Can It Be? It Can Be & It Is!

Happy 21st Birthday to

Noelle JoBeth!

November 1

You're beautiful inside & out!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH, PART 2

Saturday, Oct. 24, Cale spent the day with Josh, David, and Kathy. Scot and I were at a wedding that day. That evening when we went to Tupelo to get Cale, the Minnis Family and Cale were at D'Casa Mexican Restaurant. They were almost finished eating when we got there, but they sat and visited with Scot and me while we ate. I know I shouldn't have...I really really know that...but as some of you know, I just can't seem to help myself! lol. I asked our very nice waiter to bring Josh a birthday dessert...he and his fellow waiters came out and sang to Josh, did the whipped cream in the face thing and gave Josh the sombrero. Josh, Aunt Liesa loves you!!!

Aunt Liesa and Josh

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH!

Josh, my best friend's son celebrated his 15'th birthday this afternoon at 4:40. He has been such a joy and blessing in our lives.

Cale with Josh

My Happy Place

This is a picture of Scot's desk and bookshelves. We still have some boxes sitting around. Everything is not where it goes, but the furniture is in it's place, so you can tell about the room. I also have not decorated this room yet. I'll take more pictures when it's neater and decorated. If you've read many things I've written, you know how I have a passion for books. Not just any book, but GOOD books! I love Christian fiction, Christian non-fiction, ladies devotionals, biography's, school curriculum, magazines, cookbooks, and children's books. I also love pictures. I guess that is a no brainer if you've ever visited my blog! My book collection didn't get that extensive until around 1993. My mother in law bought me a book for my birthday that year and one book led to another and another and another! Scot didn't read hardly at all. I don't know if he'd ever read an entire book in his life! Around the time I started collecting books, Scot was working on night shift and sometimes during the day, he'd have trouble going to sleep. He said that reading put him to sleep, so we bought him a couple of books and left them beside his bed. The books did help put him to sleep, but like me, one book led to more books! He and I had rather spend time in a book store than in a clothes store. We love books! Since we have a collection of books, for the past few years, I've wished for a room that I could lovingly call a 'Library'. I have a Library now! Scot and I share this room. It also has my computer and his desk where he studies for his sermons. The only rule is I cannot work on the computer or be in the room while he studies, which is not a problem since his study time is usually early morning. The past few weeks, Scot has worked hard building bookshelves for the library. There is one shelf in the library that my daddy built for me over twenty years ago. The bookcase Daddy built me is in the picture below to the right. Scot sort of patterned after it and built four more. He is so talented. Cale stained the bookshelves and now they are the home of some of our most prized possessions, BOOKS!

This is to the left of Scot's desk.
You are now entering my part of the room.

I'm not sure about the chair and lamp yet.


My favorite part of the room!!!


Notice my collection of "The Sound Of Music" plates displayed at the top of the back shelves.

The bookshelves to the left are for home school books and supplies and picture albums. Encyclopedias and Childcraft books are to the right and on the front bookshelf (in pic.) are my pleasure books. Authors include Janette Oke, Lori Wick, Lori Copeland, Beverly Lewis, Robin Hatcher, Emilee Barnes, and Elizabeth George.

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Hope you enjoyed the tour of my library. Happy Reading!

Mississippi College XC Meet

Saturday, October 10, Spartans participated in a

Cross Country Meet at Mississippi College in Clinton.

The Spartan girls placed 2nd in their division.

Everyone did great; there are many proud Spartan fans.

The Spartan Team, Coach Heather, and families of the team stayedin a motel Friday night before the race. Some of the kids got togetherand played Uno before bedtime. Some of us old people even joined in onthe fun! Those kids are competitive even when they aren't running!

(Emilee, Noelle, Cale, Forest, and Josh)

YES IT RAINED alot several days in a row before the race, so therefore the course was muddy. The Spartans are getting used to running in mud! The boys feet and legs are clean in this picture taken before the race.

Two Spartan families set up tents and shared with all of us.

The Spartan boys sat and laid around while waiting on their turn to run.

Some of the Spartan girls crocheted, talked, and read.

All kinds of cute rain boots were worn!

Noelle, David, and Kathy before the race. Special thanks to David, Kathy, and Josh. They let Cale ride to Clinton with them Friday. They were able to leave before we did. Mrs. Heather and the team met to walk the course.

Kathy, Noelle, Me, and Penny resting and sporting our new rain boots!

Asking God to bless.

Last minute coaching!

Almost 200 boys ran in this division. I just sort rounded off in my head, I'm guessing over one thousand runners participated Saturday. There were runners in every direction that I looked!

Noelle and Scot hurrying from one point to another
to cheer the Spartans on!

Cale

Close to the finish line!

Cale's time: 22:23

Remember the Clean feet and legs?

No more!

Cale, Zack, Josh, Logan, Forest, and Landers with Coach Heather

Corinth Rotary 5K

Stretching and warming up before race

Cale ran his best race. His time was 22:07


Julie, Alec, and David watching award ceremony

Josh with his trophy!
Several Spartans took home awards.
This was such a nice race, very organized, and the scenery was beautiful.


Noelle and I are smiling in spite of an early morning

David and Kathy
(after race, we ate at McAllisters)

Minnis and George families

I walked around the block after the race. I just have to

share what I saw with you. This house was built in the 1800's.

So inviting...

I was fascinated with this breezeway.

Anything For Children

I guess I'll do anything for my children's sakes! Fancy and elegant, I am not... Clean and neat, I am! I may have on jeans, t-shirt, and tennis shoes, but you will rarely catch me without my hair done, at least a little make up on, and clean!!! Now, I can get down and dirty with the best of them, but when it's over, I'm heading to the shower! Just to run to the grocery store, I am clean and presentable! You get the point! A few weeks ago, Cale and the Spartans participated in a Cross Country meet in Pontotoc. The day was very wet, muddy, and messy! I wore old crocs so I could just hose my shoes off later should they get muddy. Muddy, they were! After the meet, Scot, Cale, and I were headed back home, and I knew Cale would be hungry...He always is after a race, but in my mind, I thought Sonic or a Drive through! I mean, we ALL were muddy and my hair had flopped from the dampness and sprinkles of the day. The first thing Cale said when he got in the van was that he was hungry and that he would like BREAKFAST FOOD! He eats very little before running, usually just a banana or two. I could tell my drive through idea was not going to be a big hit with Cale or Scot...I looked down at my feet and I could feel the grim look on my face! Cracker Barrel was being discussed by my men; my face got even more grim! I couldn't go in like this!!! Then, I realized my sweet and creative country husband was looking on the side of the road for a "CLEAN PUDDLE"! He pulled off and drove beside a puddle of water and he'd comment about how that one was muddy because it had already been driven through, so on to the next puddle he'd drive. Lucky for me, he found his perfect puddle of "CLEAN WATER"! Yes, we pulled to the side of the road, I got out and carefully rinsed my feet and my shoes off in the puddle, dried off with paper towel, got back in the van, put on lip stick and we headed to Cracker Barrel! May not sound like an adventure to you, I guess you just have to live in my mind! lol. I love my life by George! :) Oh, and our late breakfast was delish and lots of fun!

These Were The Days Of Our Lives...In September!

Welcome to our new home!

96 Spartans-families gathered at Mi Pueblos!

Cale, Marshal, Zack, Nicolas, and Forest

Josh, Cale, Marshal, Zack, Forest, and Logan

David, Josh, and Cale placed 2nd in their age groups

Proud parents with Cale

David and Josh staying dry before the race

in Pontotoc

Mud and more mud!

Cale telling Coach Heather about the hills and mud!

Salem Baptist Church

Scot with his cousin and a fellow pastor Kerry

Coach Heather and Cale working on mile 2!

It's raining yet again!

He sees the finish line!

Whew...An entire month without Internet...without blogging...without reading other blogs...without emails... AND LIFE BY GEORGE WENT ON! It went on in a huge way I might add! September was sort of like being on a roller coaster for days without stopping. Right when we'd think, "Oh wow, today may be a bit slower", we'd head down another fast hill! September was a very busy, but very fulfilling, GOOD month for us. It would take way too much time to blog about each and every thing that has went on in our life, so I'm going to do my best to condense it all into one post! By the way, I sure missed all my blogging buddies! Here goes my attempt to fill you in on the past month.

1. September 4th, Scot and I signed papers to buy a house.

2. September 5th, our friends David, Kathy, and Josh, and my daddy came and helped us move boxes, clean and organize kitchen cabinets, ...Mother brought us all a wonderful lunch of BBQ sandwiches and jo-jo's! We sat on the porch and in the kitchen floor and enjoyed a short rest and some fuel for our tired bodies! At the end of the day, our neighbors, The Montgomery's welcomed us to our new home with a plate of delicious chocolate chip pecan cookies! Yum!

