Southern....I'm Southern

I have had the privilege to do some traveling. I have not been a GREAT many places, but I am not done yet, by any means.

One thing that always becomes glaringly apparent when I travel is that I love being from the South.

Literally. Love.

I was riding along today, thinking about being Southern and all it means to me, to my life.

I know that there are some areas of the country that you cannot readily recognize from the way a person carries themselves that they are from any particular region.

No one doubts that I am Southern.

Even when I try my best to smooth out the twang in my voice it is apparent.

We have mannerisms here that I am pretty sure are not in other areas. And those mannerisms are magnified here in this small southern town.

I have lived in the South all of my life. ALL. OF. MY. LIFE.

No, I do not fly a Rebel flag in my front yard or have fighting *chickens* in the back. I said I was Southern, not necessarily a redneck.

My mother taught me how to be a proper Southern Lady, not that I paid TOO much attention. But, she did try.

And like most other Southerners I like my tea sweet, the only liquor I like is *pot likker* and if you don't know what that is, I'm not telling.

I say *Thank you* when someone holds the door open for me and we taught our children to say "Yes, Ma'am" and "No, Sir" when speaking. We even used a belt on them when necessary and they are not in counseling yet!!

I understand that everyone who waves at you while you are riding down the road may not know you. It is kind of like the tip of the hat from days gone by, and I like that.

When I travel to all the places I have been someone invariably asks, "So, where are you from?" because it is very obvious I am not from where I am.

And my reply is always the same.

"I'm from Georgia. I'm Southern."

There is no where else **ON EARTH** I'd rather be.

I know that Heaven will be a lot different from here, but I won't be too hard to find.

I will be the one hollering just inside the gates "Hey, y'all!! I made it through!! Praise the LORD!"

Living With The Author

We had an excellent Bible Study tonight on the plan of salvation from the Search for Truth 2 study.

And just as I knew, Denise did a MUCH better job teaching it than I did. Of course, I interjected from the *peanut gallery* but that is to be expected. I just can't seem to hush about this wonderful faith.

One of the simple things Denise said tonight struck such a cord in me.

She said how much easier it is to understand the Word of God when the Author is residing within you.

Being filled with the Holy Ghost I have the Author living in me, and He gives me understanding that was denied me before.

How awesome is THAT?!?!?!

And, someday He will return and FINISH what He started in me over 20 years ago.

OH! How I love Him!!

To See Through The Glass Darkly

Here it is....2:43 am, and yet I cannot close my eyes. Not for lack of tiredness, for I proclaim that I am weary of body and mind. And yet, I cannot seem to close out this day.

Would anyone fault me for dreams? I would not consider it. Dreams, it seems to me, are the reason we do want to rise to face each day. Without something to dream of, some tomorrow to seek, I fear I would want to sleep on forever.

I have looked toward dreams for many years, for 24 to be precise. Every since I first felt that flutter of life beneath my heart, I have dreamt of days to come with much anticipation.

And now, it appears that I am standing with my face pressed into the dark glass of those dreams, straining to catch a glimpse of what awaits on the other side.

I can feel each dream in my heart, yet I can scarcely see them with my eyes. But I still believe they are there.

I have no way to describe the feelings rushing inside of me.

I do not know if I can waste one precious moment to close my eyes and let sleep overtake me. Yet, I know I must.

I have no recourse but to place my trust firmly in His hands, knowing He sees the ending from the beginning. He sees clearly through the smoky tint that deprives me from a true glimpse of tomorrow.

And so, I will rest in His care, certain that He cares for me.