Posts
Thought I'd take a break from the memories....the Christmas season is fast approaching...not a good time for us as this hasn't been a very successful year....Alan lost his job about 13 months ago, tried so hard to find another but with no success..he studied locksmithing and got his license this late summer and has been working for himself (and us) since....its a slow go but every month he makes a little more...this month he passed the $1,000 mark but we need more than that to make ends meet.
I opened my online store in hopes of helping this to be a better holiday and have been working hard to make his work and mine a success.
I have emailed, written and handed out 100s of flyers and business cards for his business and am advertising mine online in google, prim mart and other places in hopes of making sales.....I've always sold on Ebay and have a 100% feedback record but the fees cut into my profit too much. I've prayed about it and hope the Lord will give me the desires of my heart in making a profit doing crafting....if you are reading this, please check out my store on the link on the right.
the journal jars are a neat thing, I think.....sometimes its hard to know how to start a journal and this is a good jumping off place...there are over 100 questions in the jar....it is decorating in a primitive style but if someone would like it differently, I can do that too....I could do an all white glittery one or a garden themed one also...just about anything you would want. also the Katt family is a hoot and I can make any type Katt ......I have ideas for a chef Katt and a Christmas Katt too. I do embroidery work also and crochet.
Our youngest son is very stoic and says he doesn't want anything for Christmas as he knows we are financially strapped....he is 16 and a real trooper but I would sure like to get him something..he'd love the PS2 Guitar Hero II game..he has a guitar he paid for himself this year and loves to play. I think he is depressed about the whole situation and doesn't even want us to put up a tree or lights...
Our oldest son who is 19 works full time at a dog rescue place and has for the last almost 2 years...he pays us rent which helps and hasn't asked for anything either, but loves to decorate...he's been putting up lights at the dog rescue as its on a main street through town... good kids.....
both our kids are adopted which I haven't gotten to in the posts, yet...we went through quite a trial trying to have a family which might be helpful for others and I promise to get into it later if anyone is interested.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Friday, November 23, 2007
Growth
>
When we last left, my dad had just passed away........I was devastated and mourning deeply as I had been very close to both my parents.......turned to my pastor Mike but he didn't give me much comfort or counsel...in fact, it seemed as if he was very uncomfortable and didn't know how to deal with grief. Perhaps that is why I still have a hurt spot in my heart....I did take much comfort in my faith knowing that the Lord is faithful and Dad was with Him. Mom was heartbroken also and leaned on myself and my brother heavily. My brother had joined the Air Force and was married at 19 with a young daughter and a baby son.
Life went on......
in the late 70s, Mike and Bev outgrew their house as again, the neighborhood complained about all the traffic, meetings, etc going on so they sold their house, Bev's parents sold their house also and pooled their money. They bought a large piece of property out in the Oceanside valley with an orange grove, a fruit stand. one large house, and two smaller homes. By this time, I had quit working and worked full time for the church.....I first worked at a small thrift store they started, then worked at the fruit stand for several years and later at the small school they started in one of the large out buildings.....its was a commune, everyone who lived there, pooled their incomes and shared. We studied the book of Acts and tried to imitate the early Christians. We grew a very large garden on the property, had the orange groves , even had bees and extracted honey to sell at the fruit stand. There were about 50 families involved and as children started coming, a school was formed. There was lots of music always, fun and laughter as well as serious prayer and teaching going on at all hours. It was like being in a huge noisy family...as many of the young people had been on the street, Mike and Bev became like parents to them, something they had never known. At the time, famous evangelists, missionaries would come to rest and recoup.
If you are reading this, and have always wondered what it was like to live in a commune..feel free to ask!
This was a good time but like all good things, it didn't last.....I think human nature, and good intentions got in the way.
When we last left, my dad had just passed away........I was devastated and mourning deeply as I had been very close to both my parents.......turned to my pastor Mike but he didn't give me much comfort or counsel...in fact, it seemed as if he was very uncomfortable and didn't know how to deal with grief. Perhaps that is why I still have a hurt spot in my heart....I did take much comfort in my faith knowing that the Lord is faithful and Dad was with Him. Mom was heartbroken also and leaned on myself and my brother heavily. My brother had joined the Air Force and was married at 19 with a young daughter and a baby son.
Life went on......
in the late 70s, Mike and Bev outgrew their house as again, the neighborhood complained about all the traffic, meetings, etc going on so they sold their house, Bev's parents sold their house also and pooled their money. They bought a large piece of property out in the Oceanside valley with an orange grove, a fruit stand. one large house, and two smaller homes. By this time, I had quit working and worked full time for the church.....I first worked at a small thrift store they started, then worked at the fruit stand for several years and later at the small school they started in one of the large out buildings.....its was a commune, everyone who lived there, pooled their incomes and shared. We studied the book of Acts and tried to imitate the early Christians. We grew a very large garden on the property, had the orange groves , even had bees and extracted honey to sell at the fruit stand. There were about 50 families involved and as children started coming, a school was formed. There was lots of music always, fun and laughter as well as serious prayer and teaching going on at all hours. It was like being in a huge noisy family...as many of the young people had been on the street, Mike and Bev became like parents to them, something they had never known. At the time, famous evangelists, missionaries would come to rest and recoup.