3. September 7th, Scot's cousin Brent and our friend John came and helped us move furniture.

We slept in our house for the first time.

4. September 8-11...worked on organizing, unpacking, etc. Scot went back to work the 8th.

5. September 12th, Cale ran a 5K in Sherman.

6. September 14th, First day of school for Cale. My baby is a Junior!!! We are still organizing and unpacking that week also. Scot built a beautiful bookshelf for our office-library.

7. September 19th, Cale and other Spartans ran a Cross Country meet in Pontotoc. It was a very rainy muddy day!

8. September 21-25, Scot preached a revival at Salem Baptist Church. One soul was saved on that Wednesday night, Hallelujah!

9. September 26th, Cale and other Spartans ran a 5K at The Tallahatchie Festival in New Albany.

I didn't list Sundays which are spent in Amory, Wednesday night visitations, Cross Country practices on Tuesdays, and all of those other normal things that happen each day like cooking, laundry, errands, cleaning, etc. Well, that's what it's been like in my world; what have all of you been up to lately?

Here We Go Again!

Yep, we are moving for the second time in four months!!! This is not me! I am a settled person. I love roots... All my life, I've had family and friends that moved around seemed like every time the wind blew and I would think, Why? Why would you move so often? One friend said that she and her husband hoped to build their dream home in a few years, and 'Settled Me' stood there thinking, 'I've been in your house, it's beautiful, you've brought your babies home there, what else could you dream of?' Moving is not wrong...I'm just not a fan of moving! It's really not the change that I dislike, I AM JUST A SETTLED PERSON! So, why move? Some people move due to jobs, family, downsizing, bigger house, better neighborhood, etc. Some folks choose to move in the name of adventure, and some people like me only move when it's necessary to move. There are good things about moving. When Scot and I were engaged to be married, every time he'd come home from New Orleans, I'd send a box or two home with him. I just liked sending part of me with him. Had it not killed me, I would have sent an arm here, a leg there... Not really! That was a good move! Moving back to Mississippi from Louisiana was a good move; tiring, but good! Moving from an old small trailer to our brand spanking new house in Golden was a wonderful move! And there is where my life's theme song "I Shall Not Be Moved" originated! I was going to live there until God moved me to Heaven! And then, several years later, God called Scot to preach. We didn't have to move even after that for several years. Even though my heart was broke, moving to Tremont in a parsonage was a good move, because I knew it was God's perfect will for us, so there was an excitement and a need to move. We kept our house for two years after we moved to Tremont, but it took up so much time to keep our three acres of land mowed and every time I'd visit the house, I'd see something else there that seemed to be going down. Three years ago, we sold our house, the house my daddy and my husband so lovingly built with their own hands, the house that I moved Noelle into as a toddler, and the house that I brought Cale home to when he was two days old. We sold our house so we could use our time better to serve our church family and to give us more time as a family. Do I regret it? I can honestly say that I don't, although if I dwell on it, I would be sad. Our last move was a very hard move. We needed to get out of the church parsonage, we had no home to move to, had lost an income, didn't even know where to look for a house, need I go on? But you know what? God just cuddled us up in His everlasting, ever loving arms and comforted us and laid us on people's hearts, and we just kept on doing what we knew to do and left the things we didn't know to do up to Him, and I am a testimony of God's grace and mercy today. I am a testimony to the fact that when you don't know what to do, just do nothing and God Will do what needs to be done. I am a testimony of God using what seems to be a bad circumstance for our good, just because we honor Him and love Him. We ended up renting a house on the same road I grew up on, which has been a blessing to me. The house is great, but small. In 24 years of marriage, one has lots of STUFF! Long story short...A family that I grew up in church with decided to sell their house to move closer to their children. This family is a very Settled, meticulous, caring family. They have taken extra good care of their home. The lady said that they had struggled with the decision of selling their home for the past three years, but the time never seemed right until this past spring. WELL, THERE WENT GOD AGAIN...LOOKING OUT FOR US!!! We didn't need that house three years ago, we need that house now! This family loved their house, had brought their babies home to this house, but, they love their children more than the material structure of the home and through God leading them, are now selling their home to us. So, as of this afternoon, Scot and I will sign the papers for our new house. By the way, the location is terrific, a little over a mile from my parents, it has a long trail on the land, which will be great for Cale to run on or to ride the 4 wheeler, or for Me to escape and have quiet time every now and then. Noelle is estatic to have a closet again! For over three months now, she hasn't had a closet. She did buy what we've called a closet on wheels, but it's just not the same. Her room also has a built in bookshelf, which she is thrilled about as well. It has a full basement and an office!!! If you know me well, you know that a library has always been on my wish list!!! I'm just happy to have all our STUFF in the same location. For the past few years, it's been scattered and stored. God is just soooo generous and good to us, and I am thankful. I am most thankful for the three other people that I will share the house with than for the actual house itself. I learned five years ago when we moved to the parsonage; It's not the house we live in, it's the people in the house! Now, this post must end. I have places to go and people to see, I have furniture and boxes to move, cabinets to fill, and memories to make!

Joshua 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods, which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

I will not have Internet service for a few days, but hopefully within a week to ten days, I will be back here. During that time, September 9th, I will celebrate one year at Life By George! Although there won't be any new posts for a while, you are welcome to reread some older post or maybe browse some of the first posts from a year ago. HAPPY FIRST BLOGGING ANNIVERSARY TO ME!

Pray for us at Life By George. Thanks for letting me share my special little part of the world with ya!

Wednesday In The Word: Continue

Continue:
1. to go on after suspension or interruption
2. to go on or keep on, as in some course or action; extend
3. to last or endure
4. to remain in a particular state or capacity
5. to remain in a place; abide; stay
6. to go on with or persist in: to continue an action.
7. to carry on from the point of suspension or interruption:
8. to extend from one point to another in space; prolong.
9. to say in continuation.
10. to cause to last or endure; maintain or retain, as in a position.
11. to carry over, postpone, or adjourn; keep pending, as a legal proceeding.

I looked up the word "continue" on Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/
The above definitions are what I found for "continue" when used as a verb. I love verbs! Verbs are what we do, they are action words.

Have you ever started something and not followed through? I sure have. I have fizzled out many times in my life. Diet and exercise comes to mind! I start out strong and wimp out after a few days, sometimes after a few hours! Another thing I fizzled out on this year was reading the Bible through. I read it, but I failed to stay on the schedule that would lead me to the end result of reading the entire Bible in 2009.

What does God's Word tell us to CONTINUE in?

John 8:31-32, Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

John 15:9, As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.

Colossians 4:2, Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

Hebrews 13:1, Let brotherly love continue.

Those verses cheer us on! They tell us to:
KEEP ON READING GOD'S WORD!

KEEP ON LOVING GOD AND OTHERS!

KEEP ON PRAYING!

I want to be found continuing to do what's right according to the Bible. I want to be found continuing to stand firm on God's promises; continuing to tell others about the great Gospel of Jesus my Lord, and I want to continue being faithful to God, my family, and my church. This is not the time to let up, shut up, or give up! This is the time to stand up, pray up, and look up!

Carry on dear Christian soldiers; keep marching to the beat of the Gospel and let your light shine brighter than ever before! Continue until the end, abide in Christ, keep a prayer on your heart, keep on keeping on even when the road gets long, even when the road is rocky...continue to walk with Him.

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/ Go to KJV Blog Directory for some great posts!

New Apartment at Freedom

Bro. Sidney and Bro. Thomas working on bathroom accessories

Bro. Herman and Mrs. Dotty coming down the hall to the apartment

Mrs. Becky, Mrs. Barbara, and Mrs. Dotty making the bed


Bathroom

The comforter set is gorgeous!

Desk

The cross is my favorite piece!

I love the edging on the desk...

TA-DAH!!!

Pretty details even in the bathroom

Mrs. Dotty embroidered the towels to match the

shower curtain rings.

Me sitting on the new sofa bed

Scot and Cale enjoying the afternoon with Hunting/Fishing magazines!

Notice Noelle in the recliner...Nap time!

