Monday, July 27, 2009

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)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

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

Monday, July 20, 2009

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"

Thursday, July 16, 2009

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

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

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

Monday, July 13, 2009

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

Thursday, July 9, 2009

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

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

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.

Monday, July 6, 2009

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

Friday, July 3, 2009

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