If you are reading this, and have always wondered what it was like to live in a commune..feel free to ask!
This was a good time but like all good things, it didn't last.....I think human nature, and good intentions got in the way.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
The Card File
Subject: Heaven
Heaven Written by a 17 Year Old Boy. This is excellent and really gets you
thinking about what will happen in Heaven.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for
a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later
told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best
thing I ever wrote." It also was the last thing Brian ever wrote.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it
while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in
Pickaway County.
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted
every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and
his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay
about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every
moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and
Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like
you are there," Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day
after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his
car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility
pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power
line and was electrocuted.
The Moore's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family
portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I
think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs.
Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's
vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I
know I'll see him."
Here is Brian's essay entitled "The Room."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the
room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall
covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries
that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these
files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in
either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention
was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping
through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I
recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew
exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for
my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and
small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and
curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening
files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories;
others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my
shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have
betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I
Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have
Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've
yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done
in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I
never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many
more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed
by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each
of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed
this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my
signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I
realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed
tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the
file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more
by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run
through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to
test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost
animal rage broke on me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No
one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy
I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it
and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on
the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and
pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to
tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.
Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel
With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused.
I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long
fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.
They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and
cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The
rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever,
ever know of this room.
I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the
tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched
helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to
watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at
His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively
go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me
from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this
was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with
my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around
me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He
just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one
end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His
name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could
find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name
shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so
dark, and so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with
His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began
to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so
quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file
and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said,
"It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its
door. There were still cards to be written.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Heaven Written by a 17 Year Old Boy. This is excellent and really gets you
thinking about what will happen in Heaven.
17-year-old Brian Moore had only a short time to write something for
a class. The subject was what Heaven was like. "I wowed 'em," he later
told his father, Bruce. It's a killer. It's the bomb. It's the best
thing I ever wrote." It also was the last thing Brian ever wrote.
Brian's parents had forgotten about the essay when a cousin found it
while cleaning out the teenager's locker at Teays Valley High School in
Pickaway County.
Brian had been dead only hours, but his parents desperately wanted
every piece of his life near them, notes from classmates and teachers, and
his homework. Only two months before, he had handwritten the essay
about encountering Jesus in a file room full of cards detailing every
moment of the teen's life. But it was only after Brian's death that Beth and
Bruce Moore realized that their son had described his view of heaven.
It makes such an impact that people want to share it. "You feel like
you are there," Mr. Moore said. Brian Moore died May 27, 1997, the day
after Memorial Day. He was driving home from a friend's house when his
car went off Bulen-Pierce Road in Pickaway County and struck a utility
pole. He emerged from the wreck unharmed but stepped on a downed power
line and was electrocuted.
The Moore's framed a copy of Brian's essay and hung it among the family
portraits in the living room. "I think God used him to make a point. I
think we were meant to find it and make something out of it," Mrs.
Moore said of the essay. She and her husband want to share their son's
vision of life after death. "I'm happy for Brian. I know he's in heaven. I
know I'll see him."
Here is Brian's essay entitled "The Room."
In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the
room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall
covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries
that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these
files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in
either direction, had very different headings.
As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention
was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping
through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I
recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew
exactly where I was.
This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for
my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and
small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and
curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening
files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories;
others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my
shoulder to see if anyone was watching.
A file named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have
betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird. "Books I
Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have
Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've
yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done
in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I
never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many
more cards than expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed
by the sheer volume of the life I had lived.
Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each
of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed
this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my
signature.
When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched," I
realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed
tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the
file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more
by the vast time I knew that file represented.
When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run
through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to
test its size, and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content.
I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost
animal rage broke on me.
One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No
one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy
I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it
and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on
the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and
pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to
tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot.
Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh.
And then I saw it. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel
With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused.
I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long
fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand.
And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt.
They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and
cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The
rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever,
ever know of this room.
I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the
tears, I saw Him.
No, please not Him. Not here. Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched
helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to
watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at
His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively
go to the worst boxes.
Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me
from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this
was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with
my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around
me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He
just cried with me.
Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one
end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His
name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could
find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name
shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so
dark, and so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with
His blood. He gently took the card back He smiled a sad smile and began
to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so
quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file
and walk back to my side. He placed His hand on my shoulder and said,
"It is finished."
