Having the Family Together...Once Again!

Last Tuesday, December 18th was one of the best days yet! Anthony arrived in South Carolina for 10 days! I was so excited to have my son home again. Nicholette came in on Friday evening after she got out of work. I was able to show them our new home. It is temporary, but home none the less. The only inconvenience was that four of us were in one room (the left front window is our bedroom) until Friday when Kimberly's children left to spend the week with their dad. She was gracious enough to have Nicholette and Anthony share their room above the garage (it has two 'bonus' rooms).

It was a special time for me (the mom). Anthony told me that he would be down after the spring semester of college. I will continue to pray for him to stay this coming summer. It all depends on our home. I will work extra hard to accomplish this feat! This is something I will need extra prayer!

Our new 'home' is a true blessing and it continues to amaze me the perfect place the LORD has for us...as long as we let Him do His work!

Until next time....

Missionaries in South Carolina

I am in constant awe of the LORD while He is working in my life! Here is my continuing story...

About a month ago, I tried to qualify for a mortgage and just like I thought, I had to improve my finances for about six or so months with contineous on time payments...but the realtor I was working with said she would like to put me into a new home with a 'rent-to-own' option. This was a perfect opportunity with only one catch, the house wasn't built yet...and once started it would be completed in three months. This was the plan of action I was going to take. Last week, Shannon and I had a talk and she felt it was time for Dom and I to move. Her reasons were family issues and needing her home back to a 'normal'.

Naturally, I was a little 'shocked' because at that precise moment in time, I was not mentally or financially ready to move. All week long, I kept praying and trying to find places for Dom and I to move to. The school district we are in has very limited 'rental' opportunities. I was becoming overwhelmed. OH, did I mention that I was asked to teach at the Ladies' Christmas Tea this past Saturday? Can you say...SPIRITUAL WARFARE!!!!

Anyway, my study was on the "Christmas Joy" Bible study by Kay Smith. Basically it turned into a 'TWO-PART' study. Part one was on the ultimate POWER of our Triune God: the Father's precise time of offering His SON, Jesus humbling Himself by stepping off the throne to become an obedient servant unto death, and the Holy Spirit bringing the seed to Mary. For yes unto us a Child is born, but more importantly, Unto us a SON is GIVING! (Isaiah 9:6a)

Part two of the study was when Gabriel visited Joseph, Mary, and Zachariah. Each were astonished by what was told to them by Gabriel: Joseph: Mary would be with child from on high...he believed what he was told and still married Mary; Mary, you will have a son, She said "How can this be...I know NO man" and Gabriel told her that 'The POWER of the Highest will overshadow you....with God NOTHING is impossible'; Zachariah: your wife will have a son, he said how can it be being old and was struck dumb until he saw the baby Jesus; and the shepherds visited by the angels quickly went to witness what they were told and spread the word, rejoicing and praising God.

Each aspect of this message was being worked out in my life that entire week. I was astonished at what was before me and all seemed impossible. I continued to pray and rest on the words of Scripture...especially, "BUT WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE!"

My realtor is a Christian woman separated since April. She has been praying for a godly woman to come into her life to help her with her walk....let alone a roommate to help pay her mortgage. On Saturday....before the Ladies' Tea, she offered for Dom and I to stay with her until at least April when that new house would be finished...and if everything works out...we can extend staying with her if needed! We move in on Saturday, December 15th!

Tell me, does the LORD move or does the LORD move!!!!! I have been laughing with Dom and saying..."we are truly missionaries!" He provides a place for us wherever we go.

As Mary said...I say, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38) I rest on what Elizabeth said to Mary, "Blessed is SHE that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told to her from the LORD." (emphasis added) (Luke 1:45)

As we continue to move along the path that the LORD is leading, I ask for your continued prayers for us until we get settled...if that is the LORD's will! LOL

Until next time...

You can take the Italians out of NY...

Whenever asked where we are from, and people hear NY...most think of NYC. I never realized that Rochester is such a 'small' town. We don't talk like anyone from the Bronx...well, maybe Chelsie..a little. Funny thing that old saying...(naturally revised) "You can take the Italian out of NY, but you cannot take the Italian out of the family"

Ok, that is not how it really goes, but it seems that we are few in the state of SC. With the stats being in the "country"'s favor, the label of Italian is no less intimating here than other areas of the country. Granted it is not as feared as in the past, but the stigma is still there. The funny thing is that I don't play up my heritage as much as my children do. But given the opportunity, I will play along...just look at our Thanksgiving Family Portrait! Hey...don't cha worry, it aint loaded...and it is only an airsoft gun....

