NEVER RUN OUT OF COFFEE! I told myself this not too long ago, but I didn't heed my self-warning. Since I had only enough coffee for a small cup this morning, I decided I would go get some coffee at McDonalds and a McGridde (and all that good stuff that comes inside). A good driver needs to have an acute sense of bad...sometimes terrible...drivers in Vidalia, especially on Highway 280. Well, the Onion Festival weekend heightens this need to be aware of the crazies! As I am making my way down 280, I notice a truck is stopped at the road besides Hardy's---heading the wrong direction. My next awareness is a car moving out of the Hardy's lane into my lane a few yards ahead. All of a sudden, this car stops to allow Mr. Going-the Wrong-Way Truck to come on to Highway 280 heading east. I had to slam on the brakes to avoid rear ending the car ahead of me. I laid down on the horn. Background---a few years ago, a car pulled out in front of me and traveled about 195 yards before stopping to allow someone to turn into the TG&Y Parking Lot. (Yes, that's what it still is to me.) This caused me to stop abruptly. While I avoided rear ending the car that made this ill-advised maneuver, the car following me, did Not stop abruptly enough and rear ended me. I told myself if this situation arose again, I would alert other drivers to the situation by blowing the horn. That sounded like a good philosophy, but today's horn blowing was to tell the car in front of me, "That was ill-advised!" (or something like that). My friend in front of me proceeded to shoot me with a bird. He was quite proficient! He held it high outside his window. My response was to hold up both hands to say, "What are you doing?" His response was to shoot me again. By this time, I realize this guy is an excellent marksman, but my response was the same---throwing up both my hand. He decided to mock me and throw up his hands. Honestly, I'm not sure the correct order of his responses---shoot a bird then hands thrown in the air or the other way around, but he was trying to communicate efficiently with me. Of course, this is happening as we start driving down the road, and lo and behold, we both get in the Turning Lane at McDonalds. I am still getting my coffee and McGriddle (and the stuff that comes inside). I am wondering if we might have a little confrontation. Interestingly enough, I get in the drive-through while he turns in and sits in a parking spot almost directly across from me. After a while, he leaves. I'm sorry that there was not an exciting ending for you, the reader!
I was excited because I did not get rear ended. The communication with my new friend was kind of humorous. I praise God for watching out for me, especially on Highway 280. I did ask the Lord to order my steps today. Psalm 37:23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
Final Lesson: Note to self: DO NOT RUN OUT OF COFFEE!
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
The Balance of the Little Things
Many of you have probably read the book, Don't Sweat the Small Stuff. While this is a truth in life, because God tells us to not worry about anything, there is value in paying attention to details. There is value in doing the little things well. There is value in making habits of making right choices on the little things.
Many successful people are well aware of this idea. Many people who live a satisfying life are well aware of this plan. Many of us are well aware of the value of this plan, but we do not put it into practice. As a former middle-school teacher of 29 years, I often used the following philosophy, "You are what you decide to a certain degree." The older you get, the higher that degree goes up, since your parents make decisions for you less and less as you grow older. Even as adults, we certainly do not control everything in our lives. Let's examine this philosophy. The most important choice is how you view God. It determines your eternity. Similarly, the way we view others, certainly helps determine the person we are. It defines the way we behave and treat others on a daily basis. There are so many other choices that shape our lives. Many of these are big, such as marriage partner (or not), career, place you live, friends you choose, church you attend (or not), how you spend your money, how you spend your spare time, and many more.
The premise of little decisions being big has been brought to my attention by retired basketball Coach John Wooden in one of his books, Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret. It is amazing to think about how many small decisions we make--even in one day. Honestly, many of theses decisions do not shape our lives. But, habitual little choices about every aspects of our lives shape who we are. If you are honest in small decisions, you are an honest person. If you are inconsistent in little choices, you are inconsistent. If you are loyal to someone in small choices, you probably are loyal in big choices. Since I was a coach for 40 seasons over a 20-year span, I tend to think about this philosophy applied to sports. Besides the great John Wooden using this philosophy, there are so many coaches that use this approach. The two greatest Alabama football coaches of all time believe(d) in the little things--the details. When I was at my best as a coach, I had my team doing the details well. This philosophy may transcend in to one play for the entire season--success or failure. A base-running error could cost the championship. A well placed squeeze play could win the championship. A 2-point conversion could make or break you. And, the list goes on and on.
