Mimmy's Maniacal Moments

After Thanksgiving Recipe

2009-11-27T14:37:00.002-05:00

Well, Thanksgiving is over and we will be looking for recipes for the leftovers for several days, if not weeks. My recipe won't help there but it just might help you get through the rush to come between now and Christmas. Hope you enjoy!!!

A GREAT RECIPE...

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for ______________.

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli , almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to agree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season. I'll be "seeing" you ASAP.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

2009-11-25T15:01:00.003-05:00

It has been over a month since I've posted and I'm terribly sorry. There has been much to do and I've had some health set backs. However, I could not let Thanksgiving go by without saying:

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Hopefully, it will be more than just a holiday for you, but a time when we can all make an accounting of our blessings and a time when we can share with others. In our family, after we have all stuffed ourselves with the wonderful food God has blessed us with and that my sister prepares, we go around the table starting to Daddy's left and ending with him and tell those we love something for which we are thankful. We usually don't make it very far before most of us are wiping tears and once Daddy has expressed the blessing for which he is most thankful he leads us in prayer thanking our father for ALL that he has given to us.

This is a memory that I treasure greatly and I always spend some time choosing the blessing that I want to share. It must be something special. Something that will let my family know how much I appreciate them and all that they have given to me.

Now, since I will be out of town tomorrow, I want to thank my blogging friends for your patience, love and care and for all the encouragement you have given to me. May God bless you throughout this Holiday season with a true sense of Him and a reminder of all the wondrous things with which He has blessed us.

God Bless,
Mimmy

I’m Thankful For...
Colossians 3:15

I’m thankful for the world God made,
The beauty and creatures therein.
I’m thankful God knew man would fall
And had a plan to redeem from sin.

I’m thankful Jesus came to earth
Lived and died and rose again,
So if I’ll walk within His light
I a home in Heaven will win.

I am thankful for the Bible
That tells us all of Jesus’ love,
And tells us all what we must know
To help others to a home above.

I’m thankful God gave me a family
Who believe in Him and His grace,
Who help me walk the narrow way
Who cheer me while running life’s race.

I’m thankful for three grown children
And the grandchildren they’ve given me.
I pray they’ll all find their way back home
Before we face eternity.

I’m thankful for my dear husband
And the support he’s been to me,
As God in His wondrous knowledge
Sent us grandchildren, one, two, three;

To share our home and the love there,
To do the very best we can,
To prepare them for the days ahead
When we’ll all take our final exam.

I’m thankful that I live in pain
So much that others must push my chair,
‘Cause it’s always there to tell me
That others have many more cares.

I’m thankful for my great church home
Who has never left us in need.
All we must do is say the word
We soon know that they did heed.

I’m thankful that God has given prayer
So that I can thank Him for all,
The wondrous things I’ve mentioned above
And many others both great and small.

For if I had to list them all
In this Daybreak I’m also thankful for,
Our editor would at the very least
Let me write for this work no more.

Joyce K. Smith
November, 2008

Lest We Forget

2009-10-28T22:21:00.005-04:00

Dear Friends,

It has been a long times since I have used this, the old fashioned letter format. Because I think this is an art that we are about to lose, I've decided to use it for this post. Computers have made communication so quick, easy and yet, sometimes impersonal. There is something lost in an e-mail that is there in a letter. Trying to explain that is hard for me. The only apparent difference is that words are no longer on paper, they are on a screen. It is very exciting to get a letter in the mail because I know someone has taken the time to sit down, get out their favorite stationary, and take the time to "write" me a letter or even just a note. I love it.

There are many things in our lives that we have lost because of technology that has made our lives so simple. We want everything instantly. Looking back on my youth, I can remember all of us gathering in the kitchen and making several batches of different kinds of cookies at Christmas time. The kitchen would be an absolute mess, we would all have flour all over us, and occasionally, we would burn a batch. Now, making Christmas cookies, for a lot of us, consists of going to the grocery, buying either a roll cookie dough or package of pre-cut cookies. Then, if they are around, we bring the youngins into the kitchen and slice or break apart our cookies, put them in the oven, and eat them all in one sitting because you can only get about 18 decent sized cookies out of one roll.

Now, please don't think that I am belittling anyone who bakes cookies this way. That's my recipe of I don't just go to the store and buy them. However, I do miss the days when there was flour all over the place and tons of cookies waiting to be enjoyed. You could smell them in the house for weeks.

A lot of memories have been flooding my mind recently and the following e-mail has brought to my mind even more completely how many things we can lose in our ever so busy lives. It is so very hard to choose what is important and what is urgent. These choices have also been weighing heavy on my heart and I am finding it harder and harder to find the time to blog as often as I would like.

The relatively few of you who follow my blog have been so faithful and being gone a week has made me feel, inappropriately guilty. Knowing you as I feel I do, I know that you understand and will be there to read this. It may be a week, or even two, before I'm back. Recently I've had to be in some pretty strong antibiotics that have played havoc with my system and are making it even harder for me to accomplish those things that are really important. Please understand that this is not goodbye. It is not my intention to give up blogging all together. It is just to cut WAY back until probably after the first of the year.

This is the e-mail that I spoke of above. Many of you may have seen it but it is worth sharing again. Life is so fleeting and we have to grab every bit of it we can.

Thank you so much for hanging in there with me. As Arnie says, "I'll be back."

With love and prayers,
God Bless,
Mimmy

P.S. For some reason I was not able to put in paragraph indents, etc., so this is not my normal letter format. I guess block will have to do. Oh, well, a letter is a letter.

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.'

There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it .. live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.

Nerve Blocks

2009-10-21T17:16:00.002-04:00

Within the last six weeks, I have had two nerve blocks in an attempt to alleviate some of the pain in my lower back and right leg. Thankfully, they have somewhat worked. The pain in my leg is not nearly as bad or persistent as it once was, but pain at the injection site is not much fun. It seems to hang on for a good while after each injection. Of course, when I'm having the block done they give me what I call "joy juice". I don't feel much and remember even less.

In thinking about this, I've begun to wonder what would happen if I had a "spiritual nerve block". Those thoughts led to this:

"Spiritual Nerve Block"

This day was like many others
Full of work, family and friends.
Same things that were done the day before,
The day before that, to no end.

Some folks say that I'm in a terrible rut,
I must say that I truly agree.
Today is the same as yesterday
Tomorrow will most likely be.

Maybe I'll try something new to me.
Something that maybe is wrong.
It won't hurt to try it once in a while.
Who will know if they don't go along.

There's this pang that I have, it's called conscience
"Can I hide it", I ask quite aloud.
Another voice hollers around me.
"Sure I'll help you, it will make me feel proud."

He continued that I'll need a nerve block.
To halt this old conscience inside.
"It only will take just a minute.
There's no pain. No, I never have lied."

So I trusted this voice I was hearing
He gave me a shot of "joy juice".
Told me I'd feel like a million,
The old conscience would be of no use.

After I had the procedure
I found that this voice was quite right.
All of the things I had wanted
Came quite easy, most generally at night.

There was however a problem
Even though my conscience seemed dead,
So did all of the rest of me,
No kind thoughts in my now vacant head.

There were voids in me and I now wondered
If I ever would fill them again.
This life I had chose seemed empty.
It was not what I'd thought, this thing sin.

So I sent for this voice to confront him
And to ask him to be on the level.
He said to me, "Quite impossible.
"You see", he said, "I am the Devil".

"When I gave you the nerve block you wanted,
All the things that filled up your soul,
Went right out the door with your conscience.
You'll just have to choose quite different goals."

In the back of my heart I remembered
Something I'd been told back in my youth.
God never leaves us on this journey.
I knew it, it must be the truth.

So I fell to my knees and I asked him
To forgive me and let me come home.
At once I was so very happy
And knew I'd try never to roam.

My words to you are very simple
If you you might want a nerve block,
Tell the Devil to just go and leave you.
Get on your knees and have a great talk.

Mimmy, aka Joyce Smith
October 21, 2009

"Just because I said so."

2009-10-18T01:43:00.004-04:00

(Matthew 23:1-6) Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to His disciples, saying: "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat. "Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do. "For they bind heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. "But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments. "They love the best places at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues, (NKJV)

Do not do what they do…

Do as I say and not as I do
We often have heard people say.
But are these words the very words
We need to lead us on the right way?

It seems to me as I look at these words
That it probably really depends,
To whom we are listening utter these words
And the heart out of which they do wend.

These verses we read are the words of our Lord
As he spoke to the multitude there,
Of how they should listen to those who did sit
On the seat from which God’s word was shared.

But they only should listen to what they heard read
Ignoring what they daily saw done,
The Pharisees did their works to gain praise,
Making laws that were quite burdensome.

They loved all the power and all of the show
They loved all the glory from men,
The outward acts they did in the streets
Covered up a dark heart full of sin.

So if you must do as someone else does
Be sure that your model is true,
And follow the deeds of the Glorified One,
Who ever did as He says we should do.

God Bless,
Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
October 16, 2009

2009-10-14T19:24:00.003-04:00

"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

A Little Light Story

Once was a man traveling all alone
On a road he'd not traveled before,
He had no place to stay for the night
And no place to help keep him warm.

He came on a cabin deep in the woods.
He entered a room dark and black.
He took from his pocket a box of matches,
Lit a candle that was deep in his pack.

The room was brighter than had been before.
But he needed a strong candle stand,
So the wax that would run from the candle top
Would not put sore burns on his hands.

Then he found in the bottom of an old curio
A lantern with three mirrored sides.
When he put the candle inside of the door
The light almost blinded his eyes.

He set about with some sticks from outside
To build a fire in the stove used for cooking,
Soon the cabin was warm but then he saw
His candle was losing light for looking.

He hurriedly searched the cabin once more,
Found a lamp that used oil to burn.
It appeared to have a new wick and fuel
To give the light he'd need until morn.

Let us look now at this story of light,
The many light sources it had.
First the box of matches in a pocket found
Lit the candle that made the room glad.

Then came the lantern to hold the candle,
The mirrors made the room shine.
Next sticks in the stove to warm up the room
So the man wouldn't shiver and whine.

As the candle burned low to soon be no light
The oil lamp with new wick inside,
Took over the job of providing the light
Showing him everything that's inside.

This is a story of our various tasks
And tools needed to help the light shine,
So as we begin this year 2009
Please decide which tool you’ll say, "It‘s mine.".

Will you be the matches in book or in box
Or the candle that lit up the room?
Will you be the lantern or a mirror inside
Or sticks that helped warm things so soon?

Will you be a lamp with a wick and some oil
To provide light the whole night through?
Or will you just sit in the dark of the room
Thinking there's nothing for you to do?

Remember if you're just a tiny match stick
Or an oil lamp burning just fine,
You have to find your part of the light
If your light shines to lead home the blind.

God Bless,
Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
October 14, 2009

Sidetracked

2009-10-13T01:28:00.002-04:00

This will be very short and maybe not too sweet since I'm writing off the cuff. Hope you all are having a wonderful seek so far. You will be in my prayers as we go forward in our walk.

Good Intentions

I had such good intentions
When I got on here tonight.
T'was going to do a daily post
It was going to be quite nice.

But then I got on google
Searching for a pic I need
For a Christmas present
That will be quite nice indeed.

It appears that I can only
Do one nice thing in a day,
I'm sure you know I don't mean that
Just needed something to say.

So I'm going turn turn the lights off
Tuck myself into my bed.
My plan's to write tomorrow
Of all that's in my head.

But if my good intentions
Should someway get side-tracked,
Please don't you forget me
'Cause someday I'll be right back.

God Bless,
Mimmy

First Things First

2009-10-07T20:07:00.003-04:00

It's hard for me to admit when I'm wrong. It 's probably hard for everybody. But, there are times when we all have to so here I go.

Since I've started blogging I've spent much more time at it than I should. Although I spend most of every day in my recliner there are things that I do need to do. Right now in particular there are some things I could be doing around the house. Not many, I'll admit, but I can fold clothes and I might be able to do some picking up and some dusting so I've got to try to be more of a help to Pat.

Number one on this list has to be my Bible study. I've really neglected it and have to get back to doing more. It is hard for me to read because of the medication that I take. It's not because of being unable to focus, but my memory is affected so I have to reread several times before it sticks. What might take one person 15 minutes to grasp takes me about an hour so I get frustrated and just put it down. That has to stop. Right now I really need to spend some time in God's word to bolster my faith so that I can deal with the other things in my life that frustrate me.

Also, since our financial situation is what it is, I have to get busy making Christmas presents if we're going to have anything to give to our family and friends. I'm beginning to panic because Christmas is just around the corner.

So that I can get my priorities in order, I'm putting blogging on the back burner. I'm not going to quit. It does fill a very important void in my life but I am going to slow down. My plan is to blog once or twice a week and read and comment two or three days a week. That way I won't lost touch with so man lives that have become important to me.

Hopefully, those of you who have been such a part of my life won't stop reaching out to me either. It will still be important to me to read what you have to share.

FIRST THINGS FIRST

It’s time for a little confession.
There are things I’ve pushed to the back.
Things I don’t want to admit
But things that I really do lack.

It’s hard when we must face the fact
That we have some limitations,
That we can’t make all the things in our hearts
Come to actual fruition.

There are many things I want to do
As I sit here in my chair.
Blogging is just one of them
That I wish to give lots of care.

Bible study is the top of my list,
Yet it seems I’ve pushed it aside,
Not all the time, not all the way,
But enough that it hurts inside.

So I’ve come to a decision
One that I have to make.
Blogging must take a back seat
To all else that’s on my plate.

First, must come God my Father,
Setting things right with Him.
Reading from His precious word
Every day, not just on a whim.

Talking with him about my trials,
All the things that weight on my heart.
Letting him take full control of me
Not just a piece or a part.

Then there are things I can do to help
With the care of my family and home.
There are not too very many
Since round the house in my chair I roam.

My crafting must have my attention,
I must make gifts for family and friends,
For the Christmas holiday
Since very little money we’ll spend.

At the end of this list must come blogging
At least for a little while.
It’s hard for me to put aside
Since it really fits with my style.

All through my life I’ve loved people
Around me to talk and chat.
After I had to leave my work
I have really missed all of that.

So I’ll not stop it entirely,
Will post just every few days.
Reading your blogs when I have the time
Catching up with all you will say.

This is not goodbye by any stretch,
It’s just that I’ll be seeing you less,
As I have much I must handle,
Many lives that I must caress.

Please know how much you have blessed me,
That I’ll miss seeing you most every day.
It’s just that I must slow down
If I’m going to walk in God’s way.

Love to all,
Mimmy

Climbing Hills

2009-10-05T16:20:00.003-04:00

Not surprisingly, in reading the blogs that I follow today, I found that many of those in the blogging world are facing terrible hills that they have to climb. Some of them have ready answers. Some of them have answers that must be searched for. Some of them don't have answers at all but must simply be climbed until they reach the top and can descend the other side to the peaceful and serene valley below.

While climbing these hills it would be most helpful if we had a map or if someone had been there before us and could give us directions. In West Virginia there are some hills that to me would qualify as mountains. We have driven through these hills many times and when I look from the valley up to the top I'm very thankful that someone has seen fit to lay a road that takes me up the side of the hill gradually and that I don't have to climb from the base directly to the top with no guidance. Thankfully, God has left us the directions that will get us through this life to our eternal home.

No, we can't just pick up the Bible and find answers to all of this life's problems. If my car breaks down I won't find instructions on how to fix it in God's Word, but I can find the principals that teach me I need to work to provide for my every day needs. With this principal I can either pay someone else to fix it or buy the parts to fix it myself. No, if I am ill I can't find the medical treatment I need to heal myself, but God has given us doctors who can help us and I can read of how Paul had an affliction and that he was told by God that God's grace was sufficient to help him handle it (II Corinthians 12:9). No, if someone invades my home and steals from me, I can't search God's Word and find a law enforcement agency to search, find and punish them, but I can read that God tells me to love my enemies (Matthew 5:44). No, if I lose a loved one I can't find a manual on how to handle grief, but I can read where Jesus lost a loved one and He wept. (John 11:35) Also, I can know that if my loved one was faithful to Christ that he is now resting in Heaven and, even if he was not faithful, I can know that his soul's destiny rests in God's hands, not mine.

Throughout my life I have yet to face a hill that God has not helped me to climb and that I have not been stronger when I reached the top and descended to the valley on the other side. With that knowledge, facing tomorrow and whatever hills may come my way is much easier. If we can look at the hills in life from this perspective, we will not only face them but be joyful in them (I Corinthians 7:4).

As you climb whatever hills life may put in your way, look to the road map left by God. They will be much easier to climb.

God's Road Map

Today I set out on a journey.
It seemed quite easy at first.
The road was pleasantly peaceful
With inns where I might quench my thirst.

As the day progressed in my travels
The way became much more steep.
The road was no longer level
The climb so high I did weep.

My path became full or pot holes,
And nails that flattened my tires.
The bridge was out just up ahead,
In the mud I'd surely be mired.

How would I finish this journey?
Would I ever reach my new home?
It appeared to me that I would not,
That I forever would roam.

Then like an oaf I remembered
A map that I carried with me.
Opening it I soon found the way
To my home that I wanted to see.

My day was totally wasted
Since I'd failed this guidance to read,
Before I started my journey
Attempting others to lead.

Now that I've read the directions
Learning the path I should trod,
I will be home rather shortly
Walking on my very own sod.

This advice I give to travelers
Who set out on a trip through this life.
Read the map map before leaving
It will certainly save you much strife.

Wishing you a wonderfully blessed journey,
God Bless,
Mimmy aka Joyce Smith, October 5, 2009

Happy Birthday Jeni

2009-10-03T20:13:00.003-04:00

Today is our daughter Jeni's birthday. She's going to be made enough at me when and if she sees these pictures so I don't think I'll tell you how old she is.

The one on the far left was taken about 16 or 17 years ago as was the one on the right. The one in the middle was about 10 years ago. Jeni, this is what happens when you run from the camera. We don't have any up-to-date pictures of you.

We wish you a very, very happy birthday and many many more to come and if you don't want this to happen again, get some recent pictures taken and send me some. Otherwise, you give me no choice.

We love you kiddo and look forward to seeing you soon. Maybe you'll let me get some new and improved shots of you.

God Bless,

Mama

Happy Birthday Jeni

In your lifetime, Jeni,
You’ve carried many names.
Jenifer you were born with
The others later came.

Not long after you entered
This world with all its glee
You were tagged with Jeni,
Will last ‘til eternity.

Your Grammy gave unto you
A name for just her use.
It was Jenesapoodinkle
I miss it as I’m sure do you.

When Pat came into our lives
You soon were Jedi to him.
Then came Trey and Mama
Was the name he sang like a hymn.

As Trey grew and flourished
He changed Mama to Mom.
One of these days you’ll pick one
That’s pretty close to Grandmama.

Just keep in mind with all these names
The one that is the best
Is the name of Christian,
It’s better than all the rest.

For after we have all passed
From this life into the next
It will stay forever
In the book God calls His text.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart,
Mama

Freedom

2009-10-03T16:32:00.003-04:00

Recently, I have had several discussions with my grandson who will be 18 years old on the 27th of this month. Of course, he is absolutely thrilled. He can't wait for the freedoms that being 18 will bring him. He is under the impression that "nobody will be able to tell him what to do". Oh, how I wish I could get him to understand that all through his life there will be people telling him what to do and he will have to comply if he wants to keep a job, have a roof over his head, food to eat and clothes to wear.

As important as that piece of information is to his life, most importantly he needs to learn that in order to be truly free he must totally submit himself to his Lord and give up all of the freedoms and rights he has to Him. This concept is one that is very hard to accept for anyone but particularly for those who are young. Almost everything that surrounds our young people today encourages them to put themselves first. They are told in beer commercials to "Grab all the gusto", McDonalds says that "You deserve a break today" and even the Army tells all our young people to enlist and to "Be all you can be".

Before I get criticized for putting down self-esteem, please know that I am a great proponent of feeling good about ourselves. God tells us to love each other as we love ourselves so He must have intended for us to have a good opinion of ourselves. My concern is that our young people are being told to always put themselves above others, to not take into consideration how their actions might affect those around them and that they should strive to be number one and if they aren't, they are worthless. Instead, our kids should learn that if they want to be number one they must first put themselves last.

Remember in the tenth chapter of Mark, when James and John asked Jesus to, "Grant unto us that we may sit, one on thy right hand and one on thy left hand, in thy glory."(v.37) Jesus' response to all of His apostles was, "...but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister; And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many." (v. 43-45)

If Jesus, the son of God, came to this earth to serve and to die for my sins, what right have I to demand that I have my "rights" and that I be "numero uno" all the time. If for no other reason than I am humbled by this fact, I need to be a servant every day of my life.

In our world today, it is sometimes hard to be a servant. To help us in this endeavor and to assist us in finding true freedom, Kat, at Heart2Heart, has started a new blog. It is based on the principal of performing ACTS OF RANDOM KINDNESS. Her new blog is A.R.K. for God and will be well worth your time.

Have a super Lord's day and be sure to look into God's word to find out His plan for you.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Freedom in Christ
Read: Revelation 22:17

We live in a land that is wondrously free
From tyrannical rule and control.
We call it the land of the free and the brave,
Its virtues we greatly extol.

We think of ourselves as free as the doves
To do what we will with our lives.
We choose where we live, we chose where we work,
We all choose our husbands or wives.

We choose what we watch on our color TVs,
We choose who our friends are to be.
We choose what we wear, we choose what we eat,
We choose the next movie we’ll see.

However we’re ruled by one of two kings.
Either Satan or God has command.
The choices we make as we live on this earth
Determine where we take our stand.

If we choose to serve Satan and follow his lead
We’ll be bound for all eternity,
To a place where freedom is forever gone,
Where anguish and crying we’ll see.

If we choose God and the path he has drawn
We’ll be free for all eternity.
We’ll have freedom to drink of the water of life,
Freedom to sit at Christ’s knee.

As we make all of our choices each day
Let’s make the ones that truly save.
Then someday we’ll live with our Father above
In His land of the free and the brave.

Joyce K. Smith
June, 2001

Love

2009-10-01T22:28:00.003-04:00

This evening, as I was reading blogs, I came across one in which the young lady was discussing the casual use of the phrase "I love you". She indicated that people she hardly knew told her that they loved her and she was not comfortable in returning the phrase outside of family situations.

