On the Road Again (to Georgia)

Last month, we took another trip down to Georgia to drop mom off at Ginger's (my cousin). Left the house at High Noon--with a couple of stops, we're on our way by 12:30 p.m. Nothing exciting--spent my time reading and working puzzles.
We were getting a full-size rental but they upgraded us to a mini-van. Nice! I never thought I'd drive a mom-mobile again, but Dodge Caravans have come a long way. In fact, when I drove over to the Outlet Mall I had to learn how to work everything.
After dropping off Mom at Ginger's, we headed over to our motel a few miles away. Ginger is doing quite well from her hip replacement, no longer in pain. She had been sick earlier in the day but for something she ate, not the flu--Whew!
We settled into our room and then Cory, Char and I headed for the Outlets, 40 minutes before closing. That gave me enough time to spend my Gap card Carey had given me for my birthday.
We had a pretty good night's sleep and were ready for hot waffles the following morning. It's nice to find a motel that serves a decent breakfast--for FREE! So we loaded up before taking off to our next destination, which was Amicalola Falls. That was the highlight of our trip. I definitely didn't want to leave. While waiting for check-in at the lodge, we went on a short hike. Charley couldn't find his shoes so had to suffer in flip-flops. (he later found his sneakers)
(Wow, I didn't write much while traveling, I hope I can remember a few more things that went on.)
The lodge was beautiful, at the top of the falls overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. We spent some time on the back porch, just taking in the beauty surrounding us. There was also another short hike near the lodge. I could have stayed a week, or longer.
Next we headed to Atlanta to visit the aquarium--it was amazing. I particularly enjoyed seeing the huge manta rays doing somersaults in the water and the whale sharks. (Here's a thought, I think perhaps Jonah was swallowed by a whale shark. The Bible says he was swallowed by a fish, not a whale. A whale shark is a fish and the largest or one of the largest in the ocean. What do you think?) I was excited to touch a shark and a little sting ray.
After the aquarium, we got a bite to eat at Johnny Rocket's and couldn't resist walking through IKEA.
We wanted to see the Atlantic Ocean so began our drive toward Savannah. Since we spent a lot of time in Atlanta, we stopped at a KOA along the way to spend the night at one of the cabins. What a mistake, right next to the freeway, crowded and stuffy, which wasn't good for the allergies. We got there after dark so didn't do much. We decided we didn't want to go through another night like that (we had booked a camping cabin in Savannah as well) so decided to head the other direction.
We ended up in Dahlonega, where we had gone on our first trip to GA. We spent longer visiting the shops in the town square and had a really great time.

I Hate Meeses to Pieces

You may or may not know, but mice--aka RATS!--really creep me out. I can usually handle spiders, lizards or snakes, but when it comes to mice, anywhere near me, I totally freak. The other day, I saw one in the garage and figured it would be building a nest for the winter. I tried to keep it from getting into the house, so every time I needed to go into the garage, I’d first bang the door to keep it away. Well, I’m not sure if it was the same one or not, but I found one in our closet. Now, my closet is my place to get away from it all when I can’t get outside. So for a mouse to be invading my space, well, that’s just not right. I immediately asked Jim to please catch it, which, after several minutes of chasing it around in the closet, throwing it in the air with the dustpan and finally trapping it in the phone book and beating it to death, he got rid of it.
We’ve also heard them in the attic or in the walls. Then tonight, Cory thought she heard something in the kitchen making a scratching sound around the cupboard. Later, I heard a noise in the kitchen as well, I thought someone was in there but no one was.
Since mom is in Georgia for a few more days, I decided to go lie down in her room and read tonight. (By the way, the book is Max Lucado’s Outlive Your Life.) Anyway, I was reading and out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a mouse scurrying along the wall then behind her bookcase. I let out a scream (it was around 2 a.m.), jumped up on the bed, grabbed a couple of things and I was out of there. There is quite a space between the bottom of the door and the floor so I pushed a towel up under it. I sure hope it didn’t escape before I got the towel shoved under. Will have to wait until tomorrow to get more mousetraps and catch the little varmit.
I guess we need a cat or a snake to get the job done. I will keep you posted on the mouse invasion, but I know I won’t get much sleep tonight. I’ll either dream about rats or keep seeing them out of the corner of my eye.