One thing I love about sports is there application to other parts of life. Qualities such as disciple, team-work, effort, and DOING THE LITTLE THINGS WELL! For argument sake, let us forget sports. Please think about doing the little things well. It takes practice. It takes discipline. It takes desire. It takes the ability to forgive yourself when you make a bad little decision.
It all boils down to the famous question: What kind of society would we have if everybody treated small decisions like I do?
Many successful people are well aware of this idea. Many people who live a satisfying life are well aware of this plan. Many of us are well aware of the value of this plan, but we do not put it into practice. As a former middle-school teacher of 29 years, I often used the following philosophy, "You are what you decide to a certain degree." The older you get, the higher that degree goes up, since your parents make decisions for you less and less as you grow older. Even as adults, we certainly do not control everything in our lives. Let's examine this philosophy. The most important choice is how you view God. It determines your eternity. Similarly, the way we view others, certainly helps determine the person we are. It defines the way we behave and treat others on a daily basis. There are so many other choices that shape our lives. Many of these are big, such as marriage partner (or not), career, place you live, friends you choose, church you attend (or not), how you spend your money, how you spend your spare time, and many more.
The premise of little decisions being big has been brought to my attention by retired basketball Coach John Wooden in one of his books, Coach Wooden's Greatest Secret. It is amazing to think about how many small decisions we make--even in one day. Honestly, many of theses decisions do not shape our lives. But, habitual little choices about every aspects of our lives shape who we are. If you are honest in small decisions, you are an honest person. If you are inconsistent in little choices, you are inconsistent. If you are loyal to someone in small choices, you probably are loyal in big choices. Since I was a coach for 40 seasons over a 20-year span, I tend to think about this philosophy applied to sports. Besides the great John Wooden using this philosophy, there are so many coaches that use this approach. The two greatest Alabama football coaches of all time believe(d) in the little things--the details. When I was at my best as a coach, I had my team doing the details well. This philosophy may transcend in to one play for the entire season--success or failure. A base-running error could cost the championship. A well placed squeeze play could win the championship. A 2-point conversion could make or break you. And, the list goes on and on.
One thing I love about sports is there application to other parts of life. Qualities such as disciple, team-work, effort, and DOING THE LITTLE THINGS WELL! For argument sake, let us forget sports. Please think about doing the little things well. It takes practice. It takes discipline. It takes desire. It takes the ability to forgive yourself when you make a bad little decision.
It all boils down to the famous question: What kind of society would we have if everybody treated small decisions like I do?
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Freedom for Abraham
We know him as FATHER ABRAHAM. The Bible first speaks of Abram (later God would name him Abraham) at the end of Genesis 11. Abram's father, Terah took Abram, Sarai (Abram's wife), and his grandson (Lot ) and moved to Haran and settled there.
In Genesis 12, the Lord tells Abram that He will make him into a great nation, and all the families of earth will be blessed by him. Also, the Lord told Abram to leave his native country and go to a land He would show him. Abram obeyed God.
In Genesis 15, the Lord took Abram outside and told him, "Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can.That's how many descendants you will have!" V. 6 reads: And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
In Genesis 16, Sarai, Abram's wife, had not been able to bear children for him. At this point, Abram and Sarai attempt to take matters into their own hands. Sarai tells Abram to sleep with her servant girl, Hagar. So, Abram sleeps with Hagar and she gives birth to a son, whom they name Ishmael. Abram was 86 years old when he was born.
In Genesis 17, the Lord appeared to Abram when he was 99 years old. The Lord said, "I am El-Shaddai--'God Almighty.' Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants." The Lord told hime he was changing Abram's name to Abraham, because he would be the father of great nations. Also, the Lord told Abraham that his wife's name would now be Sarah. He would richly bless her and give a son to Abraham through her.
In Genesis 21, we read: The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what He promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God said it would. And Abraham named their son Isaac. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.
In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham's faith. God told him to sacrifice Issac on a mountain in Moriah. So, Abraham, his servant, and Issac traveled to Moriah. On the third day, Abraham saw the place in the distance. He told the servant to wait there.
