New England Vacation--Day Four--July 24,2010

Oh, my aching feet!  Even though we toured most of Philadelphia on top of a trolley bus, we still did a lot of walking! I've always had trouble with a "foot ache" as Mama used to call it!  I remember she thought it was a disgrace when Paul came over to visit me and I let him rub my feet.  Not because she thought it was selfish on my part to ask him to do it but because it wasn't PROPER!  My feet!  Can you imagine that?  Oh, how times have changed.  But I know that that was one of the first things that made me KNOW that Paul was the one for me.  He would rub my feet until they stopped hurting!  And they would hurt a lot after putting in tobacco all day!  Funny, huh?  (Hopefully a foot rub is in my very near future!)

We enjoyed seeing Philadelphia very much, but there was an underlying mood of sadness over me most of the day, beginning with the very first short video we watched at the Visitors' Center.  Since I teach The Light and the Glory for Children as part of the third grade curriculum at CCS, I KNOW what our founding fathers went through during the period before and after we declared our independence from England.  I also know what our Constitution was based on,  The Mayflower Compact, which was drawn up by the Pilgrims to govern themselves.  And that the Mayflower Compact came right from Biblical principles! Never once was it mentioned that George Washington was a Christian and how he would pray for guidance during the war and how he would lead his troops in prayer every day. Only once during our whole visit did I see any reference to God at all.  We were in the US Mint and there was a plaque on the wall near the Marine Commemorative coin.  Highlighted in yellow were the words that in a certain year (I forgot the exact year) congress passed a law that said the words "Liberty" and "In God We Trust" would ALWAYS be printed on coins in the United States.  I thought it was interesting that this was placed near the "Marines"!
It hurts me to know that a nation that God loves so much would turn its back on Him, but I feel that is exactly what has happened.  Remember 2 Chronicles says: "If My people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land."  Everyone, please pray for our nation.

One of my favorite places was Independence Hall where George Washington and all the delegates sat to write and ratify the Constitution.  The next picture below shows the actual chair that Gen. Washington sat in.  You can't see it, but carved in the back of the chair is "half" of a sun.  Benjamin Franklin said he wasn't sure if the sun was rising or setting because of all the disagreements among the delegates.  After the Constitution was drawn up, he said he now saw it as a rising sun.  That meant that he now thought the new nation would make it.

 One funny story that happened today involved this building.  Because Philadelphia was the first capital and the fact that it holds so much historical value, everyone's bags were searched.  I thought about my little scissors in my pocketbook, so I folded those back up so the points didn't show.  I never thought about the container of mace Brandon gave me to put in my purse!  Yes, they found it!  The guy had to get the police officer to examine it to determine what it was.  I explained to him that my policeman son had given it to me last summer. We were traveling out west, and he wanted me to be able to protect myself.  I told the officer I'd never used it and forgot it was in my purse.  He
said, "Well, just make sure you don't use it in here!"  and let me go.  There were several other places where my purse was searched and at the mint it even had to go through the x-ray machine.  But each time I slipped the pepper spray out of my purse and put it in my pocket.  I also had to go through the metal detector at the mint, but the alarm didn't go off.


Next, we saw the Liberty Bell.  Yes, this is the actual bell, with its original crack in it.  When I think about the Liberty Bell and what it represents, I can't help but wonder why some people have so many negative things to say about our military who is trying to make sure other countries can experience freedom from persecution.  I, for one, personally thank everyone who has served our country and sacrificed themselves and their families for other people.

Let freedom ring!



Another character we met was Betsy Ross.  She did not actually design the flag.  She ran an upholstery shop and made curtains for a living. She was asked to make the flag look better using another person's design.
She was still making flags for the ships, and she explained that she used beeswax on her thread before she sewed it.  We use beeswax today to make our thread glide easier through the fabric.  She said she used it for ships' flags because when the sun melted the beeswax, it melted into the fabric to make the stitches stronger.  She said the fabric would rot before her stitches broke.  She looks pretty good for her age, huh?

