Family – Abba's Prayer Warrior Princess

Thanksgiving, a Time for Family, Food, and Thanks, or is it?

Posted on November 16, 2020 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Thanksgiving is fast approaching. What comes to mind when you think about Thanksgiving? The obvious is giving thanks. Right? We are blessed in so many ways that most of them often are overlooked. We can not give thanks for blessings we do not realize came our way. Even this year, I am certain we have all had a plethora of things for which to be thankful.

Family comes to my mind. Thanksgiving is usually a big deal in our family. We have an abundance of people, food, laughter, and noise. Everyone brings a dish or two, and sometimes more. Games are played, football watched, shopping lists made, and family catches up on what is going on in everyone’s life. I love it!

This year a few beloved members left us for their eternal home. While we are rejoicing that they are pain free and reunited with loved ones, we are saddened that they will be missed at our table this November. Others will not be able to join us due to the pandemic and quarantine. What historically is a gathering of fifty-ish family members has dwindled to considerably less than half that number. My sister is hosting, and I am going to make a cranberry salad. Do you like cranberries? I do!

I have heard that the senior generation is the glue that holds families together. There is truth to that, but our family has plenty of glue left in its bottle. My cousins are like siblings to me and their children like nieces and nephews. We always get together for holidays. Things are not normal this year which adds a new twist. Our crowd is dwindling. The rise in Covid cases makes even healthy people want to stay home and away from possible germs.

Do not allow Covid to control your family relationships. Like all relationships, family needs to be nourished. Young children need to know extended members. Adults need to continue feeding and strengthening the bond that began years ago. We need to explain why we gather as a family and why we are thankful.

Scripture says in Proverbs 22:6 “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Children will remember going to family gatherings and having fun with everyone. It will become a way of like for them that will get passed on to each generation.

Let’s pray the pandemic is over soon. Hopefully we will learn from what it tried to teach us. It taught me never to take family for granted. I miss seeing my family and hugging. Oh how I miss hugging.

I hope you are able to spend Thanksgiving with at least part of your family this year. Remember all of the many things that we do have even in a year that has not been the kindest to us. I am thankful for my family, friends, and especially for Jesus. What is on your list of things for which you are thankful?

Celebrate Dad today!

Posted on June 1, 2019June 16, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Troday is Father’s Day. A day to celebrate fathers and all they do. We should do this everyday! Dads give everyday to us. At least mine does. I treasure and adore him.

I am one lucky girl to have the amazing dad that I do. He is compassionate, intelligent, loving, faithful, generous, respected, and so much more than words could ever describe. A giant in faith he is a true son of God. Best of all, he came into our lives about a decade after my daddy was called home to be with the Lord. Dad voluntarily stepped into the role of “Dad” for me and my sister whole-heartedly.

God, our Heavenly Father, is so good and knows what we need, when we need it. He put Dad in our lives to help heal that broken spot that was ripped open when Daddy died. Dad has been a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and grandfather. God used a bad situation for good. I am forever grateful.

Sure there are times I still miss my Daddy. All girls need their daddies. I was just twelve years old.

I also miss both of my grandfathers, too. My paternal grandfather, Granddaddy, and I were particularly close. I was the first born on that side, and yes, spoiled rotten. Today isn’t about tears and missing them. It is about the good memories of the time we had together. The promise of seeing them again in Heaven. It is a time to be thankful.

So, I am. Thankful for all of the men in my family. For the grandfathers, fathers, my hubby, uncles, son, son-in-law, brother, brother-in-law, nephews, and cousins. You are appreciated and loved even though you may not hear the words.

Happy Father’s Day especially to you, Dad! I love you and am grateful you are in my life. To the other patriarch in our family, Uncle Gale, ditto to you! To my husband, son, and son-in-law, thank you for taking care of me and our family. I am blessed to have Christian men leading my family.

Father’s Day should be a day to rejoice, appreciate, be glad, and love. Enjoy your day! Don’t forget to spend time with our Heavenly Father, too. Tell Him how much you appreciate Him. After all, He is the perfect Father.