The following events often parallel the Gospel. As they start up the mountain (Calvary for Jesus), Abraham requires Issac to carry the wood for the sacrifice. (Jesus was required to take his own cross of wood for his sacrifice.) Abraham believed he would sacrifice his only son (John 3:16). Many scholars believe Abraham believed God would raise Issac from the dead. But, before Abraham killed his son, an angel of the Lord stopped him. At this time God provided a ram caught in a thicket to be used for the sacrifice. The ram was sacrificed in Issac's place. (Jesus was sacrificed in our place.)
A.W.Tozer helped me understand the purpose of this in The Pursuit of God. Abraham loved Issac too much! He had become an idol. But, things change when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Issac. This proved to God and Abraham that Issac was not number one in Abraham's life--God was. God was now on the throne of Abraham's heart. As Tozer so beautifully states it: HE HAD EVERYTHING, BUT HE POSSESSED NOTHING.
When we possess nothing but our faith in Christ, it is very freeing. Idols can weigh us down, The thought of all the things we own can be so burdensome. Just ask the rich young ruler that was unwilling to give his possessions to the poor and follow Jesus. Ohhh, but wait. There are three fingers pointing back at ourselves. As a 16-year old, I burned my rock albums because I felt God wanted me to do so. It would take me decades to realize the albums were not the problem, but my love for them, which was too great. There is freedom in realizing we do NOT own anything. We are merely in charge of the blessings that God has given us!
In Genesis 12, the Lord tells Abram that He will make him into a great nation, and all the families of earth will be blessed by him. Also, the Lord told Abram to leave his native country and go to a land He would show him. Abram obeyed God.
In Genesis 15, the Lord took Abram outside and told him, "Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can.That's how many descendants you will have!" V. 6 reads: And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
In Genesis 16, Sarai, Abram's wife, had not been able to bear children for him. At this point, Abram and Sarai attempt to take matters into their own hands. Sarai tells Abram to sleep with her servant girl, Hagar. So, Abram sleeps with Hagar and she gives birth to a son, whom they name Ishmael. Abram was 86 years old when he was born.
In Genesis 17, the Lord appeared to Abram when he was 99 years old. The Lord said, "I am El-Shaddai--'God Almighty.' Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life. I will make a covenant with you, by which I will guarantee to give you countless descendants." The Lord told hime he was changing Abram's name to Abraham, because he would be the father of great nations. Also, the Lord told Abraham that his wife's name would now be Sarah. He would richly bless her and give a son to Abraham through her.
In Genesis 21, we read: The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what He promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God said it would. And Abraham named their son Isaac. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born.
In Genesis 22, God tested Abraham's faith. God told him to sacrifice Issac on a mountain in Moriah. So, Abraham, his servant, and Issac traveled to Moriah. On the third day, Abraham saw the place in the distance. He told the servant to wait there.
The following events often parallel the Gospel. As they start up the mountain (Calvary for Jesus), Abraham requires Issac to carry the wood for the sacrifice. (Jesus was required to take his own cross of wood for his sacrifice.) Abraham believed he would sacrifice his only son (John 3:16). Many scholars believe Abraham believed God would raise Issac from the dead. But, before Abraham killed his son, an angel of the Lord stopped him. At this time God provided a ram caught in a thicket to be used for the sacrifice. The ram was sacrificed in Issac's place. (Jesus was sacrificed in our place.)
A.W.Tozer helped me understand the purpose of this in The Pursuit of God. Abraham loved Issac too much! He had become an idol. But, things change when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, Issac. This proved to God and Abraham that Issac was not number one in Abraham's life--God was. God was now on the throne of Abraham's heart. As Tozer so beautifully states it: HE HAD EVERYTHING, BUT HE POSSESSED NOTHING.
When we possess nothing but our faith in Christ, it is very freeing. Idols can weigh us down, The thought of all the things we own can be so burdensome. Just ask the rich young ruler that was unwilling to give his possessions to the poor and follow Jesus. Ohhh, but wait. There are three fingers pointing back at ourselves. As a 16-year old, I burned my rock albums because I felt God wanted me to do so. It would take me decades to realize the albums were not the problem, but my love for them, which was too great. There is freedom in realizing we do NOT own anything. We are merely in charge of the blessings that God has given us!
Monday, April 24, 2017
If U have a Bible, U are Fortunate!