In our society and particularly in the English language, we use the same word to refer to everything from loving oranges, a good book or a movie to loving our children and spouse. It would be much better if English had about five different words for love. We need one word to refer to love of inanimate objects. Another to refer to loving people we don't know well or at all. One that includes those whom we consider friends. One that covers a romantic love before it matures and the one that we use for our families. Maybe "ob"love, "unknow"love, "frien"love, "heart"love and "fam"love. At this point you all probably think I've lost my marbles but it would make things a whole lot easier. Maybe not these words but something different for each emotional feeling.

God saw the wisdom in this. The languages in which He chose to have His Word written include more than one word encompassing "love". Familiarity deems that we look at Greek. "Phileo" is the love that we have for friends. "Eros" is a romantic love that includes a sexual attraction. "Agape" is the love used the most often in Bible references. It refers to that love that we choose to give. It is beyond the love that we have for acquaintances and is what we would call unconditional. There is a fourth Greek word for love "storge" that is not used in Ancient Greek works and refers to the love we may have for family members. It is my opinion that agape is a better choice for family love because there are times that we must choose to love our families. Particularly when they are not behaving in the fashion in which we think they ought.

In one way, I must agree that we do tend to throw around the word "love" much more often than we should. If I was asked to make a list of things I love, ice cream and my husband could make the same list. That doesn't seem quite fair to me. Although I "love" ice cream I "love" my husband much more and in a much deeper fashion. Maybe we should go back to the original Greek words for love and just transliterate them into the English language.

Love vs. Like

Got up this morning had bacon to eat
Boy that was good. Love it, so sweet.
Sent cards and letters to family and friends.
Signed, "I love you", when I got to the end.

Called up my hubby at work to say hi.
Told him I loved him before I said bye.
Watched an old movie on my television.
Love my new glasses with their three way vision.

Daughter called me 'bout a quarter 'til nine.
Told her, "love you". I asked, "are you fine".
Out in the yard to work in the garden.
Shouted, "Neighbor, love ya gal". "Get your car in?"

Daddy called to see when I was comin'.
Told him I loved him, said bye, went on hummin'.
Baked a cake and made the icing.
Sure love vanilla with orange spicing.

Kids in from school with work to do.
Hi Mom, "I love you". "I love you, too."
Supper to fix, laundry to fold.
Sure love this new and improved Bold.

Fall into bed, must say my prayers.
Forgive me Lord for having airs,
Thank you for all you've given to me,
Remember Lord that I do love thee.

Love is a word I do throw around,
From lips to ear, with smile, with frown.
Guess I should think before I say
Those little words along the way.

Maybe "like" is what I mean
When I speak of ice cream, tv screens,
Dresses and hairdos, books and such,
Save "I love you" for what I "love" much.

Wish we had more words to express
What we feel for what we love less,
So that we won't get so confused
When the wee word love we so often use.

God Bless,
Mimmy
October 1, 2009

No Fear

2009-09-30T23:50:00.002-04:00

We often tell our children, "Don't talk to strangers", "Look both ways before you cross the street", "Don't go out of the yard after dark", "Fasten your seatbelts", etc. We tell them these things, not to instill in them a feeling of fear but to keep them safe.

God, as a good parent, treats us the same way. In His Word we are given certain things we are to do and certain things we are to do. God does not give us these precepts in order to make us fearful but to keep us save from Satan. If we will read his Word and follow those precepts to the best of our ability, God's grace will take care of the rest. None of us can be perfect but we must do the best we can.

Don't fear God. Fear Satan and what he can do in your life. Look at the examples given in this poem and check to see how you are doing in the fear category.

On occasion, when I am asked to write for our church publication, Daybreak, the editor asks that I take the entire list of topics for the month, bringing them into some cohesive form and submit them in rhyme. Many times that is very hard to do and it is almost impossible to do it within the 200 word limit we are given. Most of the time leniency is given and he'll work in whatever I give him, even it he must give me a whole page. Thank you, Brother.

God Bless,
Mimmy

FEAR NOT

Again I’ve been given the wonderful task
Of taking the list we’ve been given,
Melting it down to"200" words
That will hopefully help us toward Heaven..

The title I’m given just doesn’t quite fit.
There are time that we are to fear.
Yet there are times when we should be calm
Just because our dear Father is near.

Let’s look for a moment as Abraham walked
Up the mount, his son by his side,
Knowing what God had commanded be done,
Yet knowing that God never lied.

With fear in his mind and love in his heart
He offered up Isaac with faith.
God stopped his hand and gave him a ram
To take his beloved son’s place.

Then there was Moses who knew near his death
That he’d never in Canaan get sight.
He spoke unto Joshua faithful and true
Telling him that God led the fight.

God spoke unto Jacob with words quite direct
Saying, Jacob you’ve nothing to fear,
For there’s no other God anywhere,
Not far from his home nor quite near.

There have been others whom God told to fear
For their hearts weren’t faithful and true,
Others who lived and walked on this earth
Never fearing God their whole lives through.

Moses told Pharaoh that he would not fear,
Transgressors are never afraid.
Then one thief on the cross said to the other,
Do you not fear the God of this day?

God has said to not fear in the present
Those who harm us in our lives below,
But to fear the God of all of this world
Who can destroy us both body and soul.

There are many more times when we are told
Of those who fear God and who don’t.
We’re told of those who live faithfully
And we’re told of others who won’t.

The one truth that flows in all of this
Is that fear isn’t meant to be ours.
At least not the fear that depresses our souls
Sending us quaking for hours.

God tells us if we will follow his Word
He will bless us beyond all our dreams.
He also says if we leave His commands,
We’ll be lost for all of eternity.

So am I to live my whole life in fear
Of what can happen to me?
Only so far as what might be done
While my body still chooses to breathe.

For since I am human I fear pain and loss.
I fear many treacherous things.
I cannot fear what comes after life
When my heart and my spirit will sing.

For God has promised that if I will walk
In the light of his precious Son,
He ever will cleanse me, make me like snow,
I will be a sanctified one.

If you are fearful of what is the now
Remember God always is here.
There’ll be a time in Heaven above
When there will be nothing to fear.

Mimmy/Joyce Smith
September 30, 2009

Five Words

2009-09-28T17:47:00.003-04:00

One day last week Terra at Terra's Garden participated in a blog game in which she would give you five words to describe yourself. The intent of this was for us to get to know each other better. Since I'm a little late in getting this done I'm not going to ask that you link to me if you want to participate. Just ask me for your five words and we'll see where it goes. As I get more familiar with blogging I hope to start a blog hop of my own someday.

My five words are:

WHY: Why do I blog? In April of this year I was introduced to blogging when my sister told me about a baby who was in need of our prayers. This baby was Jonah. His mother blogs about his struggles with EB here. After this introduction I started following a few more and decided that this might just be something I would enjoy. Most of my days are spent sitting in my big blue recliner in our bedroom, in our house, in Concord, NC. Since the latter part of 2006, I have been disabled with degenerative disc disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogrens Syndrome, which is attacking my nervous system, along with a few other things that make it extremely hard and very painful for me to walk. Blogging lets me visit places all over the country and even the world. As of now I have been in many of the 50 states, England, Australia, and Romania. It sure beats just sitting in my room all day.

RUN: Running is something that I sure wish I could still do. Many of my fond memories of playing with my children involve playing outdoors. We spent many hours at the pool, time playing tag and hide-and-go-seek, and hunting for fireflies in our own yard. Many of my grandchildren can remember when I played with them too but the little ones will only remember me in a wheel chair. We still build memories reading books, watching movies, etc. It would be wonderful if I could see them more often.

TULIP: Tulips are among my favorite flowers. Along with daffodils they are the first signs of spring and I love spring because it means the end of cold weather. There are a lot of people who don't like the heat of summer but even though it can be hard to handle some days it is much better than the increase in pain that comes with the cold. Even with my health problems, I am so blessed above and beyond a lot of people.

POEM: Terra, you made me laugh with this one. Poetry is among my very favorite things. As any of you who have read my blog know I love to both write and read poetry. For me it is so much easier to put my feelings down when I can do it in rhyme. From the time I was a little girl I have been fascinated with words. I can remember while traveling finding an object in the distance and then trying to match it with as many rhyming words as I could.

LAUGH: Although there are many, many things I cannot do I can still laugh. Laughter is one of God's greatest blessings. In John 15:11 Christ says that, "These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that you joy might be full." What a wondrous thing that our Savior not only wants us to be joyful but that He wants us to have His joy and wants our joy to be full. We have so very much for which to be thankful. No matter what our physical, emotional or financial state we are assured that if we follow in the steps of Christ we will have a home in Heaven where there will be no more pain, suffering or tears. Thank you Father.

Remember if you want five words of your own to incorporate in a post just leave me a comment. This is a wonderful way for us to share with each other and for me to learn a little more about what makes you tick.

Have a wonderful week.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Heart2Heart

2009-09-26T15:43:00.005-04:00

It has been my pleasure to make many wonderful friends since I began blogging. One of them is Kat from Heart2Heart. She has been a great encouragement to me and humbled me by asking that I write a poem about her blog and specifically what I enjoyed most while reading it. Well
Kat, here it is. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. My friends, I ask that you take a minute and visit her. It will be well worth your time. God Bless your continued work through your blogs.

Heart2Heart

There's a blog I have been reading
Comes from California way.
It has the title Heart2Heart
The girl that writes it, Kat's her name.

When you open up her blog
There's a logo she has picked
All in pink and purple
With a background black as pitch.

She's posting a journal of 2009
With logs of fun and laughter.
There're one hundred thirteen readers
Who her blog do follow after.

Kat shares some awesome pictures
Then she writes about every one,
Sometimes with a bit of twist
To keep us reading 'til she's done.

Just like many other bloggers
She has some special days.
But that's to be expected
We all learn our blogging ways.

Her "holidays" are Thankful Thursdays
Where we can share all God has done.
Then there are Friday Funnies
That keep you laughing on the run.

Then on Saturday she has a gift
Her Blog Award of the week.
When she finds a blog she likes
She asks us to take a peek.

On top of this she reads a book
Then gives us a review
So we can have good reading
Knowing that we'll read it through.

The list of blogs she follows
Is longer than any I've seen.
I'm proud to be among them
She leaves comments that are never mean.

Special days aren't all she posts,
There are often household tips.
She too shares vital scriptures
With her thoughts from heart and lips.

If you haven't guessed by now
This blog is one I truly like.
Kat is truly special
With one of the best blogs "down the pike".

My recommendation unto you
Is to take the time to see
All that she has to offer,
Your pleasure will be guaranteed.

God Bless,
Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
September 26, 2009

Hooray

2009-09-25T18:25:00.003-04:00

MY NEW COMPUTER IS HERE!!!!

I AM ECSTATIC!!!

My new laptop computer is here, just in case you hadn't figured that out. I'll be able to work from my recliner. That means that even on days when I can't get up I'll at least be able to read the blogs I follow even if I'm not thinking well enough to write.

HOORAY!!!

We heard the doorbell ringing
Then Pat went out to see.
He came in from the front porch
With a box, he said for me.

He opened it quite quickly.
He could tell I wanted him to.
There's so much I want to say.
There's so much I want to do.

It means so very much to me
To have this wondrous tool.
However, I have much to learn
It's like being back in school.

If my plans come to fruition
I'll be able to work much more
Sharing with you what's in my heart
Trust me, there's much in store.

Thank you God for answering
My prayer about this matter.
Thank you Pat for helping to
Make your wife even gladder.

My friends you'll never, ever know
How much this means to me.
All I can say to those who care
Is to come and read and see.

God Bless,
Mimmy

My Daddy Ralph

2009-09-21T15:26:00.008-04:00

This is a picture of me and my Daddy Ralph when I was four years old. The curls are all natural and even though this picture is black and white you can see that some of my physical characteristics came from Mama's side of the family. My hair was jet black and my eyes just as black. Unfortunately, for some reason, my hair lightened and my eyes changed to hazel. The curls have also relaxed. When I was a teen I used to iron them out. Now I wish I had them back.

My Daddy Ralph

Many of my memories
Of the man who wore this name
Were shared with me by others
When ‘round the table we all came.

Daddy Ralph was Mama’s Daddy
He stood tall and was quite lean.
To me he was quite handsome
With hair and eyes of ebony.

When he would come to visit
He would spoil me from the start.
A baby doll as big as me
Was the first gift from his heart.

In fact it was so near my size
That with it he played a trick.
Wrapped up in my baby quilt
Tossed to my Daddy, he turned quite sick.

He didn’t come real often.
When he did the time was grand.
He would take me on a car drive
Or a walk when I’d hold his hand.

My very favorite place to be
When he’d come just us to see
Was sitting up on lofty high
Taking rides upon his knee.

If I was not sitting on his lap
It was sure I’d be quite near.
He never got out of my sight
Unless he left when I couldn’t hear.

Happy were the times we shared
But too soon he was all gone.
I’d just turned eleven
When he suddenly went home.

We didn’t get to say goodbye.
We didn’t know his heart was failing.
Where I picture him today
Is with me behind him trailing.

I love you Daddy Ralph.
September 21, 2009
Mimmy aka Joyce Smith

Evening Workers

2009-09-18T23:20:00.005-04:00

Evening Workers

Waiting with bated breath,
We stand, barely speaking.
Hoping to see a sight
Eyes wide, not through slits peeking.

They stand so straight and tall,
Hands held as if they’re reaching.
Slept from sunrise ‘til sunset,
Woke when moonbeams came teasing.

Yesterday’s labors faded
Thrown in a heap on the ground.
Those watching and waiting
Make now, not even a sound.

Summer breezes glowing,
Kiss their little hands still closed.
Softly now they open,
Spread fingers as if a rose.

Skin the palest yellow,
A heart that’s holding its seed.
First one works its beauty,
Others then share the lead.

Do I speak of children
Waking from their slumber,
Garden gnomes and fairies
In the yard doing tumbles?

Am I watching young ladies
Donning their hats and gloves?
Can I speak of tall gents
Bringing gifts to their loves?

Now, I really must tell you
I’ve not written of those.
I’m sharing with you folks
The magical night blooming primrose.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
September 18, 2009

Congratulations Josh & Glenna

2009-09-12T18:07:00.009-04:00

Today, our son Josh and his beautiful fiance', Glenna, were married at their home in Ohio. Josh and Glenna presented us with a very handsome grandson, Memphis, in January of this year. I would have given anything I have, except Pat, my grandchildren, my other children, my church family...you get the picture...to have been able to be there.

Aren't they an absolutely gorgeous couple, and...

Isn't he one of the most beautiful babies you have ever seen.

Congratulation, Josh and Glenna, and we wish for you a life full of love, happiness, joy, peace and all of the other wonderful blessings you will be given.

God Bless,
I Love you,
Mom, aka Mimmy

FOR JOSH & GLENNA
(Memphis too)

Marriage joins a man and his bride
Through love and a blessing from God.
Attraction may be the first they felt
But it grows as life’s path they trod.
Resting in all the love they share,
The faith, joy and thankfulness too,
Rounded out in the trials of life,
What they learn as they conquer these blues.
Inside of their hearts the love of God
That keeps them safe and secure,
Along with a love of their families
Who led them to this place in life’s tour.
Growing each day in this security
Leads them to a goal ever blessed.
Every day there’s a home full of love
More splendid than they ever had guessed.
Joyce Smith, September 12, 2009

Love to you both,
Mom & Pat

My Friend Ellie

2009-09-09T15:31:00.005-04:00

When Pat was fighting cancer, one of the things we had to deal with on a daily basis is that I can't drive. At this time, Pat was also not to drive because he had become so weak from the chemo and radiation. We relied on our church family to help us out. However, it seemed to us that it was always the same few we had to call on. One Sunday morning at worship, a new couple who had not been attending long came up to me and asked if they could help. Well, that was the start of a wonderful friendship that continues to this day, at least with Charlie.

Charlie and Ellie introduced themselves to me, wanting to be of assistance. The next day, Ellie took Pat and me to his radiation appointment. After that trip, they became our regular taxi service. You get to know people real quick when you ride with them in the cab of a pick-up truck and sit with them in a doctor's waiting rooms. Much of the time, Ellie was the driver. When she had other things on her calendar, Charlie picked up the slack. These trips included not only Pat's doctor's offices but the drug store, grocery store, grandkids' schools, grandkids' doctors, grandkid's orthodontist, my doctors, and anywhere else we needed to go.

I'll never forget one trip we made to the grocery store. Charlie drove that day and Hali went with us. We went to one of those "self service" grocery stores where you put in a quarter to get your cart and have to "bag" your own groceries. Hali was packing up the groceries before checkout was completely done and Charlie couldn't get over how well and quickly she got all of our groceries boxed up. He wanted to know if he could hire her to go to the store with him. She said no, but she'd do it for free. She is such a sweetheart as are all of our grandchildren. We do however, have a special place for the three that lived with us for quite a while.

Getting back to Charlie and Ellie, it was not long after Pat won his battle with cancer that we found out Ellie had cancer and that she was not going to win her battle, at least not here on earth. One of the most wonderful things about Ellie was her sense of humor. Their truck was one of those great big trucks that you need a step ladder to get into. My arthritis made it quite difficult for me to climb into the thing. After two or three trips of watching me struggle, Ellie got behind me, put one hand on each "cheek" and gave me a push. It worked so well that the practice was continued, but only when Ellie drove. The first time it was necessary for her to take Pat to the doctor without me, the first thing she said when they got back was that she had not touched Pat's "booty" but had only lifted him by his belt loops. As thin as he was at that time, that would have been all it took.

Much of the time Ellie was in the hospital, she was not allowed visitors outside of family. Because of that, I didn't get to say goodbye to her personally. I had to tell her goodbye in some fashion, so here is my goodbye to Ellie.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Of My Friend Ellie

It shames me that I have to say
That my friend Eleanor,
Was just a face midst those who sat
In the pews when open the doors.

One Sunday she came up to me,
Should have been the other way round.
She said for me to let her know
If I needed help in any sort found.

It seemed that those I chose to call
Had always been the same.
The next time that we had to go
To the doctor I chose her name.

At that time life consisted
Of daily trips for Pat’s radiation,
On the days that Ellie drove
Our hearts were full of elation.

Getting me into the "monster" truck
Was no little undertaking.
Once I had just one foot in
Ellie made sure the rest did make it.

She’d put one hand on each hiney cheek,
Then give me a gentle, firm shove,
I was soon not on the ground
But in our taxi filled with love.

On the days that I was unable
To with Pat make the trip,
She promised me that belt loops
Were as close as she came to hips.

We soon began to sit and chat
About the wonderful West Virginia
Where we both had ties to loved ones
You just can’t forget it once it’s in ya.

They would pick the kids up from their schools
When to the doctor they needed to go,
Would take us to the grocery
When the pantry was getting low.

I could never ever begin to count
All the wonderful times we shared,
When she and Charlie took us
Not from duty, but out of care.

The trips were full of laughter,
Brotherly love and fun.
That truck was never quiet
When in the "cab" we made a run.

When we heard that she was very ill
In the hospital for a stay
She was added to my prayer list
For each and every day.

Soon I heard she’d not recover
My friend would soon be gone,
I thought of all the times she helped
Wondering then if it was at a cost.

We surely were not the only ones
That she and Charlie had aided.
I knew from watching my Mama pass
She’d had pain long before she stated.

She never complained or murmured
At least not that I ever heard,
When she spoke to me of others
It was always with a kind gentle word.

So Ellie my friend, though I’ll miss you,
I would never have you return
To the life of pain and anguish
That was ahead of you here on earth.

I only regret I was not there
At the end of your journey of love,
To give you a great big "bootie push"
To your home with our Father above.

Your heart felt friend,
Joyce
January, 2008

P.S. My blogging friend, Country Mom, received two awards and she is passing them along to all of those who are followers of her blog. Go and check it out. There are a few questions that need to be answered with only one word. Here they are. It's harder than you think it will be. Just answer the questions, link back to her blog, and if you are one of her followers, it is my understanding that she passes along the "Over The Top" and "Blogger Buddy" awards. Thanks Country Mom and hope you are having a super week.

God Bless,
Mimmy

1. Where is your cell phone? Bedroom
2. Your hair? Brown
3. Your mother? Heavenly
4. Your father? Loving
5. Your favorite food? Sherbet
6. Your dream last night? None
7. Your favorite drink? Water
8. Your dream/goal? Heaven
9. What room are you in? Office
10. Your hobby? Poetry

Communication

2009-09-06T16:08:00.003-04:00

Recently, it seems that all I get to post is an apology for not posting. Based on your kind comments, I'm beginning to realize that I don't need to apologize. My kind blogging friends understand. The pain in my back and leg is getting worse and the doc says that there is not much more they can do right now. Maybe we can put a rush on my laptop. Things will be much easier then. Even with my new electric wheelchair it is hard for me to sit with my legs hanging down for even just a little while. This post will be short, and to those of you that usually get comments from me, please rest assured that I'll get back to reading as soon as possible. You are all a great blessing to me.

Prayer is very important to me. It would be super if I could tell you I spend hours in prayer, but many of my prayers are one liners said at the time of need. If I get a call or see something in the church bulletin that requires prayer I address it right them. Otherwise, I'll forget. That sounds terrible, but I'm on a great amount of medication that affects my memory. There are times when I'm trying to pray that I will completely lose my train of thought. The same things happens when I am writing. Often, I'll compose my blog while in my big comfy chair so that it will be written when I come out to "type".

Right now I'm working on a very, very short autobiography. It will consist of either two or three posts. It all depends on how specific I get with details. Hopefully, I'll be able to start sharing it with you in a few days.

Thank you for your kind comments and for caring.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Quiet! Be Still.

I woke up this morning
With the sun shining bright,
No cares in my heart
To share or recite.

To my own special chair
I started to go,
To speak with my Master
Whom I love ever so.

Then the telephone rang
‘Twas a good friend of mine
With a problem that needed
Much more of my time.

On the way back home
The announcers blared,
Of the war and of those
For whom we love and care;

Of robbery & murder.
Of rape and much more
That covered the sun
With gray clouds galore.

In my heart the winds
Were blustering cold,
The storm grew deeper
More scary and bold.