I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its
door. There were still cards to be written.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever
believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
First Year
At the time, we were still going to the Methodist church and also going to meetings that Mike and Bev Bliss were having....Mike was a pastor also......the Royal Palms Jesus people group had broken up as the building had been sold.....many of the Royal Palms people were looking for a new place to fellowship and naturally went toward Mike and Bev. Their little house across from the church was filled most nights and the neighborhood started to complain...so they put their house up for sale and bought a larger one farther away in a newer neighborhood.
They also started Sunday services....so we kinda quit the Methodist church....not officially but I know now it wasn't the best thing to do but that is looking back 30+ years. I know we probably hurt the Kingsley's as they had been the ones who really been there for us and me...but that is what happened. I heard later they had gotten transferred to Arizona and even later that they had retired....Barbara passed away the last I heard....I would like to talk with Hal Kingsley if I knew where he was and thank him for all his faithful work and pray God blesses him richly.
Anyway....the year was a good one...lots of changes...more and more people would come to the meetings held in the Bliss home, lots of music, guitars, etc. lots of praise and worship..the simple
message of God's love and redemption.....so many came and went but there was always a core
group....we had huge potluck suppers once a week or so....and once a week they had a crafting night where everyone was invited to bring their creations and also to be able to teach others new crafts...I learned how to knit and taught others how to crochet...I still have a large crewel
scripture picture I did which Lawerence (Bev.'s dad) made a frame for.
the teaching was that women should be keepers of the home and submit to their husbands but it was practical too.....men were to also submit to their wives and be a spiritual covering for her.
no one was to lord over anyone else.....but all kneel before the Lord of all.
Unfortunately, in the years to come, this teaching was twisted but all was good for now.
My Dad
we got a call from my mom about two years after we were married, that he suddenly had breathing problems, had gone to emergency and was admitted.....they had discovered cancer.
He had retired from the Marine Corp and was working at the Oceanside post office. We
rushed to the hospital to find him looking well but hooked up to a hose in his side, draining
fluid.......the doctors said the type of cancer he had, they had never seen before, it wasn't from
smoking (Dad liked an occasional cigar) and they didn't know where it was exactly...inside the
cavity around the lungs somewhere, not in the lungs. At that time, Agent Orange was still
an unknown factor.....veterans were just starting to experience the effects of exposure.
Cancer treatment wasn't very advanced. The only treatment they had was chemotherapy
which in the coming months made him sicker and sicker. He would slowly recover from the
therapy, then his lungs would fill up again, he had to go get them drained over and over again...
this lasted about a year....he lost a lot of weight.
He had always been a Christian...and as the months went on, spent hours studying the Bible, praying and preparing himself and us for his passing....there was a Billy Graham meeting on TV and he recommitted himself to the Lord while watching it. His pastor from the Methodist church would come weekly and pray with him. Alan and I came over as often as we could and I was there that evening, the last evening on this earth that he had, kissed and hugged him then went home. Mom called late in the night saying he has passed away in his sleep. He was only 59.
this was in 1977.
As I type this, tears are running down my cheeks....this was over 30 years ago and still I miss him. Love is truly eternal.....and we have the sure HOPE of being together again as Jesus said
"I am the Resurrection and the Life".
That's all for now, I think.
They also started Sunday services....so we kinda quit the Methodist church....not officially but I know now it wasn't the best thing to do but that is looking back 30+ years. I know we probably hurt the Kingsley's as they had been the ones who really been there for us and me...but that is what happened. I heard later they had gotten transferred to Arizona and even later that they had retired....Barbara passed away the last I heard....I would like to talk with Hal Kingsley if I knew where he was and thank him for all his faithful work and pray God blesses him richly.
Anyway....the year was a good one...lots of changes...more and more people would come to the meetings held in the Bliss home, lots of music, guitars, etc. lots of praise and worship..the simple
message of God's love and redemption.....so many came and went but there was always a core
group....we had huge potluck suppers once a week or so....and once a week they had a crafting night where everyone was invited to bring their creations and also to be able to teach others new crafts...I learned how to knit and taught others how to crochet...I still have a large crewel
scripture picture I did which Lawerence (Bev.'s dad) made a frame for.
the teaching was that women should be keepers of the home and submit to their husbands but it was practical too.....men were to also submit to their wives and be a spiritual covering for her.
no one was to lord over anyone else.....but all kneel before the Lord of all.
Unfortunately, in the years to come, this teaching was twisted but all was good for now.
My Dad
we got a call from my mom about two years after we were married, that he suddenly had breathing problems, had gone to emergency and was admitted.....they had discovered cancer.
He had retired from the Marine Corp and was working at the Oceanside post office. We
rushed to the hospital to find him looking well but hooked up to a hose in his side, draining
fluid.......the doctors said the type of cancer he had, they had never seen before, it wasn't from
smoking (Dad liked an occasional cigar) and they didn't know where it was exactly...inside the
cavity around the lungs somewhere, not in the lungs. At that time, Agent Orange was still
an unknown factor.....veterans were just starting to experience the effects of exposure.