Praise God for this lesson found in 2 Kings 22: we are very fortunate to have His Word! You can buy a Bible in this country for less than $2. It is not illegal to possess it, which is the case in many countries of our world today. Most of the time, I use my phone App and I love it! I do love the FCA Bible that was given to me as a present, as well. We have many translations from which to choose. I am thankful to find translations that help me better understand the Bible. My preference is the New Living Translation, but I like seeking the truth through other translations as well.
There are many lesson from 2 Kings 22. King Josiah is 26 years old, and he is in his eighteenth year of his reign in Jerusalem. Here, we find that he made plans for restoration of the Temple, which was a good decision in itself. One which showed his love for God. As a result, Hilkiah, the high priest, found the Book of the Law in the LORD's Temple. He gave it to Shapan, the court secretary, who read it to King Josiah. In verse 11, Josiah tore his clothes in despair when he heard what was written in the Book of the Law. Upon Josiah's orders, Hilkiah, Ahikam, Acbor, Shapan, and Asaiah went to the temple to inquire about the words written in the scroll. They consulted with the prophet Huldah. She interpreted the message from the LORD. The message in 2 Kings 22:16 & 17: This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true. For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.
I am thinking, wow, if they wouldn't have found these scrolls, they wouldn't have heard this harsh message. True, but it is ALWAYS good to hear the truth of the LORD! And, sometimes there is also good news to follow. That is what happens here!
In 2 Kings 22:18, Huldah tells the group to give the king of Judah the following message in verses 19 & 20. You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people---that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.
What a fantastic lesson! The LORD saw Josiha's repentance and He decided to wait on carrying forth the disaster until after Josiah's death. GOD WILL NEVER BE WORSE THAN THE WORDS HE GIVES US, BUT HE CAN BE BETTER! In other words, our prayers can change God's plans for our good!! The other lesson is one for which I seek forgiveness---be thankful for His Word. Study it and follow it. The thought that they found this scroll from the LORD that was missing is remarkable! It trips me out! Many of us have so much and do so little with it! I ask the LORD to forgive me for not cherishing His Word! For not believing His Word! For not following His Word! I praise Him for His mercy! I praise God of hearing our prayers! God is good!!
There are many lesson from 2 Kings 22. King Josiah is 26 years old, and he is in his eighteenth year of his reign in Jerusalem. Here, we find that he made plans for restoration of the Temple, which was a good decision in itself. One which showed his love for God. As a result, Hilkiah, the high priest, found the Book of the Law in the LORD's Temple. He gave it to Shapan, the court secretary, who read it to King Josiah. In verse 11, Josiah tore his clothes in despair when he heard what was written in the Book of the Law. Upon Josiah's orders, Hilkiah, Ahikam, Acbor, Shapan, and Asaiah went to the temple to inquire about the words written in the scroll. They consulted with the prophet Huldah. She interpreted the message from the LORD. The message in 2 Kings 22:16 & 17: This is what the Lord says: I am going to bring disaster on this city and its people. All the words written in the scroll that the king of Judah has read will come true. For my people have abandoned me and offered sacrifices to pagan gods, and I am very angry with them for everything they have done. My anger will burn against this place, and it will not be quenched.
I am thinking, wow, if they wouldn't have found these scrolls, they wouldn't have heard this harsh message. True, but it is ALWAYS good to hear the truth of the LORD! And, sometimes there is also good news to follow. That is what happens here!
In 2 Kings 22:18, Huldah tells the group to give the king of Judah the following message in verses 19 & 20. You were sorry and humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I said against this city and its people---that this land would be cursed and become desolate. You tore your clothing in despair and wept before me in repentance. And I have indeed heard you, says the LORD. So I will not send the promised disaster until after you have died and been buried in peace. You will not see the disaster I am going to bring on this city.
What a fantastic lesson! The LORD saw Josiha's repentance and He decided to wait on carrying forth the disaster until after Josiah's death. GOD WILL NEVER BE WORSE THAN THE WORDS HE GIVES US, BUT HE CAN BE BETTER! In other words, our prayers can change God's plans for our good!! The other lesson is one for which I seek forgiveness---be thankful for His Word. Study it and follow it. The thought that they found this scroll from the LORD that was missing is remarkable! It trips me out! Many of us have so much and do so little with it! I ask the LORD to forgive me for not cherishing His Word! For not believing His Word! For not following His Word! I praise Him for His mercy! I praise God of hearing our prayers! God is good!!
