This and Maybe That: 2018

If You Can't Fly...

A favorite quote of mine from Martin Luther King Jr. I hope I can always keep moving forward...

"If you can't fly, then run, if you can't run, then walk, if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.

Learned this chapter of the Bible, the 24th book of Psalms, in Mrs. Daisy Manes' class. She was my teacher for the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. Not sure which year I learned it but I am going to guess the 6th grade. I could recite it for many years but now I am rusty. I keep thinking I will memorize it again but so far I haven't tried. I have liked this book ever since we memorized it in Mrs. Manes' class.

24:1- The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2- For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

3- Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

4- He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

5- He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6- This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

7- Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

8- Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

9- Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.

10-Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

open

BERMUDA GRASS---ARGGGGHHHH!!!

Well, I've killed enough time already this morning. It is time to get out there and weed-eat the garden. Yes, that is what I typed, weed-eat the garden.

We planted green beans in our garden where we always did, but the Bermuda Grass has taken over that garden. I knew it and planted the beans there anyway. It is almost impossible to eradicate Bermuda Grass from anywhere. The roots spread underground and come up any and everywhere. Break off a piece and drop it and by willikers it will take root and grow. I guess if a person were vigilant enough, if they LAID in the garden rows and pulled every single leaf of Bermuda Grass that came up, and did that EVERY day, they might, and I mean MIGHT keep it under control, but the roots would still be there, waiting for that day you miss, and POOOOOOF! it would be growing full blast again.

The only way I know we could get rid of Bermuda Grass is to spray it with a powerful weed/grass killer, and spray many feet around the garden, and keep it sprayed around the garden so it wouldn't creep back into the garden. I don't know if that is even feasible.

In the meantime, I need to go out and weed-eat all the Bermuda Grass out from between the rows of green beans, and leave it in the rows, because I know if I try to pull the Bermuda Grass up from around the beans, the roots are so entangled with the bean's roots that it would pull up the beans.

Okay, more later on how that works!

Guitarzan!

Bob told me if I would learn to play a guitar, he would buy me one....buy away, Bob! I can't learn to play it until I have one!

No, I wonder if I can ever do something like learn to play the guitar? Old dogs and new tricks and all that, you know? Also, if I do anything with my hands or fingers for any amount of time my fingers go numb. I am sure it is something to do with the alignment of my vertabrae in my back or neck, maybe. Maybe because I have arthritis? I don't know. I just know I would love to be able to play the guitar or piano, but just don't know if it's possible. I have the piano but can't make myself sit down and practice, and just can't grasp the essentials of it. I'm afraid it would be the same with the guitar and hate for the expense of buying one when I almost know I won't learn to play it.

Alicia plays and she said she would try to show me, and I think I could go to Sparta and maybe take some lessons from Bob Hammons. I think my problem is my number one sin, which is pride. I don't know if I could handle it well if Bob Hammons told me I couldn't learn to play it or forget it.

Why am I so afraid I will fail at doing something, and what is the sinful pride I have? I am surely not prideful about the way I look, or I would have controlled my weight all these many years, and maybe learned to fix my hair to look nice, but I don't care about those things. But to know that somebody might think I can't do something just bugs me. Bob Case was right when he told me a few weeks ago that he knew how to get me to do anything was to tell me I couldn't do it....he is right....I might die trying then.....HAHAHA!

So, if I can build up my nerve and my resolve, I might be the next Chet Atkins.....

The Grass Withereth

Isaiah:40:8 (King James Version)

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.

Isn't that a comfort to know? All things pass with time, but the word of God stays strong...forever!

ARMY OF GOD

I am a soldier in the army of my God.The Lord Jesus Christ is my Commanding Officer.The Holy Scripture is my code of conduct.Faith, prayer and the Word are my weapons of warfare.

I have been taught by the Holy Spirit, trained by experience,
tried by adversity and tested by fire.

I am a volunteer in this army, and I am enlisted for eternity.
I will not get out, sell out, be talked out or be pushed out.
I am faithful, reliable, capable and dependable.
If my God needs me, I am there. I am a soldier.