But, Who is Praying for Me?

Posted on April 23, 2019April 23, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Prayer Warriors are constantly praying for someone. There is so much to lift up to God and it seems so little time. We intercede for the sick, lost, hurting, and needy. For the mother whose baby is desperately trying to stay in her womb to grow strong. For the father trying to work overtime or a second job just to make ends meet. For the teenager caught in the middle of making some life changing decisions. For our President and government leaders. Let’s not forget our family and friends.

See what I mean? We have so many people depending and deserving of our prayers. Years ago my niece, Phoebe, and I were talking about praying. She was little and not even in school. A friend had called me and asked if I could pray for her granddaughter. One thing led to another and I told Phoebe if she listened with her heart instead of her ears she could hear who needed her prayers. Many times God will tell us.

A couple of weeks later she was excited to tell me she felt her first prayer request. After dinner the night before she heard her Daddy say that a lady he worked with was going to be out because of surgery. “I don’t even know her name, Aunt Sissy, but my heart heard for me to pray for her.” Wonderful! She did understand what we were discussing. Right then we stopped everything and prayed for the woman. Now in her mid-twenties, Phoebe is still a Prayer Warrior.

On the flip side, I have someone that has been mad at me for over two decades. I can’t say exactly why, buy I have apologized and shouldered the blame in hopes of reconciling with this friend. A few times I have tried to have a “peace talk” with her, but it always goes no where. This last time, I asked how things had been going in her life and told her that I had been praying daily for her and our relationship. Then I asked if she prayed for me and our relationship, too. She looked at me as if my hair had just turned turquoise and laughingly said “no, why would I?”

Out of all the vicious remarks this friend has made, none hurt even a fraction as much as this one did. I thought everyone prayed for the people they loved. Maybe that was it, she had stopped loving me. All I know is that in that moment I felt so lost and alone. No one was praying for me? Prayer is the biggest blessing to give someone.

Ever feel like you are lost and alone with no one to lift you up in prayer? I have great news. You may pray for yourself. Yep, it is allowed. Also, the Holy Spirit will lift you up, too. You might be surprised to find some little Phoebes that have been listening with their hears and are praying for you.

There are no special words needed. No super formula. Just have a heart to heart with your maker. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:26“…but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

We always have someone praying for us. No need to fret. Easy your mind and rest in the Lord. Oh, and keep praying!

Mammaw’s Forgotten Easter Cookies

Posted on April 13, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Easter is rapidly approaching. We are at the ending stages of Lent. It is the time to turn our hearts and minds to Jesus and His journey to the Cross. Being raised in a Christian family Easter was much more than egg hunts and baskets for me. It was Resurrection Sunday.

I remember my maternal grandmother teaching me the Easter story over a cookie recipe one year. The cookies are good, but the story has stuck with me for decades. Memories made in the kitchen are priceless and stay with people.

You might want to do an activity like this for yourself, children, grandchildren, or kids’ group. The message might just plant a seed that will grow into a bountiful harvest. Sometimes a visual makes the Easter story a little more memorable, too. Years down the road they might be recalling time spent with you and lessons from your kitchen.

Mammaw’s Forgotten Easter Cookies

2 egg whites

1/2 tsp. cream of tartar

2/3 c. sugar

1 c. nuts

pinch of salt

1 tsp. white vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place pecans in resealable plastic baggie. Crush pecans into small pieces with a rolling pin. Read John 19:1-3

“Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and scourged Him. And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on His head, and they put on Him a purple robe, And said, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ and they smote Him with their hands.”

Sprinkle salt into egg whites. Read Luke 23:27, 33

“And there followed Him a great company of people, and of women, which also bewailed and lamented Him.”

“When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified Him there, along with the criminals—one on His right, the other on His left.”

Put vanilla into a bowl. Read John 19:28-30. “After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, ‘I thirst.’ Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to His mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, He said, ‘It is finished’ and He bowed His head, and gave up the ghost.”