Cancer treatment wasn't very advanced. The only treatment they had was chemotherapy
which in the coming months made him sicker and sicker. He would slowly recover from the
therapy, then his lungs would fill up again, he had to go get them drained over and over again...
this lasted about a year....he lost a lot of weight.
He had always been a Christian...and as the months went on, spent hours studying the Bible, praying and preparing himself and us for his passing....there was a Billy Graham meeting on TV and he recommitted himself to the Lord while watching it. His pastor from the Methodist church would come weekly and pray with him. Alan and I came over as often as we could and I was there that evening, the last evening on this earth that he had, kissed and hugged him then went home. Mom called late in the night saying he has passed away in his sleep. He was only 59.
this was in 1977.
As I type this, tears are running down my cheeks....this was over 30 years ago and still I miss him. Love is truly eternal.....and we have the sure HOPE of being together again as Jesus said
"I am the Resurrection and the Life".
That's all for now, I think.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Engagment and wedding
We were engaged for a year......he didn't have much in the way of material goods, so for an
engagement ring, he gave me his high school class ring which I wore around my neck on
a chain....later, some good friends of ours, took the class ring and Alan's best friends Marine
Corp ring, melted them down and made me a nice gold wedding band.
Speaking of Alan's best friend, his name is Joseph. He was involved in the Royal Palms
ministry with Bob Selby....I had met him at the meetings...he had been gloriously saved.
My best friend Kay whom I have spoken about before started going out with him, and a few months after we were married , they were married......Joseph was Alan's best man and Kay was my maid of honor along with Sandi, who was my matron of honor (she had gotten married to a
military man). Bob Selby ended up marrying Joseph's twin sister, Maria. Joseph's family were Hungarian emmigrants.
During our year, all four of us would go picnicking in the mountains and do other things together. I know once we went to Knotts Berry Farm.
Mom and I prepared for the wedding, Rev. Kingsley married us. My folks were a little worried
about the expense but I have always been the frugal practical sort....it was the time of the
granny dresses and such...Mom and I went into this little boutique and I found the perfect long
granny dress, it was off-white with long sleeves trimmed in heavy white lace, with a white lace
collar...and best of all, it was only $20.00. We had a veil made up and shoes dyed to match the dress.....the colors were burgundy and pink and it was an afternoon wedding. There was a light lunch planned that was catered by a friend of my dads and we did have a photographer. I think the whole wedding probably cost my folks about $600 total.
The cake had three tiers all white with two entwined white doves on the top. The flowers were baby pink roses with burgundy ribbons. They didn't have silk flowers yet or I would have gone that route.
I remember my mom said she wanted to treat me to a day of beauty...I got my long hair done in a up fancy hair do, got my nails done, pedicure, the whole nine yards...I felt like a princess.
We had about 50 guests, many people from the church, friends and family...small by todays
standards but just right for us.......
The wedding progressed fine, my dad was going to walk me down the aisle and I couldn't find him...finally there he was at the back of the church behind a post, watching everything with a
odd look on his face...I whispered, "Dad", he came attention, took my arm and off we went.
When I got up to the front, and turned to Alan, he was in tears......I leaned into him and asked
what was wrong, he whispered, "my mom and dad are here..!" I turned and there they were
on the front pew.....they had flown out from Iowa for a surprise. He hadn't seen them in several
years.
After the wedding, cutting of the cake, photos, etc. we drove over to his little house, now our little house, and changed clothes .
Then we drove up to Santa Barbara for our 3 day honeymoon...that is all the time off we
could get from our jobs. We also went up to Solvang, Ca, a Danish community.
The date? Dec. 1, 1973.
and yes, we are still happily married, as well as Joseph/Kay, and Bob/Maria. We will be celebrating our 34th anniversary very soon.
engagement ring, he gave me his high school class ring which I wore around my neck on
a chain....later, some good friends of ours, took the class ring and Alan's best friends Marine
Corp ring, melted them down and made me a nice gold wedding band.
Speaking of Alan's best friend, his name is Joseph. He was involved in the Royal Palms
ministry with Bob Selby....I had met him at the meetings...he had been gloriously saved.
My best friend Kay whom I have spoken about before started going out with him, and a few months after we were married , they were married......Joseph was Alan's best man and Kay was my maid of honor along with Sandi, who was my matron of honor (she had gotten married to a
military man). Bob Selby ended up marrying Joseph's twin sister, Maria. Joseph's family were Hungarian emmigrants.
During our year, all four of us would go picnicking in the mountains and do other things together. I know once we went to Knotts Berry Farm.