We live about 45 minutes from the church Scot pastors. We were fine driving back and forth, but the church asked would it help if they added a small apartment to the church for us to stay in on Sunday afternoons. Yesterday was our first Sunday afternoon to enjoy this beautiful apartment. They designed it to where if we should need to spend the night or shower, we could. It's one big room with a bed, desk, sofa bed, 2 recliners, night stand, and lamps. We are going to also add a book shelf, chest, and possibly a TV. There is a bathroom with a tub/shower combo and a nice size closet for linens and clothes. Mrs. Dotty and Mrs. Barbara took me shopping for the furniture and the other things needed for the rooms week before last. I cannot even begin to tell you how much fun I had! I was like a kid in a candy store! We had a budget to go by and we purchased beautiful things and stayed under the budget! I was pleased with the day...I honestly was expecting for it to take ALL day long, but by lunch, we were almost finished! We had purchased furniture which was delivered by the time we got back from shopping, sheets, towels, blankets, a comforter set, shower curtain and accessories, decorations, mirrors, etc. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at O' Charlies. The day was simply marvelous! One night last week, some of us met and arranged all the furniture and got the rooms ready for us to stay in yesterday. We enjoyed our 'lazy' afternoon very much. What a blessing this apartment will be to us and also to visiting evangelists and missionaries for many years to come. God will surely bless the church family for being so thoughtful and for taking such good care of us.

Bodock 5K, 8-14-09

Cale and Noelle smile on the way to the race!

Noelle is glad to get to go to Cale's race. Most 5Ks

are on Saturday mornings and she works every

Saturday. This one began at 8 p.m.

Just us George girls!

Noelle, Claire, Stephanie, and Kathy before the race

Scot and Cale before the race

Boys will be boys!!! (even the big boys!) Ha.
Cale stretching and Jimmy pushing???

Stretch boys stretch!

Coach Heather doing her thing: coaching!

Alot of Spartans participated; all did great!

I think around 300 people ran...

Run people run!

Mrs. Kay Bain entertained at the Bodock Festival

The girls had their picture made with Kay

Even Elvis was at the festival

David and Josh ran a great race!

Here they are enjoying a healthy snack after the race.

Cale and his fan club!

Reason For The Storm

The following is taken from the notes I took during the message Sunday morning at church.

John 6:16-21

And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, and entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them. And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew. So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid. Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

No matter what the reason of the storm, even if it's for correction, Jesus is with us.
God is in control of every storm and knows exactly how to get us through the storm or out of the storm.

Some reasons of storms in our lives:
1. Correction
2. Testing
3. Teaching
4. Just life (life happens)

The disciples WILLINGLY received Jesus into the ship.
We have to WILLINGLY receive God's help and provision in our life.

We must WILLINGLY accept...
1. God's salvation
2. God's power
3. God's guidance, (His plan)
4. God as our leader (Our parent)
5. God's discipline (Get better, not bitter)
6. God's forgiveness of ourselves and others
7. Our responsibility (We all have the responsibility to tell others of this Great Salvation)

Jesus and the disciples were in the same boat.
Fellowship = me and God in the same boat. When we are in the same boat with someone,
we are headed in the same direction, we are in unity, going to the same place...

II Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

NOTE: I want Christ to be in my boat at all times because I willingly accept His guidance. I want Him there not just when the storms of life are raging but also when the sun is shining and the sea is calm. Scot also said Sunday that God is not a spare tire. Think on that awhile. So many people only want God when they are having troubles in their life, but He desires for us to fellowship with Him and willingly love Him in the good times as well. All of us will experience some kind of storm before we leave this world. I'd rather face the storm with a Good Friend than alone and scared. I'm thankful for the peace there is with Jesus!

Praying God is in your boat,
Liesa

50 Random Things

~50 THINGS~

50 Totally Random Things about Liesa George

This was a Facebook Tag, thought I'd share it on Life By George.

1. I am Liesa (i before e exept after c!)
2. I was born the first time March 1 in Red Bay, AL.
3. I was born again April 26, 79 at New Bethel Baptist Church in Belmont.
4. I have brown eyes and hair.
5. I did not go to Kindergarten.
6. I loved all my teachers at school.
7. I enjoyed playing with Barbies, Baby dolls, & Paper dolls.
8. My mother read to me and/or colored with me every day when I was little.
9. I loved to smell my daddy when he got home from work. (saw dust)
10. I graduated from high school in 1983.
11. I layed out and swam alot each summer.
12. I am a licensed Cosmetologist.
13. I met Scot the end of May, 84.
14. We married June 22, 85. "To Me" is our song.
15. We lived in Kenner, LA when we first married. (Scot was an underwater welder-diver)
16. I loved our wedding...just perfect!
17. I do NOT want to do the renewing vow thing!
18. I was not nervous on my wedding day.
19. God blessed our home with Noelle JoBeth Nov. 88.
20. God blessed our home again with Cale Scot Dec. 92.
21. I loved being pregnant!
22. I loved rocking and singing to my babies.
23. I lost alot of weight when Noelle was a baby because I'd forget to eat.
24. I would rock and sing to Cale in my Indian voice...he loved it!
25. I LOVE BEING A MOTHER!
26. I LOVE BEING A PASTOR'S WIFE!
27. I LOVE HOMESCHOOLING MY CHILDREN!
28. I LOVE MY FAMILY AT FREEDOM BAPTIST CHURCH.
29. I LOVE PEOPLE!!!
30. I miss my grandparents.
31. I collect houses, churches, Christmas ornaments, pretty pottery and dishes.
32. Pink is my favorite color.
33. Pink roses, red roses, white roses, and daisies are my fave. flowers.
34. I have zero self confidence.
35. I have 100% confidence in God.
36. It's a joy to serve God and others. JOY = JESUS, OTHERS, YOU
37. I have written several songs. (God gave them to me, I just held the pen)
38. I have been singing since I was 2 years old.
39. I play the piano by ear. (very limited in choice of keys though)
40. My hobbies include reading, photography, writing, blogging...
41. I am a HUGE LAKER FAN!
42. I love watching MLB.
43. I love ice-cream!
44. I enjoy eating out.
45. The Sound Of Music is my all time fave. movie.
46. Disney World was the best vacation I've ever had.
47. I take my coffee black and my tea unsweet..with no pink stuff!
49. I desire to be faithful to God all the days of my life.
50. Liesa George is Queen of Blessed! God's been good in my life!

Kindred Spirits

Several months ago, I started reading a ladies blog that I had found on KJV Blog Directory. Her name caught my eye...Marilyn From Mississippi. Just from reading her blog, I could tell she was a good Christian person and that family, friends, God, church, and serving others were all important things in her life. One day, I got an email from her saying that she had been reading my blog and she had figured out what part of Mississippi I'm from, etc. Come to find out, we only live a little over an hour from each other. She and her husband know my aunt, uncle, and some of my cousins that live in the same area as she. We also knew some of the same preachers in the area. I even went to school with some of her husbands family! Marilyn and I have continued to email each other all these months and had mentioned meeting sometime this summer before I have to start back to school. Tuesday was the day! I really wasn't even nervous about meeting her for the first time because I felt like I already knew her, so it was like seeing and talking to an old friend again. As my momma would say, we talked the horns off a billy goat in our two hour visit! Cale and Josh were with me. They had Cross Country practice that afternoon. I know their ears were tired by the time we got out of the restaurant! Ha. They just sat there quietly and listened. (probably wanting to roll their eyes a few times!) Lol. Mrs. Marilyn brought me a jar of her homemade pear preserves which I am saving for breakfast in my new home in a few weeks. She and I had more in common than I even realized and our visit was a breath of fresh air for me. I assure you, Lord willing, it won't be the last time we get together. Now, isn't God so good to let us meet such precious fellow Christians to encourage us, laugh with us, and listen to us? I hope you'll visit Mrs. Marilyn's blog at Walking In Truth. http://marilyn-nogreaterjoy.blogspot.com/ She will bless the socks off ya! There are some more of you I'd love to meet one of these days... Thank you Mrs. Marilyn for such a delightful afternoon! Let's do it again soon!

THIS Is The Day!

This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

I hardly know where to start as I sit here and write. This is a deep post for me. Not deep in words; "WELL" is about the deepest word I know. This post is deep in meaning and importance. If only the words would flow as the feelings flow in me; if only I could separate the words that are so jumbled in my mind.

I have come close to writing a post in the past about the subject I'm writing on today...but the time never seemed right. Well, the time is right! I cannot even begin to tell how right the time is!

When my husband pastored Bethany, Bro. Harold the song leader would have us sing a song titled "What Will I Leave Behind?" quite often. I have heard that song most of my life. Just in the past year has it really caught my attention. I've thought of this song quite a bit lately.

Last week, one of my teachers in high school and a fellow Belmontian's thirty-four year old daughter in law had a massive heart attack. She is in the hospital in a very serious condition. She and her husband have two children under the age of five. From all accounts, she was a healthy lady that took care of herself; no previous problems that I've heard of, but that Monday evening, she called her husband and the paramedics to come to her rescue when she realized something was terribly wrong. Very little hope was given to her family that night and next day.