Did you ever notice that many want to be part of the infamous Italian clan...even those Irish! Go figure. As you can see...the Italian rubs off on everyone...Indovino/Tharps...what a combination! One thing I refuse to do is tell someone...go to the mattresses! That only brings trouble...so forgetaboutit!

Until next time...

Thanksgiving Time is Here

Thanksgiving is here once again. Living in South Carolina brings me the opportunity to spend the holiday with my eldest daughter...but without my first son. I have come to realize that we often give up one thing to gain another. The exchanges in life continue to intrigue me. One in particular is the trees. Have you ever stopped and wondered what they give up to bring forth their glorious colors that crown their limbs?


In my observations, I find that the trees need a little coaxing from their fellow creation. Coaxing you might say...but just think about this....


as the night peepers sing together in a chorus of delight under a blanket of twinkling stars. The cool air of the evenings descend upon the trees to entice them into displaying brilliant colors for our eyes to view daily. Bursts of oranges and reds continue to blend into the ever present color of green amongst the backdrop of sunny blue skies, while the warm autumn breeze gently reminds us of the coming frosts. Each day brings another tree gives way to the color that is buried beneath its surface. A color picked just for the purpose of delighting God's people. Sadly, many continue to scurry about without notice of the painting set before them.


As we are gently coaxed by the wondrous hand of the Artist, let us remember the book of James as he tells us to count it all joy the trials we face. I am counting the joy and giving thanks for the abundance of life I see around me. Show forth your beauty just waiting to be unleashed...so others can enjoy the many colors of life around them so freely offered by their Creator.


Giving thanks to God for the abundance of all things! Happy Thanksgiving!


Until next time....

My First State Fair

I cannot believe I have never gone to the State Fair while I was in NY. I vaguely remember the Monroe County Fair, but for the years living up there, I missed the lights, sounds, and smells.

That has changed! I am fortunate to live in the capital city of Columbia, South Carolina. The State Fair is now less then a half hour away. As we drove into the parking areas, the throngs of people spilled into the road. Cone barriers were erected to aid in the traffic flow. A man in a USC Gamecocks jersey was directing traffic. You see, not only was the State Fair happening, but the Gamecocks were playing and everyone was manning their TVs and radios.

As we entered the fair, smells of cotton candy, corn dogs, and elephant ears surrounded us within a cloud of temptation. As our mouths started to water and our stomachs started to growl, the call of the gamers floated above the roar of the rides. Scores of people waited patiently in line with their little ones, while the older teens were seen carrying large stuffed animals won in by their accurate throws of the rings.

I watched my friends be pulled in different directions by their little ones, remembering a time not so long ago when I was a participant in that urgent tug to go to that most important ride. Dom was there too, but he came with his girlfriend and others. With such a crowd, I didn't even get a glimpse of him.

After a sausage, with peppers and onions, I stood watching the people enjoy the perfect weather. My interest moved to the all consuming race...the pigs. These little pink bundles would race around a small track to the finish line for a cookie...but not just any cookie...it happened to be an OREO! From there, we went to tour the barns with all the cows. These precious beasts were groomed in earnest anticipation of capturing a special ribbon. To me, they are just a bunch of cows that all looked the same, but to the experienced eye of a judge, a prized animal!

The night finished with a concert by Mercy Me. How much more perfect for the day to end praising the LORD for allowing me the opportunity to finally visit a State Fair!

'Til next time...

Paintball in the South

As you might know, and for those of you who don't, Dominic is an avid paintball fan. He always looked forward to the weekend at the Ludwig's home where the 'boys' converged upon the open fields and woods. Poor Sue would have to make a retreat for the day while her husband commanded the troops.

Those days were spent creeping and crawling through the brush trying to ambush the other team while pelting them with paint balls. What a sight to be seen.

At one point, Dom was hiding in the bushes awaiting his opponent; keeping as still as he possibly could when he was hit with a barrage of mosquitoes! Not only was he supposed to lay in wait quietly listening intentally to the oncoming footsteps of the 'enemy', but now he had to decipher the buzzing with the crunching. But he did it with all diligence and annilated his prey.

Here in the south, things are a little different...for the moment. Dom doesn't have the group of guys available to hunt in the woods. So he has decided to take a different approach. His clothing is more laid back and fun. His new targets are tall willowing pines. They make for a slower enemy but still the prowl of the military mind will conquer! Still, the hunt is on!