Mom and I prepared for the wedding, Rev. Kingsley married us. My folks were a little worried
about the expense but I have always been the frugal practical sort....it was the time of the
granny dresses and such...Mom and I went into this little boutique and I found the perfect long
granny dress, it was off-white with long sleeves trimmed in heavy white lace, with a white lace
collar...and best of all, it was only $20.00. We had a veil made up and shoes dyed to match the dress.....the colors were burgundy and pink and it was an afternoon wedding. There was a light lunch planned that was catered by a friend of my dads and we did have a photographer. I think the whole wedding probably cost my folks about $600 total.
The cake had three tiers all white with two entwined white doves on the top. The flowers were baby pink roses with burgundy ribbons. They didn't have silk flowers yet or I would have gone that route.
I remember my mom said she wanted to treat me to a day of beauty...I got my long hair done in a up fancy hair do, got my nails done, pedicure, the whole nine yards...I felt like a princess.
We had about 50 guests, many people from the church, friends and family...small by todays
standards but just right for us.......
The wedding progressed fine, my dad was going to walk me down the aisle and I couldn't find him...finally there he was at the back of the church behind a post, watching everything with a
odd look on his face...I whispered, "Dad", he came attention, took my arm and off we went.
When I got up to the front, and turned to Alan, he was in tears......I leaned into him and asked
what was wrong, he whispered, "my mom and dad are here..!" I turned and there they were
on the front pew.....they had flown out from Iowa for a surprise. He hadn't seen them in several
years.
After the wedding, cutting of the cake, photos, etc. we drove over to his little house, now our little house, and changed clothes .
Then we drove up to Santa Barbara for our 3 day honeymoon...that is all the time off we
could get from our jobs. We also went up to Solvang, Ca, a Danish community.
The date? Dec. 1, 1973.
and yes, we are still happily married, as well as Joseph/Kay, and Bob/Maria. We will be celebrating our 34th anniversary very soon.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Courtship
Across the street from the Methodist church, a new couple moved in......Mike and Bev...they were a very charismatic couple that kids naturally gravitated to......they were Christians, and often let young people live with them as well as they had several of their own children...Mike was a musician and a pastor, played the guitar and there was always lots of praise and singing in their home....much joy and laughter
Kay and I would visit occasionally and met a lot of new people.....went to a few Bible studies there too and met a guy who would lead the studies frequently....I thought he was a older guy, soft spoken and good looking with blue eyes and blond hair. He was really on fire for the Lord and spoke with strong conviction...I remember he and Bev were talking about a trip he was going on and she asked if Sharon was going with him....he said no, not this time..I thought Sharon may have
been his wife or girlfriend and didn't think anything more about it.
EASTER
I was in the church choir and we rehearsed for weeks on the Easter Cantata .....I and an older man had solos, I remember our voices sounded good together, his was a deep older baritone and I am a alto soprano .....my part was of John the Baptist..."A voice calling in the wilderness..prepare ye the way of the Lord'...
Easter Sunday morning, the cantata was going well, I got up to do my solo, was singing, looking across the congregation and saw the same young man watching me from a back pew. Rather
surprised as he didn't normally go to our church, I continued and finished my piece.
After church, as I was walking to my car, he (Alan) approached and told me how much he enjoyed the cantata and my singing....that conversation lasted about 3 hours..we just clicked and when I went home (finally) I felt like I had known him all my life.I discovered Sharon was his sister! Also discovered that he had been at all the meetings, Kings Hacienda, Royal Palms, the parade, the bonfire, the free concerts, etc. the whole time but we had never met.
He started going to the Methodist church as did Mike, Bev and their family...also Lawrence and Alice, Beverly's parents.
We saw each other at the church often but Alan never asked me out......found out later he was just a shy person around girls.....Alice would encourage him to sit by me as she knew he liked me...this went on for some time....until he finally asked me to a musical concert at the college..he pulled up in a Cadillac....he had borrowed it from Mike.....and also brought along Mikes teenage daughter (!!) We 3 went and had a nice time....this was an afternoon concert.....after that first
"date" we would go out more often (without the teenage chaperon), usually to concerts, Bible study, take drives and talk, an
occasional movie....once we went to the zoo.....no kisses but an occasional hug...
finally after 3 months as we were saying good night at my parents house ( I still lived at home) as he stood looking at me for a period of time, I just leaned over and kissed him....(figured enough is enough)...he was surprised but kissed back...and left.
The next day, I was teased but told Mike and Bev what had happened and they laughing teased
Alan about it...after that incident, he started coming over every night to our house, just to hang
out, watch TV and talk....we'd go out occasionally but it was a quiet courtship....he was 23 and I was 22 at the time.......
Then one Sunday evening, after church, he proposed on a full moon outside a little guest house he had rented down the street from my parents house. I told him" I'd think about it", literally ran home and talked to my mother. Both of my parents liked Alan, but wanted (of course) to be sure he was the right person for me.......we prayed about it, and the next afternoon, when he
came over as he always did, I told him, "Yes!"
