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...