Friday, April 21, 2017
Josiah
Praise God for Josiah!!! After so many of the early Israelite Kings "Did what was evil in the LORD's sight," (recorded in 1 Kings and 2 Kings), it is so refreshing to know that Josiah, "did what was pleasing in the LORD's sight and followed the example of his ancestor David. He did not turn away from doing what was right." (2 Kings 22:2) (NLT)
Why did Josiah choose this way of life instead of doing what was evil in the LORD's sight? I don't know. I know part of it was his choice to do the right thing, and continuing to do so. I believe he loved God greatly! Maybe he learned to NOT make the same mistakes his predecessors had made. Maybe God chose him to be a shining example and gave him extra help.
Josiah became king at eight years old. Surely, he must have had good advisors and godly people as role models. 2 Kings 22:1 tells us his mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adahiah from Bozhath. Maybe Josiah's mother and grandfather taught him the way of the LORD at a very early age. I mean the dude is king at 8 years old! And, he chose to please God and did not turn away from doing what was right! AWESOME!
As we seek answers on his daddy, Amon's side the family, he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD (2 KINGS 21:20). Verse 22:22 really hits me about Amon: He abandoned the LORD, the God of his ancestors, and he refused to follow the LORD's way.
As we go back one more generation to Amon's father, which is Josiah's grandfather, maybe there will be the treasure of answers to Josiah being such a godly man and good king! NOPE! Josiah's grandfather, Manasseh was one of the most evil of all the Israelite kings. The following verses sum up his reign and the LORD's decisions. 2 Kings 21:10-14 (NLT)
Then the LORD said through his servants the prophets: "King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in the land before Israel. He has caused the people of Judah to sin with his idols. So this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of those who hear about it will tingle with horror. I will judge Jerusalem by the same standard I used for Samaria and the same measure I used for the family of Ahab. I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem as one wipes a dish. Then I will reject even the remnants of my own people who are left, and I will hand them over as plunder for their enemies.
Josiah did much good in 2 Kings 22 and 2 Kings 23.
2 Kings 23:25: Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.
In conclusion,
1. I want to be like Josiah and not like Manasseh or Amon.
2. We do NOT have to be like other people (even our father or grandfather). We are responsible for our own decisions.
3. Our decisions, whether good or bad, affect others.
4. In order to please God, we must have faith. We must obey Him, and we must love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Why did Josiah choose this way of life instead of doing what was evil in the LORD's sight? I don't know. I know part of it was his choice to do the right thing, and continuing to do so. I believe he loved God greatly! Maybe he learned to NOT make the same mistakes his predecessors had made. Maybe God chose him to be a shining example and gave him extra help.
Josiah became king at eight years old. Surely, he must have had good advisors and godly people as role models. 2 Kings 22:1 tells us his mother was Jedidah, the daughter of Adahiah from Bozhath. Maybe Josiah's mother and grandfather taught him the way of the LORD at a very early age. I mean the dude is king at 8 years old! And, he chose to please God and did not turn away from doing what was right! AWESOME!
As we seek answers on his daddy, Amon's side the family, he did what was evil in the sight of the LORD (2 KINGS 21:20). Verse 22:22 really hits me about Amon: He abandoned the LORD, the God of his ancestors, and he refused to follow the LORD's way.
As we go back one more generation to Amon's father, which is Josiah's grandfather, maybe there will be the treasure of answers to Josiah being such a godly man and good king! NOPE! Josiah's grandfather, Manasseh was one of the most evil of all the Israelite kings. The following verses sum up his reign and the LORD's decisions. 2 Kings 21:10-14 (NLT)
Then the LORD said through his servants the prophets: "King Manasseh of Judah has done many detestable things. He is even more wicked than the Amorites, who lived in the land before Israel. He has caused the people of Judah to sin with his idols. So this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: I will bring such disaster on Jerusalem and Judah that the ears of those who hear about it will tingle with horror. I will judge Jerusalem by the same standard I used for Samaria and the same measure I used for the family of Ahab. I will wipe away the people of Jerusalem as one wipes a dish. Then I will reject even the remnants of my own people who are left, and I will hand them over as plunder for their enemies.
