A Day in Lancaster

Last week Jerry and I made a trip to Lancaster to the Sight and Sound theatre to see Noah. We bought tickets last fall but had to reschedule because of Mom's health. We hadn't seen the performance that was playing last fall, although I don't remember if it was Daniel or Joseph, but it ended in December. We'd seen Noah before but it is certainly worth seeing again.

Of course, I had my camera along and asked Jerry to stop at two Magnolia trees. I've been trying several years to get some good snaps of magnolia blossoms, but hadn't been successful. A number of years ago, my friend, Donna Shiflett, gave me permission to use one of her snaps of magnolia blossoms on my note cards, and it is indeed lovely. Thank so much, Donna. I love the snap!

I'm thrilled to say that I was finally able to get the snaps I've wanted! The tree was outside of York, PA and was beautiful! It was in full bloom and very healthy looking. Magnolia blossoms are just lovely, and I enjoy looking at them. Below are two that I took.

Of course, we ate at Hershey Farms where Jerry always gets liver and onions. I chose BBQ for my lunch. And then on to Sight and Sound for Noah. It truly is an awesome experience to watch their shows.

One of the things I remember from when we took the Back Stage Tour a number of years ago is a comment made concerning the animals used in the show. The gentleman told us that when the animals hear the music leading up to when they go on stage they start getting excited, and anxiously await their time. It is so much fun to see the animals come out and head right to where they're suppose to be.

After the show we had time to stop in Intercourse, just a few miles north of Lancaster. That's one of the places we stayed during our honeymoon. For many years we went up every December to enjoy a little celebration.

The friendly town of Intercourse, tucked into Amish countryside at the junction of Routes 340 and 772, was historically known as a destination where locals, Amish farmers and craftsmen conducted business and socialized. Founded in 1754, the town was originally named after an old tavern, the Cross Keys, and did not become known as Intercourse until 1814.

Much speculation went into the origin of the town's name, but none of the claims have been validated. It's possible the town was named after an old race track on Old Philadelphia Pike called Entercourse, which later evolved into Intercourse. Another theory pertains of the use of language in the early days of the village, in which the term "intercourse" was commonly used to describe fellowship, social interaction and support - the same values on which the town is still based today.

It's been several years since we've visited Lancaster or Intercourse, but everything felt just like we'd never left. I picked up a two small wheel barrows, one rustic and worn and one solid wood, for my gardens and also found some pies to bring home. I bought that lovely picture at the beginning of the post. It's such a comforting scene.

My friend, Brenda, came by the house twice to check on Mom and give her lunch and dinner. I'm thankful for her, and my friend, Jackie, who have come to check on Mom when we went somewhere.

It was a good day out and a great day to snap pictures! I must return to Intercourse again soon to snap pictures of their countryside!

The picture below is the first bloom from the viburnum shrub we planted last spring. It lived!

Preach!

"When was the last time you heard a good, loud "amen" in church? I can't think of a time when anyone has shouted me down in holy agreement with the Word. We clap at the end of our songs and when someone shares a testimony, but when's the last time you heard someone clap after the reading of the Scripture or during the offering"  Michael Catt, The Power of Surrender

A couple of months ago a couple visited are church and we were in for a pleasant surprise. He "amened ... that's right ... preach ... and, uh ohed" us through the sermon. Pastor Larry and his wife, Felecia, joined with our fellowship a few weeks ago and my heart has been lifted with his boisterous agreement during the sermon.

At my home church, 30 years ago, there would occasionally be amens, but none of the other churches we've attended added this affirmation during the sermon. Southern Baptist Convention president, Fred Luter, was invited to a conference at my home church many years ago and WOW did I hear the excitement from the audience. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Pastor Luter thrilled my soul with his energetic words of Scripture!

Now, once again, a fellow worshipper holds nothing back as he agrees with God's message on Sunday mornings. Last week I even heard a few others verbally affirm words spoken by our pastor. You know, I think our pastor has even found new excitement as he preaches because of voiceful agreement in the congregation!