Kay and I would visit occasionally and met a lot of new people.....went to a few Bible studies there too and met a guy who would lead the studies frequently....I thought he was a older guy, soft spoken and good looking with blue eyes and blond hair. He was really on fire for the Lord and spoke with strong conviction...I remember he and Bev were talking about a trip he was going on and she asked if Sharon was going with him....he said no, not this time..I thought Sharon may have
been his wife or girlfriend and didn't think anything more about it.
EASTER
I was in the church choir and we rehearsed for weeks on the Easter Cantata .....I and an older man had solos, I remember our voices sounded good together, his was a deep older baritone and I am a alto soprano .....my part was of John the Baptist..."A voice calling in the wilderness..prepare ye the way of the Lord'...
Easter Sunday morning, the cantata was going well, I got up to do my solo, was singing, looking across the congregation and saw the same young man watching me from a back pew. Rather
surprised as he didn't normally go to our church, I continued and finished my piece.
After church, as I was walking to my car, he (Alan) approached and told me how much he enjoyed the cantata and my singing....that conversation lasted about 3 hours..we just clicked and when I went home (finally) I felt like I had known him all my life.I discovered Sharon was his sister! Also discovered that he had been at all the meetings, Kings Hacienda, Royal Palms, the parade, the bonfire, the free concerts, etc. the whole time but we had never met.
He started going to the Methodist church as did Mike, Bev and their family...also Lawrence and Alice, Beverly's parents.
We saw each other at the church often but Alan never asked me out......found out later he was just a shy person around girls.....Alice would encourage him to sit by me as she knew he liked me...this went on for some time....until he finally asked me to a musical concert at the college..he pulled up in a Cadillac....he had borrowed it from Mike.....and also brought along Mikes teenage daughter (!!) We 3 went and had a nice time....this was an afternoon concert.....after that first
"date" we would go out more often (without the teenage chaperon), usually to concerts, Bible study, take drives and talk, an
occasional movie....once we went to the zoo.....no kisses but an occasional hug...
finally after 3 months as we were saying good night at my parents house ( I still lived at home) as he stood looking at me for a period of time, I just leaned over and kissed him....(figured enough is enough)...he was surprised but kissed back...and left.
The next day, I was teased but told Mike and Bev what had happened and they laughing teased
Alan about it...after that incident, he started coming over every night to our house, just to hang
out, watch TV and talk....we'd go out occasionally but it was a quiet courtship....he was 23 and I was 22 at the time.......
Then one Sunday evening, after church, he proposed on a full moon outside a little guest house he had rented down the street from my parents house. I told him" I'd think about it", literally ran home and talked to my mother. Both of my parents liked Alan, but wanted (of course) to be sure he was the right person for me.......we prayed about it, and the next afternoon, when he
came over as he always did, I told him, "Yes!"
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Memories Continued
Well, when I left you, I was working, going to all these meetings, + church on Sundays......
I went to the local community college, then it was called a junior college...I never knew exactly what I wanted to do, thought about teaching or librarian science.....still rather shy but I did run and get on the student body board for a year......got involved in the Christian club on campus, called the Koinonia Klub.......we held prayer meetings once a week and somehow got away with putting up huge posters in the student lounge of scripture illustrated by my dear sister (in spirit), Kay, advertising our club and the meeting times....each week we did a different theme, like
salvation, the creation story, Noah's ark, etc......got a lot of attention for sure and controversy...which was a good thing and made for some interesting conversations in the lounge.
I met a lot of different types of people, atheists, veterans, Christian science, hippies, etc.
I think the Lord moved and helped me to become less shy, more self-confident, and grounded in scripture. I've always been a very sensitive, intuitive person, and can relate to others well which
has both helped and hurt me depending on the circumstances.....
I graduated from the community college in 1972, my grades were not the greatest so no scholarships, and not knowing what I really was supposed to do at the time, got a full time job at
the Camp Pendleton PX in the men's department.
Dealing with the military was a no brainer for me, being a Marine Corp brat.....I was very
comfortable and enjoyed helping inventory/order the ribbons and metals for the men.
I was still going to all the meetings but soon things were going to change.....
My New Store
I am so excited! I opened an online store yesterday and already got a sale! how cool is that? Its very early days but its encouraging......I plan on getting a good banner, better template, etc as I can afford it.....Ebay is getting too expensive for us little folk...their fees hurt! I will still list things occasionally just to keep my hand in but I think a little store is the wave of the future...