Road Trip to Georgia

Last week, Jim took some time off and we took a road trip to Georgia to visit my cousin Ginger. Mom and Cory joined us. I think that was my first trip to this southern state. (Besides the 5 minutes you go through Georgia to get to Chattanooga.) It takes about 5 hours to get there and with stops a bit longer. I forgot my CDs (we got a rental car) so began looking for a radio station--Bingo! an oldie station. It’s been forever since I’ve heard oldies (except for the Dollar Tree). Cheesy 80s music--but HEY! it’s a road trip. Okay, radio stations are out--blah! Got my ipod out. From cheesy music to cheesy Gabe Kaplan in “Welcome Back Kotter” with Bah-bah-bah, bah Bahbarino--John Travolta in his “hey’day”--HA! “You put one end up your nose, and the other end in your mouth and then you blow real hard til your brains fall out.” Vinnie Barbarino (spoken with a Brooklyn accent). Boom-Boom Washington’s “Hi there!” and who could forget Horchak’s amazing laugh? And, of course when he raises his hand in class--oo--oo--oo--oo!!!
Interesting how 20-somethings still in highschool. (Shall we talk about “Grease”?) Well, they were sweathogs! Ha!
Going through small towns, with lots of trees in the foothills of the Appalachias. Leaves are beginning to change. I spot a tree dressed in red. Then another in yellow. Not too many though. Will be great to drive to eastern Tennessee in the fall to see more colors. Passed the Trail of Tears and believe we were barely touching the Blue Ridge Mountains. I’m wondering if there is an easier route than we are going. There are so many twists and turns, going through small towns since arriving in Georgia. Kudzu climbs all over, covering trees all along the parkway.
Okay, we’re in Georgia, right? Still in the Bible Belt I believe. We stop for gas at a Chevron station--haven’t seen one of those since California. People magazine? Nope! Women’s magazines? Nope! Any magazines? YUP! At least 20 porn magazines and that was it. (No, I didn’t actually stand there and count them all, that’s just a guesstimate.)
So who needs a tour guide when you have Jim along pointing everything out
and reading the signs. WOW! My dad used to do that when we were growing up. Remember Mel? LOL!
Having a nice visit with my cousin. Tonight I’ve been finding out about some family information that I need to check on, including the possibility of being related to Pocahontas. How exciting would that be? Another cousin has been doing some genealogy research, I’ll check with her tomorrow night.

9/11/10
Today, we got up to a delicious breakfast of praline french toast. We did a little yard work (well, Jim did most of it) then headed off to the Amicalola Falls in Dawsonville. The falls are noted as one of Georgia’s “Seven Natural Wonders”. They drop 729 feet and are near the southern most point of the Appalachian Trail. (We weren’t sure where that point actually was so missed my photo opt for my feet touching the trail.) I did get a picture of the sign though. Amicalola is a Cherokee word meaning “tumbling waters” and is the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi.
After walking around the falls, we headed to Dahlonega which is a small town a few miles outside of Gainesville. We walked around the townsquare, heard some bluegrass playing at a 9/11 memorial event, got some yummy fudge, a cold rootbeer at the General Store and headed back to the house.
We went to Nancy’s for some delicous Georgia pulled pork BBQ. Afterwards, I learned more about my ancestors.

Sunday we walked around the outlet malls and hung around the house.
We took off Monday morning and stopped in Chattanooga. We walked around downtown for a bit, ate BBQ again (what else is there in the south?) and checked out the mall.
It was a great trip--lots of fun!

Perfect Timing

Over the years, Vineyard music has been among my favorite worship music. I particularly like the songs sung and some written by the worship team at the “Burn” in SLO. Below is one of the songs I love, but sometimes hard to live.