The thought came to me,
"Where is the bright sun
That was there so blazing
As this day had begun?"

At home I did cuddle
In my own special chair
Where I’d started this day
In calm, breezy air.

There I call to my Lord,
He said, "Peace be still",
In the quiet of darkness
My heart softly filled.

With the twinkle of starlight,
The glow of the moon,
The knowledge that only
God has the right tune.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
September 24, 2007

Missing You

2009-09-01T16:02:00.003-04:00

Hello to all!! It's been a few days since I posted last. I really think it's time for me to share with you why I often miss a few days. Today, I'm not able to read all of your wonderful blogs and all of the wonderful and creative things you share. That hurts me because I know how important it is to a person who spends the time to share a part of themselves to get comments on their work. I'm terribly sorry but right now I'm limited as to what I can do. There is a post rattling around in my head and heart that I plan to share as soon as possible. It will share with you why there are often days I don't get to post.

Right now, I'm going to share with you a poem that I wrote in January 2006. In looking through many poems I have written over the last few years this one struck me as one I wanted to share. Hopefully it too will strike a cord in your heart.

Hoping to "see" you very soon.

God Bless,
Mimmy

CHARACTER

They say that reputation
Is what people think of us;
That character’s what’s really there
Beneath the frills and fuss.

So it makes a lot of sense to me
That if this is the case,
Making them both look the same
I could always wear one face.

Since character’s what’s deep inside,
That’s where I need to start,
Then what folks see from day to day
Comes from within my heart.

I’ll start out with my faith in God
Add virtue to the pot.
Then heap on lots of knowledge,
Give restraint a special spot.

To this I’ll add some patience,
Some godliness for sure,
Top it off with kindness;
I think I’ve found the cure.

I’ll stir it up and work it
Then tie it with a bow,
A bow of love, which is the best
This you must surely know.

When all of these are right in place
My character’s in line,
Something tells me deep in side
My reputation will be fine.

I mustn’t quit at this point
Or I’ll surely pay the cost,
For all of these I’ve added
Can be very simply lost;

If they are not worked on daily
And allowed to do their part
To keep me in my Father’s hand
Making me pure of heart.

Based on II Peter 1: 3-11

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
January 2006

Too Tired to Post

2009-08-28T01:18:00.003-04:00

Tiredness has really set
Into my aching bones,
At today's doctor visit
Old sawbones yanked some toes.
(which in turn pulled my feet, ankles, shins, calves, thighs,
hip-joints, and a ruptured disc at S1-2 creating bunches of trouble.)

We got home from the doctor
I fell into Big Blue Chair.
Took a pain pill when I could.
Tried to do a crossword there.

Made a couple of phone calls
To some people involved with our boys.
Hopefully we'll steer them toward manhood
Away from "curvy" toys.

Drew a couple of florals
For Jen's use in her new bathroom.
Thought about starting a trinket box
But went back to the puzzle to tune.

The TV was on all of the time
On the old movie channel.
This month has a feature star each day,
Wish I could have been on the panel.

Somedays I've watched it all day long
Not knowing the star in this day's sky.
The movies are so very good
They're the ones that can make you cry.

There's no dirty words or nudey scenes
They still kiss with their lips closed.
Mama and Daddy sleep in twin beds
If someone's nasty it doesn't show.

We'd probably be better off
If we too were in old movies.
Although the problems are the same
They are handled in ways quite groovy.

My favorite musicals have played
Singing the songs was oh so fun.
Liza dancing in the study
Meant in the rain in Spain we could run.

There's been shoot-'em-ups and robberies
Wars between enemies, families and friends,
The cry "Remember the Alamo"
Yul Brenner as a robot, there's no end.

At the end of August I'll go back
To the home and cooking shows,
Dreaming things that won't come true
But praying, only Heaven knows.

Right now it's almost 2:00 a.m.
My sleeping pill is working.
If Pat arrests me for DUI,
Will my blog friends be real perky,

To come and get me out of jail
So that I can go to bed,
Get some really good sound sleep
Grabbing tomorrow by the hair of the head.

Good Night dear friends. This poem was written "on the fly" as I'm sure you can tell so don't hold it against me. I like doing this once in a while just to see what happens. Please know that it is not my plan to desert you. There are just some days that I can't get out to the computer at all. Thank you for understanding,

God Bless,
Mimmy

Christ Crucified and Me

2009-08-24T16:36:00.004-04:00

Over the last few days I've not been feeling well and have had a lot of time to think. My thoughts, of course, have been on my pain and some other personal dilemmas we have been facing. Pat and I spoke earlier today of how we don't know how we would get through this period in our lives if it weren't for our faith in God and His ability and desire to sustain us. We know that we will get through and our prayers always contain a statement of "Thy will be done".

Have you tried to put yourself in Christ's place on the night before the crucifixion? Can you imagine the agony He must have been going through? Even though He was a divine being, we sometimes forget He too was human. The pain that He felt from the scourging, the embarrassment from the mocking, the suffering from the crown of thorns being ground into His skull and the agony of spikes being driven through His hands and His feet. Could I have borne the same pain and still looked at those who had inflicted these atrocities on me saying, "Father, forgive them for they know what what they do." I don't think so. Having to answer that question in this manner is hard for me.

The truth of the matter is that I'm not of the same nature of Christ. I wish I were and I do try to be. Some days I get a little closer and some days I take a few steps backward. The one thing that I have to remember is that I don't have to be perfect. There has only been one perfect man to ever walk this earth and He died so that I don't have to be.

There have been more than one occasion in which I was in an audience when a preacher said, "If it weren't for the fact that there are children present, I would read to you an account of the crucifixion written by a physician. It is just too graphic for young ears." Are we doing our children a disservice by saying this? Here too, I'm really not sure. They are hounded every day by a deluge of "stuff" from Satan. Just walk through your local middle or high school to hear and see what they must experience every day, unless they are blessed enough to be home schooled. At one point in my life I felt that homeschooling deprived kids of some life experiences. Today, those being home schooled are being deprived of nothing but being bombarded by Satan and the many things he uses to pull their spirits from our Lord.

Sometimes, I really think that, except for very young children, it would not hurt our kids to hear exactly what Christ suffered for them. If that picture could be instilled in their minds as well as ours, it might not be quite so hard to say "no" to Satan and "yes" to Christ.

The other thing that we have to remember is that even though Christ went through this terrible suffering and death, it would not be worth anything if He hadn't risen. There were countless people who died on crosses during Roman rule. Yet, they aren't our saviors. The only Savior we have is Christ Jesus and that is because He overcame death and is ruling today right next to our Father. After you have imagined His death, imagine how Mary must have felt when she went to His tomb and there was no body there for her to prepare. The emptiness must have been tremendous. Imagine walking into the cemetery where a beloved family member is buried and seeing their tombstone turned over, their graving exhumed and you have no idea where the body had been taken.

Then, imagine walking down the road and running into the cemetery's caretaker only to find out that it is your loved one. The emotions must have run from one end of the spectrum to the other. Mary must have been terrified, elated, anguished, hurt, angry, you name it she must have felt it in those first few minutes after her arrival. What she must have felt when she first realized that her friend had been risen is unimaginable.

When you say your evening prayers, please remember to thank God, not only for the fact that Christ suffered and died for us, but that He is risen. He sits on the right hand of our Father, interceding for us, explaining to our God what we are feeling and what we need. Also, express thanks for the Holy Spirit who can intervene for us when we don't even know what we need. Those who walk each day in the light of God's truth are truly a blessed people.

In Him,
Mimmy

Mary’s Good News, The Lord is Risen
Mark 16: 9-6; John 20: 11-18

Mary stood outside the open tomb
Weeping with bitter tears.
She knew not where they’d placed her Lord,
She could not calm her fears.

When asked by the two angels,
Why she was crying so,
She said she knew not where to look
Nor where she was to go.

She then saw the lone gardener,
At least that was her thought;
When He called her by her name,
She knew ‘twas He who taught.

He would not let her cling to Him
He sent her on her way
To tell His friends and followers
That He rose as He did say.

She ran as quickly as she could
To give them the good news.
They looked at her in disbelief
Saying it was not true.

We wonder at their lack of faith
When they had been with Christ;
And heard Him say with His own lips,
"In three days I will rise."

Yet have we any greater faith
When we read of all His strife;
His death and His resurrection;
His loving, caring life,

Do we then the things he asks,
Or live our lives for Him?
It seems to me, that we like them,
Have a faith that is quite slim.

We too must listen to Mary
Who said, "Our Lord is risen",
And walk with Him each day we live
To our home prepared in heaven.

Mimmy (Joyce Smith)
January 27, 2006

Happy Anniversary

2009-08-21T18:17:00.005-04:00

Today is our 16th wedding anniversary. You may have noticed that my Anniversary Counter turned over. If not, that's OK, I'm telling you all about it.

This is my second marriage and I'm not very proud of the fact that my first marriage ended in divorce. It was not because it was my wish for that to be the case. There is no need to point fingers or cast blame. Nothing is ever just one person's fault but I would have hung in there had I been given the slightest hint of cooperation. Sometimes you just have to let go as long as it is according to God's will.

I said that to say this. Sixteen Years ago today Pat and I stood before God, a host of family and friends and each other and pledged our faithfulness, trust and love. It was a very special day. Joshua, my son, and now our son, walked me down the aisle and gave me away. When asked, by my Daddy, "Who gives this woman to be married to this man", he responded, "My sisters and I". He actually did it without fainting for which I was very proud of him. Walking down the aisle, I sang the love theme from Ice Castles. There is a line in the song that says, "And now I do believe that even in the storm we'll find some light. Knowing you're beside me, I'm alright.". That line was very poignant because from our very first date, and even before, Pat had helped me deal with many of the problems that I was facing in my life. He did everything from reinforcing my very little bit of self confidence to paying off a lot of medical bills that I had. My Daddy pronounced us man and wife, and with one "I do", Pat became a husband, a father and a grandfather.

For the last sixteen years he has filled all three roles in a manner that is quite outstanding. He has given to all of our children and grandchildren a true example of what a Christian man should be. We were given an opportunity that began ten years ago that would test our love for each other and our love for Christ to the fullest. Our grandson Zachary moved in with us. A little over a year later, his brother Dakota moved in also. A year after that, their sister, Hali, joined them. For more than half of our married life, we have had at least one grandchild living with us. One of these days I'll share with your some of the wonderful tales of our time with our resident grandchildren. For right now, this is anniversary day and I just want you to know how very special I think my hubby is.

As you will remember from here, Pat had a fight with cancer a few years ago. He considered that an opportunity, as he does all of the problems we must face in our life together. He has faced raising three grandchildren, cancer, a knee replacement, losing his job after 25 years of service, and a whole sheaf of other problems with merely a "God has a plan". He is a spectacular man, a wonderful person and one of the most sincere and faithful Christians I know. What more could a woman want in her man?

Happy Anniversary Pat!!!

God Bless,
Mimmy

Happy Anniversary 2008

Sometimes it seems like only yesterday
That I walked on Josh’s arm,
Singing my heart out to you
As if no one else could ever do us harm.

We’ve weathered many a mighty storm
In the fifteen years we’ve shared.
Those storms haven’t put one tiny chip
In our love, our destiny and our care.

For like someone I know keeps saying
God has a plan that is true.
If we but trust him to lead us
He’ll surely get us through.

We can never face too strong a wind
Or too bright a lightening flash.
No matter how the thunder rolls
We’ll never lose love’s splash.

Like Gene Kelly singing in the rain
Stomping and dancing in the gutter,
We’ll make it through the storms of life
Holding hands and dancing together.

No matter how down in the dumps
We tend to get sometimes,
You pull me up and I’ll do you
We will never lose our life's rhyme.

God’s plan for us will ever grow
We’ll stay forever in his hands.
The love that he has given us
Will always and forever stand.

I love you,
"Leroy"*
August 20, 2008

(*That is another story for the same place at another time.)

Clocks, Clocks and More Clocks

2009-08-18T09:07:00.003-04:00

Earlier this morning, I was visiting my friend, Margaret at her blog Images In Thought. She also has another blog, The Old Story Tree. It would most certainly be worth your time to visit them both. They are created around poetry and short stories, respectively.

To get to clock, I decided after seeing the one on Images In Thought, that I needed a clock for my blog. There is not any particular reason since once I get on the computer I tend to stay until I'm done or my body shouts, STOP, which ever comes first. You know, we all have to keep up with the Bloggers. (ha,ha) (I hate LOL) Anyway, after having been totally off track for a little over two sentences, it took me over an hour to get a clock on my blog. Not because I didn't know how to do it but because there were too many to choose from. Since this is all still relatively new to me, I had no idea the number of widgets, blidgets, and other idgets there are out there.

The biggest problem was that I was looking for something that would match my blog and my personality. There were several that would have matched my hot pink background but the amount of "bling" was just too much for me. I'm not a blingly type of girl.

Then I saw Alice in Wonderland and it was just perfect. There's enough pink to match my blog, Alice was one of my favorite characters both in book and in movie, and, come to think of it, I'm pretty much like Alice. She likes to try new things, I like to try new things. She likes to "travel", I like to travel. Alice likes tea parties, I like coffee parties. Alice plays cards, I play cards, particularly solitaire. She sometimes sticks her nose into places where it doesn't belong, I sometimes stick my nose into places it doesn't belong, just ask my children. She can get people angry with her by not saying a word, I can get people angry with me by saying words, just ask my children.

Alice also did something else. When an opportunity presented itself she tried to help others. Hopefully, I can say that I too try to help others. That is my intent for this blog. As others read parts of my story and the stories of others that I share, I hope that they can draw from them and learn something that will make their lives better. Yes, it would be nice to have thousands of readers and hundreds of comments, but I was absolutely trilled to find out this morning that I now have seven followers and last week I had five comments on one post. That means seven people think enough of my blog to read it and follow it. That's seven people, plus those that I know read and don't comment, that I can hopefully help in some way.

As I read your blogs, I know that you are blogging for that same reason. You have helped me, and I'm sure you will continue to help others.

Thank you and God Bless,
Mimmy

Let All Kinds of Love Continue

She stood in the line at the grocery store,
Four children crying for candy;
He reached in his pocket, found four-dollar bills,
Friendly love continued grandly.

They sat in a pew their first Sunday there,
It’s the pew that is usually mine,
I stopped for a moment, introduced myself
Brotherly love continued just fine.

The old man came in and sat beside him
In the Bible class on Wednesday night,
When he saw that the old man couldn’t find a verse,
He let brotherly love be right.

A woman too young to be in a chair
And a man too young to be pushing,
Someone opened the door wide for them
Husbandly love came in rushing.

She stood next to me, the invitation given
The tears streamed down her cheeks,
I reached for her hand, she said, "Go with me?"
Sisterly love continued for weeks.

He sat on the couch reading the paper,
His little girl came up to him.
With a book in hand, "Daddy read to me."
Fatherly love continued with grins.

Just a dollar bill , a simple hand shake,
A helping hand from me to you,
Open door, hands to hold, Daddy taking time,
Will make all kinds of love continue.

But where did it start such a long time ago?
It started with hearts in Their hands.
Where Christ Gave His life and God gave His Son,
That’s the place brotherly love began.

So do what you can every day of your life
To share the love Christ gave to you
Share it with others so they can be saved
Let's let all kinds of love continue.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
August 17, 2008

Not Me Lord

2009-08-15T10:52:00.003-04:00

My time at the computer yesterday and today has been spent primarily in getting caught up on my reading. As I read the Williams Family Blog, I found myself feeling very ashamed at my attitude over the last few weeks. There are times that I get so caught up in my own disabilities that I fail to realize there are a lot of people in this great, big, wonderful, crazy world who are a lot worse off than me.

Little Jonah, who is the subject of this blog, is afflicted with EB which is Epidermolysis Bullosa. This simply means that the very softest of touches can result in a blister that his parents must lance. The skin covering it sloughs off, in most cases, and makes a horrible, raw, runny sore that has to be carefully bandaged and monitored. When I first read this and began following this blog, it did not seem to me to be too serious. All you would have to do is be very careful when you touch him. Well, that was a great big lie I told myself. Consider for a minute all the times you have to touch a baby in a day just to provide him with the most basic of needs. Also, those touches cannot always be "gentle". Feeding, diapering, holding, loving, bathing, changing clothes...

Then, you have to take into consideration all of the times a baby touches himself or, rubs against something in their ever growing development. Playing, discovering his face, fingers, toes, mouth, tummy,...and all of the other wonderful places that babies find while learning about their bodies and their senses. Then, take into consideration the fact that all of these blisters have to be covered with bandages which means that Jonah has spent most of his life covered in bandages from his neck to his toes. Right now all that is exposed to this world is his face and his hands.

Then you have to think that Jonah cannot wear anything with elastic, snaps, buttons, zippers. You try shopping for baby clothes with those restrictions and see how down you may get.

Then, stop and think that all of your friends are having healthy, happy babies whose skin is as smooth as a you know what. Then, every day you must look at your baby who has terrible, oozing sores all over his body. If I were in their shoes, I'd get pretty mad at God, on occasion.

What right do I have to complain because I have to spend most of my day sitting in a recliner, crafting, reading, writing, telephoning, and doing the other wonderful things I love to do. My day is not spent in bandages. My day is not spent wondering if a child of mine will develop a new blister in the night just because he rolls over or bumps into the side of his bed. My days don't have to be spent entirely inside because getting out in the heat makes the blisters run more.

Boy am I lucky. Yes, I do have to deal with a lot of pain. Yes, I can't get up and just walk where ever I want to go, but I do have an electric wheel chair that helps. Yes, I do sit in a chair or am in bed about 22 out of 24 hours a day. Yes, there are times that I wish God had not permitted me to be the one to deal with my disabilities. However, I don't have to deal with all that Jonah and his parents do, so that is an even bigger blessing for me. Lord, help me to remember every day that my trials in this life are minor compared to others and help me to count my blessings every day. In His name, amen.

Please visit Jonah and let his parents know that they are in your thoughts and prayers. Right now they are having a pretty rough time as Jonah is not eating and is having a lot of trouble with reflux when he does. He needs to have a lot more calories than the average baby because of the energy his body extends in healing.

When you do visit them, thank God that you do not have to experience their trials, and praise God because he knows that Jonah's parents have enough faith to make it through. Only the very best are chosen to be parents of a disabled child.

God Bless,
Mimmy

A Special Baby Boy

Jonah is a special child
A champion for our Lord.
Through his trials he’s taught others
To carry a mighty sword.

His eyes light up an entire room.
His face is as bright as the sun.
He holds your heart in his little hand.
He lets you know he has won.

His mother is a precious soul
Who loves her Savior and King.
She carries her heart on her shoulder
Letting others hear it sing.

His dad is one in a million
Who shares in the tasks they must do
Brought on by a demon called EB
That gives them trials, not a few.

This family is blessing their whole world
With their grace and faith ever shown.
They sometimes get down and weary,
They never put God off this throne.

Share your faith with this family.
Let them know that you pray and you feel.
They need all the help we can give them.
They need us to help them heal.

Thank you and God Bless the Williams family.
Mimmy – August 15, 2009

Mimmy's Thankful Thursday

2009-08-13T12:35:00.006-04:00

Today is Thankful Thursday in the MckLinkey world. It is being hosted by Elyse in her blog, Following Him. In a previous post, here, I told you about a daily devotional book which is published by our congregation. It is entitled "Daybreak". That title was selected give us a break every day. {FYI - Our editor has placed a limitation of 200 words for each writing. The article or poem must fit with a specified column size. However, I have become notorious for waxing poetic much too long and giving our poor editor fits. This will be important later.}

During our hectic schedules we can get so caught up in life that we fail to take a break and let God speak to us every day. In turn, we need to take time to speak to Him. These avenues of conversation are two of the things for which I am faithful. Without God's word to "listen" to Him and prayer to talk with Him I'm not sure how I would survive. Do I spend as much time reading and praying as I should? No, of course not. There is so much in His word to garner and so much that needs to be shared with Him, that if I spent all day every day in conversation with my God it would not be sufficient.

The list of other things for which I am thankful is very, very long. Trying to decide what to share is difficult. Do I talk about my extended physical family, my church family, my children, grandchildren, friends near home, friends far away, former co-workers, blogging and bloggers, my home, food, clothing, pain, problems, finding answers, not finding answers, where do I start?

Since there will hopefully be many more Thankful Thursdays during which I can share, I think today I'll just give you a poem that I wrote for "Daybreak", that lists these things and further explains why I am thankful for each. Next week, I pray that I will feel better and will be able to pick just one from my thankful list and share with you all of the wonderful reasons they/it is a part of my list.

Thank you for sharing your list of Thanksgiving. It is wonderful to see that others believe in God and are thankful for his wonderful blessings. It is my plan to share more of my faith and the reasons for it as my blogging days continue.

Take care, God Bless and keep being thankful.

God Bless,
Mimmy

I’m Thankful For...
Colossians 3:15

I’m thankful for the world God made,
The beauty and creatures therein.
I’m thankful God knew man would fall,
That He made plans to redeem from sin.

I’m thankful Jesus came to earth
Lived and died and rose again,
So if I’ll walk within His light
A home in Heaven I’ll win.

I am thankful for the Bible
That tells of Jesus’ love,
It gives us all that we must know
To guide others to homes above.

I’m thankful God gave me a family
Who believe in Him and His grace,
Who help me walk the narrow way
Who cheer me while running life’s race.

I’m thankful for three grown children,
The grandchildren they’ve given me.
I pray they’ll all find their way back home
Before we all face eternity.

I’m thankful for my dear husband
And the support he’s been to me,
God in His wondrous knowledge
Sent us grandchildren, one, two, three;

To share our home and the love there,
To do the very best we can,
To prepare them for the day ahead
When we’ll all take our final exam.

I’m thankful that I live in pain
So much others must push my chair,
‘Cause it’s always there to tell me
That others have many more cares.

I’m thankful for my great church home
They have never left us in need.
All we must do is say the word
Soon we know that they did heed.

I’m thankful that God has given prayer
That I can thank Him for all
The wondrous things I’ve mentioned above,
Many others both great and small.

