G.R.I.T.S.

I love being a Girl Raised In The South!  Wouldn't have it any other way!! 

If this had been THE apple, I could understand Eve.

Okay, one last weird comment..for now. I found these decadent, wonderful, the best ever Magnum chocolate ice cream bars on sale at Publix. And, yes, I ate one on the way home...while thinking about the 'flying' fish in the previous post. As I finished this most delicious, not-on-the-Daniel-Plan treat, I said, 'Lord, surely this fell out of Heaven!' and I'm pretty sure His still small voice said, 'Yes, just like Lucifer did'! :O   Oh dear.

Weird me and fish thoughts

Weird me, on the way home from my appointment, saw a heron fly overhead from the bay clutching a fish. The fish was about six inches long maybe. And, my weird mind got the image of the fish's point of view from up in the air...out of the only home it's ever known, under the water...to high up in the air, flying over grass, cars, tall houses, never having seen those things before... feeling air on it's scales rather than water. How scary was that for the little fish?! Made me want to cry! And, trust me, I like fish....I'm not a vegan. Maybe fish don't have feelings or fears? : ( I wonder if it's okay to pray for a hard heart?

Forward Braveheart!

How often have I cowered and backed away and been a simpering, weak, frail piece of humanity in the face of perhaps displeasing someone I love??  To keep from having a confrontation.  To stop a family argument before it might possibly happen??  Way too often.

I have compromised my beliefs for the sake of 'keeping the peace' and I have listened to language that I detest while weakly whimpering, "Don't talk like that..."    I have accepted from my loved ones what I would not accept from friends or acquaintances.  I have listened while inwardly furious to crude language, hateful speech, drunkenness.  Inside I was boiling with shame and disgrace and ANGER!  But, outside I was weak and I let it go because I wanted peace.  I was raised in a house full of yelling and screaming and fighting because my father was a drunk and a wife beater and my mother was sad and angry and my siblings were afraid and angry.  Everybody was angry.

When I grew up, I was angry, too.  I had my share of yelling, screaming, fighting.  But, I wanted peace.  I wanted it so much that I finally gave up the yelling, etc.  and became weak and without power of my own. 

I'm here to say that I no longer want to appear weak.  The truth is I'm very strong and I know the difference between right and wrong, I know truth and I know a lie.  I know disrespect and I know honor.  I know filth and I know Godliness.  And, I'm not shutting my mouth any longer.  I'm not even saying I'm sorry if you don't like that!!  I'm going to be true to myself and my God.  I'm not to be weak, I'm to stand for what's right.

That I will do.  Be prepared world!!  Be prepared, family!!  Be prepared friends and acquaintances!!  Mary isn't backing down.

Onward, Braveheart!  Fight for the heart of your King!
Either you will understand this, or you won't.

Name change! Sit With Me Under My Magnolia Tree has become Shade Trees and Sweet Tea!

I love the new name.  I love sitting under shade trees and enjoying a tall, cold, glass of sweet tea.  Sitting by myself, enjoying the birds and flowers, the wind through the trees, the bees buzzing by and the stray cat or two snoozing on or under my porch, depending upon the temperature that day!  I love sitting in the shade with friends, sharing stories, hopes, problems, life.   Something about talking it out with a trusted friend makes everything seem better.  And, sometimes it's just me and God and a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet tea.  The quiet moments when I actually stop and listen to Him instead of just yammering away about what I need and want!! Lord, please..Lord, please..Lord, please...  yikes.  He's so patient with us.  It's when we actually listen and say, 'Yes, Lord'  'Yes, Lord'...that are the most important times spent with him, I think.
God is good.
Ahh well, it's late and I'm headed for the covers and the pillow.  Will wake tomorrow, Lord willing, to a new day and sunny day and a chair in the shade of my tree.
Have a great night everyone!
Be blessed!!

Aint it the truth!

Permissable but not beneficial

I can't tell you how many times that has helped me this past week! I can HAVE whatever I want!! But, it might not be beneficial! So, I choose something better. It's amazing what one little phrase can do to steer you in the right direction.

I've had oral surgery this past week and it has been a struggle. Not the eating, it's difficult to eat with stitches in your mouth. But, my attitude and mood have been difficult. I'm trying to stay upbeat and then one of my grown children takes his frustration and anger out on me. This is when I usually cry and eat. But, not now. I'm angry, and I don't want to be angry. I really have to get in the Word and talk it out with the Lord. That's what I intend to do as soon as I finish this post. I am an emotional eater. Since I can't really do that right now, I find myself very frustrated! This is the part where I MUST crave God!! Why is this so difficult? I know He loves me, He can help me, He WANTS to help me! Why don't I RUN to Him?! I am surprised at myself and confounded by my own actions. Lord help me to run to You and nowhere else when my heart hurts, when I need help, when my emotions are raw. Please, Lord, help me.