We won’t be anxious,
We’ll cease our striving

We’ll wait on You

'Cause everyone knows that

You have perfect timing

You have perfect timing

Everyone knows that
You have perfect timing

We may wait, but You’re never late

We won’t worry ’cause everyone knows that
You have perfect timing

And after your testing comes your blessing

And after your testing comes your blessing

And after your testing comes your blessing

And everyone knows that

You have perfect timing
You have perfect timing
Everyone knows that
You have perfect timing

Cory has often said, along with others, God is never early, He’s never late, He’s always right on time. She has seen that in her life. I have seen that in her life as a missionary with YWAM. But sometimes, it’s hard to wait, it’s hard not to worry, and sometimes I wonder about the testing and blessing scenario. However, I know it’s true. It’s just not always easy to grasp.

"Beautiful Things"

This evening, I heard a new band. (written a few weeks ago) Gungor is the name. Previously known as The Michael Gungor Band. I admit I had expected something a little different. I was expecting a night of worship. And that’s exactly what I got. It just came in a different form. It wasn’t from a “box”. The band was amazing. God was in the house. The Holy Spirit was alive and well. I had heard the following song before-perhaps we’ve sung it for worship. It’s a beautiful song, however, it didn’t hit me until I got home (another “ah-ha” moment I guess) what it was speaking to me. I have a favorite quote from Princess Diaries which goes something like: “I’ve always been invisible and I’m good at it.” (well, you get the gist) I put myself in that place many times, growing up and as an adult. (no, I’m not trying to feel sorry for myself, I’ll get to the point eventually) So, this song, “Beautiful Things” keeps turning over in my head and I’m thinking, God makes beautiful things out of the dust and He makes beautiful things out of us... God created us from dust, from nothing and He continues perfecting us--we are beautiful in His sight. I’ve written quotes from the book Be A Hero (by Wesley Campbell and Stephen Court) in the past and that book talks about invisible people. It tells about how we need to be a voice for the invisible people. Be a voice for the voiceless. That’s how this all ties together for me. For the past 3 years I’ve wondered “What is my place?” I had done the same thing for so many years and now “schools out” at our house. What am I supposed to do? For now, I can be a voice for the voiceless, for the invisible people. I know what it’s like in my mind, but I have NO idea what it’s really like for the invisible people. I can only imagine. However, I need to look at those people like God does--He made beautiful things--people--all over the world. However, because of the depravity in the world, so many are in need, are in the midst of poverty, are hungry, thirsty, and need to be clothed. They need to be visited--the orphans, widows, prisoners, the sick. And when we do this to the least of these, we’ve done it to the Father.

I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in; naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me. Jesus, in Matthew 25:35-36

This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James, in James 1:27

So, until I have the chance to GO into all the world, I will speak up for the voiceless.

Beautiful Things 

All this pain

I wonder if I’ll ever find my way

I wonder if my life could really change at all

All this earth
Could all that is lost ever be found

Could a garden come up from this ground at all


 You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of the dust

You make beautiful things

You make beautiful things out of us

 

All around

Hope is springing up from this old ground

Out of chaos life is being found in You
 

You make me new, You are making me new

28/28/28

So, you didn’t think I’d write a blog about singer/songwriter Keith Green? “He challenged believers to break out of their status quo Christianity and embrace a put-it-all-on-the-line life of faith and action.” On July 28, 28 years ago, Keith Green passed into heaven at the young age of 28, along with two of his children. On July 28, 2010, his wife Melody Green, Loren and Darlene Cunningham (founders of YWAM-Youth With A Mission), and John Dawson remembered a man that challenged the young people of his day. He loved the Lord and wanted everyone else to have the opportunity of knowing the Lord he served. His challenge continues to be of importance today, as the service proclaimed. YWAM is hoping to send out 2100 people in 2010, along with 100 bands from around the world. If you’d like to view the service from Kona, Hawaii, go to www.keithgreen.com to view.
If you think you haven’t “gotten a call”, you “haven’t heard the call”. We’ve been called to “GO” and “Go” means a change of location. (Loren Cunningham) So what does that mean for you? What does that mean for me? I need to chew on that for a bit. If I wait, will I have missed something? I need to do this first, I need to do that.
Melody Green mentioned in her book, NO COMPROMISE: The Life Story of Keith Green: “Jesus wants you to be part of what he is doing too. God is calling forth a radical generation of fierce worshippers. You can be part of the new breed. Don’t compromise with the world. Stand up for what is right. Speak the truth. Show mercy. Befriend the lonely. Defend those suffering injustice. Love the unlovable. Be passionate for Jesus. Don’t be ashamed of the gospel. And always remember to show compassion to the young, the poor, the hurting, and the lost. No matter how old you are, where you live, or what you have--you can help someone with a need. You can pour the balm of hope into a heart that has none.”
Leonard Ravenhill wrote: “Keith had a radical New Birth experience plus a Baptism of Fire and became a spiritual revolutionary. God took him, cleansed him, occupied him, and annointed him.”