Her husband went back to their home church Sunday morning and gave a very extensive testimony of all the miracles they had seen since that Monday before. His testimony was in 3 parts, and during the first two minutes of Part 1, I had chill bumps all over me and tears were flowing down my cheeks. He was also telling about her last few messages on Face book; they were happy and caring words, and in her notebook were the words from Psalms that I shared with you above. All of his words about her were so positive. We are all praying that this dear lady is healed completely and can go home and be a wife and mommy once again, but even though I've never met her, I only know her husband's family, her life has touched mine just through the words of her husband. People have gone to the hospital to give blood and offer their help to this family by large numbers. Her husband said, "She is loved."

Before you read any further, please know this is not a depressing, gloom filled post. Yes, it involves dying, but mostly, it involves LIVING. THIS IS THE DAY! Not tomorrow, not next week, or next year, THIS! THIS is the day I have to love, THIS is the day I have to give, THIS is the day I have to serve, THIS is the day I have to worship, THIS is the day I have to spread cheer and gladness, THIS may be the only day I have. Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. Proverbs 27:1 I need to make THIS day count!

Back to the song: "What Will I Leave Behind?"
Verse 1: After I leave for worlds unknown, Over the border line:
Never again on earth to roam. What will I leave behind?

Verse 2: Will I be missed by those I love, Or have I been unkind?
Have I been true to God above, What will I leave behind?

Verse 3: This is my prayer, O Lord, today, Let me be wholly thine;
When I am called from earth away, Let heaven then be mine.

Chorus: Leave behind, yes, leave behind, what will I leave behind?After I leave for worlds unknown, What will I leave behind?

(written by Sherrill Brown)

My son and I were on our way to get the oil changed in my van today. One of our preacher friends preaches on the radio each day, and it was time for his message, so we tuned him in.Would you believe he brought about the thought of What will I leave behind? He told of a great man of God who said that he wanted to live in such a way that he would be missed at the end of his life.

Seems like everywhere I turn lately, this thought has stared me in the face.

Here is the whole point of this post: How will people remember me when I'm gone? What will I leave behind? I'm not talking about leaving behind money, houses, and land! Will I leave behind kindness, love, care, faithfulness, laughter? What will I leave behind? So, I asked myself this question today...How do I want people to remember me when I'm gone? And again, let me remind you, this is not about death, it's about living! These are some verses that came to my mind of how I would like to be remembered. I only dream of some of these; I'm the weakest of all God's children. Any good that has been in my life is all because God put it there. Within myself, I'm nothing. I thought of Titus 2:3-5 and verses 7 & 8. These are touchy verses in this day and age. But, they are still in the Bible! The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things: That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed. Verses 7 & 8: In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. I also thought of the verses in Matthew and John that tells us over and over again to love our neighbor as ourself, to love one another, and to even love our enemies. I thought of Proverbs 17:17 where it says that a friend loves at all times. When people think of me, will they think of my love for my husband and children? Could they see that I truly and deeply loved and cared about my neighbors and people I came in contact with? What about my enemies, did I love them as well? Was I a teacher and example of 'good' things? Was I a 'pattern of good works'? Could they tell I loved God with all my heart, soul, and mind? I Corinthians 15:58 says Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Oh how I want to be remembered as a REAL christian...not wishy washy...not lukewarm! I want to be remembered as consistent, faithful, peaceable, loving, caring, joyful! What will I leave behind? We all leave behind something whether we plan to or not. What about my attitude? Is it good or bad? We all have bad days and I don't feel like Miss Merry Sunshine some days, but I desire to be the best I can be for God. I desire to shine brightly and to keep the main thing the main thing! Oh how I love Jesus because He first loved me. I encourage you to make each day count. Love deeper, give generously, laugh louder, pray and study God's Word longer, speak kindly, walk the walk, praise genuinely, witness boldly... I could go on and on. Dear friend, what will you leave behind?

Please visit the KJV Blog Directory here: http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/
You'll be blessed by the women who post on that blog each day.

A Mississippi Blessing

Note: If you are not a resident of Mississippi or never have lived in the hot, humid South, you may not understand the weight of this blessing!

Bless this house, oh Lord, we cry.

please keep it cool in mid-July.

Bless the walls where termites dine,

while ants and roaches march in time.

Bless our yard where spiders pass

fire ant castles in the grass.

Bless the garage, a home to please

carpenter beetles, ticks, and fleas.

Bless the love bugs, two by two,

the gnats and mosquitoes that feed on you.

Millions of creatures that fly and crawl,

In Mississippi, Lord, you've put them all!

But this is home, and here we'll stay,

So thank you Lord, for insect spray.

I saw this in Tombigbee Country Magazine, August 2009 edition

George Girls Day Out!

Noelle getting a pedicure

The lady finishing up on my pedicure

Happy-Happy!!!

Cheesecake for dessert at Chili's!

Noelle was on vacation July 13-17. Our family didn't have any traveling plans for the week, so she and I decided to make Friday into a mini vacation and do something we don't normally do. Neither of us had ever had a professional pedicure or manicure, so off to Nail Thology we went! When I was in beauty school over 24 years ago, we gave each other manicures, but, boy they've come a long way since then! We loved the wonderful massages and pampering we received while we were getting pedicures and manicures. You don't miss anything you've never had, but now that I've tasted the special treatment at the salon, I'm thinking I could get used to that! My feet were silky soft for days!!! After our salon appointment, we ate lunch at Chili's, went shopping at the mall, and then headed home to show off our soft and pretty hands and feet! I was close to my mother when I was growing up, and although I'm Mother to Noelle first, I'm happy to say, she and I are good friends. I love her because I'm her mother, but I actually admire her and like her very much because of the person she is. I'm so blessed to have enjoyed so many precious moments with my Mother and now my daughter. Life is good! (and just for the record: Noelle and I invited Cale to hang out with us that day, but he refused the offer. LOL)

Wisdom

Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it. Proverbs 8:10-11

Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. Proverbs 8:33

Do you understand every single verse in the Bible? If you do, that's great, but I must confess that I do not. By faith, I believe every word is true. By faith, I believe that in the beginning was God. By faith, I believe He created everything. By faith, I believe that because man sinned, God gave His only begotten son Jesus to be the sacrifice for our sins. By faith, I believe that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a perfect life, died, rose again, and is returning. By faith, I believe I have a home in Heaven because of the salvation so lovingly given to me by Christ when I asked Him to save me. By faith, I believe that God parted the Red Sea and Moses and the children of Israel crossed on dry ground. By faith, I believe the three Hebrew children didn't burn when thrown into the fiery furnace. I cannot explain all of these things, but with all my heart, I believe.

There is so much that I don't understand, but just because I don't understand it doesn't make it any less true. I don't understand how all the organs of my body work, but I believe they do. I don't understand how car motors work, but I'll crank my van without any thought, believing the motor does work.

There are enough verses that I do understand to keep me busy. I understand that I must be saved to go to Heaven, I am to live a holy life, I am to love my neighbor as myself, I am to love the Lord my God with all my heart, I am to study to show myself approved, I am to pray to God believing that he hears me, I am to introduce the lost to my friend Jesus, I am to depart from evil, forgive, and be kind. Just the things I've mentioned that I do understand is enough to keep me on my toes every single day of my life. We need to study to learn more about God's Word, but we should not let the things we don't understand hinder our walk with God. We need to keep studying and praying. If we lack wisdom, we are to ask God for it. (James 1:5) We should also put forth more effort to do the things we know to do and to not do the things we know not to do. Just putting the wisdom we do have into action would make a world of difference in our lives. Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pain we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer. I know to pray. I know to carry my every need to God. I know the Bible tells me to be anxious for nothing. I know that God says His grace is sufficient for my every need. SO... why do I worry and fret? Doesn't make a lick of sense to worry, does it? I need to put into practice everything I know and I believe I would have a much more productive Christian life, my light would burn brighter, my testimony would be more influential, and my sleep would even be sweeter.

What about the verses in the Bible that we read or perhaps our pastor points out, but yet in order to apply those verses to our lives, we would have to make some changes? If it goes against our grain, does that make the verse less true? No indeed. We are responsible for the things we know and we are responsible to study to try to know more about what God wants to tell us.