For if I had to list them all
In this book I’m also thankful for,
Our editor would at the very least
Let me write for this work no more.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
October 4, 2008

A Loving Heart

2009-08-12T14:02:00.003-04:00

As I was going through my poetry "library", this one struck me. Right now, I can't even remember the event that prompted it. That's not a good thing. From here on out, I intend to make a note at the end of each poem if it's written for a special occasion. That having been said, the event really doesn't matter. What does matter is that there are more good things in this world than there are evil. We just have to search.

If I'm not careful, I can easily get caught up in the difficult situations in my life rather than looking at the blessings God has given me. Looking back at those blessings is what is sustaining both Pat and me through this time of financial uncertainty and my health problems. There have been so many times in my life that I would walk through the front door after work and be afraid to flip a light switch. The fear that the power had been cut off was very real. There were very few times when I found myself in this pickle that the money to pay the electric bill didn't come from somewhere without me having to ask. God already knew what was needed and took care of it. Isn't He a wonderful Father?

There is one blessing given to me by God which shows there is never anything too small for God to take care of. At the time, this didn't seem so small though. Monica, our oldest daughter, was already two weeks overdue. She ended up waiting a month past her due date to make her appearance into this big, wide, wonderful world. The doctors kept telling me that I must have miscalculated my dates, but when she was born with a very, very, full head of hair, wrinkled face, hands and feet, holding up her head and taking a full 6 ounces of formula at a feeding they decided I had not been mistaken. She was already a month old. Monica had just decided she didn't want to leave the comfort of Mommy's "tummy".

To say the least, I was making several trips to the bathroom each day. We were out of toilet tissue and money. Payday wasn't until Friday. This was Tuesday. When I went out to the mailbox Wednesday morning, what should I find but a full sized roll of Charmin. It was a free, unexpected, unsolicited, but really needed sample. See, God can even take care of toilet paper. If He can look into my life completely enough to give me toilet tissue, He knows me well enough to provide for me both financially, physically but most of all spiritually.

My challenge to you is to look around your world, count all of the blessings God has given you and see if you can find something "small" that he has taken care of for you. The big things we always see. Sometimes we forget to thank Him for all of the little things in our lives he takes care of each day. Ever need a loaf of bread, think you have no money, be searching your car and sofa, reach into your pocket and pull out $5.00. I have. Aren't God's blessings quite wonderful?

If you don't have a toilet paper story in your life I'm quite sure that you can find another little blessing from God. Take a look and make sure that you have a Heart full of love for our Heavenly Father while you do.

God Bless,
Mimmy

LOVING "HEART"

Hope and Health, Home and Happiness
Happy faces with turned up smiles;
Hurrying children and quick Hellos
Heavenly golden miles.

Eyes full of laughter, Ears to hear it,
Endless lists of friends we love,
God’s Earth and all that’s in it
Eternity with God above.

All God’s children, All God’s words,
All God’s loving care,
All God’s blessings, All God’s beings
All good everywhere.

Relatives with which to share,
Running children, Racing thoughts,
Rules that God has given
So we know what’s good, what’s not.

Tears of laughter, Tears of care,
Tons of friends with which to cry,
Truth, Tranquility, Thankfulness
A Trustworthy Savior who died.

These are some things that we should love
But only just a few.
God has been so good to us
A full list we can’t do.

If we’ll try and love these things
At least we’ll have a start.
We won’t have very far to go
To a truly loving HEART.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
November, 2004

A Speial Visitor

2009-08-07T21:14:00.003-04:00

This week, our grandson Trey has been visiting with us. He has been an absolute joy to have here. His poor legs will never be the same. Running errands for me has been has biggest pass-time.

Trey is a very special young man. He recently turned 15 and will soon hit 6 feet tall. We wish this was a blessing, but he is taller than average because he suffers from Marfan Syndrome. Marfan's causes more than average height and most of those who suffer from it have an arm span that is greater than their overall height. They also have very fragile joints that can become "dislocated" with very little provocation. Trey has learned how to reset most of his joints independently, although any major joint dislocation still required medical attention. Thankfully, as he has grown, he has learned the tactics required for prevention rather than cure.

The major symptom, and the one that fears us most, is the fact that the aorta can expand beyond it's limits and burst. This generally occurs in the mid to late teen years, but the last scan that Trey had did not indicate any growth over the one prior to it. For that we are thankful.

Besides getting me glasses of water, fixing my breakfast and just generally keeping me company, we have played "Upwords", at which Trey excels, done some crafting and watched old movies on TV. He also went to Vacation Bible School every evening and helped out with the young children's classes. Didn't I tell you he's a super kid.

Today, I'm going to share with you the poem that I wrote for Trey on his last birthday. If you are interested in a photograph of him, visit my post introducing him to you, here.

Trey, thank you so very much for all of your help this week. We will truly miss you when you go home.

Happy Birthday Trey

On this the day you turn fifteen
You’ve grown so very tall
That we can hardly face the fact;
Seems only yesterday you were small.

You’ve grown into a special “man”
Though not quite one in years,
Remember as you grow in height
To listen with open ears,

To the scriptures as they tell you
The best way to walk in life,
If you follow in Christ’s footsteps
You’ll have a much happier life.

As you celebrate this birthday
In what ever manner you choose,
Remember that we love you
And our love you’ll never lose.

Mimmy 5/26/09

VICTORY

2009-08-05T20:29:00.003-04:00

Today as I read through the blogs I follow, catching up on days I missed, I was astonished to find that two of those blogs were being pummelled by some of their readers. As I do not know the details, I'm not going to address specifics. That would be impossible, since I don't know them.

Coupling this with yesterday's post, I just want to address the fact that each of us, every day, has to fight many battles put in our paths. Sometimes those battles are fought against circumstances, like my fight against weakness and pain. It is the ones that are fought against others that are filling my thoughts at the moment. Especially those that must be fought against those who injure us, either in word or in deed. How do we fight them? Do we, like those mentioned above, throw unkind words in response to something with which we disagree? Do we use the tactics of military forces throughout the world and try to be bigger and better than everybody else? Or, do we fight our battles as Christ did asking our Father to forgive those who have offended us in some way.

Although I have not blogged long enough to have garnered any enemies, I hope that I would choose to fight as my Master did should the time ever come that my blog, its content or its intent are ever questioned. The only time we have recorded in scripture in which Christ became angry enough to react whether than act, is the episode in which he overthrew the money changers' tables in the Temple. That reaction was not with regard to an act done toward him but regarding an action taken toward God, our Father. Those at which Christ was angry were desecrating God's temple, not yet injuring Christ personally. If I am ever to get angry, let it be because of some enemy of God's acting in a fashion in disrespect to Him, not in disrespect to me. My feelings are of little concern to most of those on this earth. However, the feelings of God should be of concern to all. If they are not today, they will be one day. When we all stand before God at judgment, every knee will bow, and I am sure, no harsh words will be spoken, either in my direction or in God's.

If you must fight, please fight for the right. Save your angry words for something of value and then, be sure you are not fighting just to be fighting or to make yourself of some importance. Make your energies count. Just don't throw out words in an effort to fulfill your agenda. Let God's agenda be in the forefront.

Last year, I was asked to write a poem about victory based on the scripture found in Ephesians 6:12-18. The following is that writing. Please choose your battles carefully. Your entire future can rest upon that choice.

God Bless,
Mimmy

BATTLES FOUGHT, BATTLES WON
Ephesians 6:12-18

A war is a series of battles
One fought then the next in rows.
Valiant soldiers are winners of many.
In others they face only woes.

Life is a series of battles
Between us and Satan’s horde.
Fighting the bad and winning our souls
With the good given in God’s word.

Each of us must put on God’s armor,
Be ready when the battles do come,
Stand firm in the path of evil ones,
Never fail midst the battle drums.

Buckle belts of truth around our waists,
Put our righteous breastplates on,
Shod our feet with the Gospel,
We’re now ready for a battle won.

Add to this the shield of a great faith
That will block Satan’s flaming spears.
On our heads put salvation’s helmets,
In our hands, Spirit’s Swords for years.

This great Sword, it is the Word of God
That will guide us in all our ways,
As we pray at many different times
With different requests each day.

We’ll face each battle ready to fight
Satan’s evil army of foes.
We’ll have the VICTORY God intends
Today and as eternity goes.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
September 8, 2008

Change of Schedule

2009-08-04T19:12:00.003-04:00

Boy, I've missed you all. The past week to ten days have been pretty much devoted to trying to reduce the pain in my back and leg to levels that could be somewhat tolerated. There were several days that the only trips out of my chair were to the bathroom. If it weren't for my hubby, Patrick, I don't know what I would have done. He really continues to spoil me. Patrick, just in case you read this, which I know you will, (because you always do), thank you for taking such good care of me. I LOVE YOU!!!

My poetic entry for today speaks to the change in my life's schedule that has taken place over the last few years. It's not a change that I asked for, nor did it go from work to chair over a matter of a few days. This has been a journey of years. Not one that I would wish for anyone to have to take but one that the Lord knows I can handle. Sometimes I wish that he didn't have so much confidence in my ability to handle pain, but knowing that he does is what often gets me through.

Thanks to those who checked on me. Enjoy today's work and I'll be reading all that my blog friends have written since I've been gone.

Take care and God Bless,
Mimmy

Change of Schedule

The alarm would buzz quite early.
Through the traffic jam I’d drive,
Working for my employer
From eight o’clock until five.

Then home to see my dear family,
Pass hugs and kisses around;
Fixing supper then washing clothes,
Do the dishes, go to bed, sleep sound.

That’s how I spent most all my days
Until a few years ago.
It’s what I wish to be doing,
This time in my life, you know.

Sitting in my blue easy chair
From break of day until night
Is really not the thing I’d choose
But that is what is in sight.

Instead I spend most every day
Deciding just what to do.
A craft, a crossword or word search,
Read a book, a note or two?

Whatever that I choose to do
To while away the time,
There’s nothing I like any more
Than to write down words that rhyme.

Sometimes I share them with others
Sometimes they’re just for myself.
One thing I truly know for sure
You’ll never find me on a shelf.

As long as my mind is working
There will always be a way
For me to put my thoughts down
Saying what I want to say.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
August 4, 2009

Opportunities

2009-07-24T23:17:00.002-04:00

In July, 2006, my husband, Patrick, was diagnosed with a Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Origin, which is unlike regular Squamous Cell Carcinoma in that the doctors are unable to locate exactly where it started. This makes it very hard to treat. His presented as a knot behind his left ear which increased to the size of a large orange before chemo therapy reduced it. He then had 39 rounds of complete head and neck radiation. Needless to say, by the time it was all over, we were very thankful that the cancer was completely eradicated but very sad to have to treat terrible, black burns on his neck and an almost complete loss of hearing. The hearing loss was caused by the first round of chemo. It is a very, very rare side effect and one that the doctors did not expect. They immediately changed the type of chemo he received but the damage was already done.

At that time, I was already on disability and Pat was out of a job. Our only concern was getting him through his treatments and cancer free.

Since that time, my health has deteriorated to the point that I am not able to stand on my feet for more than 5 minutes at a time due to excruciating pain. Pat is doing all of the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping and at the same time, still looking for a full time job. He has worked some since 2006 but has not had anything steady. Our savings is about gone and if he does not find something soon, our fate, as always, will be in God's hands. He's never let us down and I know He won't do so now. Whatever His plan, it will be for our benefit and to His glory.

As you read this poem, keep all of the above in mind, putting yourself at our dinner table in July, 2006. See if you would be as humbled by the faith of your husband as I was.

God Bless,
Mimmy

OPPORTUNITY

One night we sat at the table
With my sis and her husband George,
Ready to eat a steak dinner
So much food we nearly would gorge.

As we sat hands held in a circle
Ready to go to God in prayer,
My Patrick began to send his words
To our Father floating on air.

We sat there with problems many,
My poor health the oldest one,
And Pat was without work again,
Due to some unkind deed that was done.

And just the day before we sat
With the doctor, thoughts spinning round,
We heard the word called cancer
And it was a dreaded sound.

Pat thanked God for our many blessings
For our family and our friends,
For the food that we were blessed with
For our Savior whom God did send.

And then he thanked our Father
For the opportunities sent our way.
He didn’t ask to have them gone
Just for strength to get through each day.

Since that evening just two days ago
I’ve thought how could he see
The trials we have been given
As chances for opportunity.

But as I’ve looked into his eyes
And been held in his arms,
I knew that he was very right
For God never sends us harm.

Opportunity number one will be
For our faith to grow and grow
And for us to come much closer
To our God as on life’s path we go.

Opportunity number two will be
For family members who are lost
To see that God is with us
And we can’t lose no matter the cost.

Opportunity number three I know
Is the hardest one for me,
For it’s to let others serve us
And use their talents to fill our needs;

To share their love and blessings
As we’ll need them in times to come,
And know that God will get the glory
Along with His dear Son.

Opportunity number four is quite
A selfish one for me
As it brings our family closer
And helps us all to see

That we must work together
If we are to truly overcome
The opportunities before us
Without become gloomy and glum,

And to know that we aren’t guaranteed
A life that’s full of roses,
But with God and friends beside us
We’ll learn what God proposes.

There’s one more opportunity
That I mustn’t fail to see
And that is that my Patrick
Will always love and care for me,

And I will always love him
Through days both good and bad,
And we will turn our sadness
Into hearts that make us glad.

For no matter what the next months bring
Whether ease of step of muddy trod,
We’ll always have each other
And we'll always have our God.

And we’ll know that all works together
For those who love the Lord
And He won’t ever give us
More than He knows is our fair load.

So if life should send you struggles
And the way out you can’t see,
Don’t think of them as troubles
They’re God’s blessed opportunities.

Joyce K. Smith
July 29, 2006

Can You Guess

2009-07-21T18:20:00.003-04:00

This past Sunday I was unable to attend worship. There is a program aired by the Gastonia Church of Christ on Sunday mornings which is a true blessing to me. The Bible based preaching is clear and right to the point.

The lesson presented this past Sunday was entitled "The Least". In one portion of that lesson, the speaker presented a thought that pricked my heart. Of course, my mind started whirling in rhyme and the following poem grew out of those thoughts.

This particular sermon, and many others, are presented on the internet, either for viewing or for listening. It would be my suggestion that you go and take a peek at their congregational website. You will not be disappointed.

Wishing for you a super week and

God Bless,
Mimmy

CAN YOU GUESS???

There is this little item
That I use all of the time.
I don’t leave home without it,
It’s an integral part of life.

If you have just a minute
I’ll give you lots of hints.
It’s really quite amazing
But it can’t help put up tents.

Messages that were left there
By ones I love and need
Are checked for very often,
There might be one to heed.

Every day this little thing
Is always by my side.
I’ll share with you its contents.
There’s nothing there to hide.

This will help me send a message
In oral or written form.
It can tell me where I need to go,
What I hear may leave me torn.

There’s a list of lots of people,
Where they’ve lived and what they’ve said.
I place it on my table
When I’m ready to go to bed.

My pride to have this item
Is quite evident you know.
I’ve bought a special cover
So I’ll know which one I own.

Telling people all about it
Is really lots of fun.
They want to see some action,
Not just hear my old mouth run.

There are lots of numbers listed,
Some of them I know by heart.
The ones that are not in my head
I can look up on a chart.

Have you guessed the thing I carry?
What do I use each day?
It’s really not my cell phone!
It’s my Bible telling God’s way.

God’s left me many messages
To help me through my life.
If I use it like my cell phone
My days will have less strife.

Before I end this message
There’s a little mistake I made.
My Bible did once build a tent,
The Tabernacle from plans God made.

Mimmy aka
Joyce K. Smith
July 19, 2009

"Not My Child Monday"

2009-07-20T15:47:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Not My Child! Monday! Today MckMama decided to do something a little different so, rather than post about yourself and all of the kookie things you do, she wants you to post about your children. For more details, you can head over to her blog to read what her children and everyone else's children have not been doing this week. You will surely be able to spend several hours of good, humorous, and maybe some heart wrenching reading.

Since my children are all adults, I've had to delve into my memory to come up with some wonderful "Not My Children" goodies.

As for my children, I will start with the oldest. Monica most certainly did not constantly walk by me when she was about four years old and say, “You’re gonna die”, without looking at me at all. She was referring to my very bad habit of smoking which I quit 18 years ago this coming September. Thanks for caring Monica. It did stick with me. Now, please take your own advice.

Monica also did not, during labor with her second child, shout profanities with each contraction. Her husband met me in the hallway begging me to “Do something, Mom, anything!” I walked into the room, told her to lay down and shut up, and she did just that. Never heard another “dirty word” out of her mouth. Sweet little Hali, who is now 16 years old, missed out on the whole thing. Or did she.

Jenifer, who is our second child and second daughter, most certainly did not walk from our house to the neighbor’s house totally naked. Thank goodness she was only 2 years old. However, I think she still hates clothes to this day. As far as I know there haven’t been any other incidents of streaking. Jerry, do you know of any?

She also did not decide in second grade, that she was no longer going to school. The temper tantrums she would not throw would have made the Guinness World Record Book. On one occasion, she did not grab hold of a double bed and with me pulling on her and her holding on to the bed we did not drag it clear across the room. She finally let go when we got to the door. At least she knew it wouldn’t fit through. On another morning, she did not “fake” an asthma attack hollering at the top of her lungs, saying “Mommy, I can’t breathe, I can’t breath”. My reply was not a cold, “Good, then you’ll pass out and I can get your to school easier.” This whole thing would have been much funnier if, when I got home from taking her to school and called to check on her the secretary would not have told me that she had quit crying before I got to the front door. Oh Jeni, those were the days.

Hey, Josh, it’s your turn. Josh is child number 3 and our only son. His favorite snack, when Mommy was not looking, could not have been dog kibble or biscuits. He did not repeatedly go to the laundry room and raid the dog foot bag. He also did not share lolli-pops and popsicles with his dog.

Josh also did not one day did not decide that he wanted to run away, did not pack his little suitcase complete with his blankie, a box of cereal and his favorite pajamas. He then did not proceed to walk to the end of our yard, sit down just below the knoll of a hill on his blankie. He did not sit there for about two hours, eating cereal and playing with his ET doll that had been tucked under his arm. This was one time I made a good parenting decision and just let him sit there until he did not decide to come home. All I did was go to the front window and check on him every little bit. You see, I could not see the top of his head. Josh, I think the whole idea of running away is to go further than the front yard.
To all of my children, the memories you have given me are priceless. They will prayerfully remain with me to the end of my days. The love that I have for your is boundless, unconditional, and as I say in my prayers, God be with you and keep you always. Love and kisses to you and your families. (Especially my grand-babies.)

The poem I’m not sharing with this post is one that I wrote in 2006 that tells how I feel about babies in general and their making a family complete. One of these days, I’ll introduce you to each of my children complete with bios and pics.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Families Complete

You’ve waited such a long, long time
To hold me in your arms,
To count my fingers and my toes,
And be wooed by my charms.

The day has finally arrived
When we will be together,
Not just for a little while
But from now until forever.

For God has chosen you for me,
And me to be with you.
He knew we each had special needs
And He knew just what to do,

To fill them all and make us whole,
A family that’s complete,
Full of happiness and joy
And all that makes life sweet.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
February, 2006

Teen Guest Poet

2009-07-19T23:03:00.004-04:00

Today's post will be extremely short, particularly compared to yesterday's.

The poem that I'll be sharing today is from a 14 year old, young lady, who attends Bible study and worship with us. She is a very sweet young lady, extremely cute and is very, very talented.

She has written a short story that she has also shared with me. My heart is very humbled that she considers me proficient enough to critique her work. In my book it is A-number one.

My advice to her has been to write, write, write. So far, she is doing just that and Jessica, please keep it up.

Another good job, Jessica. Give me another one to share and any other young readers who would like to be a guest poet, please feel free to put a note in my comments or e-mail it to me. God bless all our upcoming young writers. They are the future of poetry.

Have a super week and God bless,
Mimmy

HORSES

Manes flowing
Nostrils blowing
Hooves beating
Bodies fleeting.
Ears perked
Bits jerked
Spurs jingle
Muscles tingle.
Necks arching
Throats parching
Horses galloping
A rider's Halloween.
Dust flying
Riders crying
Stunning horses
Running riders.

Jessica
July 19, 2009

Cool, but spoiled!!!

2009-07-18T17:27:00.003-04:00

This last week we were without air conditioning in our home for about three days. We have been blessed with temperatures that were a few degrees cooler than last week, but even at that, the average temp for those days was 90 degrees. Blessedly, we were loaned a window air conditioner that, after several hours, was able to cool our great room and helped to lower the temp in the master bedroom a few degrees.

During those days, in order to keep cool, I didn’t get much done and since we didn’t want to possibly overheat the computer I haven’t blogged for several days. I’ve missed you guys, really missed you and it will take me forever to get caught up on my reading.

As I was sitting in my chair and crafting to pass the time, my mind went back to days gone by. We have really become very spoiled.

My thoughts went to the days when we only had fans to keep the air moving all summer long...And, at Granny’s house, and many time at Mama’s and Daddy’s friends’ homes, there weren’t even fans. Of course, these years were spent mostly in Ohio and I was much younger so things like that didn’t affect me in the same way they do now. Isn’t menopause just wonderful? However, a portion of these non-central air days, in our homes as well as our cars, were spent in Memphis, TN, West Helena, AK, and Winston-Salem, NC.

When I was in junior high school, we lived in Elyria, OH, in a three-story home...that is three stories and a basement. My bedroom was on the third floor along with Daddy’s study. (My father was a preacher from the time I was four up until he retired about 12 years ago.) There was a huge fan in a third-floor window that, when on high, would pull air all the way through the entire house. You could actually see the curtains blowing. At night, the house was so cool and smelled so fresh, particularly after a rain. That house was probably one of the favorite places I ever lived.

When we lived in West Helena, we had a fairly large room air conditioner that was mounted in the wall in the living room. With a fan in the hallway back to the bedrooms, we could actually cool the whole house without making the electric bill any higher than it was in the winter for heating.

One of my strongest memories of Memphis was having to hang my clothes, all of them, on the line to dry after I got home from work. They would be so drenched with "purty ole’ sweat" that if I had put them in the hamper without drying them first they would have mildewed. The days of our youth were harder than they seemed at the time. It's probably a good thing that we didn't know it was hard. We weren't that smart yet. Guys, 18 is much too young to get married. Trust me.

