Momma's Hands

Whenever I perform certain tasks, I find myself saying softly, "Thanks, Mom." That's because she taught me to do these tasks when I was a girl. I still see her hands and hear her voice as she patiently and lovingly instructed me.
I shortened and hemmed the sleeves on a jacket last Saturday night. "Thanks, Mom."
On Monday, I took the skin off chicken thighs before washing, seasoning, and baking them. "Thanks, Mom."
On Tuesday, I repotted a ponytail palm plant. I spoke reassuringly to it as I examined its roots and patted down the new, nourishing soil. "Thanks, Mom."
What a blessing it is to have been taught by my Momma. An additional blessing is that I and my siblings still have her with us. We are still being taught and loved by her. I thank God for her and all the wonderful mothers in the world.
Take care,
Sylvia

Cartjacked

I got cartjacked today at Shoprite. Someone just walked away with my shopping cart. I had two items in it, and they were real bargains! I had found a package of three nice chops for $2.97 and a package of 12 chicken thighs for $4.50. Bargains! I always search carefully for good buys.
I wonder if the cart thieves watched me to see my reaction when I returned to the place where I left the cart and it was no longer there. Did they laugh? Did they care?
I wonder why a person would take a cart that has something in it. Do they even notice? If they do, what do they do with the items already in the cart? Are they too lazy to get their own cart?
Last week, I got cartjacked at Family Dollar, again after having found some great deals. I never go far away from the cart and I am never gone long, so what's the deal?
Anyway, in both stores, last week and today, I shook my head and said a quick prayer. It's not worth getting angry about. I will, however, start keeping my shopping cart with me while I shop.
Happy shopping!
TTYS,
Sylvia

Not A Thug

When I drove into the gas station, I passed a young man in a black classic Mustang or Charger. The windows were tinted dark, but one was open a little and I could see his braids under his black cap.
I put my money in the air machine and began pumping air into my tire. I know how to do this because my Dad taught me years ago. Today, however, I was in a hurry and carelessly did not use my tire air gauge.
After about 30 seconds, the driver in the classic car pulled up alongside me as I knelt at my tire. I heard the music playing in his car. I then noticed his low tire. His car had nice rims. I decided to make conversation, even though I could not tell from his appearance if he was friendly.
"Where does the air go? I just put air in this tire last week! I must have a slow leak."
"The bumps in the road. That's why I don't drive this car that much."
"It sure is a nice car." I continued pumping air.
"Uh, do you need help with that? There is a gauge on the hose. What pressure do you keep your tires?"
"I try for 35 pounds." I tried to sound like a pro.
"Let me check for you." I gave him the hose. "Wow, it's at 50! That is too much. This tire could blow up if you hit a bump! Right here, it could blow up in your face with this much pressure! I will take it down to 40 for you."
He did what he said. I thanked him. I scolded myself for being careless. He said, "God bless," as I got in my car to drive away. I said, "God bless you, too."
That young man in the dark sweats, dark cap, and with the braided hair was a blessing to me today.
Take care,
Sylvia

Is Time Moving Fast?

I reflect on how fast time seems to move once you pass the age of thirty years. When I was a child, a teenager, and a young woman in my twenties, there was a sense of, "I cannot wait until I..." Later, it became, "Time is moving so fast! I remember last Sunday; it seems like yesterday. Now it is Sunday again!"
I remember holding my infant nephew in my arms. Yesterday, this adult man was ordained as a minister. Where did the time go?
My father and mother taught the father of my nephew (my brother) to love God, and my brother became a minister. My brother and sister-in-law taught my nephew to love God, and my nephew became a minister. Blessings!
When I think about ALL of my nieces and nephews, I marvel at how they have become fine, productive, loving adults. I am thankful. It just seems to have happened so fast.
Take care,
Sylvia

The Heart of a Child

We are having a Gospel Meeting at the congregation this week. Our guest minister is scriptural, clear, and practical. Something special happened at last night's session. The minister told us about a compliment he received from a child. The child told him, "I understood everything you said during your sermon." Our guest minister considered this a high compliment, and so do I. If one can make the gospel plain enough that a child can understand it, that's a blessing.
Anyway, at the end of last night's sermon, during the invitation song, a child of upper elementary school age walked forward with her grandmother. This little girl wanted to be baptized. Her grandmother assured our minister that the girl understood what had been taught. The little girl believes that Jesus is the Son of God and she wants to live the way God tells us to live. She was baptized. In his closing remarks, our minister reminded us of Matthew 19:14 and what Jesus says there about children.
I shed a couple of happy tears!
In Him,
Sylvia