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4:12

If I get to the point that I do not want to learn more of God's Word, or to the point that I believe I do know it all, I honestly believe I would be a useless vessel for Christ.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. Proverbs 9:9-10

This is my prayer: Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. Give me understanding and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. Psalm 119:33-35

Freedom's Fish Fry

Sat., July 11, our church got together for a fish fry. We all had a wonderful time fellowshipping and of course eating! We met and et! We enjoyed fried fish, frog legs, chicken fingers, fries, hush puppies, slaw, watermelon and homemade ice-cream. Mrs. Dottie made her famous squash puffs which were so yummy. Noelle, Mrs. Dottie, and I formed an assembly line and made fried biscuits. If you've never made these, they are so easy and delicious. We had our grease heated to 350 degrees; cut canned biscuits in half; Mrs. Dottie shaped them in half moon shapes, drop them in grease, keep turned; when brown, take out of grease, drain, roll in sugar and cinnamon or powered sugar, and enjoy! They are also good served with honey! We fried several cans of biscuits and there was not one biscuit left. Most of them were eaten before we even sat down to eat our meal! There was alot of food and I didn't taste anything bad! A good time was had by all!

Mrs. Dottie telling Eddie all about her squash puffs!

Bro. Thomas and Cale battering the fish

Bro. Harold, Scot, Eddie, and Bro. Sidney
(WORKING HARD!)

Bro. Sidney & Bro. Harold
cooking hush-puppies

Me, Mrs. Dottie, Noelle, and Mitzi working in the kitchen.
There were lots of laughing going on in there!

Scot and Novelie (Kay's grandbaby)

Mrs. Inez, Bro. Roy, Mrs. Sue, Mrs. Patricia, and Mrs. Lou

enjoying their conversation!

Kay and Eddie Harold

Mrs. Barbara said it best: "MMMMM-MMMMM"

Sometimes I Cry

Sometimes I Cry


I look the part, blend in with the rest of the crowd.
I know the routine,

pack a list of the Bible studies in town.
Watch Christian TV, I know all the preachers and their cliche's.
I've been born again and without a doubt I know I'm saved.



But sometimes I hurt,
Sometimes I cry-
Sometimes I can't get it right
no matter how hard I seem to try.
Sometimes I fall down,
Stumble over my own disguise.
I try to look strong as the whole world looks on,
But sometimes alone I cry.



I try to speak faith, never give the devil one inch to get in.
I do worship and praise,

let everybody know just where that I stand.
On the back of my ride is a fish & a cross for the world to see.
I know God is good all of the time, there's no doubt for me.


~words and music, Gerald Crabb

A 'Crabb'tacular Night

Noelle & Claire going into the Corinth Civic Center Coliseum

Noelle buying a t-shirt and Jason Crabb's new cd

Jason Crabb and Noelle

Jason Crabb and Claire

Ahhh, HE signed my ticket!!!

Aaron and Amanda Crabb

Jason Crabb

Aaron Crabb, Gerald Crabb, Jason Crabb

Dixie Queen Delight!

Another joyous day with friends! This has been the most peculiar, yet wonderful time to me. I need to pinch myself to make sure 'this is my life'!!! So much has happened to me and my family the past year and it's all happening so fast, I don't have time to get one thing settled in my mind until something else comes along! I'm not complaining though. 2009 has been a wild ride, let me tell you! There has been good, there has been glorious, and there has been some hurt and sadness. No matter the situation or occasion; God has been real, God has been true, God has been faithful, and God has worked each thing to our good! I sit here amazed and dumb-founded. Even on those days there was hurt and disappointment, I wouldn't change them for anything. God has proved Himself over and over again, which has brought us closer to Him and has increased our faith and our love for Him. As for last Thursday, July 9, 2009, I met school friends for lunch at our local Dixie Queen which by the way is owned by one of the boys we went to school with all 12 years! Cool, huh? Karen, Michelle, and I had met for lunch a couple of weeks before, but Andrea was able to join us this time. Andrea has three children and SHE IS A GRANDMOTHER! Andrea works in a deli and is a very talented singer and can tickle the piano from one end to the other! She and I have great memories of singing together when we were teens. We are hoping for one more get together before Michelle has to go back to her new home in Texas. Hopefully, we'll add a few more faces to our next outing. We sat in the back corner of the Dixie Queen we all grew up loving. We laughed and laughed and laughed some more!!! We weren't so loud and obnoxious that we ran people off, but we really were quite lively! Ha. We reminisced about times in class and school and told embarrassing yet hilarious stories. I came out of there so refreshed and knowing how good my life has been and how very blessed I have been my 44 years to have such wonderful people in my life. If you read about our first luncheon in a previous post, you remember that our first grade teacher came into the restaurant and we visited with her and had pictures made with her. You never know who you'll meet up with in a small town; we were thrilled when our sixth grade reading teacher came in to the Dixie Queen Thursday. She was with one of her sons and her two grand babies. We grabbed her for a picture! I wish I had words to express the awe and wonder I feel about these precious moments in my life. You'll just have to take my word for it; cause this side of eternity, I will always fail in expressing my love, gratitude, and joy for such a wonderful life filled with such treasures as the people I write about from time to time. Thanks girls~ you light up my life and make my heart feel all gooey inside! Friends Forever and ever!

Back row: Mrs. Sondra Bullen (our 6th grade reading teacher), Michelle Culp English,

Front row: Andrea Gray Hayes, Liesa Gentle George, and Karen Oswalt Timbs

..and a time to laugh...

Ecclesiastes 3:4

Independence Day George Style

Life by George...

Taking it easy!

Cooling off!

Under the old shade tree

Tristan & Noelle resting with a book

Donnie, our chef!

Great food!

Cale enjoying watermelon

Tristan with sparkler

The horse and mules were entertained by the kids!

All four grands and great grand

Noelle, Scot, Tristan, Chrissy

Happy Birthday Ma Ma G

Happy Birthday!

July 7

Scot and his mother

Green Street Mile, 2009

Time: 6:09
Noelle and Kathy before race

We joined the Tates and Minnis's for breakfast at Ryans
after the race.

Three tired, full, and happy runners!

Be Wise

...and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

A few weeks ago, my husband taught a class at church on "How To Win Someone To The Lord." Our purpose in life should be to introduce others to Christ through our life and through God's Word. Below are the notes I took during class that night.

Pray for opportunity.
Look for opportunity.

Scot read Acts 8:26-39 where Philip witnessed to the Ethiopian eunuch. Philip was obedient to God; he went where God told him, and there he had the opportunity to witness to the Ethiopian eunuch. What did Philip tell this man? To do good? To clean up and go to church? To give of his money? All of those things are good, but no, Philip preached unto him Jesus! (verse 35)

1. Sinner must realize they are a sinner.

Romans 3:10- As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one.

Romans 3:23- For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23- For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Other verses include: Isaiah 53:6, Isaiah 64:6, Romans 5:12

2. Sinner must believe the Gospel.

Romans 5:6-8, For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.I Corinthians 15:3-4, For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures:

3. Sinner receives salvation (recognize God, know they are a sinner, believe, ask)

Romans 10:9-13, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek; for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Other verses include Acts 16:30-31, John 3:36

The salvation of our souls and the souls of others is the most important thing on earth. Salvation seems to be taken so lightly these days, and without it, we will all perish. Ask God each day to give you an opportunity to share His Word; He will answer. One of the best ways to witness to others is to just simply to tell them about what Christ has done in your life. As the old song says, 'I once was lost, but now I'm found, twas blind, but now I see.' Eternity is so serious, eternity is forever! Be wise, win souls.

I love to tell the story
of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory,
Of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story,
Because I know 'tis true;
It satisfies my longings
As nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story,
'Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story
Of Jesus and His love.

My Cup Runneth Over

One day week before last, I was in the grocery store. I saw a friend/relative in line checking out, so I waved at her as I went by. She said, "Liesa, I have a gift for you. I will get it to you soon." I said back to her, "Oh, o.k." I was surprised. She caught me off guard I guess. Last Friday when I got on Face Book, there was a note from her telling me to let her know when a good time and place would be to meet me, so I commented back and told her I'd be at the local restaurant that evening. We had been at the restaurant for a while when I noticed this friend and her daughter coming up the steps on the outside. We were sitting in the corner and I was afraid she'd have trouble finding me, so I got up and met her when she came into the restaurant. She handed me a pretty gold gift bag. I peeped in and saw a beautiful tea cup and saucer. I asked her what I did to deserve a gift...this act of kindness really touched my heart. She said when she saw this cup and saucer, it screamed out 'Liesa'. This lady and I hardly ever see each other. I guess we've talked more on Face book the past several months than we have all of our lives. And how did she know I needed a little nudge of encouragement that day? I do know the answer to that one...God laid me on her heart and she was obedient. Thank you Tammie for the beautiful gift, but most of all for the encouragement and for touching my heart with God's love.

'Songbird Garden' by Rosie B. Farmer


Charity suffereth long, and is kind;...
I Corinthians 13:4

Quotes Worth Reading

"In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." - -- Abraham Lincoln

"I pray Heaven to bestow the best of blessing on this house (the White House) and on all that shall hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof!" -John Adams

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."