I am not a baby. I do not need to be pampered, petted,
primed up, pumped up, picked up, or pepped up. I am a soldier.
No one has to call me, remind me, write me, visit me, invite me, entice me or lure me.
I am a soldier. I am not a wimp. I am in place, saluting my King,
obeying His orders, praising His name and building His kingdom!
No one has to send me flowers, gifts, food, cards or candy, or give me handouts. I do not need to be cuddled, cradled, cared for or
catered to. I am committed. I cannot have my feelings hurt bad
enough to turn me around. I cannot be discouraged enough to
turn me aside. I cannot lose enough to cause me to quit.

When Jesus called me into this army, I had nothing. If I end up with nothing,
I will still come out ahead. I will win. My God has and will continue to supply all of my need.
I am more than a conqueror. I will always triumph. I can do all things through Christ.
The devil cannot defeat me. People cannot disillusion me. Weather cannot weary me.
Sickness cannot stop me. Battles cannot beat me. Money cannot buy me. Governments
cannot silence me, and hell cannot handle me. I am a soldier.

Even death cannot destroy me. For when my Commander calls me from His battlefield,
He will promote me to captain and then allow me to rule with Him.
I am a soldier in the army, and I’m marching claiming victory.
I will not give up. I will not turn around.

I am a soldier, marching heaven-bound.
Here I Stand! Will you stand with me?

unknown author

Bear at the Mailbox

Okay, gotta record this for posterity! Bob and I came home from church today (July 23, 2017) and came around the corner to our road, and I thought I saw somebody standing at our mailbox, in something long and black and furry looking. I said to Bob, who is that at our mailbox? Bob said look closer, and when I did, I saw a black bear!

When we got closer to the mailbox, the bear ran across the road and up on the bank. We stopped in the road right in front of the mailbox and Bob rolled down his window. The bear was just standing there on all fours looking at us. Bob hollered at it and it ran about halfway up a tree, just a little tree, maybe 10 in. through the middle. Anyway, it just hung there on the side of the tree, staring at us with those big bear eyes. Bob and I both were talking to it like idiots, and Bob whistled a couple of times at it. When he whistled, the bear came down off the tree and ambled up over the hill towards Lynda and Virgil Neuenschwander's place. They have gone back home to Oklahoma so nobody up there to see it.

Several people have seen bears around our house at different times through the past years. One guy saw a bear run across the road and down our road several years ago, and somebody saw one between our road and Delbert and Lorri's house a few years ago. Bob saw a big big bear out at the back of our place when he was hunting one day. Seems like everybody had seen a bear around here but me and Julie. I don't want bears to be around here, but if there is one here, I want to see it!

I thought the bear was a young one and not very big. Bob said it might have been young but it was grown and probably weighed 125-130 pounds or so. He said it also looked gaunt. We wondered if it was trying to get the ants and bugs out of our mailboxes. Surely there are more bugs and berries in the fields and woods than in our mailboxes!

I am glad I saw the bear today. I have been slightly afraid to get out in the fields and woods around our house, didn't want to pick blackberries either, because I was afraid I would encounter a bear, and with my gimpy knee and hip and weighing a ton I knew I couldn't get away from one. Which you aren't supposed to do anyway, you are supposed to stand your ground, raise your arms up and holler loudly, and back away slowly. Yeah, right, that's what I would do all right. I would probably have had a heart attack right there!

But after today and watching it run away from us, looking scared, I'm not so scared anymore. I still don't want to meet up with one, but maybe if I do, I won't have a heart attack now.....hahaha.

camper

Oh, I want a camper. I never thought I would want a camper. I never did like to camp very well. Well, until I stayed with Julie and Scott in Scott's folks campers.

One time we stayed in a pop up that belonged to Carrie and Cody. Once in Corey's camper. I think. A few times we have stayed in Ivan's camper.

Now I like camping in a camper. I want one. I want to go to bluegrass festivals and stay in our camper.

I want to go to Buck Creek and stay in our camper.

I want to go to Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Cades Cove, everywhere, and stay in our camper.

It would be cheaper than staying in a motel room, wouldn't it?

It would be more restful to stay in our camper instead of driving home from Beacon Park or Starvy Creek, wouldn't it?