The next two pictures are of a priceless treasure!!

Don't you agree!

Tomorrow we're on the road to Vermont!
See you then.

New England Vacation--Day Three--July 23,2010

Our day began leisurely for the second day in a row.  Now this is a vacation!  Last year we had to get up early every morning to get on the road because we had such long drives to get to where we wanted to be.  Texas isn't the only state that's BIG!  Since we have relatively short driving distances this year, we can be a little bit lazy about getting started.  It was especially nice this morning because the bed and breakfast we stayed in was SO comfortable.  We had breakfast there with a beautifully decorated dining room and nicely set tables with real China.  I felt pampered!
After we checked out we rode the countryside and looked at Amish farms and fields.  We saw many of the Amish out in the fields working.  All their farms, houses, and yards were so neat and well cared for.  We stopped at an old mill and the guide there gave us a personal tour and history of the mill and the family who ran it for many years.  It is still a working mill, but not used for such.  They just show it off to visitors.  The last son worked it for all his life with the exception of the time he went to war.  He never married, so all the money he'd earned went toward the preservation of the old mill.  It still operates today on his money, even though he has been dead for many years.
We stopped at a few Amish farms that had little shops out back with things to sell.  I bought a quilted potholder, a key chain, and books.  We saw some absolutely beautiful quilts!  Another things that was so neat was their work area in the back.  Their sewing machines, paddle fans, Visa machine (yes, you read that right), etc. were run off of wind power.  You could hear the sound of wind rushing through the hoses that ran to their equipment.


We stopped at Valley Forge and did the "driving tour".  That's where you ride around the battlefield in your car...and take pictures from the van!  LOL  We did stop and get out at George Washington's headquarters and tour the buildings.  At the Memorial Chapel I found a used book store!!!  Yes, I bought more books!! But only two---well, one was free---and a Bible at that!

The drive to Philadelphia was okay until we hit the outer limits of the city.  MORE TRAFFIC!  UGGGH!  But it was worth it.  We are now in the Hilton in Philly, and we have an absolutely beautiful view from our window. 

On a down note, I've lost my prescription glasses.  I've looked everywhere, but to no avail.  Please pray that we'll find them.  I'll call the stores tomorrow in Amish country to see if anyone found a pair.

Tomorrow will be a lot different from today.  From the simple lives of the Amish to the bustling city of Philadelphia.
What adventures await us tomorrow?

New England Vacation--Day Two--July 22,2010

What an adventurous day!  First of all we met Miss Mary at the Crackerbarrel in Frederick.  She looked just like I pictured she would!  We had a nice breakfast and then went to see her condo.  It is such a cute little place!  She still had so many of the things there that I remember from visiting her house out in the country so many years ago.  We talked about the times we visited her with the kids and looked at all the things she had collected from her travels.  It was such a sweet time of fellowship and remembrances.  I did feel the loss of Mr. Otis, however. He was there, though, in his pictures scattered around and in our hearts.

Then it was on to Hershey, PA.  The traffic on the other side of DC stopped us in our tracks for awhile.  It took us much longer to get there than anticipated due to the snails pace we encountered for several miles. We did get to the Quilt Odyssey and saw some absolutely gorgeous quilts, some antiques as well as modern works of art.  Quilting has definitely evolved from functional necessities to intricate wall art.  But the best part of the quilt show was meeting a friend of mine that I know only through a quilting website.  We "just happened" to be at the same place at the same time.  We had never met in person until today, but we knew we "connected" with one another by our conversations via the internet.  Once we met in person, it was obvious why.  We shared some of the same qualities, including our striving toward intricate detail and perfectionism in our work.  It was such a blessing to meet another sister in Christ and a fellow quilter.  This meeting was truly organized by God to bring a blessing to my life.
Then on to Bird-in-Hand.  My first view of an Amish buggy and rider brought a huge smile to my face.  I so admire the Amish.  I've told Paul before that I believe I could have been Amish. He asked me if I was ready to move up here.  It is a temptation, but there are too many heart strings at home for it to actually take place.
We visited Zook's Fabric Shop (yes, I bought MORE fabric).  So many fabrics in that little Amish store!  It was too hard to choose quilting fabrics, so I bought some pretty flannel to make blankets out of that they had on sale.  So soft and cuddly.  Across and down the street a ways was the Old Country Store.  They had some beautiful things, including quilts, and more FABRIC!  I loved it!  I did buy a couple half yards to make yo-yos out of for the yo-yo comforter I'm making.  I tucked my quilting supplies in my bag in hopes I would have a few minutes to stitch up a few while we're away.  We'll see.