We traveled many miles when I was a youngin' without anything but 4/50 air conditioning. Singing hymns at the top of our lungs we would all stick our hands out the windows waving at everybody that went by. Most of the people we waved at would wave back. Isn’t it a shame that we have to tell our children not to wave at drivers today because they might shoot at us?

While all of these memories were flooding through my brain I began to compose this poem. Hope it will bring back pleasant memories for you.

God Bless,
Mimmy

H-O-T

Hot, man is it hot.
Wet, man am I wet.
Dry, man my mouth’s dry.
Upset, yes, I’m upset.

Why all these things
do you ask do you ponder?
Well let me say
all our AC has wandered.

While not doing much
to help me stay cool.
My thoughts drive back
to days while in school.

We didn’t have air
in our home or our cars.
Nor any TV
to steal our kids charms.

We opened our cans
with a handy can opener.
Washed all the dishes
in a sink filled with "soaper".

If you were lucky
you might have a vacuum.
At our house Mom cleaned
with dust mop and "broomum".

Kids did their research
from library books.
Blogging not yet
a spark in Gates’ dad’s looks.

If you were blessed
with an automobile
You cranked down the window
some cool air to feel.

The radio that could
be in what you drove
Might have three stations,
not much need to rove.

If Daddy had short legs
and Mom’s were quite long
She’d sit with hers pulled up
while calming our throng.

‘Cause no one had heard
of split bench seats
Or captains’ chairs
that can warm your "seat".

Kids played with boxes
not computer games.
We all knew all
of the neighborhood names.

Am I going to close
with a wish to go back?
No way Jose’
I’m a well spoiled brat.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
July 18, 2009

Not Me Monday

2009-07-13T13:31:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! Today, and I hope on all Mondays, I am bringing to you this blog carnival that was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Are there things in your day that you have left undone. Have you forgotten to unplug your curling iron for hours on end, or have you forgotten to thank someone for a kindness they did for you. Write about it on your post and link back to MckMama's blog. Then take a few minutes to read the posts of her other readers.

This week I most certainly did not make my oldest daughter mad at me by telling her that she needs to grow up. I know that I didn't forget to brush my teeth for two whole days even though I did walk by the bathroom sink a kazillion times. There is no way that I didn't tell my hubby to bring me the load of laundry that is in our dryer to fold and I'm sure this was not intentional because I know he'll get to it "one of these days".

And the biggy for the week, I did not stay home from the funeral of a dear friend today because I know if I did I would have absolutely fallen apart and I didn't want to embarass myself and others in the audience.

As this may be the only post I am able to do today, I must include my poetic daily entry here. It is a poem I wrote at the very beginning of my blogging career when a dear friend of mine lost a granddaughter. It expresses my feelings, not only at this time, but today, when I am thinking about our friend, Loyde, and his family as they grieve.

God bless all of you who did things this week that would have made others cringe and thank you for having the courage to admit your bloopers to your readers.

Take care and have a super week,

Mimmy

Shared Tears

Our Father says we are to weep
With others when they cry,
And that we are to laugh with those
Who are happy by and by.

News came to me that you have lost
Someone much too young to go.
She was beautiful and loving;
I’ve heard from those who know.

So please do know that as I sit
And pen these words to you
The tears are flowing freely
And my heart is breaking too.

I’ll keep you in my nearest thought
And in my earnest prayers
That God will hold you strongly
And you’ll feel him ever there.

Just know I’m one of many
Who will share this pain today,
As you’ve shared pain and laughter
With others along life’s way.

Mimmy aka Joyce K. Smith
May 2, 2009

Friendship

2009-07-12T21:29:00.005-04:00

Tonight I'm posting about a friend. It just happens to be a blog friend who lives clear across the country from me. Isn't cyberspace wonderful.

We share a common interest of poetry and I absolutely love her work. She can paint such vivid pictures with her words that you can actually see the event she is immortalizing. Take a look, read her words and see if you don't become as enamored as I have.

Thank you Margaret. Sharing your most inner feelings with such soul seeking truth makes you a poet with heart.

WHAT CAN I SAY, WHAT CAN I DO

What can I say when a friend is in pain?
What can I do? There’s no sunshine just rain.

What can I say when I know her heart’s achin’?
What can I do? This ache has part of her taken.

What can I say when her daughter won’t speak?
What can I do? She yearns to hear just a peep.

What can I say when she’s tried to amend?
What can I do? She has been homeward sent.

What can I say when she comes home in tears?
What can I do? She is so full of fears.

What can I say when she needs a companion?
What can I do? She is lonesome, needs compassion.

What can I say and what can I do
To return her cheeks to their once rosy hue?

What can I do and what can I say?
My thoughts have been churning all night and all day.

You’re probably thinking I’ve so much to impart.
An answer I must have to her broken heart!

A king’s ransom I’d give if that only were true.
At this time I do not know at all what to do.

There are two things that I can think of to say.
Only two out of all of this thought out word play.

One is to tell her that I truly care,
That I wish for her happiness beyond compare.

The second is what is most wondrous by far.
It is that God cares and knows all her scars.

He has answers for her that I do not have.
Her heart can be healed with His precious salve.

To God I’ll surrender myself to the end
And entrust to Him my dear poetic friend.

Joyce K. Smith aka Mimmy
July 12, 2009

"Love In His Eyes"

2009-07-11T01:56:00.003-04:00

On Wednesday evening while our congregation was in the midst of our mid-week Bible Study one of our dear members, Mr. Loyde Deason, went to be with our Lord for eternity. Loyde was a very special man. As I told his wife and children (grown) in a card that I sent to them today, he could just look across the room at you in such a way so as to let you know he was glad you were there. His eyes were the most soft, loving, caring eyes that I had seen in a long while, except for those of my "Heroe Hubby", of course, and I guess I'd have to put my Daddy in that category too. (I've got to introduce you to him soon. You will love him, probably not as much as I do but you will love him.)

Loyde leaves behind a wonderful Christian wife, a daughter and a son, both of whom are Christians, and some grandchildren. I'm not sure how many, but I know that at least some of them are Christians also. His wife is a jewel and was the reason that Loyde was a member of Christ's Kingdom. She practiced winning her husband to Christ through example and was a very worth example of exactly how to do it.

After Loyde obeyed the gospel and became a member of the church, he had the same kind of influence on his son who had not as yet obeyed the gospel. He did so only a couple of weeks ago. Loyde was not well enough to be in the service at which his son was baptized but he was sure proud of the fact and glowed the next time I saw him. Loyde was only able to return to services once after he became ill in the spring. When he walked in the building, every head in the place turned in amazement, except for mine, and I was too busy getting out of my wheelchair and going up the aisle to sit beside him for a few minutes. I needed me some Loyde huggin'.

The following will explain a little of what my family feels about Loyde and the entire Deason family. They all love the Lord, his Church and it's members. We need many more families like this to make our congregation strong and sure.

God Bless you all,
Mimmy

"LOVE IN HIS EYES"

A quiet man
with not much to say.
There was always love
in his eyes.

A man who loved God
and lived God's ways.
There was always love
in his eyes.

A man who cared
for his family each day.
There was always love
in his eyes.

A man who would let
you know that he cared.
There was always love
in his eyes.

A man who through pain
did not lose his faith.
There was always love
in his eyes.

A man for whom many
knelt and prayed.
There was always love
in his eyes.

A man who has now
received his "just pay".
There was always love
in his eyes.

Wishing we had grown closer
on life's way
There was always love
in his eyes.

This man will be missed for
many long days.
There will always be love
in his heart.

Mimmy, July 9, 2009

Grosgrain GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-07-11T01:54:00.002-04:00

Kathleen at Grosgrain has found another contest for us to enter. Simply visit her blog at Grosgrain to find out what the give away is. I'm not sharing it with you this time because I really do want you to visit Kathleen. Her blog is full of great sewing and crafting tips that are seeped in fashion. It will be well worth your time.

If you leave her a comment, and I would ask that you do, please let her know that I sent you. I'm thinking about a contest of my own in the next few days so "stay tuned for details" same station, different day, different time.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Out Of Hiding

2009-07-09T00:27:00.003-04:00

Today's post won't contain a poem so I'm asking that you write one that is appropriate and send it in a comment. That way, I can share it with the few readers that I do have.

The last couple of weeks have been hard for me to handle due to just plain old hurtin'. When I can't get to the computer to at least read the blogs I follow, you know I don't feel well. We are hoping, in the not to distant future, to get me a wireless laptop so that I can "blog" from my chair, travel the world over, and write, write, write to my heart's content. Writing, I mean the actual kind of pen to paper, is hard for me if I do it for any length of time and I try to save it for letters, Bible study and anything else that comes up that can't be done on a computer.

Reading the blogs that I follow is very therapeutic for me, as is posting and sharing my feelings with you. It is my plan to post more often than I have in the near past. When I do miss a couple of days it takes me forever to get caught up and sometimes, by the time I get through reading, I have no energy left for posting. Maybe I need to do it the other way around. Anyway, enough complaining and if all goes well I'll come up with something poetic for tomorrow or the next day.

One bit of good news before I sign off, the insurance company called me today and advised that they have approved my getting an electric wheel chair. Once it arrives it will be much easier for me to get around in the house and my legs won't get as tired and experience as much pain.

Take care, God bless, and wax poetic,

Mimmy

Fourth of July, 2000

2009-07-04T15:25:00.004-04:00

For the last nine years the Fourth of July has held feelings for me that are quite a conundrum. Patriotism has always been very near to my heart. Many of my memories are of my family celebrating all of our country's holidays.

Thanksgiving and Christmas were always fabulous celebrations with cooking started weeks, if not months, ahead. The freezer would start filling with cookies in October. The week before Thanksgiving was always a frenzy. There were at least four congealed salads, two or three types of potatoes, green bean casserole and just plain old green beans for the finicky eaters in our family, plain corn, corn on the cob, black eyed peas, lima beans, the turkey filled with dressing and another pan of dressing on the side, ham with pineapple slices, home made rolls, mincemeat pie, pumpkin pie, chocolate pie, sometimes lemon meringue pie, a cake or two and Mama would break out a few cookies and peanut butter balls just to hold us over until Christmas Eve.

There were always a couple of tables surrounded with family and friends. If not many of the family could be there, Mama would always find those who would be spending the holiday alone and invite them to share with us.

Christmas was the most wondrous Holiday at out house. Decorating would always start the day after Thanksgiving. A lot of our decorations were those that were homemade at my Mother's hand with our "help". I remember the year that she made an army of toy soldiers, all different sizes, made from everything from toilet tissue rolls, paper towel rolls, oatmeal boxes, cans of all different sizes and the largest was the container of Lincoln Logs my sister was getting for Christmas that year. Mama made all of the others just to camouflage this gift. She knew if she just wrapped it and put it under the tree, Tracy would know what she was getting. Mama was a great stickler for surprises.

To this day I do not know for sure how she managed to do all that was done. I know that she had a lot of help from my Dad. We kids would help with the fun stuff but a lot of it was done after we were all in bed.

On the Fourth of July, our house always flew an American Flag. It might just be a little one but it was always there. Our dinner table would have red, white and blue plates and napkins that she had bought on clearance the year before and put away for this particular celebration. One time I remember she had made a cake iced to look like a flag. We were thrilled.

When I was in the first grade we lived in a very small community called Raymond, Ohio. The Fourth of July celebration was one in which the entire town participated. What I remember most about my first Independence Day celebration there was that I had just gotten my "new" bike (My Uncle Pat had pulled it out of a ditch a few weeks before and had helped Daddy rework it for me.). Daddy helped me decorate it with red, white and blue streamers and it won first place in the decorated bike parade. I also managed to win the hula hoop contest. At that time I could keep four of them going at the same time, work them from my neck to my feet and back up again. Boy do I wish I could still do that today. For my efforts that day I got two fifty cent pieces. A whole dollar. That was a fortune to me at that time. I could get 100 pieces of bubble gum at the General Store.

Now for the many mixed feelings that surround this day. On July 4, 2000 we buried my mother in a cemetery in Huntington, West Virginia, her hometown, and the cemetery in which a lot of my family members are buried and where, unless things change, my Father will someday be buried. (Don't hurry Daddy. I need you for a long time to come.). On that day, after my cousin had completed his service, I could hear Mama's voice singing, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noontime... I began to sing with her and soon some of the others were singing with us. It is an indelible memory. I can still hear her singing. We used to sing a whole lot in the car when we were traveling.

While looking through poems to include with today's post, I came across one that I had forgotten about. It will show you how I feel about my Mama and why July 4th is a somewhat difficult day for me. One thing that makes it easier is a comment that was made to me after returning to work. One of my employer's said, "Joyce, the 4th of July will always be your Mama's Independence Day". Well, he wasn't quite accurate. June 30th is her Independence Day as this is the day she passed from this life into the next, but it did made the remembrances of that day a little easier for me.

As you enjoy your day with your family, think of the memories you are building. Make a little extra effort to put out red, white and blue plates and napkins. If not this year, go buy some for next year at your local clearance sale.

God Bless,
Mimmy

**************************************************

You Are Beautiful To Me

Do you recall when I was a child?
My world was centered around you.
The days were filled with love and kindness.
And no sacrifice was too great for you to make.
You were beautiful to me.

Do you recall when I was a young girl?
My world was centered around you, and myself.
All things were bright and beautiful.
And you were my teacher and my comforter.
You were beautiful to me.

Do you recall when I was a young woman?
My world was centered around you, and my friends.
Most things were bright and beautiful.
And when things were not so bright, you were there.
You were beautiful to me.

Do you recall when I was a young mother?
My world was centered around you, and my family.
Some things were bright and beautiful, but filled with challenges I never imagined.
At every turn, you were my confidant, and my friend.
You were beautiful to me.

Do you recall when our families grew up?
We were still young and full of dreams.
We shared lovely moments.
We looked to the future.
You were beautiful to me.

I look to the day I will become the age you were when you passed.
Some days will be dark and scary.
Some days will be filled with wonder and thanks giving.
I am will be a better person because of you.
You WILL ALWAYS BE beautiful to me.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
February 15, 2006

RockPaperScissors GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-07-01T14:33:00.001-04:00

Kathleen, as usual has introduced us to a wonderful online business that offers a very wide variety of paper products from announcements to wrapping paper. Check out Kathleen's lint at her blog, Grograin, today linked as RockPaperScissors GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!. If you are the lucky winner, you will get a $25 gift card to purchase your hearts desire at RockPaperScissors. Good luck and

God Bless,
Mimmy

MckLinky

2009-06-30T23:54:00.006-04:00

The following is part of a post on MckMama's blog today letting us know of a new "linky" service that she is instrumental in bringing to fruition.

"There’s a great new “linky” service available and I wanted to let you know about it. It’s called MckLinky – www.mcklinky.com. After realizing the need for a new, reliable linky capability, Brent Riggs and MckMama got together to create a free, easy to use linky service for all their blog friends.

MckLinky is a free link list feature that allows you to do include lists of other blog links like MckMama does on Not Me! Monday. You can use MckLinky any time you want your blog readers to leave a list of links on your blog. It’s simple, reliable, free...and loads of MckFun! "

I'm not very savvy about all of this yet but am sure it will lead me to many ways to help my readership grow. I look forward to offering my readers a lot of new things in the coming days.

For today's poetic post, I am using one of the very first if not the very first poem I posted that will tell you a little bit more about what I know about blogging and about what I hope to know in the future.

God Bless and have a super week,

Mimmy

BOGGLE SCHOOL

Today I’ve jumped in with both feet
To this world that’s known as "BOGGLE".
My experience is very limited
As through cyberspace I toddle.

If I can get to nursery school
Where I’ll learn about pretty pictures
I’ll really be quite stupefied
Having crossed through some restrictions.

So we’ll start this journey together
That I’m calling "BOGGLE SCHOOL",
If you have a way to help me
Please don’t hesitate to send the rules.

‘Cause I really want to graduate
Right now with a high school diploma.
But if one day I get a Doctorate
Would be like a sweet aroma.

Be patient with me in my baby steps
Crawling one day to the next,
Until I’m named "Dr. Boggle"
Having utilized all the text.

Mimmy
April 1, 2009

Words

2009-06-29T01:05:00.002-04:00

Tonight, or should I say this morning, will be a short post. I'm really very tired having had two pretty bad days.

As I sit at the computer reading my favorite blogs and thinking about what I am going to write I think about a "communication" that I tried to get going on one of them on Friday without much luck. It was all about words and I wrote the beginnings of today's poem. It has been edited since then and only goes to tell you how very important I think words are.

Without words, and a very good working knowledge of them, we could not read, write, communicate, or do any number of other things. We couldn't cook, unless you have all of your recipes in your head or unless you are better at making up recipes than I am. We couldn't do word puzzles, at which I spend a great deal of time. We couldn't follow directions either to a sewing pattern, prescription bottle or homework for our children. We couldn't follow road signs, at least the ones without pictures on them. Number one on my current list is that I most certainly could not write poetry and I could not share it with you.

I'm so thankful that I have found a world where the inhabitants love words and love to use them. Hopefully we will get to know each other better and our worlds will continue to collide.

God bless,
Mimmy

WORDS

Words are a powerful tool!
Those who can use them rule!
Those who can't should learn to dance
So they won’t have to run and prance!

Words are a mighty powerful tool!
You need them to just get into school!
You need them to apply for a job!
You'll need words to halt a mob!

You must know the words of your language
Or life will be nothing but control of damage!
With those words you just might meet a prince
And talk to him with nary a wince!

I’m sure you’ll find words to be quite important!
Words build questions and you must recant!
If you read books, words build all fiction!
You not only must know words but use proper diction!

So as you are reading my little bit of rhyme
And you look at your watch to see what the time,
Remember that if you didn’t know words
You could not read this no matter if absurd!

Mimmy, June 27, 2009

Boojiboo Flirty Apron GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-26T01:39:00.002-04:00

Kathleen at Grosgrain is posting another giveaway of a linked as Boojiboo Flirty Apron GUEST GIVEAWAY!!!! The aprons are retro '50's and very "flirty". Sure hope I win one if they make them to fit my frame. Please take a peak and let her know you are interested, not only in her giveaways but in her blog all together. She has the greatest tutorials on just about any sewing topic you can imagine and just might do one for you special if you have a sewing problem you need to have addressed.

Thanks Kathleen and have a super weekend.

God Bless, Mimmy

Babies

2009-06-25T09:59:00.004-04:00

Babies: they can make fools of us, make us wise, make us laugh, make us cry, fill us with joy, fill us with pain, turn us to towers of strength and then in the next moment turn us to complete jelly. Babies are one of my most favorite things and I love them just about as much as anything else on this earth. A baby can be an absolute stranger to me and all I have to do to fall in love is see a picture.

All of this has been proven to me by some of the blogs that I read. Little Baby Jonah was my first blog love. Jonah was born with epidermolysis bullosa or EB which is a group of diseases that are characterized by blisters that appear after only a bump to the skin. Jonah's little brother was also born with EB and died soon after birth. To read more about Jonah and Gabe, check out his mom, Patrice's blog entitled the Williams Family Blog. To have gone through so much and at such a young age, Matt and Patrice have a faith that rivals any of her readers. As her blogs have progressed, Patrice has turned into a fantastic writer and keeps us posted on their every day lives with Jonah while keeping us in absolute stitches.

I predict that one day Patrice will write a book for children with EB that will help them and their parents get through a day of pain with laughter and joy.

Another baby that I have come to love through blogging is Kayleigh Anne. Kayleigh Anne's father Adam Freeman posted daily at what was originally One Pound Miracle but is now One Pound Blessing because precious Kayleigh Anne passed from this life on May 11, 2009. Her little body, born premature, finally shut down after a battle of eleven months. To read Kayleigh Anne's full story, check out her father's blog or the first of two poems included in today's post. Adam still posts about life with the Freeman's but not on a daily basis. Kayleigh Anne's blog is well worth checking out. Adam has a sense of peace to his writing, even after they lost Kayleigh Anne. I miss you sweetheart.

There have been other babies that I have gotten to know through blogging. However, these two have impacted my life on a very permanent basis. There are also many other babies that I have come to love outside of cyber space. Twelve of them are my wonderful, precious, sweet, adorable grandchildren, Zachary, Hali, Dakota, Richard, Kaitlynn, Samantha, Tiffany, Tyler, Trey, Joshua, JJ and Memphis. Aren't you impressed that I could remember all of their names without having to cheat. You have already met Zachary, Hali, Dakota and Trey and it is my plan to introduce you to the other eight in the near future. Their parents just have to get me updated pictures. (hint-hint).

Babies are one of the most wonderful of God's creations. It is amazing to think that God takes two cells, puts them together, lets them "cook" for nine (or ten) months, takes them on a journey through an opening much too small and they enter a world much more chaotic than what they just left, loan them to two people for the next 18 years while they are changing every day, with only minimal instructions, and then one day, with patience, consistency and love God helps them develop into His true children, serving him every day that they live on this earth, only to have them pass from this life into eternal bliss with our God and Father and his son, Jesus Christ. AREN'T BABIES GRAND!!!

God Bless,
Mimmy

The Glory of God

"One Pound Miracle" she was called
On her blog created by Daddy.
She was so tiny her arm would fit
Through Dad’s wedding ring, quite uncanny.

She fought hard for eleven months.
248 procedures, 7 major ops.
1 on her open heart so small
The very smallest they’d seen, none topped.

Her room at home was all ready,
Painted brown with many accents of pink.
Every time she came near to coming home
She got sicker, very tough, don’t you think.

So many people would ask each day,
"How’s your sweet and precious girl",
That Daddy opened up her Blog
Answering questions coming to their world.

They heard lots of people began to pray
Some who said they hadn’t for a long time.
Others said they had returned to God
After reading her story on line.

So now I see this question
That recently entered into my mind.
It’s one that must have an answer,
That the answer to now we must find.

If the story of this little girl
Who died after her dreadful fight,
Could turn so many folks to prayer,
Could have others seeking the light,

How much more could the words of Jesus,
His fight that saw His death on the cross,
Lead people not only to kneel in prayer
But to salvation and of sin, total loss?

Do we start a blog to send out the word?
Do we post of his terrible dying?
Do we e-mail all of our family and friends?
Sure we can if that’s your way of trying.