I don't know.

I am obsessed with looking at them on craigslist. I look on craigslist and make Karen's list. Then I show them to Bob. He is very non-commital. He doesn't really want to buy one, I don't think. He is tired of working, tired of payments, tired of money, money, money that goes out.

We would have payments for a few years.

Upkeep.

Tires.

Gas.

Maintaining a good vehicle to pull it.

I just don't know.

Pros and cons.

Bob says that we can get one. If I want one.

Then I will feel bad if it is too expensive, or too hard to pull around.

I also would feel like I was forcing him to go places he doesn't really want to go? Ugh.

What decisions.

Bob likes bluegrass festivals as much as I do.

But he could take the money we pay out for a camper and go on a hunting trip like he has never been able to do. But after we had it paid off, he could take the camper on his hunting trip. Oh....decisions. I am not good with decisions.

I want a camper.

It would be so handy and fun to camp in it at Buck Creek.

But the expense. Ugh.

WELCOME SPRING

January 18, 2012
A poem I wrote many years ago. I lost the original version but this is very close.

WELCOME SPRING

I'm listening for the peepers,

Their chorus welcoming,

For when I hear their happy song,

Spring is more than just a dream.

I'm looking for the crocus,

That blooms in spite of snow,

For when I glimpse their blossoms,

Spring is close, I know.

I'm listening for the redbird,

Its cheery song to sing,

For when I hear that welcome song,

My own heart just takes wing.

I'm looking for the green leaves,

Upon the trees so brown,

For when they look so lacy,

I know winter has lain down.

I'm waiting for the lilac,

Their bouquet to appear,

The heavenly blossoms' fragrance

announces Spring is finally here.

DANDELIONS AND ROSES

A dandelion is a weed and a rose, a beautiful flower, right? Well, it is all in how you look at it. I probably look at it different than some, 'cause that's just the way I am...

I guess most serious lawn workers and flower lovers would consider the dandelion the most heinous of weeds. Ugh! Get that dandelion outta there! Once they are growing in your lawn, they are almost impossible to get rid of. I read once that the dandelion's roots may go down up to a foot into the earth, maybe farther, but we don't have that much earth here to go down into... and if you don't dig out every bit of root, it will just grow a new dandelion. "Course, you could just spray them and spray them with some kind of weed spray and I guess sooner or later they would cease and desist. Maybe.

If you let that dandelion grow to maturity, it turns into a big ol' ball of fuzzy seeds that the slightest puff of wind or breath of child will send flying into the atmosphere, dancing away on the breeze, seeking earth, any little piece of soil, no matter how poor in nutrients for growing living things, a crack in the pavement or a little dirt here or there and implant itself into that soil to grow another dandelion plant.

The rose, on the other hand, is absolutely beautiful. I love roses. To paraphrase Will Rogers, I have never met a rose I didn't like. Beautiful! Hundreds of different shades, reds, yellows, pinks, orange-y shades, whites, bi-colored, you name a color, there is probably a rose. They can take many different forms, the hybrid tea rose, floribunda roses, rugosa rose types, classic english type roses, and many more. Something for everyone.

Some roses will grow and bloom without much fuss, others need to be babied all their lives to grace us with their beautiful blooms. Water just right, fed just right, just enough sun, prune at the right time. Lots of work.

The reward? Beautiful flowers and sometimes beautiful fragrance. Roses are the preferred flower of the masses, millions of dollars worth being sold every Valentines Day, and for birthdays, anniversaries, most any occasion, roses say it best.

But dandelions. I love dandelions. Love. Those fuzzy little sunny, cheerful yellow blooms. One of if not THE first "flowers" to bloom in spring....or winter. I can usually go out in January if we have had any little bit of warming and find a dandelion blooming. The dandelion, being one of the first to bloom is very important to bees. When bees are coming out on the first warm days, hunting for some sweet nectar, dandelions are there waiting for them.

Who doesn't remember as a child, bringing a dandelion to your mommy, grandma, your teacher, proudly holding out the flower you found, wanting to share the beauty? Who hasn't gotten one of these love offerings from a child? I am reminded of an anecdote I read once of a woman who went into the post office to buy a stamp. The clerk said "You must be a teacher". "Why yes, I am," the woman replied, "I teach first grade, but how did you know?" The clerk pointed at a wilted dandelion pinned on the woman's shoulder.