Make That Call

I called a friend today, and I am glad I did. My intention was to reach out to my friend, say hello, and let her know she was in my thoughts.
Sometimes we get so wrapped up in what we have to do. We think,"I need to call (you can insert a name here) and see how she or he is doing." Then life gets in the way and we don't make that contact.
The next time you have that thought, stop, grab the phone, dial, and make that contact. Even if you speak to that someone for only two minutes. Call, don't email or text; there is something about hearing the human voice that is special.
I made that call today. We spoke for almost thirty minutes. We laughed, got serious, acted silly, shared memories, and said our warm good-byes. I called to make her feel cared about, but I got just as much joy from the call as she did.
Make that call. You will be glad you did.
Wishing you the best,
Sylvia

The Stink Bug

I enjoy nature and I'm amazed by God's creations. However, I enjoy creatures most when they are in their natural environment instead of in my home.
Our geographical area has experienced the "stink bug" or "shield bug" this spring and summer. I forget where these bugs migrated from, but they are brown and have a bsck that looks like a shield. I've been told they like to come inside homes for the winter to hang out. They come in through small spaces around windows and doors. They have no natural enemies. They are harmless to humans, but they emit this stinky smell as a defense mechanism, so you shouldn't swat them-or else!
One of them has been hanging out on my bedroom curtain for three days. I don't want to swat it because I am trying to respect it and I also don't want it to funk up the bedroom. It hasn't moved, maybe it's asleep. In fact, I'm going to go look at it right now and see if it's still in the same place.
(2 minutes later)
That stink bug was no longer on the curtain! It had the nerve to be crawling on my hairbrush on my dresser top. I quickly picked up the comb, took it to the bathroom, flicked the bug off into the toilet bowl and flushed! No stinky smell!
Like I said, I enjoy creatures the most when they aren't in my personal space.
TTYL,
Sylvia

Observations From The Post Office

There was a line at the post office today, which wasn't surprising, because it was 3:40 pm by the time I got there. People were coming in after getting off work. Some observations:
At the front of the line was a man and his daughter; she resembled him. She looked to be upper elementary school age and had on a shool uniform- type outfit. They had a warm, playful interaction. He "flexed" and said,"Check out these abs." She replied, "They're more like flabs, Dad!" They both laughed.
A lady right in front of me asked for the time. When I replied, "It's 3:45," she said she was only going to wait for 5 more minutes, then she had to leave. She waited for about 45 seconds, said,"I'm not waiting," and left.
I moved up a space, behind two talking ladies. One appeared to have a job that includes cleaning out the residences or rooms of people after they die. Another was looking for a job; she had been laid off. Contact information was exchanged. It wasn't that I was eavesdropping; people rarely whisper in public anymore.
After they left, I could hear a few sighs and see some rubber-necking coming from the back of the line, which was now about 10 people deep.
The lone clerk was cool, though. She did not get rattled, was quite pleasant, and focused on one customer at a time. She didn't complain about being the only person working at the counter. I admired her sense of calm and purpose.
TTYL,
Sylvia

This Busy Is Good!

It has been a busy few days! They were "good" busy days at book signing events for my novel, BEHIND CHURCH DOORS!
On Saturday, I was at the Collingswood Book Festival. I actually drove to Collingswood, NJ, a town I had never heard of before this year. I drove on 295! I am so thankful for God allowing me to stretch myself, because I don't like highway driving. I took prayer, my GPS, Mapquest directions, and my brave sister friend Rita with me! I met some nice people there. The booth on my right was occupied by a young author who was friendly and excited about her children's book. She had her lovely three children and her mom with her. The booth on my left was occupied by a sci-fi author who was nice as well as helpful. He and his wife taught me about stick-on velcro, which they shared with me to keep my poster from being blown off its easel by the wind. Their lovely little girl was with them.
On Monday, I was at Curves of Ewing. I am especially excited about the Curves event because a portion of each book sale amount was donated to the American Cancer Society. The turnout was wonderful; I was encouraged.
Onward and upward!
TTYS,
Sylvia

Memories and Giving Back

Next week, I am scheduled to participate in a book signing/charity event at the gym I attend. The owner selected the American Cancer Society and I agreed to donate a portion of the proceeds from each purchased copy of my novel, BEHIND CHURCH DOORS. I am excited about donating to the American Cancer Society, because almost everyone I know does have or has had a loved one touched by cancer. I pray that mankind will be able to use medicine to conquer cancer in my lifetime. I also pray that everyone will have access to the treatment, not just those who are affluent.
Another incentive which is more personal: the most wonderful and the first man I ever met (whose birthday is today) and his brother, my dear uncle, and a sister-in-law who was like a sister - all had to fight the cancer dragon. They fought valiantly.
God bless,
Sylvia