Josiah did much good in 2 Kings 22 and 2 Kings 23.
2 Kings 23:25: Never before had there been a king like Josiah, who turned to the LORD with all his heart, soul and strength, obeying all the laws of Moses. And there has never been a king like him since.
In conclusion,
1. I want to be like Josiah and not like Manasseh or Amon.
2. We do NOT have to be like other people (even our father or grandfather). We are responsible for our own decisions.
3. Our decisions, whether good or bad, affect others.
4. In order to please God, we must have faith. We must obey Him, and we must love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Wednesday, April 19, 2017
The Origin of Vidalia
Dr. Daniel Good, my professor of URBAN GEOGRAPHY at Georgia Southern said, "Transportation is the maker or breaker of Cities." When I heard this statement in 1987, I new it was important, but it is one of the most useful lessons I have ever learned. Why? I take many things for granted, such as the origin of a city. However, there was a time when I would see footage of a city being flooded, and I would think, "Why did the city build so close to the river?"
Actually, the river is EXACTLY the reason for the city being located near the river. Since transportation is important for hauling people and materials, in the 1700s and prior, the river was a great way to carry people and goods. Of course, there were paths and dirt roads that carried people and goods via a wagon, stagecoach, or other devices. But, the river was a fast way to move these items. In our own region, Reidsville (founded about 1828) and Mt. Vernon (founded in 1797) are two examples of "River Towns".
In the early 1800s, railroads began dotting the landscape of America. This would change our country in a way that nothing else had before. Now, people did not have to depend on locations of rivers to decide a route that would carry people and goods. The railroad allowed people to choose the route that would allow them to quickly carry people and goods.
The origin of Atlanta began in 1836. Georgia decided to build a railroad to the U.S. Midwest. There was a stake driven in the ground at ZERO MILE POST. The name of the town was known as "Terminus". This designated the end of the railroad line at that time. However, it quickly became the railroad hub for the Southern United States. The town's name became Marthasville in 1842, but by 1845, the present name of Atlanta was cemented. (This information is from Wikipedia.)
There was a railroad that would change our area as well. In 1890, the Savannah, Americus, Montgomery (Alabama) Railroad (or SAM Railroad) owned by Sam Hawkins was built. The railroad created Vidalia, along with many stops that we now know as towns or crossroads, such as Lyons, Higgston, and MacGregor. Stops were required about every 3 miles to fuel the steam engine. The SAM Railroad ran east to west, and transported people and materials. The railroad discontinued the transportation of people through Vidalia around 1970. However, it has never stopped delivering materials. Many stories claim the way Vidalia came by its name. However, the real story goes back to 1890. W.T. Jenkins could be called the Father of Vidalia. He was very involved in much of our city's development. As a matter of fact, the name of the railroad stop located here was Jenkins Station for a short time, but one day a package was designated for Vidalia, and it was accepted by Jenkins and the name Vidalia became a reality. Other Railroad Lines would follow. The Macon, Dublin, Savannah Line is still used. It is the line that runs near Vidalia High School. It joins the SAM and continues on to Savannah. The final Railroad Line that came through Vidalia was the Florida-Georgia Line. For you old-time Vidalians, you will remember the overpass near the present location of Paul Thigpen's Car Lot. For you youngsters or folks new to our area, there was a line that ran south to north and went right by Rigdon Printing Co. As a matter of fact. the Rigdon Printing Co. is located near the original Train Depot where there was a railroad junction for these three railroads. The Florida-Georgia Railroad Line is now out of business.
Vidalia owes its origin and growth to the railroad! So, if you ever get frustrated having to wait on the train, take a deep breath and realize the importance of that 14-foot item rambling down the tracks!
Actually, the river is EXACTLY the reason for the city being located near the river. Since transportation is important for hauling people and materials, in the 1700s and prior, the river was a great way to carry people and goods. Of course, there were paths and dirt roads that carried people and goods via a wagon, stagecoach, or other devices. But, the river was a fast way to move these items. In our own region, Reidsville (founded about 1828) and Mt. Vernon (founded in 1797) are two examples of "River Towns".
In the early 1800s, railroads began dotting the landscape of America. This would change our country in a way that nothing else had before. Now, people did not have to depend on locations of rivers to decide a route that would carry people and goods. The railroad allowed people to choose the route that would allow them to quickly carry people and goods.