I love going out in early spring and seeing all the dandelions blooming in my yard, and then when the wild violets, another dreaded "weed" joins in, the beauty almost takes my breath away. Maybe I am too easily swayed...but I love 'em.

Sometimes we are like roses. We have to be nurtured along,

fed all the right things, everything must happen at just the right time or we can't function or grow. We can be beautiful when all the conditions are just right. But if we don't get enough attention, like the rose, well, maybe we don't do very well, maybe we might just kinda cease to exsist.

I want to be like a dandelion. I want to persist. I want my roots, my beliefs to go so deep that if somebody tries to rid me of them they will come back stronger than ever. I want to give joy and sustenance in the rough times when you can't find it anywhere else.

The Gift (poem) by Mary Oliver

The Gift

Be still, my soul, and steadfast,
Earth and Heaven are still watching
though time is draining from the clock
and your walk, that was confident and quick,
has become slow.

So, be slow if you must, but let
the heart still play its true part.
Love still as once you loved, deeply
and without patience. Let God and the world
know you are grateful.
That the gift has been given.

Mary Oliver

Gloryland-Laffertys

Used to hear the Lafferty family sing this at different church activities. I first heard it when they sang it at the benefit they had for me after I had meningitis. I have loved it ever since. If there is any song that can make me stand up and shout, this is one of them!

Glory Land

We have heard the wondrous story, time and time again,

About a land where we shall never die…

Where all the saints of old shall gather, and live free from sin,

Yonder in that city up on high…

Chorus:

Glory Land…..Glory Land…

Wondrous city built by God’s own hand,

Cares all past, Home at last,

Come and go with me to Glory Land…

They say the walls are jasper, and the gates are made of

pearl,

And in that land there’ll never come a night…

For with the flowing river and the streets of purest gold,

Jesus Christ Himself will be the Light…

Chorus:

Glory Land…Glory Land…

Wondrous city built by God’s own hand,

Cares all past, Home at last,

Come and go with me to Glory Land…

Repeat chorus:

Tag:

Oh won’t you come and go with me, to Glory Land…..

Far Side Banks Of Jordan

I love this song. I love it more each time I hear it. If I could sing good enough, I would record it on something and have them play it at my funeral, if I happen to go before Bob. Since I can't, they can play this one by Johnny and June. Probably my favorite version.

Far Side Banks of Jordan

I believe my steps are growin' wearier each day
Still I've got another journey on my mind
Lures of this old world have ceased to make me wanna stay
And my one regret is leavin' you behind

But if it proves to be his will that I am first to go
And somehow I've a feelin' it will be
When it comes your time to travel likewise, don't feel lost
For I will be the first one that you'll see

And I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I'll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand
And when I see you coming, I will rise up with the shout
And come running through the shallow waters, reaching for your hand

Through this life we've labored hard to earn our meager fare
It's brought us trembling hands and failing eyes
So I'll just rest here on this shore and turn my eyes away
Until you come, then we'll see paradise

I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I'll be sitting drawing pictures in the sand
And when I see you coming, I will rise up with the shout
And come running through the shallow waters, reaching for your hand, hmm

Songwriters: Terry Stephen Smith

She Took His Breath Away

Oh my, I love this song. I almost always tear up when I listen to it. James King, the bluegrass storyteller. I love his songs and his voice. He passed away needing a liver transplant. The first and only time I ever saw him live was at Starvy Creek and he said he wouldn't live long without a liver transplant, he didn't have any insurance and couldn't afford to have the operation. I don't know for certain, but assume he didn't get to have a transplant because he died soon after we saw him. Mercy, he could sing a song.

She Took His Breath Away sung by James King

(G)He couldn't catch her eye

(C)No matter how he'd (G)try

If she noticed him at all he couldn't (D) say

(G)He didn't know if it was love

(C)Or what the feeling (G)was

He only knew,(D) she took his breath (G)away...