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Crafting
I've always loved sewing, and crafting...my grandmothers on both sides were creative people as well as my mother..my mom and grandma taught me to embroider and my paternal grandmother was the big crafter....she made all sorts of things out of recycled materials...she would gather seeds, pine cones, nuts, etc. and do things with them....she made each family a pine cone wreath which
I still have. I didn't realize until late in her life that she knew all sorts of natural cures, etc. and every herb, weed, plant in the forest that had uses. Come to find out her greatgrandparents had
taught her many old folk remedies when she was a girl.....and they had been born not too much
after the Revolutionary war....can you believe it?
During the 70s at a church we attended, we had a night where crafters got together and taught
each other new things...say you wanted to learn to knit, you could get someone there to show
you how....I learned to knit as no one in my family did that....knit some bedroom slippers....we also
brought along any projects we were working on and did them together...it was fun and
I think now people do similar things with scrapbooking....
I am into the primitive look right now and have made a whole selection of bakery items. Hope
you will take a peak at my auctions and I am thinking seriously about my own website where
I would take orders.....
I also do embroidery and love redwork..crochet, and most general crafts..also like making our
own greeting cards....
Family memories are so important and shouldn't be lost....I started making memory jars. and will have them on my store to order........an easy way to start journaling and I was also thinking if you were giving this is an older person who didn't want to write, you could
have a tape recorder and ask them the questions...later transcribe in in a family journal
would be great with photos, clippings, etc. something that could be passed down.
I have a tape of my grandfather, telling of his early days as a cowboy, his grandparents/
family and the Depression years....
I still have. I didn't realize until late in her life that she knew all sorts of natural cures, etc. and every herb, weed, plant in the forest that had uses. Come to find out her greatgrandparents had
taught her many old folk remedies when she was a girl.....and they had been born not too much
after the Revolutionary war....can you believe it?
During the 70s at a church we attended, we had a night where crafters got together and taught
each other new things...say you wanted to learn to knit, you could get someone there to show
you how....I learned to knit as no one in my family did that....knit some bedroom slippers....we also
brought along any projects we were working on and did them together...it was fun and
I think now people do similar things with scrapbooking....
I am into the primitive look right now and have made a whole selection of bakery items. Hope
you will take a peak at my auctions and I am thinking seriously about my own website where
I would take orders.....
I also do embroidery and love redwork..crochet, and most general crafts..also like making our
own greeting cards....
Family memories are so important and shouldn't be lost....I started making memory jars. and will have them on my store to order........an easy way to start journaling and I was also thinking if you were giving this is an older person who didn't want to write, you could
have a tape recorder and ask them the questions...later transcribe in in a family journal
would be great with photos, clippings, etc. something that could be passed down.
I have a tape of my grandfather, telling of his early days as a cowboy, his grandparents/
family and the Depression years....
Monday, November 5, 2007
Jesus People Movement
I've been trying to remember the early days..
can't quite remember how I heard
about the Jesus People meetings but somehow
started going to one in Carlsbad, Ca.
It was held at a place called the Royal Palms
which was a luxury hotel undergoing
remodeling...no one was staying there
as it was being renovated and was for sale..
the owner was friends with the pastor who
was running it.
Our meetings were held on Wednesday
evenings in one of the small meeting rooms.
Bob Selby was the main leader......we usually
started out the meetings with prayer,
he would read scripture and teach, then
we'd pass a KFC bucket around for offerings,
lots of singings and guitar playing...then more prayer
...if anyone had a special need,
they were brought into the center circle and
we'd lay hands on them for prayer...
there were healings and such.....testimony
time and then more singing....the last part
of the evening was an altar call for anyone to
accept Jesus..many people came forward
each week and the movement grew.
Another place we had similar meetings on
Fridays nights was at The Kings Hacienda in
San Clemente....the leader there was named
Bob also but neither of us now can remember
his last name.....he knew a lot of groups from the
Costa Mesa Calvary Chapel and they
would come down occasionally to play. I especially
liked Love Song. Calvary Chapel speakers, including
Chuck Smith would occasionally come.
"Theologians would make appointments with Pastor Chuck
asking him what was the secret formula to the success of
Calvary Chapel? Chuck would smile that big contagious smile
and say, "Jesus!"
Arthur Blessit came several times.
The meetings were
generally like the other..lots of singing, worship,
a short message and lots of prayers with
an altar call...the movement grew with new people
coming in weekly......we would do
street witnessing on Saturdays. With the Vietnam
war still raging, there were lots of
new recruits in Oceanside and many became believers.
We also held free concerts at the Oceanside Rec Center
which is still there. These were
about once every few months....there would be several
Calvary Chapel bands come and
there would be lots of witnessing, counseling going on
afterwards and before.
The rec center would be filled with standing room only.
and its a big big rec center that seats about 1,000.
Oceanside has a Fourth of July parade every year
and the Royal Palms group one year
entered a float....it was our biggest project ever....
everyone helped build a giant hand
pointing towards a giant Bible on the back of a big
flatbed truck.....we all walked beside
the truck and gave out tracts to anyone who would
take one. My husband Alan
helped build the float, was at the meetings but we
never met until later. He also says
he has some photos of this time and the float so
perhaps we can get them posted when
he digs them out.