"May our country be always successful, but whether successful or otherwise, always right." -John Quincy Adams

"An honorable defeat is better than a dishonorable victory." -Milliard Fillmore

"A man is known by the company he keeps, and also by the company from which he is kept out."
"Above all, tell the truth." - Grover Cleveland

"The only man who makes no mistake is the man who does nothing." - Theodore Roosevelt

"Peace is not made at the Council table or by treaties, but in the hearts of men."

"A splendid storehouse of integrity and freedom has been bequeathed to us by our forefathers. In this day of confusion, of peril to liberty, our high duty is to see that this storehouse is not robbed of its contents." -Herbert Hoover

"America is best described by one word, freedom."

"I never saw a pessimistic general win a battle."

"There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence and energy of her citizens cannot cure." -Dwight Eisenhower

"A president's hardest task is not to do what is right, but to know what is right."

"You ain't learnin' nothin' when you're talkin'."

"For this is what America is all about. It is the uncrossed desert and the unclimbed ridge. It is the star that is not reached and the harvest sleeping in the unplowed ground. . ." -Lyndon Johnson

"Always give your best, never get discouraged, never be petty; always remember, others may hate you. Those who hate you don't win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself."

"What kind of nation we will be, what kind of world we will live in, whether we shape the future in the image of our hopes, is ours to determine by our actions and our choices." -Richard Nixon

"Truth is the glue that holds governments together. Compromise is the oil that makes governments go." -Gerald Ford

"The United States is the best and fairest and most decent nation on the face of the earth." -George H.W. Bush

"Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder." -George Washington

"We believe that all men are created equal because they are created in the image of God."
-Harry S. Truman

"America has begun a spiritual reawakening. Faith and hope are being restored. Americans are turning back to God. Church attendance is up. Audiences for religious books and broadcasts are growing. And I do believe that he has begun to heal our blessed land." -Ronald Reagan

"I have found it advisable not to give too much heed to what people say when I am trying to accomplish something of consequence. Invariably they proclaim it can't be done. I deem that the very best time to make the effort." -Calvin Coolidge

"People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be."

"I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day."

"Having chosen our course, without guile and with pure purpose, let us renew our trust in God, and go forward without fear and with manly hearts."

"Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves; and under a just God, can not long retain it." - Abraham Lincoln

America

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord...

Psalm 33:12

America, The Beautiful

by Katharine Lee Bates - 1913

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet,

Whose stern impassion'd stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness!

America! America!

God mend thine ev'ry flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness,

And ev'ry gain divine!

O Beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam,

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

If my people, which are called by my name,

shall humble themselves, and pray,

and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways;

then will I hear from heaven,

and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14

Diamonds In Life

A friend loveth at all times...

Proverbs 17:17

Wednesday, June 23rd, I met my long time friends Michelle and Karen at our local restaurant for lunch. Michelle, Karen, and I started to school together. We were all three in the same first grade class. We were in school together all twelve years! After we graduated from high school, we went our separate ways of course. Life happens and it's hard to keep in touch. Karen married first in 1984, I married in 1985, and Michelle married in 1986! We all have a son and a daughter each. Karen already has a daughter in law! Michelle moved away with her military husband, so she and I haven't seen each other over six or seven times in the past 26 years. She was home visiting her family in between moving. She and I were expecting our daughters at the same time, and again four years later, we both were expecting our sons the same year. Michelle is a teacher, Karen is a florist and singer, and I am a pastor's wife and home school mother. It's amazing where life takes us! Karen lives in our hometown, so she and I see each other more, but rarely take the time to visit. Last Wednesday was such a bright spot in my life!!! I was like a little kid all morning long anticipating the luncheon with my dear friends. They arrived at the restaurant before me; I found them in line and we all shared hugs and smiles! My forty-four years felt like twelve all over again! I remember what I got to eat, but I honestly don't know if I tasted it. I was sitting there trying to take in every precious moment of the time with my friends. I wanted to engrave each word, smile, and detail into my memory. We sat there for two hours enjoying our time together. We were ecstatic when our first grade teacher, Mrs. Judy came in to eat! As she was leaving, she sat down at our table and visited for a while. She made a huge impression upon my life when I was just a little six year old girl. I had a grand experience in first grade which made me look forward to second grade and so forth! I thought she was the prettiest lady I had ever seen, and she still is today! She was telling us her age the other day and I honestly hope I look half as good as she does when I'm fifty, much less___________! lol I tell you, I sit here amazed and just get chill bumps all over when I think about all the people God has let me cross paths with. I can hardly contain myself. I love people-always have... People like Karen, Michelle, and Mrs. Judy will forever hold special places in my heart. If only they could look inside, for there are no words to express it.


Michelle and Karen catching up!

Diamonds in my life.

Time can't take away anything that has already been given:

Your treasures from days gone by are treasures still;

your most precious memories will always be.

We learn, as we go along,

that happiness is not one big, beautiful jewel we can hold-

or lose- in our hands.

Each one of us is an hourglass.

And in course of our lives,

we get to keep the diamonds that come our way among the passing sands.

~Douglas Pagels

How Does Your Garden Grow?!

My parents home.

Daddy built this house. I lived there from the age

of six until I got married at the age of 20.

My daddy's garden.

This picture was taken several weeks ago.

It's even prettier now.

I had planned to have a small garden this year, but

after we found out we would have to move, I knew

I couldn't have one. My daddy planted one for me

at his house. We are reaping from his hard work.

The size may not show on the picture, but

this cabbage was almost as big as a basketball.

It was wonderful cooked and shredded for cole slaw.

Beans, tomatoes, and squash.
Yum!

My Pa Pa Jess

I think of my grandparents daily. Although all of them are deceased, they were just such an important part of my life, I still feel so close to them. Pa Pa Jess was my daddy's daddy. He was a royal mess! Even as an old man, I thought he was just the cutest thing! Mischievous is a great word to describe him. You couldn't sit beside him without him reaching over and showing you how a mule eats corn by squeezing your knee, which would send us to the other end of the couch, because it tickled so much. He was always making jokes and kidding around. Pa Pa was a hard worker too. He worked on the railroad, did carpentry work, and farmed. My Cale has some actions and ways like Pa Pa Jess, which thrills me to no end. Pa Pa's birthday would have been Tuesday, June 23rd. God blessed me with special grandparents. Death may have separated us for a season, but according to each grandparent's testimony, I believe we'll meet again to be separated never again. Happy Birthday Pa Jess! (and try to behave!)

Indeed, Life Is Good!

Scot and I had a nice anniversary the 22nd. My parents gave us the grill pictured above.

Our children gave us a gift card from 'Olive Garden' which we enjoyed Thursday,the 25th. I ate calamari for the first time. Our church family gave us a generous love gift June 21st. Scot kidded and said that he was using his half to go on a new gun! Wait, maybe he wasn't' kidding! Ha. We also received many beautiful greeting cards, a JC Penny gift card, candle, and picture frames. Scot and I are very blessed with wonderful family and treasured friends. God has been tremendously good to us the past 24 years, and for that, we are truly grateful.

Scot and I decided to try a restaurant that we had never eaten at before. We chose 'Atlanta Bread'. The food was very good; that won't be our last visit.

Bistro Chicken Press (left)

Bella Chicken (right)

Potato salad, pickles, and chips

Chocolate cobbler for dessert

(Cracker Barrel)

After our meal at Atlanta Bread, we shopped a while at

Lowes and Staples, then stopped in at Cracker Barrel for dessert!

Happy 24th Anniversary to my sweet Scot.
And yes, I'd do it all over again!

Whither Thou Goest, I Will Go

...Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest I will go; and where thou lodgest I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me. Ruth 1:16-17

Liesa ~N~ Scot
6-22-85

Happy Father's Day Pa Pa G.

I'm thankful for Gordon, my father in law. Through his day to day life, he showed Scot how to be a godly husband and daddy. Gordon is a very tender hearted, kind, hard working family man. Scot tells a funny story from the pulpit. He said that when he was growing up, his daddy and mother went to church every time the doors were open. He said that if he (Scot) was sick, his daddy would tell him to go throw up. After Scot would throw up, Gordon would say, "Now, don't you feel better? Let's go to church!" I don't know if all that's true, but Scot's point was that his daddy saw to it that his family was in the house of God regularly. As Scot says, the family didn't get up on Sunday mornings and vote on it! Gordon is a man of few words, but his life has spoken loudly in a blessed way to all who know him.

Happy Father's Day 2009

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he

delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be

utterly cast down: for the Lord unholdeth him with his hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a

man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels.

Proverbs 1:5

...blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.

Psalm 84:12

The just man walketh in his integrity:

his children are blessed after him.

