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Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

Daylight saving time has always been a mystery to me. I’ve never been able to recoup the time I’m “saving”!

Seriously, years ago, daylight saving time had a big impact on my life! Two years after my father died, my husband had a fatal heart attack (two days before his 44th birthday, two weeks after he accepted Jesus as his Savior).

Momma and I began looking for a church home and had visited several in the community when we decided to go to a church down the road from my house. For some great quotes on trusting God to lead, click here.

“Mother, I do not want to go to their Sunday School class, just worship. They advertise a Single Adult SS Class and I am totally not interested in getting into a class of singles! Mercy, no!”

“Not a problem, Honey. We’ll just visit the church services and see where God wants us.”

Momma always came over early for coffee and chit chat before our outings. However, this particular morning it seemed we didn’t have much time to waste. It was the last Sunday in October and I KNOW I changed the clocks back one hour. However, it was time to head out.

You know before I say it that we ended up smack dab in the middle of a huge Single Adult Sunday School class! And, the preacher was the teacher! I did not know nor did I care that he was widowed. I just wanted to get out of there and get to worship and go home!

Daylight Saving Time can be a Life Changer

I’ll cut to the chase; some years later here we are with our five grandchildren! Together we have four wonderful children, two adopted, two foster; each completely ours and loved unconditionally! We have been blessed with eight greats and still counting!

Mother stayed in that church for years and was able to minister in the single adult department and in LIFT Class, a ladies’ Bible study class that we began.

Now as Mrs. Preach, I went with hubby to pastor in Oklahoma, California, and back to Fair Play, MO., before he “retired” in 2000. (He has been Director of Missions in Dallas County MO now for almost 20 years … I am not going with him if he “retires” again!)

Seriously, God can use daylight saving time or any other time to change our direction if we just stay open to His leadership. I am so very thankful to Him for all He has given me and my family through the years. This country gal is blessed beyond measure!

(Keep watching, I’m working on Our Story now. Working title is “I Never did Like Preachers” sub title, ’til I married one! Prayers seriously appreciated.)

Pretty is as Pretty does, Recognizing Inner Beauty

“Pretty is as pretty does,” Momma would often say. Therefore it was clear in my teens, Momma and I did not appreciate the same things.

On long trips to Grandma’s in our old, rattling Ford. a huge billboard near Joplin always caught my eye. The most gorgeous brunette seemed to be smiling right at me.

“She’s so pretty!” I would shout with glee, knowing all the while exactly what Momma would say.

“She is not pretty with that tray of beer in her hand! Carrol Sue, pretty is as pretty does!” For more about Momma, read my book, MY MOTHER MY CHILD.

This summer beautiful impromptu pumpkin vines spread across our yard. I admired their determination and beauty. The blooms were magnificent, the leaves were huge; certainly, I would soon grow my own pumpkin.

Almost overnight, they took over the yard, flower bed, bird bath, and quickly ran up the porch and around the rails. Hours of tugging and untangling were followed by carrying the sticky, heavy vines down the hill to be burned!

I could almost hear Momma; and this time, I really understood. Pretty IS as pretty does! Wish she were here to tell her how wise she was.

Whatever our age, we want to be attractive to others; and we spend time and money on clothes, makeup, jewelry, etc. to look good. If not careful, our confidence wains when our hair or clothes don’t suit us.

Each of us know women (and men) who have taken us by surprise. Some were beautiful to look at; well groomed, stylish. Others at first glance look shabby, ragged, tired.

Yet, as we take time to know each individual, we see beauty shine through in the most unlikely individuals. Others, prettier to look at, are focused on self. Check out these fun quotes from folk you may recognize about inner beauty.

The key to ‘pretty is as pretty does’ is a heart issue, not cosmetic. The more we focus on others, the prettier we become. The more we love on Jesus every day, the more He shines through us. Then we are pretty where it counts; everlasting beauty!

I love, appreciate, and pray for each of you. You are beautiful to me!

Hugs,

Thanks for giving me a review on Amazon for the books you have read.

Biblical Activities and Coloring Pages Book 2 is here!

Amazing biblical activities and coloring pages are better than ever in Patches’ Book II, Farmland Adventures!

For instance, contributing artists include a child seven years old. Also, a 22yr old college guy, and a retired teacher (not saying her age!)

Therefore, you can consider Patches’ Farmland Adventures for all ages. There is something to challenge thinking and encourage talents.

Farmland Adventures is packed with adventures. Jesus comes alive in the pages as Patches the turtle “talks” about each drawing or puzzle. Plus, there are added puzzles, never before seen!

It has been exciting to receive entries to the contest for this book. I am amazed at the talent of the very youngest artists. In fact, as I write this column, I am preparing to go visit a set of 8 year old twins who entered the contest. You will want to check out their drawings in the book.

Also, exciting to me, is taking on the role of Patches as I write little stories about each drawing or puzzle. I’m beginning to feel like Patches the Turtle as I comment on the book!

Here’s the really fun part. Patches has already told me (well, maybe I told Patches) about book III. Seriously! Book III will be on Friendships … wow! So, click here to get book one and book two so you’ll be really acquainted with Patches.

Serving Jesus with our talents is always fun. It’s also challenging and inspiring at the same time. The absolute goal for Patches and for me is to make Jesus known. Jesus is REAL! He wants to live in the hearts of every boy and girl. I am praying to that end as I serve Him with the talents and abilities He has entrusted me with.

I will be looking forward to hearing from you. Let me know your favorite drawing or puzzle.

Hugs,