(G)Call it luck, call it smart

(C)Somehow, he won her (G)heart

She looked so gorgeous on her wedding (D)day

(G) She whispered "I Love You"

But he couldn't speak

(D)She took his breath (G) away

(G) That night he closed (C)his eyes and dreamed (G)about her

And he swore he'd love her til, his dying (D)day

(G) Life just wouldn't be (C)the same (G) without her

He loved her so (D) she took his breath (G) away

(G) Two people, one soul

To be together for etern(D)ity

(G)She's callin' for you Joe

She ain't got long, he heard her doctor (D) say

(G) Then kneeling by her bed

You know you always (D) took my breath (G) away

(G) That night he closed (C)his eyes and dreamed (G)about her

And swore he'd love her til his dying (D)day

(G) He didn't have the (C)will to live (G)without her

He loved her so (D)she took his breath (G) away

(G)Oh one last time(D) she took his breath(G)away....

HOLLYHOCKS and HUMMINGBIRDS

About my Grandma Mary. She had hollyhocks growing all over her back yard, and of course, the hummingbirds loved them. Once in a while she would sneak up and catch one for a little while. No birds were hurt in the actions of my granny.

Hollyhocks and Hummingbirds

Grandma loved hollyhocks,
so did the hummingbirds.
While the hummers sipped nectar
Grandma would slowly,
So carefully,
Slip up to the flower,
and hold her cupped hands over the bloom.
The little sprites knew they were caught,
struggling for just a few seconds.
Then, slowly settling into a daze, rest,
as Grandma would peep between her fingers
at the prize she had captured.
She only held them a short while
then opened her gentle hands.
Tiny captives were set free.

copyright Karen Case 2011

SONGS I LOVE

SONGS I LOVE…(no certain order except the first one is MY FAVORITE) I note the people/groups I like the best to hear sing each song, maybe the only people I have heard sing certain songs, but I like them sung by anybody... also...will update now and then and will always be my latest post on my blog. And most of them are in a post here somewhere on my blog. I LOVE MUSIC!

By the Mark---Dailey and Vincent

I Believe---Dailey and Vincent (with Jimmy Fortune)

On the Banks of the Promised Land---Karen Peck and New River

The Holy Hills of Heaven---Vestal Goodman or anybody

Rock of Ages---Vestal Goodman or anybody

O’ Come, Angel Band---Ralph Stanley

I'll Meet You In the Morning---Appalachian Express (I love the way they sing it)

The Far Side Banks of Jordan--Johnny and June, or Jimmy Fortune

Someday---Blue Highway or anybody

Revelation---Third Day

Living in the Kingdom of God---Dailey and Vincent

Farther Along---Johnny Cash or The Peasall Sisters or anybody

I Am Made Worthy---Primitive Quartet

Somewhere Over the Rainbow--by Israel Kamakawiwo

Gone Away---Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Just as the Sun Went Down---James King

Beautiful City of Gold---Yvonne St. Germaine

I've Never Been This Homesick Before---anybody

Gloryland--by Heavenbound but especially the Laffertys

Peace In The Valley---Red Foley or anybody

Gone Home---Ricky Skaggs or anybody

Heaven's Jubilee---anybody

Rock of Ages---Vestal or anybody

You've Got to Keep Walking—Paul Williams and Victory Trio

When I Get Home---Newfound Road

You Raise Me Up--by Selah

Look For Me---Tanya Goodman Sykes

Where We'll Never Grow Old---Church Sisters or the Sprinkle Family or anybody

The Right Side---Flatt Lonesome

Didn't He Shine---Primitive Quartet

There's a Light Guiding Me---Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, or anybody

Revival---Third Day

(Lord, It's) Just Another Hill---Easter Brothers

When Life is Over---Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver

On Heaven's Bright Shore---Alison Krauss

I Am Weary, Let Me Rest---Cox family with Alison Krause

When I've Traveled My Last Mile---Dailey and Vincent or anybody

One Day at a Time---anybody

Other songs I love:

Cumberland River---by Dailey and Vincent (makes me wanna dance)

Music of the Mountains---by Dailey and Vincent

Roses in the Snow---Emmylou Harris