Right now this mixture doesn’t look yummy. Add sugar slowly. Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16. “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him.” “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Beat with mixer until frothy and add cream of tartar. Then beat on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Add in vanilla close to the end. Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3.

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

“There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, ‘Rabbi, we know that Thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with Him.’ Jesus answered and said unto him, ‘Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto parchment paper lined baking sheet. Read Matthew 27:57-60.

“When the night was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus’ disciple: He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed.”

Place cookies in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off. Read Matthew 27:65-66.

“Pilate said unto them, ‘Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can.’ So they went, and made the tomb sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.”

Go to bed. Read John 16:20 and 22.

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.”

“And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.”

In the morning open the oven and take out the cookies.

Read Matthew 28:1-9.

“In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the tomb. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: And for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, ‘Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you.’ And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, ‘All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him.”

When you bite into the cookies notice they are hollow inside, empty, just like Jesus’ tomb.

Happy Birthday Mom, Our Own Proverbs 31 Woman

Posted on January 14, 2019January 14, 2019 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Today is the birthday of a very special lady. It is my sweet, dear Mother’s birthday.

She has been one of the best gifts God has ever given to me. I have loved her every day of my life since it began. Yes, it was love at first sight for us. Hearing her voice is like a soothing balm to my soul. In fact, I would venture to guess that melodious voice calmed me while she was carrying me safely inside of her over sixty years ago.

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Everyday we talk. We begin our days with a check-in call. Throughout the day I can’t count the number of calls. I depend on her for so many thing. “Mom, how do I…..” or “what was the name of that ….” or even “do you remember what recipe Mammaw used for…” are some of the normal lead-ins. Let’s not forget the ever popular “Mom, I need to know what you would do….” To be honest, sometimes I just want to hear her voice. Before we go to bed each evening, we call to say “good night, I love you” and sincerely mean it.

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This beloved, exceptional woman gives sage advice to whomever asks. It is never unsolicitated. Mom waits until she is sought. Her counsel is biblically based and comes from experience.

She is very loving. Whether via gifts, words, hugs, or kisses, Mom makes certain we know that she loves us all, and equally. There are no favorites with her. af019dec-b67e-4e33-a91a-e2f2a758f2a2 Through her guidance I was lead to the Lord at an early age and taught to follow and obey Him. I love that we still talk about Him – what He does for our family, how He answers our prayers, what we need to take before Him, and how we should serve Him by serving others. A big smile overtakes my face as I remember her holding my hand for bedtime prayers. We would go through the family asking our Heavenly Father to bless each one as we named them.

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My Mother provides the best living example for a Proverbs 31 woman. She worked full time, kept a spotless house that was a loving home, and made delicious meals. If a friend needed help or school needed a sponsor, she volunteered. Besides all of that, she was and still is a member of a community organization, has been on others, helps those in need, is an active member of our church, is a shrewd businesswoman, and is the best wife, Mother, Grammy, family member, and friend you will encounter. Yes, maintains a sparkling clean home and is a fabulous cook still today. I have never seen her drink any alcohol, smoke a cigarette, or heard a curse pass her sweet lips. Absolutely, she is a true jewel and Proverbs 31 woman, not to mention a role model for many.

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Her life has touched a multitude. People have told me stories of how she helped them in various ways. When I was a young girl I remember going with her to take meals to shut-ins. We did not just drop the food off. We visited, tidied up, and read the Bible.

I know how to take care of my husband and children because of her. A lot of the fun things we did were activities she did with us. Those trickled down and I see my children doing them with their children now. She makes everything fun, exciting and memorable. Our family still quotes things she said years ago and mimics things she has done. She is the Queen of our family and glue that keeps us together.

By example she showed me how sisters love each other, how mothers treat their children, and how to maintain lifelong friendships as she has two that are older than I am. Those ladies are like family now. Family is important to Mom, second only to God.

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Happy Birthday to you, Mama. I wish you many more happy ones. Thank you for everything you have given me, given up for me, taught me, and for being the beautiful Christian lady you are. You are adored and cherished. I am blessed beyond measure that I was given the honor of being your daughter. There are not enough worlds to express my love and gratitude to you.

