

Come Help Us!

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Our friends had telephoned us and begged us to come help them in their new church that they had started in Texas. A group of family and friends were their core group but they wanted another couple to assist them in their ministry. Possibly take Wednesday night services and set up a Sunday School program, and give a helping hand in their work.

I was so excited. These were our dear intercessory prayer partners that we had spent so many joyful times with, while we attended the Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. I was anxious to join with them in their ministry. “Let’s do it,” I told Robert.

BUT – my husband had already “COMMITTED” us to be a part of our local church as Christian Education Directors and to begin a Book store in the church. He was to be the Associate Pastor and assist when the Pastor was away for a few days.

My husband had given his word to our local pastor – and that was it. We could NOT go back on our agreement.

A wife is bound by Christian love to respect, honor, and follow her husband, so that is what I did. Casting aside what might have been, we settled down to minister where we were pledged and planted at this time.

In the Bible there were times when men gave their word, and it was their BOND. Often it was the cutting of blood to create a “COVENANT.”

When your word is given - - it must stand. There are many times in life when we give our word. The marriage vows come to mind, but there are other times too.

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Joining a Church with a group of believers is a commitment. Joining the military, or a giving a promise to a cause. We agree to pay our mortgage, and our car payments, and we sign on the dotted line.

I am reminded when God gave His Word that He would send a deliverer to save us from our sins. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus.

At Christmas time, we celebrate that Jesus came to earth to be born of a Virgin. He grew up to become a man and to minister, working miracles and healing the sick. He died on a cross for us, and true to His WORD - - - He rose again on the third day.

After meeting with his friends and followers during forty days, Jesus gave His WORD again.
“I shall return and receive you unto myself and there you will be with me also. Wait for the Promise from the Father for the Holy Spirit will Give you Power to be my witnesses in your city – in the surrounding areas, and then into all the world.”

God is faithful and he always keeps His Committed Word!

May we ever follow the example of God, and when we make a commitment let us always keep our word.

You might enjoy this beautiful Song about our Comforter who comes along side TO HELP US!

May this song bless you - - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HeP8R68p8uo&feature=related

This post has been linked with
Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays. 

 Deidra’s   SundayJump Tandem

Sauerkraut

Breakfast was over and some of the Assisted Living residents were watching TV or waiting to have their Thursday morning shampoo and set.

I was a bit early and the representative from the the Railroad had not yet arrived.  She was bringing a letter of congratulations from the Railroad Retirement Board for my mother as Mom will be 100 years old on December 30th. 

I decided to step inside through the gated door to greet my mother. I had given instructions to curl her short hair and she looked so pretty with her curls.  Mother’s eyes were closed as they often are and my kisses and voice could not awaken her, so I retreated back to the front desk to wait for the Railroad person. I had no longer seated myself when in walked my Mother’s Pastor and his wife. 

Kurt the owner of the Home greeted them and we all sat to chat. I am not certain how the conversation turned to Sauerkraut, but it seems that Kurt’s German grandmother and also his mother always prepared their own from an old German recipe.

Kurt told us that his family would use a large crock to make their kraut and the vitamin C rich Sauerkraut was a staple in their diet.

I was intrigued because I am interested in Probiotic foods especially since I began to brew my own Kombucha tea which helps me to keep in better health. Probiotics are foods such as yogurt, fermented and unfermented milk, miso, tempeh, some juices and soy beverages, and don’t forget sauerkraut. These go through a fermenting process that creates good bacteria that works with your body for good wellbeing.

Researching Sauerkraut I discovered several intricate and also some very simple recipes. Some added other vegetables such as a grated carrot, onions, garlic, seaweed, and greens, and herbs and spices (caraway seeds, dill seeds, celery seeds, and juniper berries are classic.  Myself, I prefer plain!

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The recipe that caught my attention was one that you might want to try using a standard quart mason jar. The author used 6 jars but you can try this with just one for fun. 

Sauerkraut the Easy method

Cut your green or red cabbage in half and using a sharp knife, slice and chop enough cabbage to fit into your quart jar. Pack the cabbage tightly into the jar.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of Sea or Kosher salt on top of the cabbage.

Stick a table kitchen knife into the jar along side of the cabbage and slowly pour boiling water over cabbage. The boiling water will dissolve the honey and salt and distribute them in the jar.

Loosely place a lid on your jar until the fermenting is done. Set your jar in a pan or on newspaper in a dark, cool place to ferment. Check every couple days and press with a wooden spoon so that the cabbage is covered with the water. Just be warned, if any bloom starts to develop on top, scrape it off your kraut is still good. After fermentation takes place (2 to 3 weeks), tighten the lids on jar. Enjoy some every day!