We got to our Bed and Breakfast about 5:00, and I promptly fell on the bed and went fast asleep.  I don't know if it was a combination of my allergy medicine and Dramamine or the fact that I was dead tired, but I was OUT!  I woke up in time to go to dinner with Paul at the Bird-in-Hand restaurant.  We rode through the countryside after dinner.  Such beauty all around us.  We saw an Amish man and his son bringing a load of hay in from the fields.  We saw Amish children riding their bikes and scooters.  We saw so many Amish farms, horses, and wagons. Everything was so neat and clean and beautiful.  We could all learn something from the Amish.  They certainly are an inspiration for me!  As it got darker, I also noticed there were very few lights on in their houses.  Remember the Amish don't use electricity.   Their way of life seems so simple and serene.  I know they work hard, but I've never seen an Amish person overweight.  Maybe that's also a lesson for us. 

Until tomorrow...
Jackie

Miss Mary

New England Vacation--Day One--July 21,2010

We are so excited! We’ve been really busy this summer! Brandon’s wedding, Charity’s surgery, and Joshua’s departure for Japan all happened within ten days of each other. Paul has worked long hours in 100 degree weather! I’ve been at Charity’s house a lot helping her take care of Carter and with getting around from place to place. Paul and I are both so glad we can be available and have the strength and energy to help our kids when they need us. Fortunately, Charity is well on her way to recovery now, so here we are—on our way to tour the New England states!

I had to attend a teacher workday today, so Paul worked as well to keep from taking a whole day of vacation time. I was so impressed with our new Head of School. I can tell she is a godly woman with serving Jesus on her mind. Our meetings were good, and we had a beautiful time of worship at the end. We finished early, so I was able to get home earlier than I thought. We had everything packed and ready, so it didn’t take long to get on the road.
Our first stop tonight will be in Fredrick, MD. I called Miss Mary, (a family friend of Dallas and Lucille that watched Paul and his siblings grow up) after we got on the road to tell her we were going to be near her home tonight. We made plans to meet tomorrow morning at the Cracker Barrel next to our hotel, which is only minutes from her house. It was so good to talk to her after so many years. She sounded just the same—with her hearty laugh. I can still see how her whole face smiles when she laughs. We’re so excited about seeing her, even if only for a short visit as we pass through her area.

Our first “feet” picture is below. For those of you who followed my last vacation blogs, you’ll understand this. On our trip out west last summer, Paul started playing around just to annoy me, by taking pictures of my feet. So to get back at him, I took pictures of HIS feet. Well, one thing led to another, so we started taking “feet” pictures wherever we went. These pictures came to represent the places we had been. Therefore, had to begin this year’s vacation with an appropriate picture of “out-the-door”. Last year, Paul took a picture of our ending odometer reading—7,250 miles in 24 days. So, appropriately, here is our beginning odometer reading set at 0. We’ll see what it reads when we come back.

Please continue to pray for us for safety and health, and remember, we love you, but Jesus loves you more.

Mother/Son Wedding Dance

I don’t know if I ever realized there was a Mother/Son dance at weddings. I knew there was a Father/Daughter dance, so at Brandon's wedding reception this weekend I was surprised when the DJ said, “And now for the mother/son dance”. My son walked across the dance floor from his bride toward me, and I left his Daddy’s side to meet him on the dance floor. As he put his arms around me he said, “Mama, listen to the words of this song carefully. I picked it out myself just for you.” I only heard the first few words of the song because my emotions took over and all the specialness of this son of mine swept over me like a tidal wave! He’s my baby boy! And now he’s a married man! No, I don’t think I’m losing him. He’s much too much like his daddy for me to think that. I know that he will always be there for me.