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Sometimes I wonder where or what I would be if you had not been chosen as my Mother, but that thought is quickly dismissed. You were chosen, and I was abundantly blessed. You are absolutely perfect for me and our entire family, but God already knew that. Lord, we are so thankful for her and the choice You made when you gave us our own Proverbs 31 woman.

Praying for the Kids

Posted on October 28, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

As you can tell from this blog, I am a Prayer Warrior. Praying for my family, friends, and myself is extremely important to me. I firmly believe in prayer. Time spent with my Maker in prayer is a necessary part of my life. Once a day is never enough to go to God because things or prayer requests continue throughout the day. Do you pray often, too?

I was taught the Acts Method of praying when I was young and it has stuck with me. There is no right or wrong way to talk to our Heavenly Father. Jesus outlined the perfect way in Matthew with the Lord’s Prayer.

ACTS Method of Christian Prayer

Adoration: Give God praise and honor for who He is as Lord God.
Confession: Honestly confess the sin in your life.
Thanksgiving: Say what you’re grateful for in your life and in the world around you.
Supplication: Pray for the needs of others and yourself.

How do you pray? Are there certain things you pray about each day? I certainly do. The main thing is the children in our family. That encompasses the generations under mine. Ever since my children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews (which include my cousins’ children – we are a close family) were born or little, I have prayed for them. With a family our size I use a prayer journal to keep me on track. It also allows me to write praises when the prayers are answered.

What would I pray? First I asked for health, safety, and protection. I want them to be safe from harm and health issues. Then I prayed that they would grow to know God, be saved, and baptized. It is my prayer that they will recognize the purpose God has for them, why He created each one. I prayed for their future spouses that Abba was preparing them for their future lives together. Marriage needs more than two people to survive. It needs God in it, too. I pray that their spouses will be Christian and that a God will bless their union. Finally I pray that they would do their best in life and be happy.

Even though many are grown with children of their own, I continue to pray for them all. We are never too old for prayers. My prayer might provide the extra protection needed one day. Intercessory prayer is important.

How long should we pray about something? In Thessalonians the Bible says to pray without ceasing. Prayer has no time limit. Keep praying or P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens).

The next generation of children are included in my prayers now. Protection and safety is a concern in this world. Happiness is what every Mama, Gram, and Auntie desires for her little chicks. Don’t you agree?

After years of praying I was recently rewarded as God’s Army gained another Warrior. Yes, a family member was baptized and accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. I rejoiced as I know Heaven did. There have been many more victories and each one is recorded without surprise. I delight in knowing that we will be together in Heaven one day.

Don’t stop with your family. There are many friends that need prayer, too. Let’s not forget society. The shootings and violence. Our leaders need prayers to make the right decisions. Our military need pray for protection. Our nation needs prayer for so many reasons.

If you are praying for something or someone, don’t lose hope. It may take decades for your answer, but everything happens in God’s perfect time. If you haven’t started praying for your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, I would urge you to begin today. The reward is priceless.

Do You Remember?

Posted on September 11, 2018September 11, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

What were you doing on that Tuesday morning September 11, 2001 when America was under attack by terrorists? Ninety percent of adult Americans will remember the nightly news reported. Honestly, I think even that percentage is low. I remember being in my kitchen alone that day mixing up banana bread. The television on the counter was turned down low. I glanced and saw chaos on the screen. As I watched in horror a second plane hit and the news reporters were frantic. The bowl of batter dropped from my hands as I fell to my knees in prayer.

My phone rang nonstop. Friends and family called in disbelief. My daughter was in college and I just wanted her home. Same thing with my working husband. He is ever the voice of reason and I needed him. My son wasn’t home either. He had his own house. I wanted them all here so our family was together and safe. The sky was eerily quiet without a single aircraft.