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays  Please visit there and enjoy!

A Few More Days

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Although her birthday to celebrate 100 years is a few days away, there was a special honor presentation today at the Assisted Living Home where mother resides.

The US Railroad Retirement board had sent a letter informing us that a representative Ms Elizabeth Morales would be arriving the morning of December 15 to present a congratulation letter to mother for reaching 100 years.

In attendance were mother’s long time Pastors, Rev. Gene and Beverly Smith of Oroville’s, First Assemblies of God church. Also present was Sherry Long a board member of the Assisted Living Corporation.

We found Mother seated in a wheel chair sleeping.  She enjoyed a nap while we chatted.  Kisses and back rubs did not awake her so while she rested, we visited. 

Elizabeth told us of my dad’s excellent work record for the 35 years that he was employed at the Southern Pacific in Oakland, CA.  She could tell from the work history that he was a hard worker providing for his family. I mentioned that when the family needed extra money, that Dad would go on the extra board. This was a system that allowed employees to work 8 hours on and 8 hours off for short periods of time. During World War II there was often a need for extra help so Dad was willing to do this.

I had given Sherry a write up about mother and her life in Oakland and also when she moved to Oroville.

One outstanding event was the time our City of Oroville was considering to change the name of our annual summer Fiesta Days to DAMN Days. (Just a note that we have the large Oroville Dam near by that is the main water source for a good portion of California.) That day the local newspaper was interviewing residents at the down town post office. Mother was one they asked for her opinion, “Shall we change the name from Fiesta Days to Damn Days?”

Mother boldly spoke up and let it be known, “My parents taught me never to use the Lord’s Name in vain and not to swear and use bad language. I would not approve of the name change.” Her photo and her remarks were printed in the paper. Needless to say, each year we celebrate FIESTA DAYS, and whether mother had anything to do with keeping the name, only God and the city knows for sure.

The Pastor’s wife was given a copy of Mother’s write up and she stated that she will make copies to enclose in Sundays church bulletin for all the church members.

Opening her eyes Mother finally decided she had enjoyed enough nap time. Sherry took a photo of mother, and one of Mom, Elizabeth and me using her photo phone.

One of the staff took mother back to the recreation room, and Sherry escorted us on a tour of the facility. Elizabeth was very impressed with the beauty of the décor and how clean the home is. 

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Only a few more days until Mother will arrive at 100.

Only a few more days and Christmas will be here.

Only a few more days - - - The King is coming! Are you ready?

Linked today with Joan’s Grace Café.  
And with Michelle at Thought Provoking Thursday

Down to the Valley for Christmas

California Central Valley
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When we were children, we usually traveled as a family down to the San Joaquin Valley to spend Christmas with my mother’s parents.

Our tree at home was decorated and under it were gifts for each of us. Most often we would receive a new sweater, new pajamas, and other needed clothing at Christmas. Mother would sew a new doll dress for my old doll and wrap up the doll - - clothes and all for me to open. Nestled under the tree were several small surprise gifts that would keep us speculating.

“You must wait until we get back from our trip to visit Grandma and Grandpa before you can open your presents,” mother told us.

We begged, “Please,” but mother held fast to her decision. Finally she relented and said, “You may each select one gift to open, but ONLY one.”

I carefully inspected the presents, and tried to guess what each package might contain. One mysterious package was shaped like a long triangle and it intrigued me. I wondered what it could be. At last I made my choice and picked up the small triangular gift.

Carefully I opened my gift and to my disappointment it was a new “Rat tailed comb.” I had wanted something more exciting, and I told mother so. “You made your choice and it stands,” she let me know.

I am reminded in life that we often believe something looks good to our eyes but once we are able to view the inner core we are truly unhappy with the results. Sometimes it is a person, a friend, and other times it is something we think we need to purchase.

Did you even get your self in a pickle that looked exciting and discover to your sorrow and chagrin that disillusionment was your reward?

I suppose that if we would pray more before we leap, we would not fall quite so far!

Mark 14:38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.

As Christmas time approaches, may you receive and also give many Gifts that will be long lasting. The gifts that will bless the longest in time are not purchased with gold and silver but are given and received with love shown by action.

This type of giving will not rust and decay but will continue to be enjoyed as long as the gift is kept active.

How about giving some compliments, and good words to those you love, for kind and loving words are always in season.

Good words will lift you up and never pull you down!

This post has been linked to:

“Changing the World One Word at a Time”  The word is DOWN

 and also with

Shanda’s On Your Heart 
and with
With Evatt Messy Mondays

Prepare Ye the Way

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Be prepared; Get ready, the King is coming - - was the title of Sundays sermon by our Pastor Carl. I share here my notes as I gleaned from his message.