But God has already written it down
In a post that resounds through the ages.
The book is called the Bible today;
He’s said to read and then share the pages.

Sweet baby you’re done with all your work,
Felt through the words of your story.
Now it’s our turn to take up the cross
Telling Christ’s tale to all of God’s glory.

Mimmy aka Joyce K. Smith
May 15, 2009

The following was penned for some friends of mine at the birth of their first baby. He just spent his first week at church camp which is absolutely unbelievable and makes me feel very old. At the time this was written we didn't know he was going to be a he, so please excuse the "she" references.

Baby Blessing

A baby is a precious gift,
A gift from God above,
Sent to us to cherish
To cuddle and to love.

But she’s not really yours, you see,
She simply is on loan,
From our Heavenly Father
As he sits upon his throne.

He’s given her to you to raise,
To teach and train and warn,
To cherish all that’s good in life,
And all that’s evil to scorn.

What she becomes depends on you
And how you live each day.
She’ll learn much more from what she sees
Than she will from what you say.

So love her each and every day
As the treasure that she is,
And guide her to that Heavenly home
Of happiness and bliss.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith, April, 1999

Remembering

2009-06-23T00:16:00.004-04:00

Only a little while ago I visited another blog Time For A Bucket List written by Margaret Hall. If you recall I introduced you to her blog Images In Thought a few days ago. They are both extremely well written and have made me think. They are very different in tone which only goes to show you how well written Margaret is. It is hard for me to come up with enough to post in one blog, let alone try to keep up with two.

Her most recent post in Time For A Bucket List reflects on her memories of her childhood days. We share many of the same memories which must mean that we come from very similar backgrounds and from approximately the same time frames. It made me start to think about some of my memories and led to me penning the following. Hopefully it will lead you to write about some of your memories and share them with both Margaret and me.

Take care, enjoy your walk through the past and

God Bless,

Mimmy

Remembering

What do you remember of your days gone by
Whether fifty, forty or ten?
Do you remember dolls as tall as you are
With clothes that fit your brother or friend?

Do you remember playing house, school and church
With props made from only a box?
Do you remember wearing braids in your hair
With bows tied at the ends of your locks?

Do you remember playing outside ‘til dark
Catching fireflies in a quart jar?
Do you remember the walk to your school
‘Cause your family had only one car?

Do you remember the walk home from school
With band instrument in your left hand?
Do you remember your mom and your dad
At concerts ‘cause you were just grand?

Do you remember banging the big screen door
To announce, "Hey, I'm here"?
Do you remember smelling roast and hot taters
When you came in from church, "Where's my chair"?

Do you remember how truly awesome it was
To find mom home and not just a key?
Do you remember dad taking the time
To let you sit right upon his knee?

Do you remember your very first date
That wasn’t to a school dance?
Do you remember wrapping yarn ‘round his ring
So you wouldn’t lost it by chance?

Do you remember when he finally proposed
After asking your dad for your hand?
Do you remember walking down that long aisle
While the very same dad held your hand?

Do you remember the first house that was yours
Your first car and your very first babe?
Do you remember when the money was tight
So tight for your heat your couldn’t pay?

Do you remember the friend who found out
You were worried about being cold?
Do you remember the thanks that you felt
When your friend paid the bill? Who told?

Do I remember? You sure bet I do!
Could I think of more? Yes, I can!
Can I think of them all as I sit hear tonight?
No I can’t! Wish I could! Sorry man!

You’ll just have to wait until some other time
For my memory to click into gear,
Then I'll write more of days all gone by
And the times I’ve had year after year.

Mimmy
June 22, 2009

Women and God's Word

2009-06-20T00:13:00.005-04:00

In trying to decide what I wanted to post about today I was looking through some of the poems I had written in days past and found one about women in New Testament times. Part of that poem was written regarding the lack of worth placed on women in that time of history and as we are aware, that point of view existed in our country not all that many years ago and still exists in a great portion of this world today.

How men came to believe they are superior to women is a view I have never understood. The scriptures definitely teach that women are to be in submission to their husbands and I have never had a problem believing this. The scriptures also teach that I am to obey my parents, which would include my father, that I am to be in subjection to the elders of the church and that I am to obey the laws of the land. However, there is nothing, anywhere, in the Bible, of which I am aware, that teaches that women are in general less worthy of anything than are men.

Having said that, God has from creation placed a very high regard upon women. At creation, Adam was unable to find a being capable of serving as his companion in all of the being created by God up to that point. This is the reason God placed Adam into a deep sleep, removed a rib, and from it created a being to serve as man's help meet, or a suitable helper. Woman was created because there was nothing else in all of God's creation that was good enough to be Adam's wife. Doesn't that make you as a women feel special? (Please know that I do not intend to say that men are not special. One of the most special men I know is in the other room.) Not only did God create us to fill a special need, there are many times in His word that He addresses the fact that women fill a very special role.

The scripture that is cited above today's poem is there because this was an assignment I was given for publication in our congregation's daily devotional booklet. It speaks of women that our Lord met and from whom he cast out demons. It also speaks of how they dropped everything to follow him.

Hopefully you will enjoy this work and also take the time to read the scripture from which it was taken.

May you all have a glorious weekend and may

God Bless,
Mimmy

Jesus Speaks To a Group of Women
Read: Luke 8:1-3

Our Lord spoke to many people
As He walked upon this earth,
Some of them of humble means
Some who had great worth.

He spoke to little children
And He spoke to old folks too.
He spoke with teachers learned
And with those who’d had no school.

He often talked with men He met
Upon the streets He trod
Of things on earth, things in heaven
But always things of God.

Yet on this day He chose to speak
With those often overlooked,
Not for their lack of learning
Or the paths that their lives took.

They were thought of by so many
To be lesser folk than men,
For they were merely women
Put here mostly just to tend,

To the needs of those around them
And surely not to sit
And talk with one so learned
As this One from Heaven sent.

But He not only took the time
To pass the time of day,
But to throw out many demons
And send them on their way

So they could go and live their lives
Free from the demons’ power,
And could spend each day in joy
From morning ‘til evening’s hour.

They were so very thankful
That they chose to follow Him,
And give Him what they had to give
From what little they’d been given.

His words were so important
And His actions so profound,
That they did leave their very homes
To hear His voice’s sound.

Do His words mean half that much
To us who live today,
Who have His words in written form
In countless and wondrous ways?

Will we even cross the room
To pick up His great book,
Or change the internet address
So we can take a look?

Or are we just too busy
To let our Master speak.
And tell us how to live our lives
Each hour and day and week?

Mimmy
January, 2006

Word Bank/Two Lives

2009-06-18T01:11:00.004-04:00

This afternoon I took a trip over to Margaret Hall's blog entitled Images in Thought. She has the most beautiful poem there that is more accurately portrayed as a painting done in words instead of oils. Please take a few minutes and go over there to see what she has written. It is fantastic.

In a round about way she gave me or anyone else a challange who might want to write a poem from a word bank. The 10 words she used in her poem were given to her by Roger Bacon another blogging poet. The words he gave her are marked in my post in teal and should be fairly easy to spot. Why not give this a try. It was a bit challenging for me because the words don't lend themselves easily to just one topic. We need to see how many different formats we can get out of the few of us who are connected with my blog. Please invite your friends to participate also.

Poem from a Word Bank:

"Two Lives"

This morning at the break of dawn
A cool gentle breeze did blow.
By noon it was so hot outside
She looked for a cool place to go.

Her clothes are so very tattered
She's ashamed to show her face.
Why could she not have pretty clothes;
The ones others throw on in haste?

If she were to have such pretty things
She wouldn't treat them with disdain.
They'd be treated like pretty flowers
Blooming in the sunshine and rain.

All the people in their little town
Always look on her with pity.
At night in her room all alone
She dreams that they live in the city.

It is easier to get lost there.
It's much easier to be alone.
You don't have to worry about making friends.
Your room's your only friend, just one.

Her room was dark and dreary.
Paint melted from off the walls.
The bed was in a tiny nook.
Curtains a long time ago did fall.

Her mother slept 'til nearly noon
Every day of the very long week.
Down the hall her mom totters
To the kitchen where food Mom seeks.

Mom says to fix her two fried eggs
And a piece of toast with jam.
Oh, how the young girl wishes
She could warm Mom a big slice of ham.

She knows that all of her wishes
Shan't come to be in her youth.
There's just as much chance that they'll be
As if a fairy would pay for a tooth.

She also knows that when she grows
Things won't be the same for her kids.
Now her Mom works two hard jobs
Just to keep them off the skids.

School is where you will find her
Until she can get her degree.
She's going to make something of herself
So she can care for herself if needs be.

Unlike her hard working Mama
Who loves her and stands so bold
That she works her fingers to the bone
So she's not homeless, hungry and cold;

Because her dad walked out on them
Leaving them with nowhere to go.
Her mother stepped up to the plate
No training for work did she know.

She loves her mom so very much
But she needs a better life.
Someday she wants to have a home
Be a teacher, a mom and a wife.

She shot straight up out of her bed
Her dreams had been life long ago.
Thank goodness it was summer time
So she didn't have to work to go.

The day would be spent with her two girls
Doing this, that and the other.
Before they would go to their first stop.
They'd go by and pick up grandmother.

Mimmy aka Joyce K. Smith c

Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-17T19:58:00.003-04:00

Take a few minutes and go visit Kathleen at "Grosgrain". She is linking today to her new tutorial and give away at Twenty minute Simple Skirt Tutorial AND GIVEAWAY!!!! . The skirts that she is giving away are very cute and she even gives you the instructions for making one or more of your own just in case you don't win.

Take a chance. The worse that can happen is that you leave her a comment letting her know how much you like her blog and you get another reader for yours. Besides that, you learn how to make a simple skirt without a pattern.

Sew, Sew, Sew

Sew, sew, sew.
Prick your fingers with a needle.
Sew, sew, sew.

Sew, sew, sew.
Cannot find a thread to match.
Sew, sew, sew.

Sew, sew, sew.
Thread that needle work by hand.
Sew, sew, sew.

Sew, sew, sew.
Find a button the right size.
Sew, sew, sew.

Sew, sew, sew.
Try it on it better fit.
Sew, sew, sew.

Sew, sew, sew.
Terrific outfit they all say.
Sew, sew, sew.

Sew, sew, sew.
Love to do it, find the time?
Sew, sew, sew.

Sew, sew, sew.
Gotta go, must work on line.
So, so, so!!!

Mimmy
June 17, 2009

MckMama's Family

2009-06-15T16:26:00.004-04:00

Many of you are sure to be aware of a wonderful blog written by MckMama. This blog entitled My Charming Kids is so very special because MckMama lets you into the lives of their very charming family. She refers to her husband as Prince Charming and her four children collective as Many Small Children or "MSC". Individually they are Big Mac, MckNuggett, Small Fry and MckMuffin.

Over the past few months, followers of her blog have gotten to know MckMuffin, or Stellan, very well because of a heart problem he has had since before birth. In spite of the fact the Stellan was hospitalized for several weeks in the last few months she continued to keep her readers posted on this condition and on what was happening with the remainder of her family.

MckMama has a faith in God that has carried her through all of the many hills and valleys associated with Stellan's continuing illness and that faith is also a basis for the family's everyday living.

As is the case with most of the people I know and have come to admire, at some point in their lives I write them a poem. Since I find MckMama to be both a unique and inspiring individual I asked her permission to post the following.

Hopefully you will not only take the time to read my writings but you will take the time to visit MckMama's blog and see for yourself the joy and love that exist within the confines of this God loving family.

MckMama's Family

There is a young woman who lives in a land
That quite often is frigid and frozen.
She loves her dear husband, Prince Charming his name.
Need Proof, they’ve kids, one third of a dozen.

Her name is MckMama. I do not know why.
To her kids she has passed it along.
Big Mac, MckNuggett, Small Fry and MckMuffin,
Makes you want to sing that hamburger song.

In this day and age of multiple births
Four children are not all that unusual.
There are lots of families who have even more
So why do I think the MckFamily so "spectactical".

Big Mac is four, MckNuggett two and a half
Small Fry is just eighteen months old.
That leaves MckMuffin who, believe it or not,
Is a precious, darling seven months old.

If you’re smart as a tack and have done your math
You can see that this makes four in four.
There couldn’t have been more than just a few months
Between deliveries and conceptions galore.

In fact this MckMama must love number four
‘Cause the birth of her son number one
Took four days of hard labor, pushing and tears
Most of which with sheer heart she bore.

Big Mac is your typical four-year-old boy
Playing with toys in his sandbox outside.
He loves to jump on the trampoline
Watching Queen Mum do flips very wide.

MckNuggett prefers things that move on their own.
Bug, worms an occasional frog.
He runs and he plays ‘til he can stand no more,
Then with his blue blanky he nods.

Small Fry is the princess that "rules" o’er the boys.
She has pretty soft blonde curly hair.
You never will see her all through the day
Without a hat or a bow planted there.

Little MckMuffin, the most special by far,
Has a face that you just want to pinch.
He’s all cute and cuddly and soon grabs your heart.
You will love him, that’s truly a cinch.

Before MckMuffin came into this world
Doctors said he’d not see open air.
These doctors did not know that prayer was involved.
He did live and with nary a care.

He had SVT, a hole in his heart
That makes it race out of control.
Only God knows why his heart was OK.
He had a chance to grow his young soul.

But a new number four came on to the scene.
MckMuffin just turned four months old
When the old SVT reared its cold, ugly head,
MckMuffin fought two months to reach a goal.

In the hospital he stayed for several long weeks
Both Montana and in Boston Bean Town,
With doctors so smart they knew what to do
He came home, but it’s different all round.

His MckMama posts daily on her family blog
MckMuffin’s name truly is Stellan.
His name’s made a trip around the world
In his very own photo name gallery.

Stellan sleeps with a monitor to check his heart.
He must take meds all through the day.
A nurse comes to check to make sure he’s all right.
There just really is no other way.

My Charming Kids is MckMama’s great blog.
By the thousands people read what she’s said.
She posts everything from healthy foods
To a picture of the big boys’ new beds.

Her pictures are glowing with her love and care
Full of colors the brighter the better.
She shares her faith in the God up above.
She writes us as if in a letter.

This poem could go on for page after page
Telling tales of this family so fine.
However at some point the reading gets long
Folk just think they can’t read one more line.

The point that I want to make to you all
Is the blessing she’s being to readers.
She opens her heart and shows us her love
Telling us ways to make ourselves leaders.

If you are looking for a blog to follow
Not today but for now and forever,
Add My Charming Kids to your list of great blogs
Meet a family with love that won’t sever.

Mimmy aka Joyce K. Smith
June 12, 2009

Not Me Monday

2009-06-15T11:47:00.002-04:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

As for me and my house, I most certainly did not forget to send the birthday and anniversary cards I had made for the members of our church with my husband on Wednesday night so that everybody got a late card this week.

I definitely did not go three days without a shower because I just felt too bad to get one. It just wasn't worth the effort.

Most definitely, I did not finish up the curtains I promised my grandson in September of last year that I would make for him; and I truly did not make an extra throw pillow for him out of one of his old and favorite tee shirts to make him feel better because it took me so long to get his curtains done.

Surely I didn't stay home from both services of worship yesterday because I just felt too bad to go. And I surely am not admitting this to all of you so that maybe you can understand me a little bit better.

Awesomely, I did not postpone baking a loaf of pound cake for my new neighbors after having not burned a loaf of banana bread that I baked for them last week and;

We most definitely did not eat the burned banana bread that was baked for our neighbors.

Hopefully all of you will have a magnificent Monday and will not do too many things that you will have to post on the next NOT ME MONDAY.

Thanks MckMama for this wonderful arena of confession.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Hopscotch Camis GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-06-14T18:58:00.002-04:00

Jump on over to Grosgrain and take a look at her Hopescotch Camis GIVEAWAY!!!! These are absolutely precious camis that can be worn summer or winter (with a turtle neck or some other shirt under it). Surely everyone has someone in their family or friends list that will have daughters who can use these. Also, leave a comment and let Kathleen know how much you enjoy her blog. I'm quite sure you will, I know I do.

Hopscotch Camis GIVEAWAY!!!!

God Bless,
Mimmy

Poetry Info

2009-06-12T23:51:00.004-04:00

For those of you who are poets, there are a couple of sites you may be interested in. Mattia is having a poetry contest. The rules are quite easy to follow and are very well explained on their blog. Check it out. There are cash prizes but that's not why I'm going to enter. Even getting an honorable mention would make me feel very honored.

Also, Poetry.net will list your blog as a poetry blog on their site if your blog meets its criteria. You just need to link to it and it's all done. They will review your blog and based upon the number of hits you have it will be listed accordingly. According to their information, linking often will increase your number of hits.

Good luck to all of you and I think this post deserves this poem.

THROUGH THE EYES OF A POET

A poet is a very rare breed
Who doesn't see as other see.
If a tree she spies with a might trunk,
Her mind hears leaves that go kerplunk.

And when she sees a child at play
Who runs and skips along the way,
She sees a tot who gallops with glee
And glides across the grass so free.

A waterfall from a mountain high
Is a crying rock with blissful sigh,
And a rainbow high above the clouds
Has angels sliding with leaps and bounds.

Raindrops are the tears of God,
You don't walk, you have to trod.
A book is a journey through paper leaves,
A cuff link hugs a gentleman's sleeve

For a poet sees with more than eye;
She sees with spirit, soul and mind,
She looks beyond this world and time,
For everything must have a rhyme.

Mimmy, 2002

Saddness Turned To Hope

2009-06-09T22:38:00.005-04:00

The last few days have been difficult ones for me in many ways. Without going into all of them, some of them have come from my blog friends. One in particular has touched me so deeply that it will remain a part of me for a very, very long time, if not for as long as I live. Please take a moment to share some of your love with
WON. From reading your comments to other bloggers, I know that you have a lot of love to share. I met WON through MckMama just yesterday. Right now, they both need us all.

When trying to come up with a post for tonight, I sat down at the computer and the desktop that my husband had chosen for this month all but said, "here I am". In the upper right corner are the words "Hope is patience with the lamp lit". How very simple and yet how very true. God describes faith as: "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." (Hebrews 11:1).

We often tell ourselves that we have faith, particularly when we are going through life's trials. Right now, my husband and I are going through one of those trials and I have been telling myself, with everything that is in me, that I have faith that God will get us through. However my faith is conditional. I have been wanting Him to tell me how and when our problems will come to a resolution. It's not that I only want a positive outcome for us, it's just that I want to know what the outcome is.

You are probably wanting to know how I have switched from hope to faith, but, referring back to Hebrews, God tells us that Faith is hope. My hope and my faith have been tempered. I'm not waiting, patiently, with my light on, I'm waiting impatiently with a camera. I want to take pictures of what God has planned all along the way so that I will know when the end of this particular trial is near, and what the joyful outcome will be. Lord, help me to develop a Hope that is Patience with the light on.

Questions and Answers

You ask me, "What is hope?"
My reply, "Believing in tomorrow."
You ask me, "What is faith?"
I say, "The same, with no sorrow."

You ask , "How do you know this?"
My reply, "God told me so."
You ask, "How can you trust Him?"
This is how, listen and know.

"In all the days that have passed me
He’s never let me down.
God’s answered all my questions.
Made smiles out of dreary frowns."

You ask, "Do you ever worry?"
My reply, "Sure sometimes that’s true."
You ask, "Why do you worry?"
My reply, "‘Cause I’m human like you."

You ask, "Should you worry?"
My reply, "Not really dear."
You ask, "Why shouldn’t you worry?"
My reply, "Because God is near."

You ask, "If you can worry
Why shouldn’t I do the same?"
My reply, "Because I make mistakes
Unlike the one who from Heaven came."

You ask, "Will God bring me
Through all of this world’s strife."
My reply, "He will, that’s for certain,
Through every one in all your life."

You ask, "Will God always answer
With a yes to all my prayers?"
My reply, "Sometimes He will say no,
To the prayers we send with care."

You ask, "If God will bring me
Through my pain and hurt on earth,
Why must I bear an answer
That makes me wonder at my worth."

My reply, "God knows tomorrow,
The days that reach beyond,
And the days that reach beyond that
To all the days in our life gone."

"He knows the hurt we’ll suffer.
He knows the joy we’ll share.
He knows the days that will go by
Without a worry or a care."

"Most importantly He knows what
We need to get us home
To the land of milk and honey
From which we’ll never, ever roam."

"He knows that we must feel pain
To enjoy the days of glee.
He knows that we must feel loss
To enjoy the good that we receive."

So the question you must ask me,
"Does God love me as a son?"
My reply, "Sure he does child,
His Son died to make you one."

God Bless,
Mimmy, June 9, 2009

Rain, Bones, Grass

2009-06-05T22:10:00.003-04:00

For the last few days it seems to me that all it has done is rain. Of course, the only real proof I have of that fact is what I hear on the roof and what I see on the news. This has been one of those weeks when I haven't been out since an appointment that I had on Monday. You are saying, well, she could have looked out the window, and you are absolutely right, except that I really didn't even feel like doing that. Enough about me and my aches and pains.

Completely changing the flow of this post, we have the absolutely best neighbors. Except for one family, we've had the same neighbors for about 8 years. Considering we live in what is considered to be a starter community, that is pretty amazing. Our neighbors to the left bought their lot at about the same time we did. In fact, we bought the biggest lot in the sub-division and "D" wanted the lot for herself. Of course, we had no idea she did and we bought it 45 minutes before she made the bid on her second choice. It probably wouldn't have made any difference if we had known at that point. However, as good as they have been to us, if we were in that situation now we just might have let them have it.

Our neighbors across the cul-de-sac have lived here almost as long as we have. They are super people, have kids about the ages of our grandkids that have lived with us, and don't mind last minute requests for assistance such as dog sitting, newspaper collecting and mail grabbing.

The neighbor two doors to our right is an adorable lady who gets around much better than I do in spite of the fact that she is my elder by more than just a few years. She will call, out of the blue, just to see how I am and if we need anything. If she sees us out and about she always stops to chat and sometimes just comes by the house to visit. Those neighborhood charms are just about gone from our.