Church was more emotional than ever before on Sunday. Attendance was extremely high. In crisis we turn to God, don’t we. Isn’t it a shame we all don’t stay that close after it is over? It looks like our country could use His protection, guidance, and healing again. The death total was just under 3,000 while the injured was twice that. The terrorists coordinated four airplane attacks to kill Americans. Innocent people in what they deemed a Holy War. I cannot imagine how saddened God was by this. We all were, and we don’t even begin to love like Him.

America pulled together then, and we turned to God. What changed that made some of us turn our backs on Him and His commands? Why have we turned on each other? Where did our love, compassion, and kindness go? We need to take back our patriotism and faith. Give up this name calling and bickering. Kneel and pray for each other. As the Bible says “humble ourselves”. If we do, then we will start to see more unity.

If you can remember where you were, you will remember the horrible feeling of terrorism, and the wonderful feeling of unity in America. Our nation was one. Let’s stand together again in memory of those that lost their lives that day. Remember, except for the grace of God, it could have been us dying in an attack. God didn’t save us to bicker, insult, and fight.

I Wish I Had or I’m Glad I Did

Posted on August 22, 2018August 21, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

I wish I had…. How many times have we all started a sentence with those four little words? I wish I had gone to see her. Perhaps, I wish I had said or even had not said that. The list of “I wish” is endless unfortunately.

A few days ago a friend died. It was unexpected for most everyone. I listened to mourners and read tributes from so many people. The majority of people started theirs with “I wish”. “I wish I had called him instead of texted that morning.” “I wish I had told him I loved him the last time I saw him.” “I wish I had taken more time to talk when he called.”

Cliche as it might sound, maybe it is time to give up the wishes and regrets. It is time to live life doing those things. There is a song that talks about “Live Like You are Dying”. What if we lived like our family and friends were instead? Would we treat them differently? Yes, I certainly would.

My words would be much more thoughtful and kind. I would definitely consider others’ feelings and needs. All of the things I wanted to say would get said. There are things I have learned thatI would share. It would be a priority to discuss Jesus and salvation. How will I know if I don’t ask?

Do they know that in times of sorrow, Jesus is my comfort. He is my strength. In Psalm 46:1, the Bible tells us “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” This is so true. I cannot make it a day without Him. He shelters and strengthens me. I draw my peace from Him.

John 14:27 gives us Jesus’ assurance that “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” This is the “peace that passes understanding” that we sang about in Sunday school. A pure peace is given to us by Jesus when things are in chaos.

Scripture says “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” That is my goal. To make certain my family and friends have one of those mansions. It has already been bought and paid for by Jesus. All I can do is give them the good news and pray they accept the keys.

No more wishing for me. It is time for action. Live each day purposefully. Say the “I love you” and “thank you”. Make the phone call. Take the time. Go to lunch. Share the love. Talk about Jesus. Say goodbye to “I wish I had” and hello to “I’m glad I did.”

What are your I wish sentences that turn into regrets instead of sweet memories? How about doing something now instead being disappointed later?

Vacations are Nice, but I Yearn for Home

Posted on August 2, 2018August 1, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Have you been on vacation this year? Most people take an annual vacation and often more than one. Some people have a favorite spot to visit each year while others enjoy seeing new places. Me, I like both. Seeing new places is great. The sights, experiences, and tastes of somewhere I have never before been is an exciting adventure. A new treasure could be awaiting me there.

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My favorite getaway is a cabin high in the Smokey Mountains with my family for the week. I could handle that vacation at least once a year and probably more. The majesty of God’s beautiful mountains take my breath away each time we drive to Gatlinburg. Like a child I become excited when I see a chipmunk, raccoon, or bear off of the cabin’s deck while having coffee in the morning.

After vacation, there’s no place like home

Vacation, an extended period of recreation spent away from home or in traveling, is nice for a time, but after it is over it is nice to be home. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz emotionally repeats “there’s no place like home” and I agree. No matter how good vacation has been, we are always happy to be home when it is over.

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My maternal grandmother often would tell me “you know, this old world is not our home.” That was confusing to a child, but the older I got the more she explained. Finally I understood. Mammaw was talking about Heaven. She would tell me her soul longed for “home” and to be with loved ones there. When she spoke of Heaven it was beautiful and biblical.