Pastor selected his scriptures from Isaiah 9:6-7 where the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the King would come, and the reading from Matthew 3, where John, the last Old Testament prophet declared saying, “Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is He that was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”

The crowds asked John if he was the Christ, but his answer was, “I am preparing the way, for one comes after me whose shoes I am not worthy to undo.” John’s message was Repent and Believe in order to be ready.

Advent is the season of preparation. We search our inward being and prepare our hearts.

Preparation always makes things better and easier.

A gardener prepares the soil prior to his planting.

A cook plans the menu and purchases the necessary ingredients before hand.

A teacher plans the lesson.

The traveler coordinates his schedule and route.

Spiritually we must plan ahead and get ready for the coming of our Lord.

We prepare for worship, opening our heart to receive the seed of the word. We come with a willing and teachable spirit, and a loving and generous attitude.

God is always well prepared. His wisdom has planned every last detail from Genesis to Revelation, announcing the coming of the King, arranging the census so that Bethlehem as prophesied would be the place of Christ’s birth. Even the life, death and resurrection of Jesus were all in God’s design. Jesus came back from death with new life.

The plan of salvation, secured for us eternal life and forgiveness of all our sins. On the cross, Jesus took all our sins upon himself so that we could be free from guilt and shame.

Jesus told his disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you, that where I am, there you can be also.” We have an eternal inheritance prepared for us. The question was asked, “How can we know the way?” Jesus replied, “I am the Way the truth and the Life, he that believes on me shall live.” When Jesus was baptized in water by John, a voice from heaven spoke and declared, “This is my beloved Son, hear ye him.”

Today, we are to cry out like David, “Have Mercy O Lord, create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me.” 

May I ever be prepared to meet you, Oh Lord my King!

 

Linking today with: Michelle, Joan and Deidra.

Please visit to soak up good words you will discover at these lovely sites.

Michelle at Hear it on Sunday

Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty Hop

Deidra’s Sunday Jumptandem

Persimmon Bread

Fuyus - courtesy Flicker by Outdoor

Unfortunately, if you have never tried a persimmon, you need to know that there are two popular varieties of persimmons.

Hachiya—shouldn’t be eaten until it is extremely ripe. Unless it has arrived at “soft,” it will have a taste like industrial-strength cleaner.

The other popular variety is Fuyus, which are short and squat; these are the variety to buy for eating fresh. The pointy-bottomed hachiyas are better for baking and are best when they are soft.

I discovered a magnificent recipe for Cranberry Persimmon Crisp at: Sweet Peony’s blog. I noticed that she used the Fuyus to make her Holiday crisp. Please check it out at: http://sweetpeonyblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/cranberry-persimmon-crisp.html

My mother’s mature Hachiya Persimmon tree produced immense quantities of this delicious fruit. We would naturally wait until they were quite soft and then scoop out the pulp and enjoy.

Some health researchers say that a persimmon a day may be better for your heart than an apple a day. Persimmons have significantly higher levels of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and manganese than apples. It is good to vary your diet, but you may want to include Persimmons especially while they are in season.

I am so thankful for the many fruits that God has given us, each ripe and delicious in its season.

My mother’s Persimmon harvest was abundant so we would process much of the Persimmon pulp and freeze it in 2 cup - zip lock bags. Then we could defrost a bag when we wanted to enjoy a lovely snack, or use them for baking. Persimmon Nut bread is my favorite method to use the persimmons and I share it here with you. Be sure to add the soda to the pulp as instructed.

Persimmon Nut Bread

Mix 2 cups sugar, 4 eggs and 1 cup oil together in a bowl.

Sift together 3 ½ cups flour, 1 ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp salt.

To 2 cups persimmon pulp, add and mix well 2 tsp soda. Let set until gelled then add to the egg and oil mixture.

Add the dry flour mixture to the rest and mix with a wooden spoon.

Lastly add 1 cup chopped walnuts.

Pour into two regular size loaf bread pans. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Do hop on over to her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

And also linked to Laura’s Brag on God Fridays. Please visit and view many good words there at: http://www.beholdingglory.com/

Puppies for Sale

"Guilty" by Ashley

Turning off the main Highway unto a side road, we spied the farm house that we were looking for. A lady and her children were out in the yard and were expecting us.

“Is this the place that has the Blue Tick Puppies,” we asked. “Yes, you have found us, park here and come with us,” they replied.

One of the boys handed the mother an old plastic milk bottle that the top had been removed. It held about two cups of large dry dog food chunks. Holding it by the handle, she began to shake it with the chunks rattling inside. From the noise of the food, out from a rear yard rushed a pack of puppies all competing for their share of the food.