In the house just to our right we have new neighbors. This house is now rental property and we have been getting new neighbors about every two years or so. That's OK with us. It just means we get to meet more good people. If everyone who moves in next door is like our newest neighbors, we may have to bolt their doors and slash the moving van tires if they try to move. They have been here for less than a month and the Mr. has already mowed our grass without our asking. Of course, he just got a new riding mower and he may have wanted to try it out on a yard without a fence. However, I kind of doubt that.

Speaking of neighbors, I sometimes hear people complaining about how close our neighborhoods are becoming and how you can just about reach out and touch your neighbor's house while touching your own. To those who complain and speak of this as if it were something new, I have some information for you. My grandparents' house was originally a "shotgun" house and is now over 100 years old. I can remember my grandmother and her neighbor standing at their individual kitchen windows and talking to each other while they did dishes. They could have handed each other things if it weren't for the screen windows.

Another one of my fondest memories of that house is sitting on the front porch steps while Daddy, Mama, Granny and Grandpa all occupied the porch furniture in the evening after supper dishes were done. The "old folks" would talk about the day and Daddy and Mama would catch my grandparents up on the news from our house since our last visit. My sister and I would sit and listen. Sometimes we would be playing a game and I'm sure they didn't know we were taking in as much as we were. We learned a lot about life and about what it is to be a good person from those conversations. As people strolled by during their evening walk they would often continue their stroll up the sidewalk to the front porch and join us for a while, lending an even more diverse blend to the evening's discussions. When we would get sleepy, we would crawl up in the swing or on the glider snuggling with whoever happened to be sitting there, and go fast asleep. There is not a thing in this world that I would take for these memories.

Now, back to the rain...

God Bless you with sunshine,
Mimmy

Spring Rains, Aching Bones, Growing Grasses

Rain, Rain, go away
Don’t come around for several days.
My fingers really ache and creak
My knees and legs feel very weak.

Sometimes folks say
We need the rain,
But as I hear it
We’ve nothing to gain.

The pouring torrents
Just stand in puddles.
Really makes me
All befuddled.

There’s one more thing
Before I go,
The rain sure makes
Our grasses grow.

Then we must find
Someone to mow.
Usually a grandson,
Don’t you know?

Sometimes they do it
With hearts of glee,
Other times they’re gloomy
Don’t you see?

So if you have
A mower handy,
Come by and mow
That would be quite dandy.

Mimmy
May 5, 2009

Meet Miss Hali

2009-05-31T22:40:00.013-04:00

No, this is not a picture of Hali. This is a picture of "her" rock in my "natural" area in front of our house. Right now about the only thing natural about it are the weeds. The azaleas were pretty in the spring but now they are just another bush to be trimmed. (That's a hint Zachary.) Before Hali came to live with us, I had made a stepping stone with the boys' names on it. After she came, I wanted something with her name on it in the "garden" so I painted this rock. Don't think it turned out too bad if I do say so myself.

This is Hali in 2005 when she got the Miss CBC award at Carolina Bible Camp for the first of seven weeks. She would rather be at camp than just about anywhere else in the world. A few months ago Hali went back to live with her Mom. This was a good choice for Hali although I had a hard time letting her go. She had been with us for a long time and we really miss her. She is coming back to go to camp in a couple of weeks and I can't wait to give her a huge hug. I may not let her go for a while. You'd better prepared for a boa constrictor hug (in case you didn't know, that's worse than a bear hug).

This is Hali with her "big" brothers. Zachary, in the blue, is actually her big brother by 18 months, if I can count right. Dakota, in black, is her "little" brother by 20 months, again, if I can count right. He's about to pass Zachary up in height so will that make him the "big" brother? She hasn't changed much since this picture but I have to post at least one shot to embarrass her. This was taken in 2003 when she was a cheerleader for the Boys and Girls Club football and basketball teams. Ain't she cute.

Hali just turned 16 a few weeks ago. Hopefully she won't mind but I'm sharing with you the poem I wrote to go in her 16th Birthday Card. It is a special poem and I literally worked on it for weeks. It will give you some insight into the things that she likes and how sweet she is. Hali, I'm very proud of the young lady you are becoming and pray daily that you will continue on God's path.

Enjoy Hali's poem and send me some of yours or let me know how to find them.

God bless,

Mimmy

Happy 16th Hali

On this your sixteenth birthday
You have wonderful things ahead.
You are planning out your future
And dreaming marvelous dreams in bed.
You dream of getting your license
To go shopping with your friends,
Trying clothes on all day long
With no purchases at day’s end.

You dream of all the high fashion
That hangs behind closet doors,
And all the many pair of shoes
Strewn upon your bedroom floor.

You dream of having your first date
With starry eyes and wistful bliss.
Will he be tall and handsome?
Will he give you your very first kiss?

You dream of the day you’ll graduate
And be heading off to college.
You’ll work so hard and one day teach
Little brains that are searching for knowledge.

You dream of the day you will marry
And become some lucky man’s wife.
Just wait a while for this dream
So as not to give us much strife.

You dream of the day you’ll have children
And your life will forever be changed.
Some days will be just glorious.
Some days will seem sort of strange.

You’re probably not dreaming much further
Than this point in your life ahead.
There is no way we can tell you
If dreams come true or just stay in bed.

You know that I can’t write a poem
Without writing of the greatest dream.
If you live your life as God planned
All your dreams will quite small seem.

For When God’s plans have come to fruition
And the dreams that He wants have come true,
You will walk through the gate of Heaven
To the home Christ has said you are due.

But to get to the end of this journey
The fulfillment of your dreams and God’s plan
It seems that every once in a while
You just might need a helping hand.

So remember that we’ll always love you
And will be here to help with your dreams.
We not only can give you a helping hand
But will pray for you on bended knee.

Mimmy, April 2009

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-30T13:41:00.001-04:00

This dress won't fit me but it will my granddaughter, Hali. It is my plan to introduce her to you later today. Take a look at this and give it a shot. Just don't take it away from Hali and me.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Vintage Wedding Refashioned Frock GIVEAWAY!!!!

Is It Spring?

2009-05-28T21:24:00.007-04:00

On the way home from Bible study last night, Pat and I stopped at the grocery store for some "bread and milk", and ice cream, and frozen dinners, and whatever else was on sale that we "needed". As is our ordinary practice, unless Pat is going to be shopping very long, I sat in the car and waited on him. While waiting, the thoughts that I share with you in this post rambled through my mind. My thoughts quit rushing a long time ago. Thankfully, at least I think so, I remembered the notebook in the backseat and penned the poem that is the heart of this post.

It shares my thoughts on the passing of time and how we need to fill it. Our schedule for today took me out into the world do so something other than go to worship. It was not a very exciting trip. It was a doctor's appointment. We then stopped and picked up a prescription for our grandson, stopped at Staples to get an ink cartridge for the printer, went to Taco Bell for a cheap lunch, got the prescription filled and then went home.

There are many days that I sit in our room and wish I could get out but, the whole time we were out and about today all I wanted to do was come home. We are extremely hard to please. Not only are we never satisfied with activities that any given day holds, we can't wait for the next day to get here. As I get older, it completely baffles me how much more quickly times flies. It seems to me that it was only yesterday there was snow (wishful thinking) on the ground and our Christmas tree was up. (Don't tell anybody, but Dakota took the last of our Christmas decorations down Tuesday of this week, boxed them up and put them all out in the garage.) At the rate this year is passing, it will be time to start Christmas shopping again before we know it.

Take care, smell the roses and God bless,

Mimmy

IS IT SPRING??

Lilies blooming.
Grass growing.
Sun shining.
Breezes blowing.

Birds soaring.
Bees buzzing.
Rabbits hopping.
Fawns snuggling.

Boats sailing.
Bibbers popping.
Skate boards rolling.
Ice cream toppings.

Baseball’s flying.
Frisbees gliding.
Music playing.
Children hiding.

Kites on air ride.
Folks are strolling.
Kids on skates glide.
Storm winds blowing.

Spring is here now.
Soon we’ll wonder,
How’d we get snow,
We will ponder?

Time sure flies fast.
Count your blessings.
Make each day count.
No more messing.

Let’s get busy.
Smell some flowers.
Feel the warm sun.
Build sand towers.

Who knows what
The next day brings,
Thorns and thistles.
Birds that sing.

Know that what
Tomorrow holds
God will be there
What e’er unfolds.

Mimmy
May 28, 2009

Happy Birthday Trey

2009-05-26T11:32:00.006-04:00

I would like you to meet one of my other grandsons, Trey. I have chosen today to introduce him to you because today is his fifteenth birthday (bet you thought I'd forget). This is very hard for me to believe because I remember when he was born. He was a little, tiny, (excuse me Jeni) scrawny thing but his eyes were blue enough to fall into, and they still are. His hair was almost white although it has turned to a deeper shade of blond. It still bleaches out in summer and I'm quite sure the girls love to get their hands in it (Watch out Mom).

He loved to cuddle, I don't hardly ever remember him crying except for when he wanted his Mommy and then he let the whole world know. He's always been a "Mama's Boy" and Trey, that's quite alright. Never quit loving your Mom with the special love that you show her. It fills my heart with joy. Of course, you have got to share some of that love for Mimmy and never outgrow "kissies". From the time he could walk, he would stop in mid stream, run up to me, hug my leg and say "kissie time Mimmy" and give me a great big smooch. (Sorry Trey, I just had to embarrass you a little bit.)

Trey, we hope you have had a wonderful day and that you know how very much Papat and I love you. We are very proud of the young man you are becoming. Please keep traveling the wonderful path on which you have started. Remember who your Father is and always choose what's good and pure.

Today I'm sharing with you the poem that I wrote for this special occasion. Hopefully it will give you some insight into how much we love this young man.

God Bless,
Mimmy

Happy Birthday Trey

On this the day you turn fifteen
You’ve grown so very tall
That we can hardly face the fact;
Seems only yesterday you were small.

You’ve grown into a special “man”
Though not quite one in years,
Remember as you grow in height
To listen with open ears,

To the scriptures as they tell you
The best way to walk in life,
If you follow in Christ’s footsteps
You’ll have a much happier life.

As you celebrate this birthday
In what ever manner you choose,
Remember that we love you
And our love you’ll never lose.

Mimmy 5/26/09

Heroe Hubby

2009-05-24T08:05:00.005-04:00

If you read my post on May 21st, you know that I referred to my husband, Pat, as Hero Hubby and I meant it. However, it is hard for me to use any other name other than the one given to him by his mother to refer to him. Why, I'm not sure, but if you read his comment to that particular post, I am sure you can begin to understand.

Pat is the name that he used when he was first introduced to me, Pat is the name my father used when he took our marriage vows and pronounced us husband and wife, and except for a VERY private nickname that we share only with the family, Pat is the only name I have called him since then.

It is the name I call him when we are in the throws of passion, it is the name I call him when I do get angry at him, it is the name that always, "I love you", and due to the way God has created us, it is the name that some day, hopefully not for an extremely long time, will be carved into his tombstone.

It is the name that those who know him best have called him for his entire life. It is the name that his mother uses with love that only a mother can exude. Most of the time, except for when they call him "Rick", it is the name his siblings use, both when they are loving him, when they are teasing him, and when they are "fussing" at him.

It is the name that those in our church family call him. It is the name that lists him in our church bulletin as a Deacon and it is the name he uses when he goes to our Father in prayer.

Most importantly, it is the name he has loved and has never tarnished, without polishing it, throughout his entire life. There are few people that I respect and admire more and there is no one on this earth that I love more than I do PAT.

Thank you God for giving him to me and may I never do anything to hurt and tarnish the name that he so lovingly shares with me.

This poem is one that I wrote to Pat on our Anniversary in 2001. Hopefully it will convince you, if you aren't already, that I do love this Hero Hubby of mine even if I must call him Pat.

God Bless,
Mimmy aka Joyce

August 21, 2002

What do I give you on this special day,
Is the question I ask of myself.
Should I give you a necktie, a shirt or some socks
Or a book that will sit on the shelf.

So I thought I would run down the list of those gifts
That I’ve given to you in the past,
To see what you might need or just might yet want
And to see what most likely would last.

You have all my trust for you see there’s no other
To whom I can open my heart,
With whom I can share all my secrets so deep
Even those that do tear me apart.

You’re truly the one who has all my faith
For forever in you I’ll believe;
‘Cause you never have given me reason to doubt,
And you always my fears do relieve.

I gave you my love a long time ago
At the same time I gave you my heart,
So you truly are stuck with me ever and ever
For we never, oh never will part.

So I guess there’s just one thing to do on this day
And that’s start at the very beginning,
And give you my trust, my faith, and my love,
Not just now, but for time without ending.

I Love You,

Freedom's Call

2009-05-23T15:29:00.005-04:00

This weekend is a special one. We will hear a lot about it on the television and radio. There will be races run, ballgames played, picnics held, swimming pools will open, amusements parks will start they annual seasons, America will generally come to life with activity.

In the midst of all of this activity, I hope we are remembering given those lives, both literally and in living service, to protect the right that we have to enjoy all of these entertainment outlets. Do we stop and think about the young men and women who are away from home fighting for our freedom at this very moment? Do we stop to think about all of those who have died in battles and wars, won and lost, to protect this country and its inalienable rights? Do we even stop to think about the rights we do have or do we just gripe about what we see as rights lost? Do we complain about government having gotten too big or are we thankful that we are still able to attend worship on Sunday at the building of our choice and not worry about armies coming in and shooting down the entire congregation? Are we thankful that our children can still receive a free education, in some states all the way through college? Do we take into account, whether we want to own a gun or not, that our government still gives us that right? Our government is not afraid of its citizens as a whole. If someone uses a gun in an illegal manner, are we thankful that we have free protection from these individuals or do we only criticize those who spend every day protection us and our children from those who do not know the proper use of a gun? (For the record, I don't like guns and I don't want one in my house. However, I'll defend your right to have one to anyone on any platform.)

This matter of freedom could be written about enough to compile an entire book. In fact, there are lots of books that talk about this country, its freedoms, its rights, and those who have fought, died and live to protect those freedoms and rights.

This weekend and its celebration, should be held dear to our hearts and should be a holiday spent in some way thanking our military forces, past and present, for continually being ready or currently in the field, fighting for you and me. When I see our flag flying, an eagle soaring or a young man or woman in military uniform, I become filled with pride. When I see our current government officials from city councilmen and women to the President of the United States I am proud of them and the fact that they want to serve this country in what they believe to be a positive way. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to vote for these officials and that I have the right to dispute their opinions and their decisions knowing that I will not be in any way harmed because I oppose them. I am also thankful for the fact that even if you do not vote, you can still dispute their decisions, write demeaning articles, even call them names and burn your flag, and this government will not take any action against you.

Although the economy of this country is experiencing a low rivaled only by the Great Depression, I still believe in the free enterprise that has been the base of this economy since the Revolutionary War. There are most certainly different levels of wealth lived by our citizens. Some of us are billionaires, some of us are millionaires, some are wealthy, some are middle class, some are considered poor but do not go hungry and have a place to live, and there are those who do not have any food to eat or anywhere to get in out of the impending weather. To some extent, we can control where on this economic ladder we are. Employment is getting harder to come by. Some of us have been looking for jobs for months and even years. Some of us may lose our houses but we do not need to lose our homes. Some of us may not be able to continue to live at our current standard but we do not need to be hungry. For the most part, this country does provide for its own and for those who cannot find assistance from our government, those of us who have are generally willing to give to those who are in need.

There are many things about this country, at this time in its history, that I do not particularly like. Even with its faults, as I see them, I cannot think of another place in the world that I would rather live. May God continue to give this country the blessings it needs, the resources it requires and the people it seeks to continue to hold its status as the greatest country in the world.

Thank you Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and their Reserve Forces for all you have done throughout history to maintain our freedom. May we as your citizens continue to respect this freedom and do all that we can to sustain these freedoms for all of your citizens.

The poem I'm sharing today is one that I wrote in 2001. It speaks of not only the freedom we have in this country but the freedom from sin that those who obey Christ and His commandments has and the responsibility that we have to share that freedom with others. Let us ever be thankful for the country in which we live and for the God that we serve.

God Bless America,
Mimmy aka Joyce Smith

AMERICA

The United States of America,
The land of the free and the brave.
The land that says "In God We Trust"
Where the stars and stripes does wave.

Sometimes I’m made to wonder
If we’re really free or brave.
Do we truly trust in God
From sin and evil to save?

Are we free from the bonds of sin,
The chains of fretful care?
Do we have the courage to stand
To with friends our Lord to share?

Can we say with great assurance
That we’ll live in Heaven someday?
Do we trust God just enough
To be miserable on life’s way.

As we stand up tall and proud
Singing how truly glad we are
To live and work and play and pray
In this land, the best by far;

Let’s also stand up tall and proud
Singing with faith and praise,
How blessed we are to have a God
Who guides us in our ways,

Who has promised all of us
That He will set us free,
If we walk within His light
And serve in His army.

So let us share His precious love
With all who would be saved
So that this land can truly be
The home of the free and the brave.

Joyce K. Smith
October 24, 2001

Bad Day Gone Worse

2009-05-21T02:19:00.002-04:00

Today (actually yesterday now) has been a very down day. My pain has been at levels that I have not had to endure for a while. The way in which I handled it was not the best. First of all, I slept for 12 hours which I tend to do until the pain wakes me up. This happens primarily because I do not get my early morning pain medication. Pat thought I got up early and took it so he let me sleep. It was his birthday and he let me sleep in. What a guy.

The rest of the day was spent in my chair until now. I just feel that it is important for me to get all of this out of my system. Pat started asking me questions after he came in from Bible study and I bit his head off for nothing. This is happening too much and it only happens when I am really hurting. There has to be a way to make this stop. If anybody reads this and has a suggestion I am listening with open ears. He is too good a man to have to put up with this foolishness. (I wanted to say crap but I don’t let my grandchildren say it so I won’t either.)

I’ve been praying about this but maybe I’m not praying hard enough or maybe God has just told me, "Hey Mimmy, this is one you have to handle. I told you I wouldn’t give you temptation more than you could bear so here, bear it!!!" Anyway, unless any of you have a better suggestion, I’m going to keep praying and keep trying to do better and see what happens.

Pat, if you read this, I’m sorry. I’ve told him this to his face but he just says there’s nothing to be sorry for. You and I know better than that so maybe if I write it here, he’ll believe it.

Thanks to you all and God Bless,
Mimmy aka Joyce

My Angry Words

My body was in pain today
From my toes up to my head.
Most of the day I was at rest
Saying nothing, just taking meds.

The pain grew in intensity.
It just wouldn’t go away.
My meds were taken as I should.
I was tempted to send more my stomach’s way.

I tried putting ice packs on my neck.
Tried putting head upon my legs.
Tried doing puzzles to take my mind
Off the pain that had me in the dregs.

My boys came in and wanted to talk.
I really wasn’t in the mood.
So with as little talking as I could get by
I gently scooted them out of the room.

My hubby came in and fixed me brunch.
Later on he brought me by dinner.
He worked on papers for things at church.
Seems to me like I have quite a winner.

So why when he came in from Bible class
And I gave him a telephone message,
Did I jump on his case and give him what for,
Just because he asked me some questions?

Why is it we hurt the ones we love,
More than anyone one else on earth?
Why can’t we treat them like others in life?
Treating them with the care they are worth.

Sometimes I think it’s because I feel
Secure in his love for me.
I don’t fear he’ll hate me or leave me behind,
Even if I’m a totally ornery cuss.

What’s even worse is that I treat God this way
Even after the gift of His Son.
No greater gift has any many given
So why do I treat him so bum?

And as if things couldn’t get any worse
When I treat Hubby the way that I do,
The Bible tells me that I’m doing the same
To Christ, what a wrong I did do.

We have to remember our families at home
Are also our family at church.
We can’t take out our frustrations on them
And leave then hanging in a truly ugly lurch.

Treat all men with kindness every day
Whether family or foe or friend.
That is the order we have from above
Love them all as God loves to the end.

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
May 21, 2009

Nature, Peruse it, Enjoy it, Protect it

2009-05-19T19:30:00.003-04:00

What is your favorite natural site? Is it the Grand Canyon? The Philippine Islands? One of the Virgin Islands? The top of a mountain? Maybe it's your backyard. A lot of what makes it your favorite site is who you enjoyed it with and what you did while you were there. Because I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who at the time traveled a great deal with his job and accumulated many frequent flyer miles, I have had the opportunity to travel much of the world from the Virgin Islands to Bora Bora. We have been to San Francisco, Gatlenburg, Orlando, Williamsburg and a few places in between. The places have been beautiful. We've been blessed to stay in 5 star motels because we were able to obtain a time share. But, if I had the opportunity to go to any of these places today and you told me I would have to go alone, I'd say, no way. I'll just stay at home with my Heroe Hubby.

You see, right now we no longer have the time share. We had to liquidate to have monies to live on. We have very few of the frequent flyer miles because HH is no longer working at all, let alone for a company where he can accumulate free miles. A trip anywhere right now is out of the question because of gasoline prices plus the fact that my health precludes car travel. So, where is my favorite place right now. It's still right around the corner where we can take a blanket, spread it on the table (I can't sit on the ground anymore) and have a peanut butter sandwich, apples and cookies. You ask how can this measure up to a thatched hut in Bora Bora. Well, it's not the place, it's the company.

There is no one I would rather spend my time with than Heroe Hubby. He is wonderful. His heart is so full of love that he constantly gives it away. You see. That's the funny thing about love. The more you give it way, the more you get back. Besides that, HH knows my every need. He can read me like a book and know exactly what he needs to say. I love him so much. God blessed me with the perfect partner. Thank you Lord.

Gifts From God - His Nature

The first gift of God’s wondrous nature
That I remember having been given,
Was my family’s first camping trip
Where I slept under God’s great heaven.

We had yet to get any equipment,
Didn’t even have a tent.
Mama and Tracy Ann slept in the car;
Papa and I did from God His sky rent.

I had never seen such a wondrous sight
As the brightness of God’s stars aloft.
Being a rather curious girl,
At dawn I asked who had turned them off.

For many years after that occurred
Camping was our summer vacation.
We added each year to our camping gear
And had many wonderful nature’s revelations.

Once a family of skunks acted right at home
As we sat around the fire singing.
One night we sat the tent up
In a deluge of wind and hard raining.