The origin of Atlanta began in 1836. Georgia decided to build a railroad to the U.S. Midwest. There was a stake driven in the ground at ZERO MILE POST. The name of the town was known as "Terminus". This designated the end of the railroad line at that time. However, it quickly became the railroad hub for the Southern United States. The town's name became Marthasville in 1842, but by 1845, the present name of Atlanta was cemented. (This information is from Wikipedia.)
There was a railroad that would change our area as well. In 1890, the Savannah, Americus, Montgomery (Alabama) Railroad (or SAM Railroad) owned by Sam Hawkins was built. The railroad created Vidalia, along with many stops that we now know as towns or crossroads, such as Lyons, Higgston, and MacGregor. Stops were required about every 3 miles to fuel the steam engine. The SAM Railroad ran east to west, and transported people and materials. The railroad discontinued the transportation of people through Vidalia around 1970. However, it has never stopped delivering materials. Many stories claim the way Vidalia came by its name. However, the real story goes back to 1890. W.T. Jenkins could be called the Father of Vidalia. He was very involved in much of our city's development. As a matter of fact, the name of the railroad stop located here was Jenkins Station for a short time, but one day a package was designated for Vidalia, and it was accepted by Jenkins and the name Vidalia became a reality. Other Railroad Lines would follow. The Macon, Dublin, Savannah Line is still used. It is the line that runs near Vidalia High School. It joins the SAM and continues on to Savannah. The final Railroad Line that came through Vidalia was the Florida-Georgia Line. For you old-time Vidalians, you will remember the overpass near the present location of Paul Thigpen's Car Lot. For you youngsters or folks new to our area, there was a line that ran south to north and went right by Rigdon Printing Co. As a matter of fact. the Rigdon Printing Co. is located near the original Train Depot where there was a railroad junction for these three railroads. The Florida-Georgia Railroad Line is now out of business.
Vidalia owes its origin and growth to the railroad! So, if you ever get frustrated having to wait on the train, take a deep breath and realize the importance of that 14-foot item rambling down the tracks!
Tuesday, April 18, 2017
Ode to Beth Brand
Ms. Beth Brand died on April 8th, 2017, two days prior to her 95th Birthday. She was a recent resident of the Oaks Bethany Home. Ms. Brand had served as a nurse for many years. She must have been a fantastic one! Her intelligence, humor and giving-spirit were some of her genuine qualities. These must of served her patients and fellow employees well. Our "Bethany Group" that ministers at the nursing home once a month with singing, praying, and conversation had built quite a friendship with Ms. Brand. We began our friendship because she was a member of the First United Methodist Church. That was enough reason, but after we got to know her, it was our treat and blessing to visit her.
Ms. Brand was in such good spirits, even when she was not feeling well. We always left more blessed than she did. Ms. Brand asks each of us to sign her book each visit, especially if we were new. I am not sure the reason. Knowing her, she probably prayed for us by name! We were glad to sign, regardless of the reason. She always wanted to give us something; a piece of candy, a cookie, and one day she gave each of us a can of coke. I put mine in the refrigerator. It had been there untouched for a while. I think the morning I took my first drink of it coincided with the weekend I heard the news about her death. I was out of coffee, and it was perfectly timed for a little morning caffeine. If she didn't have anything to give us, it would really bother her. We assured her that we didn't needed anything, but she was a giver!
She loved to hear us sing! "This little Light of Mine" was one of her favorites. As we sang, Ms. Brand would have a twinkle in her eye as she watched and listened to us. It was a God moment, like very few we are privileged in this life! Her favorite song, "In the Garden", became one of our favorites. It is such a wonderful song that gets right to the crux of our relationship with Jesus. We would ask her to help us with the words, and she would. I believe Ms. Brand is having a special In the Garden Time with Jesus right now!
Her mental clarity floored me! Ms. Brand always had words of wisdom. One of her favorite philosophies that rings so true: YOUR ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN YOUR WORDS.