Proverbs 20:7

...yea, I have a goodly heritage.

Psalm 16:6

Daddy's Hands

Me & My Daddy!

I remember daddy's hands folded silently in prayer

and reaching out to hold me when I had a nightmare.

You could read quite a story in the calluses and lines

years of work and worry had left their mark behind.


I remember daddy's hands how they held my momma tight

and patted my back for something done right.

There are things that I've forgotten that I loved about the man

but I'll always remember the love in daddy's hands.

[chorus]

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin

Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong.

Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand

there was always love in daddy's hands.


I remember daddy's hands working til they bled

sacrificed unselfishly just to keep us all fed.

If I could do things over, I'd live my life again

and never take for granted the love in daddy's hands.

[chorus]

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin

Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong.

Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand

there was always love in daddy's hands.

Psalm 112:1-2

Praise ye the Lord, Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord that delighteth greatly in his commandments. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the
generation of the upright shall be blessed.

A Good Read

Cale and I went Father's Day shopping Tuesday. While browsing in the Christian book store, I passed by a new Elizabeth George book. (or at least it was new to me) And lo and behold, it was on sale for under $7.oo, so I happily took that as a sign that I was supposed to purchase the book! I'm already glad that I did buy it! I've only read two chapters so far, but I've already been blessed and encouraged. I've been reading books authored by Elizabeth George for many years now and there is not a bad one in the bunch.

Now, as for the book...The title within itself is very intriguing. Following God with All Your Heart.

Here is a list of the sections in the book...

1. Becoming a Successful Woman

2. Becoming a Courageous Woman

3. Becoming an Exceptional Woman

4. Becoming a Humble Woman

5. Becoming a Contented Woman

6. Becoming a Confident Woman

Some quotes from the book:

God's Word is a map

you can safely follow

as you travel through life.

Take the first step in faith.

You don't have to see the whole staircase,

just take the first step.

(Martin Luther King Jr.)

When we disregard God's Word,

disobey Him,

or fail to believe in His promises,

we experience defeat.

We must believe in

God's plan for us,

lock in on it, move forward,

see it through, and finish.

Then we'll know God's brand of success.

At the fork in every road,

choose the road that

brings you nearer to God.

Realize the impact of your obedience. What is God asking you to do? Obeying makes a huge difference, beyond what you can think of or dream of. Imagine what the world would be like if... Noah had said, "I don't do boats." David had said, "I don't do Goliaths." Mary had said, "I don't do virgin births." John the Baptist had said, "I don't do baptisms." Paul had said, "I don't do letters." Jesus had said, "I don't' do crosses!" and what if... Joshua had said, "I don't do Jordans."

The chapters I have read so far comes from the book of Joshua. She compares our obedience, battles, and success with that of Joshua's. I don't want to give away the entire book, but I do hope to wet your whistle to read some of Elizabeth George's works. Even if you don't wish to purchase them, just an hour or so skimming over them in a book store is well worth your time.

Pray for me as I do my best to

FOLLOW GOD WITH ALL MY HEART!

Our New Church

Freedom Baptist Church

My wonderful pastor

Sunday, May 24, Freedom Baptist Church voted Scot in as their new pastor. We had been without a church for about 9 weeks. A God-called pastor is happiest when he has a church to pastor! We thank God for getting our name to the people at Freedom Baptist Church and for placing us there to serve and work. The members have all been so gracious, generous, and kind.

Teen Camp 2009

Well let us all go back to that old landmark

Let us all go back to that old landmark

Well let us all go back to that old landmark

Let us stay in the service of the Lord

Well let us kneel and pray in the old time way

Let us kneel and pray in the old time way

Well let us kneel and pray in the old time way

He will hear us and be near us

We'll be given bread from Heaven

Tell the story of His glory

It will warn them, it will turn them

It will save this old world from sin and shame

(From The Old Landmark)

Cale went to teen church camp June 1-5 in Alabama. It's the same camp his dad attended when he was a child. After Scot and I married and moved back to Alabama, we would attend the night services at this camp. Now, Scot's generation has children at this camp. Cale had never been to camp, so this mother was a bit concerned. We went to the Wed. night church service last week, and Cale met us with a hug and a smile. I asked him if he needed more money for snacks, and he said, 'No Mom, I've only spent four dollars, they feed you good here! We get seconds!' That was very important to my Cale! He had made new friends, enjoyed classes, singing, and preaching, and had swam, ran, and played alot of basketball. It rained Thursday. They had a mud fight after the rain; and had a 'redneck paintball fight' with marshmallows, mustard, and ketchup. Sorry I missed out on that! I'm thankful for the Light that keeps shining brightly at this wonderful camp each year. I'm glad Cale got to experience the same thing his dad did around 30 years before. Same place, but most importantly, THE SAME GOD!

Cale introduced us to one of his new friends, Ryan, better known as 'Happy'

Youth leader/song leader Jarod with New Union's youth

Mrs. Tammy, Tage, and Bro. Greg

(New Unions Pastor and family)

Noelle Treats Us

If you read the previous post on Life By George, you know that Noelle was certified as a teller week before last and that one of the gifts she received was a generous visa. She had been telling us for several months that when she finished her class and got a visa, she was using part of it to take us to eat at Outback. She has eaten there one time with the bank, and Scot and I had eaten there one time several years ago. Our family loves to go out on weekends, and to make it more doable, we don't eat places that cost $20.oo per person. We also try to frequent the local restaurants too, so Chili's and Santa Fe is where we go if we want to splurge. Of course, most of you know, Cracker Barrel is my favorite! Anyway...Scot and I told Noelle that we'd pay since she'd done so well with her classes, etc., but this is something she really wanted to do, so Saturday, May 30, we pick our friend Claire up and head to Outback in Tupelo! We had moved the week before and we were all exhausted and a bit stressed. Getting out and being together without being surrounded by boxes and having something to pick up and move was a treat within itself. We all let our hair down and had a great time! Scot and Cale ordered steak, Claire ordered a shrimp-pasta dish, and Noelle and I ate Alice Springs chicken. Of course, we had to have a Bloomin' Onion! When the waitress brought the ticket out, she naturally handed it to Scot, who pointed to Noelle and said, "That belongs to her tonight!" What a generous daughter we have! We had such a good time together. Of course, Outback was a treat, but we would have had just as grand of a time at Mickey D's, because we were together! Thanks Noelle-the food was delish and the laughs were just what the doctor ordered!
Girls can be soooo silly!!!

Yep, plum silly!

Yummy bread. No one cared for it except me!

I could have eaten the entire loaf!

The famous Bloomin' Onion!

Cale & Noelle

Noelle & Claire

Mom and Dad are all smiles!

A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

Noelle Is Certified

My daughter was a teacher's ideal student in school. She loved books, learning, and she was self-disciplined to boot! I, as her mother and teacher, knew that she could go on to college and be anything she wanted to be. Her dream job is that of a 'domestic engineer', but God has not answered that prayer as of yet. Noelle chose to not waste her time sitting around waiting on God to answer her prayer, but she did not have a desire to go to college. Most people could not understand that decision. After she graduated from high school April 27, 2007, she began looking for a job; but not just any job. She put in an application at several banks and libraries. After she put her application in at Community Spirit, she came out and said, "That's the bank I am going to work at." They were not hiring at the time, so she worked at the local restaurant and as a nanny for our neighbors two children, and she did so joyfully. In August of that year, I had surgery that limited my work for six weeks. Noelle and Cale took over everything. It was amazing and such a blessing. I think they did a better job than I do! When Noelle's feet hit the floor in the mornings, she'd start a load of clothes, and then go on in to her daily routine. I was never embarrassed about the house when visitors came. Noelle would call or visit the bank every 90 days to let them know she was still interested in working there, and finally, February 11, 2008, the bank called her. She's been there ever since! She loves her job, she adores the people, she never complains about it and is always up and ready to go in. Noelle had been working a couple of months and the bank graciously offered banking classes to the employees. Some of the classes were at the bank and some of the classes were on line. Noelle took those classes and as of May 27, 2009, she is a certified professional teller, which came with several goodies including a framed certificate, name plate, restaurant gift card and a generous visa. Her dad and I are so very proud of her. We are most proud of the Godly young lady she is and for following the path she felt God was calling her in instead of listening to people's opinions. Noelle applies Proverbs 3:5-6 to her life. She has trusted God with all her heart and leaned not on her own understanding. She has acknowledged Him and He has kept His promise and directed her ways. Noelle is a blessing to our home and from what I hear around town, she's a blessing to all those at the bank that she works with and to the people she serves. I would not be a prouder mother if she had graduated at Harvard or Yale! I tell you folks, I say it yet again: Do what is right, honor God, trust Him, follow Him, He is ever faithful and true! Congratulations to my Noelle JoBeth! Your dad and I are so very proud of you.

