Going Home

Friday afternoon Katie and I set off for Clayton, NC. It's always nice to head home to see Mama and Daddy, my sister, her husband and children and my in-laws Joe and Ann. Honestly, I was looking forward to mama's made from scratch banana pudding and some rest....lucky me, I got both. Being on the farm was very relaxing and quiet compared to Charlotte's hustle and bustle.

Saturday, my sister Jan and me did a little shopping while my parents went to my mother's 60th class reunion! WOW and I thought 27 years was a lot. I was so proud of my mama. She was leading the blessing that day. She is such a woman of God. At 78, she continues to let her light shine to others.

Sunday we went to church at First Baptist Church in Clayton, NC. Tony and I used to be very active at this church before moving to Charlotte and Katie was dedicated as a baby there. In fact Sunday was Baby/Parent Dedication Day. One of my former students and her husband were dedicating their lives to raising their baby daughter in a Christian home. This young mother looked absolutley radiant!! I taught her in second grade over 15 years ago! Time really flies. It was nice to see many of our old friends and loved ones.

Just like always, mama cooked enough to feed an army after church! She is such a wonderful southern cook. We had our fill of BBQ chicken, country style steak, mashed potatoes, gravy, boiled potatoes...as if one kind wasn't enough, field peas and butter beans! Oh! I forgot to mention the preferred drink of the south...sweet tea! Needless to say, when it was time to go home, I could hardly keep my eyes open! Thankfully Katie was driving! As always, it was hard to leave. My 84 year old daddy always has teary eyes and says to drive safely, lock your doors and to call when you get home. I feel like I'm 16 again...loving every minute of it! As hard as it is to say goodbye, it is always nice to go back home!

Deuteronomy 6:6-9 And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.
7. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.