He was there for me when my mother died, even though he was only about 19 months old at the time. He was the one who sat on my lap and hugged me when I cried, and he cried with me over the loss I felt. I believe he felt the loss, too. He was the one that brought me little dried flowers he picked out by the woods. He was the one that needed a turtle to raise for Scouts, and we stopped and turned around in the middle of the road to go back to get Spot. We raised that little box turtle together. So many things I remember about this little boy as he was growing up—times we spent together.

But the thing I love the most about this son is that he’ll talk to me. He tells me about his work as a police officer. (Well, not everything. He’s also protective of me, like his daddy.) He tells me about how he feels about things. He’s patient with me when I don’t understand. (most of the time) But when he’s tired and irritable and perhaps does hurt my feelings, he’s quick to apologize, explaining why—that’s it’s not me—it has to do with other things.

He values my opinions and my prayers. He’s eager to please both me and his dad, and he’s quick to always say, “Let me know if you need anything.” He always ends our conversations with, "I love you!" He never fails to hug me when he comes and when he goes.

I didn’t hear the words to his song during the dance because I was too busy telling him these things—how special he is—how much he means to me. So I googled it, "The Perfect Fan" by the Backstreet Boys. I cried all over again.


I love you, Brandon!


I hope you enjoy it too.

Here’s the link to the song.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=
PCo9v5sCaRQ

Marine Corp Graduation—Part Two

My heart is still pounding with pure pride and humility as the Marine Corp Band finishes up that song! (see part one)—“pride” in this group of men and all the ones that have proceeded them on this very spot, my own sons being among them—“humility” in my position as a mother to such young men. The band stood at attention during this godly and patriotic song. The crowd is now on its feet applauding not only their performance, but their boldness in proclaiming their allegiance to our God Who founded our nation!

Now they’re playing a marching cadence down the parade deck! Near the end they do a sharp snap-turn and proceed back to where I’m sitting. But wait! The mood changes! They’ve slowed their steps to a slow march and the music follows suit. What’s that I hear? Oh, my! I haven’t heard this song in years, but oh what memories are sweeping through my mind, almost as many as the steps it takes the band to get through the song: “Nothing Could Be Finer Than to be in Carolina”. My first thought is “Yes! I’m so glad to be here on this beautiful day in my sister state, South Carolina, for my sister and nephew.” Then my thoughts turn inward to my own men.

First there’s my husband—so young when he left for Boot Camp in the Great Lakes. Our firstborn was only three months old when he left. I didn’t get to go see him graduate. Our baby was too little, and it was too far for us to travel. When he returned home I got my first look at him when he stepped out of that airplane. My heart almost melted at the sight of him in his uniform! And when he took our baby boy into his arms, I could hardly believe what I saw! That baby took one look at his daddy and HUGGED him. For real! He laid his little head on his daddy’s shoulder and put his little arms around his neck! What a joyous homecoming for us!

My thoughts skip forward to when I saw this first-born son in his own Army uniform. His graduation was also too far away in Oklahoma for us to attend. We also have five other children by now and not a lot of money for traveling. When I saw him step off the plane, he looked so tall! Of course, he was tall when he left, but seeing him in his uniform made him look even taller. He was so handsome, just like his dad!

My next three sons were Marines by the time they were old enough to go off into the woods to play by themselves. Really! They loved to wear their camouflage pants I had made for them and build forts and battlements out in the woods. They would stay out there all day and come in only for Koolaid and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. These were the boys that marched across this same parade deck that I am sitting in front of now, not that many years ago. I’ve been at this exact spot three times and experienced the same feelings of honor and pride, thankfulness and joy. All the months of praying for their success culminated in these fine sons marching across this parade deck into my proud arms!