*note: Noelle will begin another class when it's offered

Mr. Bolton presenting Noelle with her certificate.

Mixed Emotions

Today is a sad day to me due to the fact we are moving from the community we so lovingly nicknamed 'Mayberry' and due to the other fact that we won't have Internet for a while. Bell south told me it's not available, to check back with them in 90 days! I 'bout died! So, I got busy contacting people with other means of Internet and maybe one of their ideas will work out for us VERY SOON!!! Check back at Life By George often to see if I'm back. I have never had the pleasure to meet most of you, but YOU are such an important and special part of my days. I look forward to visiting with you each morning as I enjoy my morning coffee. Please know what a blessing you are to me. O.K., now I'm sounding like I'm not coming back! Ha.

The other news I wish to share with you is this: March 15th was the last day my husband was pastor at Bethany. Sunday night, May 24, Freedom Baptist Church in Amory voted Scot in as their new pastor. It's exciting, yet scary. I've posted about when you don't know what to do, don't do anything, and I assure you God works in those kinds of situations. Waiting on God did two things for us; put us in HIS perfect will and kept us from going ahead of HIM, which always leads to trouble. Please pray for us as we serve Christ and the people at Freedom.

This week, one journey in Life By George comes to a close, but a new journey begins. As long as the Lord is walking by my side, and occasionally He has to carry me, then, all is well. We are excited about our new place to worship and serve.

We were already in the process of renting a house in Belmont, so we are still moving there as I type! We will look for something bigger and more permanent later. Life By George has been moving at a rapid speed. Most days, I'm quite dizzy! I've just grabbed hold and tried to hang on!

One suggestion: be extra kind to your pastor and his family. I had no idea of the heavy loads they carry each and every day until God called Scot to preach. I had always tried to be very respectful of the man of God and his family, and was pretty thoughtful, but if I'd known then what I know now by living it, I would have done so much more to be helpful and encouraging. And I definitely would have prayed for them more.

Well, so long for a few days or weeks. Hope your days are full of God's goodness, joy, and peace.

Keep bloggin'! I'll catch up with all of your news and encouraging words when I return.

Happy Day!

Liesa

A Thoughtful Gift, REMINDERS

To read today's post, click below:

http://kjvblogs.blogspot.com/2009/05/wednesday-in-word-thoughtful-gift.html

Bro. Green

Gladys Ann and Bro. Green

My dream, my hope is to be the pastor's wife Gladys Ann was to our church and the wife to Scot that she was to Bro. Green. My dream, my hope is for Scot and I to be as faithful and hard working as they were for over forty years. How Bro. Green did everything he did, and was at all the places he went is honestly beyond my comprehension. It's almost like he had 'super' powers. Well, of course, that's it! His Super God and Bro. Green's Super desire to please God and to serve others is HOW he did everything! This man of God had a great love and a great compassion for the souls of each and every person he met. He's with God now pain free and care free!

We'll meet again Bro. Green~ for my soul and your soul have been set eternally free by the blood of Jesus you so boldly and zealously proclaimed. What a difference (for the good) you made in my life~ and I shall forever be grateful. See you later my dear pastor and friend.

When I come to the end of the day

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not too long

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love we once shared-

Miss me, but let me go.

For this journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Maker's plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart

Go to the friends we know

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds-

Miss me, but let me go.

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

II Timothy 4:7

In Loving Memory

Rev. Charles Daniel Green

Sunday August 7, 1927

Tuesday May 19, 2009

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Romans 10:15

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Hebrews 4:9

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Jude 21-23

Driver's Permit

It's official~ both children are drivers!

Cale got his driver's permit yesterday morning.

(May 20, 2009)

We celebrated at O' Charleys.

Cale enjoyed soup, chicken o'tenders, fries, and rolls.

I had shrimp, broccoli, soup and rolls.

Cale drove us to church.

Here is Scot and Noelle's reactions!!!! Ha.

Good ole mom!

Cale did a great job driving to and from church.

I can tell he's had a lot of experience driving the

lawn mower and four-wheeler.

Happy Birthday Kathy!

Cale and I surprised Kathy at work yesterday.

Kathy loves Midnite Pottery and crosses.

She is holding the cross plate we got her from Midnite Pottery.

Happy Birthday Kathy!

Love,

Liesa

Once upon a time, summer of 1980, at the public swimming pool, in a small town in Mississippi, a new-comer offered some sun tan lotion to a hometown girl. These two girls had never seen or met each other before. The hometown girl accepted the suntan oil, started a conversation, and from that day until now, those two girls have been friends. Kathy, the new-comer was 19 and Liesa, the hometown girl was 15 years old, but this did not prevent the friendship from forming. These two spent lots of time together shopping, watching movies, and just hanging out talking. Kathy was the first to marry in 1983. She asked Liesa to be her maid of honor. Kathy returned the favor and was Liesa's matron of honor in 1985. Liesa was the first to have children. In 1988, Noelle was born and immediately, Kathy became 'Aunt Kaki". By the time Noelle was two, when Aunt Kaki would wag her, Noelle's legs would hit at Kathy's knees, but Kathy didn't mind. Then, Cale came along in 1992 and the spoiling continued. In October, 1994, Kathy gave birth to a baby boy, Josh. 'Aunt Liesa' was thrilled! These two girls, now ladies have always been there for each other. True friends are rare; what a treasure the hometown girl has had the past almost twenty-nine years of friendship with the new comer! And they were friends and lived happily ever after. The End.

Real True Friends

"... When you ask God for a gift,

Be thankful if he sends,

Not diamonds, pearls or riches,

but the love of real true friends."

by Helen Steiner Rice

Josh, Kathy, & David

Kathy and David on their 25th wedding anniversary.

Oct. 8, 2008

Josh and Kathy, Easter 2009

Noelle & Aunt Kaki

Aunt Kaki and Noelle at graduation. Kathy cried more than I did!

David, Kathy, Cale, and Noelle

Friends are relatives you make for yourself. ~Eustache Deschamps

P.S.

Thanks for the suntan oil!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Today is Monday, May 18, 2009

Outside my window...It's a cool morning. The sun is shining brightly on trees of green. The birds are singing praises to the Creator!

I am thinking...I have a busy-busy week ahead. I am also thinking that I graduated from high school 26 years ago this Wed.~ WOW!

I am thankful for...God's peace, God's joy, God's provision.

From the learning rooms...there is anticipation for this school year to come to an end. Friday is our last day until August!

From the kitchen...Biscuits, bacon, and eggs for Cale. Oatmeal with honey and cinnamon and black coffee for me! Tonights supper consists of chicken tenders, baked potatoes, and rolls.

I am wearing...blue and white house dress. (old and comfy)

I am creating...a healthier family, an organized move, ...

I am going...hopefully no place today.

I am reading...Secure in the Everlasting Arms by Elisabeth Elliot. I just finished Who Brings Forth The Wind by Lori Wick. (for the fourth or fifth time)

I am hoping... my dear friend Kathy has a very happy and blessed birthday Wednesday.

I am hearing...peace and quiet with a few birds in the background.

Around the house...BOXES! I still have more packing to do. During all the chaos, I will continue to keep laundry going and my family fed.

One of my favorite things...just sitting back watching God do His thing in our lives. He's amazing! I stand in awe! Another favorite thing I've discovered in the past week is gumbo and baked fish at a new restaurant we tried. Yum.

A few plans for the rest of the week: visit Kathy, buy more plastic storage boxes, bake some goodies for Wed. night youth group, finish school, ...

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Belmont Class of '83

May 20, 1983

God bless you all.

Thanks for visiting Life By George today.

For more Simple Woman's Daybook, go here:

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Bloggers

I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to post this picture.

Recognize any of these ladies? We are all Bloggers. I visit with these ladies almost every single day. Another lady blogger was at the race today, but she wasn't around when we took this picture. (Heather) I have known Roan (Tie-Dye t-shirt) for a few years, and had met Julie (First on left) last year at Cross Country, but the other three ladies and I have gotten to know each other by visiting each other's blogs. Check out their blogs; you'll enjoy getting to know them too. They are just as sweet in person! This was a high-light of my day!

Visit Julie at http://kirstenandalecsmom.blogspot.com/

Kim at http://kkillough.blogspot.com/

Lynn at http://lynnmims.blogspot.com/

Roan at http://joyfuljohnsons.blogspot.com/

Em at http://accidentalfarmwife.blogspot.com/

and Heather at /http://6duleys.blogspot.com/

Scot talking with Em. He was glad to meet her. He loves her blog. (She's quite adventurous!)