I myself will just continue to watch the shinagins and laugh at his attire while he protects the precious homeland from those precarious pinious enemy invaders! I am content knowing that I am in safe hands and he will prevail!

Until next time...

Perilous Times

In 2 Timothy, Paul writes that "in the last days perilous times shall come." (2 Tim 3:1) What exactly did he mean by perilous times?

A definition I found says that perilous means: involving possible risk, loss, or injury. Well, I can truly relate to that. Moving to South Carolina did involve possible risks, loss, but praise the LORD no injury (except for emotions...which are not countable.)

I had a big risk leaving a wonderful job that I had for 10 years, benefits for my family and a roof over my head. But that 'still small voice' was moving me into the mission field. I say mission field because I was being moved from my little comfort zone.

Many changes were before me as I ventured in the direction my life was taking my family and me. There were huge risks involved coming here with no job, benefits, or money. I was totally relying in Jesus to provide all my needs according to His riches in glory. (Phillippians 4:19)

Losses, yes I have had a few. Not only did I move, but I 'lost' two children in the process. I say lost because both have moved on to college and not living with me. Chelsie is at Charleston Southern, (with Nicholette, who is working there) and Anthony is still in NY attending college there. I miss them terriablly. My advise to young women wanting to have children...don't have them close, because all too soon they are gone...at the same time!

Another loss was for poor Dominic. He gave up his friends at church, school, and a big position at starting quarterback. They refuse to play him here and it has become a great learning challenge for him...and I. But, he loves his new school and has many friends to compensate for it. He says he is glad we have moved!

Scripture continues in Phillipians 4:13 that tells us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. And He is always there giving me strength.

There are many new adventures ahead for my family and me. I am excited to be walking in these perilous times with my LORD's safety and guidance.

Until next time...

Misty Mornings

I always loved to listen to Celtic music. Closing my eyes to the soft trill of the pennywhistle relaxes my mind as the flute adds airy tones to the misty fog. I can picture myself in Ireland or Scottland in some time long ago. Maybe it has been too much Braveheart or Lord of the Rings, both have touched my heart with the musical backgrounds.

The last few mornings have produced the perfect setting of the music which I love! As you can see in the picture, the mist that has settled upon the trees is picture perfect of the marshes. As I was driving home from taking the 'teens' to school, my path lead through many pockets of white puffs and I began thinking how often our minds are in such dull hazes of the unknown path we are to take.

But as I think upon the caressing mist, my mind reveals my loving Father's mist that is continuously around me. Join my by closing your eyes to feel the dew as it gently waters your soul. There is no dryness or thirst, just a freshness penetrating your being.

As I continue to enjoy the gentle watering the Lord is supplying to my marshes, I breath in the hearty smell of pine. The earth comes alive when it is watered and these mornings are set before me. May I also bring forth a hearty smell of sweet savour to my King Jesus!

Until later....

Fall in South Carolina

It always brings a smile to my face when I hear the weather forcast here in South Carolina. This summer was one of the hottest in about 10 years. We had about two weeks of 100+ degrees. This is not the 100's in NY where it is 100% humitiy. It was a great dry 100 with a southern breeze gently whispering in the trees. (Pines where I live.)

One weekend in late August, I chuckled when I heard the temperature was to have a 'fall' twist to it...the forcast was to be in the 80's. (Meanwhile, in Rochester, NY, where I used to live, the temperatures had fallen into the lower 60's with frost probable over night.)

Our temperature for the fall equinox on Sunday, September 23rd, was hitting the 92 degree mark. The forcast for this week is a 'cooling trend'... our high tomorrow is a comfortable 88 degrees. Believe it or not, to us 'southern folk' the low 80's require a slight jacket in the late afternoon to early evening.

As the song says, "Nothin' could be finer than livin' in Carolina". This I have found to be true. Last evening, Dom and I were sitting in the backyard around 7:00 pm in our shorts and tanks. There wasn't a breeze and not a sound except for a stray distant bark of the neighbor's dog. We could not get over the fact that we were sitting outside enjoying the night this late in September.

I know there are times when I consider the gigantic move and life change I made to be overwhelming, but upon further comtemplation, I could not have done a better thing for my family. I should have done it sooner so I would have all my children with me, but then again, the Lord will direct their paths.

So as I get ready to leave my fantastic job (by the way ... it's 9 - 4) the sun is shining and the balmy breeze is blowing a 91 degree caress, I will make my way back to the hammock to think about the 'colder' days ahead!

'til the next time!