“In Heaven there will be no sickness or pain, no tears, and affliction. We will be whole with perfect bodies.” She would laugh when I asked what we would do all day for eternity. “Probably the same things we do now only better” she would brightly say and break out in song “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue….”

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What about you? Do you ever feel like you are waiting to go home? This world, like a vacation, is nice for a while, but your heart is yearning for someplace better. It is homesick. I know I am. Vacations are wonderful. This world is a nice place, too, but Heaven is our home. Our Father is there. Jesus is there. Our family should be, too. We have a home there.

Gather your treasures and pack for your trip home. What will you take? There aren’t a lot of things allowed. The main thing on your list should be loved ones. Make sure you have shared Jesus and His salvation with your family and friends. You will want to see them after your vacation or theirs.

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“For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” Hebrews 13:14

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:2-3

Reflections from a Word Nerd

Posted on July 25, 2018July 24, 2018 by abbasprayerwarriorprincess

Since I have been young, words have fascinated me. Numbers do nothing for me, but words are exciting and powerful. Okay, I will admit to being a word nerd. Reading, writing, even listening to meaningful lyrics move me and put me in my sweet spot. Even if you are a numbers person, words affect you. Some words or phrases bring certain people to mind.

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My dear mother has a quaint way of terming kisses. Our family doesn’t kiss each other we “give sugar.” My hubby does not decide or conclude, he “reckons.” When Dad is sincere about something, he states it “quite frankly.” Pappaw Reeves was never hindered but “stymied.” According to him, planets were never just in a straight line but in a “sygyzy.” My Granddaddy was a Lockmaster at Dam 43 near us and my hubby worked in Engineering in a ship building company. Many times both men replaced left and right with port and starboard, the nautical and aeronautical terms for left and right, respectively. 79193B57-AC0C-44EA-9510-0B1FBE551571

Just think how important they are and moving in weddings. In our wedding we had the song “Whither Thou Goest” sung. Just hearing that phrase or the word whither takes me back decades to a church altar where I plighted my troth to my husband. Isn’t that more romantic than saying at my wedding? Words can be magical when used correctly and thoughtfully. They have power to transform and transport.

For me, I love poetic, old fashioned words and Southern phrases. Women in my family swoon over thing and say “I swan or swanee” because no proper lady should ever say I swear. We don’t sweat but perspire. One does not simply hug my Auntie June but must “hug her neck.” Most importantly, never did I nor have I heard my grandparents, parents or aunts and uncles say what my Grandmother deemed “ugly words.” Never.

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Ugly words or swearing abound in society today. Using the Lord’s name in vain, cursing, and horrible four letter words are rampant. Even name-calling seems to be at an all time high. Tattoos are permanently imprinted on bodies with words that should not be written, spoken or seen. 14BC4EB3-1B26-459A-95DC-A93412EF1357 Clothing prominently sports things that are “ugly” and offensive. Even some “Christians” have attire proudly proclaiming “Yes, I am a Christian and I cuss a lot.” What?! So, I wonder how our Father feels about that? Or if these people consider the example they are setting? Ugly words take away from a person’s beauty. They can sting and hurt.

When I think of my Savior there are many words that come to mind. Beloved is the first and means dearly loved. Definitely Jesus loves us dearly. No doubt about that. Redemption is another one. It means being saved from sin or evil. Christ sought us out before we were born and bought us with his blood on the cross. He paid the entry fee to eternal life for us. That fee was his own life. Absolutely, freely given to us in love is our gift of salvation, which means deliverance from harm or destruction.

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Tell me about you? What words do you relate to people? Better yet, what words do you think people relate to you? What if our words appeared on our skin? Make them pretty words to inspire, bring about happy memories and smiles. Don’t leave behind ugly words as your impression or influence on this world. Let your children and grandchildren read “hug my neck” and “give me sugar” or remember you when they hear nice, virtuous, sweet words. Don’t let #*@$ or worse be your legacy.

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