John 12:24 “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

Since Keith’s death, many have gone forward to “change the world”. They don’t want to sit idly by, waiting for someone else to go. They are “Going into all the World”.

Scrapbooking and Thinking

I haven't done much blogging this summer, though there has been plenty on my mind. It's been a scorcher summer here in Tennessee with plenty of humidity. It hasn't been the best weather for hiking so we've been staying indoors hanging out at home or in stores.
So, I've been doing some scrapbooking--finally putting together my pictures of our trip to Madagascar. I seem to have to be in the mood for scrapbooking but thanks to my dear friend, who inspired me, I am proud to say I completed two scrapbooks today. It took a few weeks, but I'm finished, for now. I figured it's been almost two years since our trip that it was time.
Actually, I've enjoyed reminiscing the "good times" we had while there in September/October, 2008. As I was thining back, I made a list of the highlights of our adventure. I must say our week in Tamatave and Mahambo was the most exciting time of those two months. We were on the Indian Ocean, which was a delight, and spent time with a wonderful family--directors of the YWAM base, where we stayed. Their daughter, Sharone, was a "hit" with all of us. Quite the entertainer, kept us ROTFL. (rolling on the floor laughing) Victor and Douce were quite hospitable--allowing us to stay in the dorms for the week. They live with their two young children, Douce's brother and two nephews. They invited us to dinner each evening and had breakfast available in the early mornings before they began their busy day. Douce and Victor are the directors of YWAM Tamatave. The base is also an NGO with Mercy Ministries. They set up health clinics in villages in surrounding areas. Douce and Victor also host visiting teams from other countries including their own and do a lot of teaching.
On this stop, we traveled by bicycle pousse-pousse (similar to a rickshaw but with a bicycle attached to the front) or we walked. Walking on the beach for a mile or two was a great workout.
Staying in Mahambo for a weekend was a real treat. Though there was no electricity, except for a couple of hours each night, and it rained most of the time, we still had an amazing time. We got caught on the beach in the rain, and while trying to duck under a tree to keep dry, we also had to watch out for the cebu that were coming our way. Then, there was the floating bridge that was partially underwater. If you knew my fear of bridges, you'd realize that having to disembark the bus to walk across without falling in the river.
Here is my list of highlights and I'll add a few pictures. (I have another blog that has more stories and pictures of Madagascar, but these things have been "On My Mind".

Planete restaurant where we found “Mondo Burgers” and fries
The American Cookie Shop with some delicious brownies
Our visit with Mamy in downtown Tana
Enjoying the kids in Itaosy--so full of laughter and energy
Fun with Sam and Rivo and their boys Aaron and Anthony, playing a Madagascar (the movie) card game
Lake Ambatofotsy with the children coming out of the woods, and our day there with Henintsoa’s family and the DTS students
Our meals with Henintsoa’s family and a trip to the Tsimbazaza Zoo
My 60th birthday week spent at the beach in Tamatave and Mahambo was probably the top highlight. Time spent with Victor, Douce, Sharone, Ariel and the rest of the family. Wading in the Indian Ocean. Walking for miles along the beach.
Mahambo was most amazing. Wish we could have stayed longer.
We got to witness a Vodiondry (engagement party), a wedding, a funeral procession and “turning of the bones” celebration.
Meeting the street children and hanging out with mothers on the street, distributing clothes I had collected for a few years

Well, that's what's been "On My Mind" for the past few weeks as I've sorted through photos, scrapbooked and rejournaled my original journal of our trip to Madagascar.