Looking back, I think the main thing about this time
was all the prayer...there were no
special programs, skits, just the plain unvarnished
simple message of Gods love and lots
of prayer.
We had water baptism many times in the ocean...
one night, a special night, there was a huge bonfire
held on the beach.....we all threw in the fire all of the
worldly things that we had given up....drugs, cigarettes,
booze, porn, etc. were thrown in the flames..I threw in
my tarot cards, and occult books..and as these things
were thrown in, the person would give their testimony...
believe me, it was very cool. I will remember it all
my life.
So I was going to both meetings, Wednesday, Friday
and the Methodist church on Sunday, plus the church youth group....going to the community college and working part time at the mall...busy girl...
this was about 1971.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Pause
Before I go any farther, another memory came up...during
this time, we went to our annual family reunion and two of my cousins
were there, Susie and Tom..I talked to both of them about
the Lord but Susie was just engaged to a Korean man and was converting
to Buddism. she didn't want to talk about the Lord at all but went on and on
her wonderful man, their life, etc. Tom asked a lot of questions.....and we
really had some good talks, he didn't understand about Jesus dying for our sins,
and being the bridge to God the Father..
after the reunion, we wrote back and forth for months.....he got into some
trouble, nothing serious but it was God nudging him towards Himself..
he wrote me that he had accepted the Lord, was going to church and
bible study...
Year later, when we were married, we drove up to Portland, Oregon where he lived
with his then wife in an old Victorian house..had a great time with them..they were trying
to have a family at the time., went to church with them, a church called Bible Temple.
then years passed again with no word.....I got an email from my aunt saying Tom's
son had died as a young man...so sad...a rare cancer.....Tom was divorced and he
had remarried.
Then out of the blue, he called, wanting to come down and visit us....we met and he
remembered all the letters I had written, said he had kept them all. I found out he
had become a pastor of the same church they had been going to when we visited so
long ago. His first wife didn't want to be a pastor's wife with
the responsibility and had found someone else. He struggled with the divorce, and
went to the congregation. He offered to step down but they loved him and wouldn't
let him...time passed. He met and married a beautiful woman who stands by him in
his ministry. They are true partners
His sister, Susie, was a single mom, with two children, divorced and questioning..no longer
a Buddhist...she has estranged herself from the family, perhaps ashamed..she
is walking a rocky road.
Two roads....sometimes there are times in life when one is faced with choices that
can follow you all your life...these times come upon us sometimes suddenly and we only
have a second to choose.
Two roads ...no one knows the future, but God who is at the beginning and at the end.
the Alpha and the Omega, the A and the Z.......
"Two roads to choose, the rocky road or the Kings Highway
Choose before the Savior comes
the road to Glory or the rocky one"
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Early Days
Rev. Hal as he became to be known and Barbara were overjoyed that their patience and prayers had been answered......and went to work nurturing us in bible principals and encouraging
us.....this did cause in a rift in the group as there were some kids that resisted but sucha bond had been formed that they remained for quite a time afterward.
At the time, Teen Challenge was a big deal...Bill Bright and others had written the
Four Spiritual Law pamphlet which had been printed and handed out to thousands.
Kay, others and myself went to the Lake Arrowhead Christian retreat for a week.
I didn't have enough money to go but someone at the church paid my way. There
we were taught by Bill Bright and others about evangelism, basic principals, etc,.
I don't remember any specifics but one thing that stands out was that one evening
we wrote out a private list of all of our sins and then stood outside in a circle and
threw the lists in the fire....realizing that the Lord had forgiven and forgotten them.
We were new creatures.
we enjoyed the hot springs that were there and as this was right after Christmas
they took bus loads of us to the Rose Parade to do street witnessing.
I am naturally a shy person and don't like confrontation.....Kay and I teamed up,
gave out a few tracts and talked to a few people...then watched the parade.....
afterwards we went back to camp, and they had a meeting with people giving
their experiences......I didn't say anything and felt a little shamed..they then
pushed people to sign up for overseas ministry which I wasn't interested in
and had us all sign up to pray for countries overseas also.
Looking back on the whole week, it was kinda of a mixed bag...we were
new believers and not ready to take on the world but it was a good experience
all in all.
A few weeks later, Kay, Sandi (my other good dear friend) and I decided
we wanted to be baptized by emerson according to the scripture. The
Methodist church didn't have a pool or anything, they baptize by touching
with water....but we insisted so Rev. Hal called another church that had
such a pool and all 3 of us were baptized there.
soon afterwards things started to move at a faster pace,
the year was 1971 and the Jesus Movement was racing
towards Oceanside, the Methodist church and our little youth group.
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