I hope our kids listened to this advice. I certainly want to heed the advice, because I heard it. Her favorite story, which we heard more than once, was about the names of God. It became known as her Andy story. I can't capture the telling of the story from Ms. Brand, but the premise is as follows. Ms. Brand was explaining to the young kids about the meanings of God's names. When she was finished, one little boy said you forgot one. Ms. Brand asked, "Which one?" He said Andy! She responded that Jehovah had NO names concerning "Andy". The little boy said, "It sure sounds like it to me when you say, 'And He (Andy) walks with me and and He (Andy) talks with me.'" We would laugh hard---sometimes too hard---it was fun every time. Plus, it went right along with her favorite song IN THE GARDEN.
Finally, Ms. Brand loved a good laugh. She had an eye for details and appreciated humorous moments that might pass some of us right by. (I want to get better at this skill.) One event that hit her as hilarious is as follows. Somebody had given Ms. Brand some candy. Since there was quite a bit of it, she placed it on a tray and put it near her door. I think it was located there so anyone who wanted some could have it. Well, there happened to be a privacy curtain near the tray, and one day a hand came around (or under) the curtain and grabbed up a handful of candy. She laughed and laughed! Ms. Brand was 93 years-old at the time. She said, "If I live to be 100, I won't see anything that funny!" Now that hit me as funny! I am thinking, If someone younger---even my age--used the reference of "If I live to be 100" would carry more weight. After all, she only had 7 more years to go. After her death, I recalled my thoughts on this incident. You know, even if you are 93 years-old, 100 is still a milestone! Praise God for each day He gives us! Praise God for the life of Ms. Beth Brand!!
Ms. Brand was in such good spirits, even when she was not feeling well. We always left more blessed than she did. Ms. Brand asks each of us to sign her book each visit, especially if we were new. I am not sure the reason. Knowing her, she probably prayed for us by name! We were glad to sign, regardless of the reason. She always wanted to give us something; a piece of candy, a cookie, and one day she gave each of us a can of coke. I put mine in the refrigerator. It had been there untouched for a while. I think the morning I took my first drink of it coincided with the weekend I heard the news about her death. I was out of coffee, and it was perfectly timed for a little morning caffeine. If she didn't have anything to give us, it would really bother her. We assured her that we didn't needed anything, but she was a giver!
She loved to hear us sing! "This little Light of Mine" was one of her favorites. As we sang, Ms. Brand would have a twinkle in her eye as she watched and listened to us. It was a God moment, like very few we are privileged in this life! Her favorite song, "In the Garden", became one of our favorites. It is such a wonderful song that gets right to the crux of our relationship with Jesus. We would ask her to help us with the words, and she would. I believe Ms. Brand is having a special In the Garden Time with Jesus right now!
Her mental clarity floored me! Ms. Brand always had words of wisdom. One of her favorite philosophies that rings so true: YOUR ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN YOUR WORDS.
I hope our kids listened to this advice. I certainly want to heed the advice, because I heard it. Her favorite story, which we heard more than once, was about the names of God. It became known as her Andy story. I can't capture the telling of the story from Ms. Brand, but the premise is as follows. Ms. Brand was explaining to the young kids about the meanings of God's names. When she was finished, one little boy said you forgot one. Ms. Brand asked, "Which one?" He said Andy! She responded that Jehovah had NO names concerning "Andy". The little boy said, "It sure sounds like it to me when you say, 'And He (Andy) walks with me and and He (Andy) talks with me.'" We would laugh hard---sometimes too hard---it was fun every time. Plus, it went right along with her favorite song IN THE GARDEN.
Finally, Ms. Brand loved a good laugh. She had an eye for details and appreciated humorous moments that might pass some of us right by. (I want to get better at this skill.) One event that hit her as hilarious is as follows. Somebody had given Ms. Brand some candy. Since there was quite a bit of it, she placed it on a tray and put it near her door. I think it was located there so anyone who wanted some could have it. Well, there happened to be a privacy curtain near the tray, and one day a hand came around (or under) the curtain and grabbed up a handful of candy. She laughed and laughed! Ms. Brand was 93 years-old at the time. She said, "If I live to be 100, I won't see anything that funny!" Now that hit me as funny! I am thinking, If someone younger---even my age--used the reference of "If I live to be 100" would carry more weight. After all, she only had 7 more years to go. After her death, I recalled my thoughts on this incident. You know, even if you are 93 years-old, 100 is still a milestone! Praise God for each day He gives us! Praise God for the life of Ms. Beth Brand!!
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