T Daddy

                                                               Tommy Prewitt

This is the forth day of my Gratitude Adventure, and today I am picking my husband.  I am thankful for the years he dedicated himself to the medical profession.  The hours and days he spent on call not only to help others, but to provide for his family. His willingness to clean up the kitchen, pick up children late at night, walk the dog when I don't have it in me, etc. etc. etc. are just a few of the many things he does that does not go unnoticed.  I have known this man since the 4th grade, when he sat in front of me at First Presbyterian Dayschool.  Most of all, he puts up with me, and for that I am thankful.

J.B. Bond

                                                                J.B. and Jean Bond

My children and I sometime play a game to see if they can name my 5 favorite people in the world.  One person they always know is J.B. Bond.  J.B., originally from Mississippi, coached at Mississippi State, before going to Dallas Theological Seminary.  He then became the pastor of Countryside Church in Stillwater, Ok.  For the two years we lived in Stillwater, we attended his church.  Through his teaching, I became grounded in the scripture, and got a clearer understanding of it.  To this day, he is still my favorite teacher.  Fortunately for me, years of his teaching can be found on the church's  website.  I can honestly say that J.B. is the kind of individual that truly loves almost everyone.  God put him in my life during a time when I need someone like him, not only to teach me, but guide me through a difficult period.  Not only was he my pastor, but my counselor and most of all my friend.

My Jackson Friends

These wonderful ladies are my closest friends in Jackson, with the exception of Danelle and Evie who were unable to be there that night.  Many are old friends from high school, some are new ones I have met since moving home, and two are my sisters.  How fortunate I am to have each of them in my life.  I know that I could call any one of them at any time for help, and they would be there for me.  THAT is a true blessing and gift.

Thankful in November

                                                                         Gwynn

It's been a while.  Sorry.  I took a break for personal reasons, but for the month of November, I am going to follow one of my artist friends, Deama Tolle Perry, and take time and tell you what I am thankful for.  She calls it the Gratitude Adventure.  So often, we focus our attention on the negative things in our lives and look for what is missing, instead of looking at all the blessings.   My intention this month is to take a moment each day and share it with you.

Today my blessing is my daughter Gwynn.  I am so thankful for the the young woman she is becoming and the stance she has taken for her Savior.  Gwynn had a life changing experience this past summer at Young Life camp.  During a time in her life ( a senior in high school), when peer pressure is at an all time high, she made a decision to change her lifestyle and be an example of Jesus Christ.  The price has been high, but she has stood firm in her conviction.  She has set an example for all of us, and I am very thankful for her and this blessing God has given me.

Honesty

                                                                         "Anna"
                                                                          36 x 36
                                                                           SOLD
People say they want honesty, but do they really?  To me, it seems the more you tell the truth sometimes, the angrier or more offended individuals get.  They don't want to hear it.  They rather live in quasi non reality, than be honest about what is really going on.  Families and circles of friends sometimes are the worst.  The closer you are, the harder it is.  No one wants to be the "bad guy" and speak the truth of what is happening.  They would rather just talk behind some one's back, than face the individual with the truth.  This only ends up hurting those involved.  The truth is the truth is the truth.  Why are we so afraid of it?  Why are we afraid of the repercussion of speaking it?  Why can't we just be forthcoming?  Wouldn't our lives be simpler if we just could say what we really thought, than play games?  All this wears me out, because I'm caught up in it too.  I hate it.  It feels like such a heavy burden, walking around not feeling free to simply be honest.  I don't know if I can continue doing it much longer.  I may become unpopular, but the quote "the truth will set you free" seems to be the only real answer.

Over The Top

                                                                   15 x 30 Framed
                                                                       "Rebecca"
                                                                          SOLD
Madison Central's homecoming is coming up at the end of the month.  In my day, the boy would just call on the phone and ask a girl to the dance.  Today, they all feel the need to ask the girl in some special way.  One young man I know planned a scavenger hunt for his potential date, where at the final destination, he had candles in votives surrounding a sign that said "Homecoming ?"  I saw on Facebook where a friend's child sent a pizza to his date, and inside the pizza box was written "I know this is cheesy, but will you go to homecoming with me?".  Although I think all their invitations are creative and cute, somehow it all makes me feel a little sad.  All of it seems over the top and unnecessary.  Wouldn't just a phone call do?  But, this generation does not know how to use a phone to talk.  They just text and instagram.  I'm scared that we are rearing children that will not know how to communicate with each other.  They all hide behind a text.  I guess that is why it is so important for us to keep communication flowing in the home, in hopes that it will continue when they are among peers and out in the real world.  We thought high school in the 70's was hard, but compared to today, it seemed very simple.

Inspiring Artist

This is a painting by one of my favorite artist, Sophia.  I believe Sophia is originally from France, but now lives in Charlotte.  When I first moved back to Jackson, I would visit VIEW GALLERY and just stare at her work.  I would find so many hidden figures incorporated in her paintings.  If you look closely at this one, you can see fairies, dancers and hearts.  I think I even see a knight.  She has a wonderful gift of color and composition.  Sophia was a very big inspiration to me when I began to paint.  I hope one day to have the pleasure of owning one of her wonderful pieces of art.