Michael Catt, in the MasterWord Sunday School literature on "The Power of Surrender" says,

"God is looking for a remnant, for kindling wood to start the fires of revival. And it all begins with surrender. We must surrender ourselves to God in total abandonment. There is power in surrender."

Might I say there is great power in voicing our agreement in the preached Word! Will this quiet listener rise to the occasion. I don't know, but my heart sure does! The next time Pastor Larry stands up and claps I may just shout Amen!

The snap above is of my first greenhouse! Jerry picked up the stand at a flea market and we put it in the enclosed area at the back door. Every night I bring in the plants we've bought and what a joy to see them there. Jerry said I must keep flowers there because the fragrance is so wonderful when we go in and out. I agree! The trash can in the left corner holds Sams food so we don't have to worry about any other smell competing with the flowers.

A Note for the Notewriter

Yesterday I received a note from a lady at my church. I met her when I started attending the Sunday School class she goes too. There was an empty seat next to her, and I knew the lady on the other side of the empty seat, so I took it.

I didn't think she liked me, or liked me sitting next to her. She never talked to me. There wasn't any offer of friendliness, and God knows I'm not outgoing in a new situation.

I was curious though. It took about six months of sitting beside her to break the ice. (Most of the ladies sat in the same seats week after week.) So I always sat next to her.

I began sending her notes of encouragement, and asking for prayer. Our teacher shared with me a little about her life, and I slowly started drawing her out. We both attend the early service, and I tried to always give her a hug.

One day out of the blue she sent me a note. It said: "The next time you feel a smile coming on for no particular reason at all, maybe that's me thinking of you with a thankful prayer." I truly was surprised.

I don't go to her Sunday School class anymore, but we always find each other in the worship service during greeting time and hug. A comfortable relationship is between us now and it's a joy to see her on Sunday mornings.

Yesterday I received a note from her. "Always a pleasure to see you. Your smile is so nice to see. Sending you a special hug . . . "

I'm always blessed when I receive an encouraging note from someone. I certainly know what a note can do for someone, and I'm thankful for the ones I receive. We all need to know someone is thinking about us to put that smile in our hearts and continue plowing through life.

A note is extra special when you know the person who sent it may be stretching themselves in making the contact. Thank you, Hilda. I'm so glad you let this quiet women enter your heart and share God's love with you. You certainly bless mine!

The lovely camellia bloom is from the plants I bought last month.

Almost Well

I've been sick. For two weeks. Its been miserable. I can't remember the last time I was this sick. Its been many years.

Jerry got sick five days after me. Broncitus, walking pneumonia and sinus infections took up residence on Ridge Road. And just a few days ago I began a head cold with blowing and sneezing. I guess it didn't want to be left out.

Being sick helped me remember things I'm thankful for. I was sitting there feeling miserable when it dawned on me, "You don't have a headache." A little pressure in my head, but not a headache. As many of  you know, I've lived with headaches most of my adult life. And if not for finding a medicine that has virtually stopped them, I'd still have them. That is indeed something to be thankful for. Even while I'm sick.

I'm thankful I'm retired and don't have to worry about being off work. It always was a burden being out sick. Being sick was worry enough.

I was miserable, yet my illness was not life threatening. My friend, Janet, is battling cancer; has been for five years now. Her choices are dwindling. My woes brought misery; her woes may cost her life.

I'm thankful for all the words God has given me to encourage the hearts of others. My own heart uses those same words to help me get through each day.

And, amazingly, Mom hasn't gotten sick. Now that's a miracle!

While I worked a draft of this post Jerry read it. "I've have similar thoughts too," he said, "I think about the pioneers in wagon trains and log homes. They couldn't turn up the thermometer to get warm or call a doctor for a prescription. It helps me be thankful remembering I have a warm home and medicine to take. They didn't have chocolate ice cream either!"

Yes, I've been sick. For two weeks. It's been miserable. But it's almost over. My days of doing a little bit of nothing will soon be replaced with a little bit of something. I can hardly wait.

Praise God. He carried me through!