Spinach & Cornbread

One time when Dayna and Darlene were about three and four we ran out of propane after AB went to work. It was icy weather and we lived where the wind whipped around and through the trailer from across the cotton fields. 

Dayna, Darlene and I all wrapped up good and climbed in one bed to stay warm. We stayed there all day, reading, and coloring. 

When we got hungry I checked for something we could eat, since we couldn't cook. Spinach and cornbread were all that was left over from the night before, so we ate that for breakfast and lunch.

It was a long day, but we  learned long ago that tough or bad situations can be turned into fun. 

Frozen

We were in Oklahoma and only minutes from our destination when suddenly a loud pop,  a plume of smoke and the car died. Deb's car would never start again. 

We were due back in Jonesboro the following afternoon with Dayanna, Dayna, BJ and Mandi for George Family photos. After getting a mechanic to check it out we decided to pull the car home. 

Terry, a friend told us he would load the car on his car hauler and tow it with his pick up. And that we could ride back with him. After loading it Terry told us to get in the pick up and we would leave. There wasn't enough room for us all, so Deb and I said we would wrap ourselves in blankets and ride in the back of the pick up. 

We felt warm enough when we started but within twenty miles we were trying to do the impossible and squeeze under the tool box.  We were shaking so bad we couldn't hear each other speak above the chatter of teeth. 

Finally we gave up on trying to squeeze under the tool box and started signaling for Terry to stop. When he pulled off the shoulder we could hardly move because we were so frozen. 

We knew it was illegal to ride in a car being towed, but we thought we had a better chance with the police than if we were frozen. 

Deb lay in the front seat of her car and I lay in the back so we wouldn't be visible to a policeman. 

Mornin' Breeze

Dad was already preaching when Mamie arrived at church. She had worked at the catfish restaurant and as sitting down, she asked Angela for  some perfume. She thought it would disguise the smell of food on  her clothing. 

Angela, who was sitting behind Mamie held up a bottle of perfume. Mamie extended her arm and told Angela to spray it on her wrist, which she did. Mamie rubbed her wrists together and rubbed them on her neck before the smell hit her nostrils. It was "Mornin' Breeze" perfume and Dad said it smelled like 'lightning had struck the outhouse.'

Micah, a little three or four year old girl was three rows behind Mamie sleeping on the pew.  She started gagging and throwing up.  

Everyone was rolling with laughter, and Angela was laughing so hard she had to go out. Dad was preaching when the laughter started, and was bumfuzzled for just a moment, before he smelled it, then he started grinning. Angela said,  "When I saw that smile, I knew I had made Dad proud." 

If That Isn't Love

We had been in California for several weeks and were headed back home. While there, we had heard the sad news about some dear friends whose marriage had split up. (I will call them Brother and Sister Johnson)  And that the husband was living in New Mexico. 

Dad and Mom prayed that they could reach Brother Johnson and could help reunite him with his family. They  talked to other friends who scheduled a church service in their home in Albuquerque (I think that is the correct city) and Brother Johnson agreed to come. 

We were not in a cathedral, there was no huge crowd, and the music was minimal. But God's Spirit was close to us that night as we sang and worshipped Him. God often uses unusual incidents, unique things, and unlikely people to touch our hearts. And that night was one of those times. 

When seven adults and seven children began to sing, pray and worship God, His Spirit started working in the heart of Brother Johnson.  Then the three youngest of the children began to sing;

"If that isn't love,  

The ocean is dry

There's no stars in the sky

And the sparrow can't fly

If that isn't love

Then heaven's a myth

There's no feeling like this

If that isn't love

It was like a dam broke and God began to heal the brokenness in Brother Johnson as he listened to Juanetta, Angela and LaNelda sing. The healing that God began then in his heart continued and their family was reunited. 

Later, Brother Johnson talked about God working in his heart that night. He said, "When those three little ones started singing, "If Dad Isn't Loved" my heart broke." He had misunderstood the words of the song, but God used his misunderstanding to begin the healing process that was needed to restore their family. 

That was not the only time God worked on people's hearts through Juanetta, Angela and LaNelda singing that song.I will post another incident later. 

Save the Walls

Spring River was a fun and relaxing part of our summers.  We had many memorable times there through the years. Canoeing, tubing,  swimming and camping were our favorite activities. Some also liked to trout fish and still others would spend the day watching our children play in the rapids. It was always a time of friends, fun, good cooking and laughter. 

One particular day a group of friends and our families had had an amazing, fun-filled and exhausting time at Spring River. But we were glad to get home before the storm hit. The bad weather was moving in quickly, with extremely strong winds. 

We had not been home long when we got a phone call from Leslie. She said we needed to get to the church ASAP as the wind was blowing the church walls down. She told us that she was calling others to help also. 

We had started building a new church and had completed the foundation but the outside walls were only framed up. We rushed to the church, and as we pulled into the drive we could see that the walls were leaning dramatically. But Sue and Dallas already had 2x4's against one wall to support it enough to prevent the total collapse. 

Leslie, Freda, Boyd, AB and I pulled in to the church yard about the same time. We girls all grabbed 2x4's and pressed them against the wall to push it upright again. Boyd and AB grabbed ladders, hammers and nails and started nailing braces in place to secure the walls. 

As we stood on the ground watching the wind whip Boyd and AB on the top of the wall our hearts were in our throats. It was scary enough that the wall wasn't secure, but the strength of the wind made it even more frightening. 

Working together, we prevented the total collapse of the church walls that stormy day. It was a good thing to see people who are dedicated to their church, work hard for It. But the admirable thing to us that day was seeing two men who were not church members risk their necks for the church . 

My Will

You say, "If God's so big and strong,

Why can't He control my feelings?"

God says, "My child, I'd love so much,

To bring you peace and healing."

But God gave man, his own free will,

He can do, just as he pleases.

So stop and think, God's hands are tied,

Until man, his will releases.

Faithful

Faithful

Life at it's best, sometimes seems so cruel,

And deals such a dreadful blow.

The sun may not seem to be shining,

The stars may have list their glow.

You may wonder why you are bearing the load,

Instead of one of the rest.

Could it be, this load on your shoulders,

Is only part if a test?

Friend, it could be that God in His wisdom,

Knew you could bear the grief,

And knew that you would fight, and not give up,

So others could find relief.

Could it be, He knew you could live, as you're living,

And smile through heartaches and tears,

To be an example to others,

And help diminish their fears?

So cheer up my friend, be strong in the Lord,

He'll give you the strength to go on.

Bear bravely the load, and smile through the tears,

Until it's time to go home.

By: Rev. C.E. George