Pat and I have shared many gifts from God
As we shared together His nature,
From the complete darkness of Mammoth Caves,
To the majestic walls of the Painted Desert.

The most wonderful gift I remember
Is when we made our trip out west,
And while standing on the rim of Grand Canyon
Sang "How Great Thou Art" to our best.

We have been to the isle of St. Thomas
Where we fed the iguana by hand,
And then to Pepeete Tahiti
From where we flew to Bora Bora to land.

We’ve been blessed to see tall mountains
Valleys quite deep and wide below,
We’ve seen ocean waters so clear and blue
Sand so white it appeared to be snow.

With all of these wondrous blessings
God has given me to share
My favorite is ‘round the corner,
We pack a picnic with what’s there,

And grab our big brown comforter
And load them in the back of the car,
Putting a radio in the basket too,
We have supper at Frank Liske Park.

None of this would ever be possible
If God had not spoken it into being,
And given us such wondrous things
For our hearing, feeling and seeing.

We need to enjoy them every day,
Thanking God for this world we’ve been given.
We need to take care of it every day,
Treating it as we will Heaven.

THANK YOU LORD!!!!
Joyce K. Smith
11/24/08

In Despair

2009-05-17T21:34:00.005-04:00

Today I am doing something that I do not intend to do on a regular basis, maybe never again. This post is to a particular person who is very much in my life but I am very little in hers. She has a blog of her own and is going through an extremely difficult time. She has a child who is very ill, she and her husband are dealing with it on different levels, she is blaming God and is therefore considering herself a great sinner who has surrendered to Satan.

My friend, there have been many times in my life that I have blamed God for my situation in life. In fact, I am arguing with Him right now. Many biblical characters have asked God why. The one who comes to my mind right now is Paul who wanted God to get rid of his "thorn in the flesh". God said His grace was sufficient for Paul. Do I think that Paul quit asking God to get rid of it? I'm not sure. Being the human that he was, I doubt it. Did that make Paul a great sinner? No!! Paul spent his entire life working for the Lord in spite of his thorn in the flesh. Am I telling you that you have to accept your son's illness without questioning God, No?

When God tells us he is going to answer our prayers, it is very hard for us to accept when he tells us, no. So many people have been praying for healing for your son. Maybe God is saying, my grace is sufficient for you. At the same time, you are having to deal with little sleep, probably not sufficient nutrients, the stress of dealing with the everyday "hastles" of handling your son's physical needs, financial stress, family pressures (although well meaning), having not yet had a chance to deal with the mourning you experienced just a short time ago, and a lot of other things I can't begin to know because I am not in your shoes and I am not there.

You have asked that we not tell you how strong you are and how wonderful we think you are so I won't. However, God has told us that He won't give us more than we can bear. There have been many times in my life, right now for one, that I have wished God did not think so much of me because I don't think I can handle it one more day. There have been many times that I have thought about Job and how he must have asked God to stop having conversations with Satan, he had dealt with enough. Sometimes I wonder if those conversations are going on today. If they are, I am right now asking God to end the conversation he is currently having with Satan about you. YOU HAVE HAD ENOUGH.

That is going to be my prayer for you:

God, she has had enough. Either take the physical cause of the pain away or make her see that she does have the strength to handle it. She needs your comfort. You know what she needs to feel calm and in control. Give her that blessing. You know what she needs to handle the every day stresses and pain. Give her that blessing. You know many other blessings that she needs that I don't even begin to know how to ask. God, give her those blessings. God, you are most awesome and you know what we all need even before we ask. Please Lord, give us those blessings. In your Son's name, Amen.

I love you to Heaven and back,
Aunt Joyce, aka Mimmy

(There will not be a poem with today's post. I'm too tired and drained. My final thought for today will be that there are many other people out there dealing with this same situation. Many people are questioning God and are asking why. If you are dealing with this and want to share your feelings, please feel free to do so here. We can set aside poetry for a few days to deal with a very important issue. I love you all, Mimmy aka Joyce)

Run Boy Run

2009-05-15T23:29:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was a busy day. Posting was kind of out of the question but I missed it. Doing this every day will be impossible for me, but I wish I could. The main event of my day yesterday was going to see my grandson, Dakota, compete in a track meet. We didn't get to see him participate in his favorite event, the high jump, because the officials, in all their wisdom, started the meet early. They really need to take into consideration that parents and grandparents want to see their children and grandchildren compete in all of the events and not just the last ones. As it turned out, Dakota was glad we didn't get to see him jump. He was not up to his usual form which is right around 5 feet. He has cleared it several times this year but hasn't been able to practice much lately because his school did not have jumping bars. The only one they had for practice got broken the second week of the season and it didn't get replaced until the week before last.

Handsome, ain't he. (Don't tell him I said so.)

His second event was the 400 meter which is one lap around the quarter mile track. He gave it his all but since this really isn't his event he came in last in his heat. After giving this a lot of consideration and after tying his results into some conversations we've had, a lot of the reason he did not do well yesterday was mental. Dakota is a kid (14 years old) who finishes what he has committed to. Several of the kids decided to quit track when it began to interfere with the end of the year festivities. Many of them were the teams better athletes and it really hurt the team's meet results the latter half of the season. Dakota got very disallusioned with this particular situation. He worked hard, ran hard, jumped high, but at this last meet when there were only about half of the original team there, it was hard for him to give 100%. I really don't blame him.

Can you tell it's the last morning of church camp.

Dakota will go on to high school next year. Hopefully he will be able to wrestle, run track, and he is considering the tennis team. We are looking forward to watching him participate in whatever sports he chooses next year. Whatever they are, the school will benefit greatly from having Dakota, both as a student and as an athlete. Dakota, we will be sitting in the stands yelling "Run Baby Run" no matter what you are doing (We'll sound pretty silly yelling run, baby, run when you are jumping the high jump but at least you'll know who it is.). We will however hold our tongues when you are getting academic awards (yeh, maybe we will).

Love you to Heaven and back,

Mimmy

DAKOTA C. SMITH

Dakota is a special young man
Full of love and Affection bar none.
He’ll give you a hug and a Kiss if you ask
Sometimes Off the cuff when day’s done.
He loves to run Track and to jump very high,
Runescape his "Arcade" game of choice.
Outside with his friends, C.amp at least for two weeks,
Summer Selections if given a voice.
Give him a keyboard and Music he’ll play.
His poodle, Reese, Is his favorite pet.
The thing I love mosT in this wonderful lad
Is that on Heaven his future is set!

Mimmy aka Joyce Smith
May 16, 2009

Mixed Feelings

2009-05-13T23:10:00.006-04:00

Yesterday and today have been days of extremely mixed feelings. I did not find out until yesterday afternoon that our lovely little Kayleigh finally surrendered to her long fought battle and went to be with Jesus. This has made me both sad and relieved. Sad for the family who will have to deal with their loss for a very long time and relieved that Kayleigh can now truly rest peacefully with no pain or distress.

Another reason for my mixed feelings is that I have been helping my 17 year old grandson with a research paper. My feelings during this process have included irritation, frustration, happiness, fatigue, exasperation, joy, ignorance, tolerance (you can fill in the blanks) and finally complete and utter pride and fulfillment. Zachary is not now nor ever has been crazy about school. He is finally beginning to see the need for a diploma but this enlightenment is coming at a time when obtaining one is going to require a great deal more effort than it would have had he worked as hard as he has the last couple of days for the last two years. As we began work on this paper on Tuesday afternoon when all he had done were some of his research cards and one handwritten page of his rough draft, having known this paper was due for over two weeks and having had plenty of both in class and out of class time to work on it, I was totally frustrated.

(Ain't he cute, don't tell him I said so.)

After he worked hard yesterday completing his cards and enough of his typewritten rough draft that his teacher accepted it today and gave him an A (hooray): After he worked after school this afternoon, took a break to go visit a friend, went to Bible study, worked on putting the project together, completed the typewritten final draft and printed it out at about 11:00 p.m.: After it is beautifully done, well written, and something that he can be proud of and that I am proud of both for him and of him, I am totally and completely content. Zach, you are a super kid, I just wish you knew that. My feelings tonight have gone to those of being very tired and weary. As my Mama used to say, it's a good tired, one that comes from doing something good even though you really don't feel like it.

I close my post with a poem that I wrote in November, 2004 for Zachary. Hopefully putting it out there for the whole world to see, if they want to, will show him how proud I am of him and encourage him to keep on keeping on. I love you kiddo.

God Bless and goodnight. Mimmy

P.S. My prayers go out to Kayleigh's family. Please do not forget them now that Kayleigh is no longer with us and there won't be any more cute pictures for us to see. They will need us for a very long time.

Who is Zachary

From the day you were born
Until this very day
I have always known that
God planned out a way,

For you to fulfill as
You walk through His world
You just have to find it
And let it unfurl.

Your heart is bigger than
The whole great outdoors,
And your empathy for others
Gets the greatest of scores.

You are smart as a whip
And "cooler" than ice,
And whether you know it
You are really quite nice.

You’re handsome as all get out
And have talent galore
Just let it all out
And in this life you’ll score

Any dream or desire
You have in your heart,
Just let God help you
And then do your part

And you will be happier
Than you’ve ever been
Cause my dearest Zachary
You are more than a ten.

Love you to Heaven and back,
Mimmy

Mama and Freddy

2009-05-12T14:11:00.002-04:00

If you read my Mothers' Day post, you know that I lost my Mama in 2000. We received the news that she had cancer in March, 2000 and she went to her home prepared for her by her Lord on the last day of June. About that time many of the Bible book stores had myriads of pins, stickers, pencils, erasers, (you name it they had it) with the anagram F.R.O.G. on it which we know stands for Fully Rely On God. One day while at work, I received a catalog in the mail with jewelry in it. There was the cutest little frog with a big green "emerald" on his back for his body. His legs and head were plated in "gold". I just had to have him. While I was waiting for his arrival, the thought of a poem to put with him ran through my had and the following is the final result except that I have made a few changes so that any of you who want to can feel free to use this with the frog of your choice, for a family member or friend of yours who may be facing trials for which they need to be reminded to F.R.O.G.

Have a splendiferous day and God bless,

Mimmy

F.R.O.G.

They say my name is Freddy
And I am a little frog.
I like to hop and skip and jump
From log to log to log.

But there are folks who love you
And they wanted you to know,
So I’ve agreed to stay with you
And not wander to and fro.

I’ll just sit upon your shoulder
(Although that may seem odd),
So that I can remind you
To Fully Rely On God.

Joyce K. Smith
April, 2000

Happy Mothers' Day

2009-05-10T01:33:00.007-04:00

Since June, 2000, I have faced Mothers' Day with a bit of trepidation because my Mama is no longer with us. We are thankful that she not suffer for a very long time prior before giving up this life for one much more blessed. There have been lots of women come into my life during this time frame who have filled the role of mother in several different ways in our family. In Hebrews, we are given a list of the faithful and I think God wants us to name those who have done good deeds for us beyond the norm and of whom we, like Him, are proud, so here goes. (The only thing I hate about doing this is that you invariably leave someone out but hopefully those who have helped me are of a better cut than that and won't get their fingers hurt if my feeble mind fails to function to 100%).

First of all there is Mama Fran. She is my mother-in-law and I've heard all the stories you wish to share and Mama Fran just doesn't fit them. I knew I was in for a real treat when I got out of the car the first time I met her and she gave me a great bit hug. Considering she's about 3 inches shorter than me and I'm not very tall and she only weighed about 1/2 as much as I did then giving me a big hug was a chore. Mama Fran is now 93 and she has just reached the point that she will accept help in the kitchen when we are visiting. She is quite an extremely independent individual and hopefully she will be able to remain that way for several years to come. Thank you Mama Fran for always being there for me.

Well, number 2 is my Daddy's lady friend. She is a beautiful Christian woman and she and my Dad would have been married a long time ago except for these crazy pensions and insurance plan that cut off both Mama Bea's money and her insurance if she and my Daddy get married. Being both true followers of Christ, they won't consider "living together" but they enjoy each others company as much as possible in a Godly fashion. My Daddy says they may not be able to have bed and breakfast but they can at least have breakfast. The joy that she has brought into my Daddy's life is worth everything I have and if I could support them and pay for her expensive medical treatments I would do so. That's how much I want them to be happy. Thank you Mama Bea for sharing the time you have with Daddy with me when I come to visit.

Number 3 is Diana Merrill. Diana is a member of the congregation where we worship. She has provided respite care for our 14 year old grandson, Dakota for several months and when my health reached the point that I could not give Dakota the care he needed, she took him in on a full time basis with no additional monetary remuneration. She has been wonderful with him. You see, I have a hard time letting my boys go. They need to stay home with Mimmy until they are at least 35. However, they seem to want to start spreading their wings at about 15, no it's 14, well maybe 13, I really think it's 12 or maybe even 11...Anyway, Diana knows how to let out just enough rope to keep Dakota happy but keep her informed as to who, what, where and when. He is maturing wonderfully under her tutelage. Thank you Diana for taking Dakota under your wing and teaching him how to fly, the right way to fly, where to fly, and when to come home.

Bonnie Crunk is another member of our congregation who has stepped up to the plate, so to speak, for this family. In September 2008, our oldest grandson Zachary had been home from an anger management camp for about 3 months and was just doing great. But, we all know what happens if you put vinegar and soda in a bottle and shake it up, eventually it will explode. Well, he exploded. Thankfully, nobody was hurt but he had been told when he came home that if he put his hands on anybody in anger the police would be called, and unlike the former times, they would not be leaving without him. He spent three days in jail and we were in a quandry as to what we were to do. Pat was to pick him up at the jail Sunday after morning worship and we were relying on the Sheriff's Department to direct us to a halfway house or something. Frank and Bonnie Crunk, one of our elders and his wife, came to us to ask if they could take Zachary for a while. They have dealt with other troubled teens and thought they could do him some good. Well, who were we to say no to a blessing straight from Heaven. He has been there since and I won't pretend to say that the road has been smooth but it has been better. Bonnie is older than I am and should be enjoying her own great-grandchild and here she is taking in my grandson. Thank you Bonnie for caring enough to share your family with Zachary and treat him as if he were one of yours.

There are more but it is very late and my left hand is developing a mind of its own. To those ladies of whom I have written may I say God Bless you and Happy Mothers' Day.

To those of you who are mothers, who will soon be mothers, and even those who just want to be mothers, God Bless you and Happy Mothers' Day.

Now a special prayer request for those who were expecting to be mothers this Mothers' Day and they lost their baby to some terrible disease, to SIDS or to some other problem that they were not expecting. My heart aches for you. I'm not sure which is worse on Mothers' Day, having lost your mother or having lost a child. May God bless you so that you will soon return to the point that you can again reach out into the world and consider adding to your family in more unconventional ways if necessary.

Some families are born to us.
Some famililes are formed by us.
All families with God in them grow.

My poem for this post is one that I wrote some time ago. It was written more as an expose' on just women teaching women, but I think it very much applies to mothers teaching mothers teaching daughters. Hope you enjoy it.

Mothers teaching Mothers teaching Daughters

It starts when they are just wee tots
Beginning to learn to talk.
There is so much they want to know
Before they learn to walk.

They start out asking why, why, why,
And then its how, when, who.
Sometimes they ask so often
That we don’t know what to do.

But as their Moms and Grandmas,
Their Aunts, teachers and friends
We have to answer all they ask
From start of day to end.

We teach them how to walk and talk
And how to read and write.
We teach them how to sew a seam
And how to choose clothes right.

We teach them how to cook and clean
And how to set the table;
And we make sure that for this life
They’re ready and they’re able.

But we must also not forget
That we are fitting them
Not just for life upon this earth
But for eternity with Him.

So as we teach them what it takes
To have a life that’s true,
Let’s not forget to teach them how
To be God’s child so new.

Help them each day to see his love
In all that is around
And teach them how to live each day
So Christ in them is found.

And teach them so that they will teach
Their own children one day
How to live a life for Him
And walk within His way.

Joyce Smith aka Mimmy
©

God Bless you all and a
wonderful Happy Mothers' Day.

Sisters, Nieces and Friends

2009-05-08T23:35:00.003-04:00

Those of you who blog, probably remember waiting for your first comment to hit. The computer keyboard has been hot with my continued trips to my blog to see if my first comment has appeared, and if so, who it was from. Well, my first was from my niece and my second from her mother.

It is strange how relationship change through the years. There are 4 years between my sister and me. We have always been friends primarily because we moved around a great deal during our youth and we always knew we could rely on each other. Secondly, we both liked to play the same things. Church and school were probably our favorites and we usually had plenty of doll babies and stuffed animals to fill the pews or the school desks.

Coming in a close third would be house. That became an all time favorite when our brother was born when I was 9. He was always our baby and we would dress him up in the clothes of our life size "three year old dolls". His poor little feet would be crammed into those hard plastic shoes and then we would push him up and down the sidewalk in our doll stroller. Dinner would be cooked on the stove that we had made out of a card board box with burners and nobs drawn on with markers. Another box was the refrigerator and another was out cabinet. Mama would save us empty boxes from the pantry to use as our food stash and we usually had a teacup set and table and chairs to finish off the kitchen. We would spend hours and never thought to ask for a "real" kitchen set.

As we entered out teens, we still stayed friends although as our outside friendships developed we tended to drift apart just a little. Part of that was due to sharing a room and to the fact that she was a clean freak and I most certainly wasn't. Then I married and left home at the age of 18. About 5 years later, she started her family and as we began to have things in common again, we began to rely on each other for advice and fun. We weren't together often during the first years of our adult lives but about 10 years ago things changed when we both ended up in North Carolina. Now, we are just about separable. If we don't see each other as often as we would like we do burn up the phone lines.

My sister gave me my first niece. She was and is a beautiful young lady. I've always been Aunt Joycey to her and I loved every minute of it. I'm still Aunt Joycey to her today but now that she is an adult, a very faithful Christian, a wonderful wife and a marvelous mother of two, we also are now friends. We do not talk often, but when we do, I know that she will always be there for me and she knows the same of me.

Having them give the first comments to my blog is only as it should be. My sister, my niece, my friends. May God bless them both as fully as they have blessed my life. I love you both.

Sisters, Nieces and Friends

The first true girlfriend God gives you in life
Is probably your sister at birth,
Whether you were born as second in line
Or if you were presented as first.

As you grew through the years and shared every day
Of the lives you were blessed to pursue,
It didn’t matter if you’d fought at day break
By evening you were best friends, you two.

Then adulthood you entered more quickly than thought
You would share many milestones and goals.
You shared honors together, you held her first child,
You cried tears when you shared weary souls.

Then if you were truly blessed with one more female gift
You were given a niece one sweet day.
As she grew and grew and too became a Mom
She was also a friend on life’s way.

As you walk through this life from one day to the next
You will make many friends day by day.
There are none any closer than those you are given
Through the ties of your family tree’s sway.

Joyce Smith aka Mimmy
May 8, 2009 ©

Bad Day to Better Day

2009-05-05T21:58:00.004-04:00

Well, here I am again. I told you yesterday that I would do my best to tell you how to turn a bad day into a better day in 10 minutes. Actually, it doesn't really take that long. All you have to do is quit thinking about yourself and think about somebody that needs you more than you need them and then do something about it. Maybe just a phone call or a note. I have spent today making special stationary and writing my daughter and her two children. They are having a rough time right now and I just want to do something special for them. It did me a lot of good although I'm really tired tonight.

I bet all of you already knew this because I can tell from all of the blogs and posts that I read that the majority of those who "blog" are people who believe in God and have a very strong faith. My hope is that you search his word to be sure that you are fulfilling his word and obeying his gospel. Don't trust what others, including myself, should tell you. Look into the Bible. Only there can you tell for sure that the life you are living will lead to your Heavenly home.

My poetic donation for the day is the one that I wrote earlier this month. It really covers what I'm trying to say about doing for others. Like it says, not only do you do something for somebody else and make yourself feel better, the good deed that you do is done for Jesus.

Hope you all have had Good Days and that God has blessed you as He has me today.

Love to all
Mimmy

Good Works
Matt. 25: 34-40

Our Bible says we should do Good Works
Letting our lights shine bright before men;
That others will see the good that we do
Glorifying our Father in Heaven.

So what are the good things we should do
To fulfill this command as is written?
Looking further in God’s word we find
Jesus listing some in His teachings.

Christ tells His disciples what to do
To inherit the Kingdom He made.
Those things they need to share with others
As they began their walk in God’s way.

If I am hungry please do feed me.
If thirsty, with me your drink share.
If I am a stranger, take me in.
Give me clothes if I’ve nothing to wear.

When you see that I have taken ill
Come and visit me in my home.
If I am in jail for a wrong done
Come to me, give me comfort when lone.

When Jesus was done the question came,
‘Lord, when to you did we do these things?’
His answer, ‘do these things to my brother
You do to me also great comfort bring.’

Sometimes we wonder as we travel
This life from one day to the next,
Are the deeds we do for those in need
Such that God will be seen at His best?

Every time you make a cake for dear friends
Who have lost a dear one to death,
Or you call a neighbor who has the flu
To the point she hardly takes a breath;

Then you clean your closet and dressers
Giving what you can’t wear to Goodwill;
And in a card to a man out of work
You enclose a twenty-dollar bill.

Even if you try to hide these things
That you do for those you see in need,
Others will hear of the good you do,
Give God the glory and then take heed

To those things that God in His word says
He wants them to do with their lives,
And you’ll lead them to Heaven above
Where they will no longer strive.

Joyce Smith, aka Mimmy
April 7, 2009 ©

Not Me Monday

2009-05-04T21:44:00.002-04:00

Hey MckMama - This is my most certainly not my first not me Monday, definitely not my 7th week followng your blog and my blog is most incredibly not also brand new so it is not imperitive that you bare with me.

On this day, Not me Monday
I certainly did not confess
To being a brand now blogger
And not knowing what to do next.

I nost surely and completely
will never pull up my posts
Hoping that there's a comment
From anyone coast to coast.

As I worked a crossword puzzle
Just a little beyond my league
I certainly never peeked in back
To learn what answers they seek.

So on this my not first Monday
To post on MckMama's blog
This will not certainly be my only
"Cause I'm not hooked like a fly by a frog.

God Bless,
Joyce Smith aka Mimmy