You might ask, “Did all this really cross your mind during just one song?” The answer is yes. NOTHING could be finer than to remember the days of my children’s youth growing up in rural North Carolina. My thoughts come back to the present as the band finishes their stroll down the parade deck.

Next, an officer is called forth to PRAY! That’s right! The United States Marine Corp began their graduation ceremony with prayer, a beautiful and moving prayer that recognized God as our supreme commander of a nation that was founded on the Bible and the truths found therein. I was so moved by this officer’s prayer and thankful to him and the Marine Corp for putting God in His rightful place in this ceremony in our nation, in this ceremony, and in our hearts!

Now all the different platoons are being recognized for their hard work and dedication. The honor graduates are receiving their awards, and turning over the platoon flags to their superiors—a sort of “changing of the guards” you might say. Soon these same flags will be dispersed to other groups of young men beginning their journey through the rigorous training and adversities of Marine boot camp.

The families and friends who have come to cheer on their young Marines are now on their feet as the platoons begin their final march down the parade deck past the crowd. The Colors—the United States flag and the Marine Corp flag—are being proudly carried by Marines in their “dress blues”. What a sight to behold—four hundred Marines all marching in perfect step, the Colors escorting their way! The band begins their final performance for the day. Now I am in tears again! The song? “God Bless America”.

It IS a beautiful day!


God Bless America

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
God bless America, My home sweet home.

Marine Graduation--Part One

It’s a beautiful sun-filled day at Parris Island Marine Corp Depot in South Carolina. The wind is crisp, but just enough to rid my brain of the fog of sleep and the tiresomeness of the long drive from Bear Grass, North Carolina the day before.

My excitement is rising as I make my way through the crowd to the bleacher in front of which Platoon 1025 will stand at attention for their graduation from boot camp. My sister and her son have no idea my husband and I are here! I can hardly wait to see the look on her face when she gets here. Of course, my nephew won’t know until after the ceremony.

There she is! She’s down at the bottom looking up to find a seat! She sees there are empty seats right behind me but looks right past me! Oh, this is going to be good! She starts up the bleachers! Now I’m beginning to giggle because she’s almost on top of me and STILL doesn’t see me! Now I’m laughing hysterically! (I never could play hide and seek well! My giggles always gave me away.) But believe it or not, I'm having to wave my arms in front of her to get her to see me! Finally! She recognizes me! Oh, the look of total shock and disbelief on her face! Soon, this gives way to tears of appreciation and joy!

Now comes the questioning and telling of how we so thoroughly pulled the wool over her eyes! Especially since we were supposed to be taking care of her dogs while she’s away.

Many giggles, laughs, and tears later it’s finally time for the graduation to begin. The distinguished Marine Corp Band always starts the proceedings, and today is no exception. But the song they are playing not only rivets my attention on them, but also brings tears of gratitude for this valiant Corp that defends our country so unselfishly and honorably! The song the band is playing is: “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”! Oh, such wonderful meaning in that song!

Suddenly, I’m thinking of our forefathers who suffered and gave their lives so unselfishly to make sure our country was founded on our Christian faith and to enjoy the freedom of worshiping and serving our magnificent God! I’m thinking of all those who died defending that freedom and to keep our country united. I’m thinking of all our young men in the Marine Corp and other branches of service who died on foreign soil to protect our freedom here at home and to bring freedom to oppressed countries. I’m thinking of my own men who served: my husband in the Navy, son number one in the Army, sons two, three, and four in the Marine Corp. Down deep inside me I begin to weep for how good God has been to me! So many years of military service in my family! So many deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan! So many days, months, and years of prayer and believing God for my men’s safe return to our family! God has been so faithful and merciful to us! There are no words adequate enough to tell how deeply grateful I am to my God and how much I love Him!

Below are the words to this song, which is also known by another title: “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. If only our nation would sing this hymn united once again!

Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory Hymn

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.


COMING SOON: Marine Corp Graduation—Part Two