Their little tummies seemed flat and they were a hungry bunch. The lady tossed some of the food unto the drive way and the little buggers hurried to devour what they could.

My husband looked at one and then another. His inspection of each puppy was a sight to behold. Blue Tick Hounds are his favorite dog, but we could tell these were not pure bred Blue Ticks. The Mother was a mix of Plot hound and Blue Tick which would give the pups black and white spots but also some orange color around the face and ears.

Having been without a Blue Tick Hound for several months, my husband was still going through “withdrawals.” These puppies appeared to be our best bet for now. $100 was a lot to pay for a hound that was a mix, but as we looked at those hungry babies, we could envision that a trip to Wal-Mart for more dog food was probably in their plans for later that day.

We decided to make a contribution in exchange for a puppy.

A decision was difficult as they were all so cute, but finally a pick was made. Wrapping him in a large towel, I bonded with the pup all the way home. Arriving home, we fed him and he eagerly ate all we gave him. As a puppy his smoke colored coat did not have all the spots yet, so my husband named him Smoky.

To this day, old Smoke always licks his plate clean. You never need to tell him that it is time to eat, for he is always ready. I wondered if being so hungry as a puppy is the reason his appetite is so good?

When Smoky was still quite small, our daughter and granddaughter Ashley came for a visit. Ashley had brought her camera so she took a photo of him next to my husband’s old shoe. She entered her photo in a contest at school and won first prize for her entry.

It wasn’t long before we realized that little Smoky was lonesome, so we added to our menagerie a Black Lab that we purchased from some local people. They have been great pals ever since. There are times when I must often tell our Lab to eat his dog food, but what he doesn’t finish, Old Smoke is perfectly willing to help him out!

I often wonder if we as a people should be as hungry for God’s Word as Old Smoky is for his daily food?

This scripture is a good reminder for us: Matthew 5:6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

This post has been linked to Joan’s Grace Café. Do visit there for other good words!

 http://www.reflectionsofhisgrace.com/2011/12/rahab-recognized-for-her-faith/

Also with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday. Please visit and view other great words you find there: http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/2011/12/winsome-wednesday-gods-favour.html

And  Good Morning Girls Wednesday at: http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/2011/12/week-12-wiww-link-up-party/  This site has an ongoing Bible study especially for women.

Christmas Pageant Oakland, California

She came to visit our first grade class, this beautiful lady with the bright red lipstick and dangling ear rings.

I remember how glamorous she appeared and there she was pointing to me and several other small blond girls.

Our teacher wrote down our names and gave us a permission slip to take home to our parents. We were to join with hundreds of other small girls from various Oakland schools who had also been selected to be the tiny snow fairies in the finalé of the Christmas Pageant held each year at the Oakland city auditorium.

There were many practices and instructions given which were very simple to follow. All we needed to do was put on our sparkly white princess costume and skip out to meet the solo dancer at a signal.

Later as years went by; our children were also selected to be a part in this wonderful traditional presentation.

This pageant was a gigantic rendition similar to the Nut Cracker Suite put on by Louise Jorgensen and the Recreation Department of the City of Oakland.

“As a staff member of the city’s recreation department, Ms Jorgensen would visit 50 schools a week to conduct a half-hour rehearsal in the last few months of the year. The Kaiser Convention Center hosted the pageant’s overflow crowds. (8,000 proud parents, says one source).”

Each school and every grade in our city had a part in the production. There were children dressed as dancing elves, candy canes, holly berries, penguins, polo bears, drummer boys, teams of reindeers with their lady drivers and scores of colorful toys.

The conclusion of the drama was a solo dance by our beautiful Spirit of Christmas lady, as the spot light revealed her twirling and spiraling across the auditorium floor. On cue, as her dance ended, all we little fairy snow princess skipped out to meet the snow queen. We gathered around her as she blessed us with her sweet kisses that she blew in our direction.

“For almost 70 years, from 1919 until the pageant's farewell performance in 1987, a one-woman powerhouse, Louise Jorgensen, transformed the thousands of other Oakland schoolchildren into dancing toys and ballerinas for two performances during the first weekend of December.”

“In 2006, nostalgic teachers organized The Winter Festival, an attempt to revive and secularize the pageant, but this may be one of those feats of the past that is impossible to replicate.”

May your celebration of Christmas include a manger scene, some angels and shepherds, and perhaps a wise man two or three.



This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty Hop. Do visit and enjoy some wonderful words posted there.
http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/2011/12/unwrapping-gifts-of-advent-gift-of.html