Praying for Christmas Miracles

With Christmas fast approaching, my mind turns the thought of a "Christmas Miracle." Of course first and foremost the miracle of the Christ child being born to the virgin Mary. This reminds me a song written by a friend of mine.

I don't mind the pretty paper,
I enjoy a gift or two.
I understand the celebration of the Christmas things we do.
I love to see happy children, gathered 'round the Christmas tree,
Still that's not quite what Christmas really means to me.

Born in a manger, a gift from God above,
Born of a virgin, conceived in God's love.
A resurrected Savior, who died to set me free,
A Cross and a Cradle, that's Christmas to me.

Now it's not hard to get caught up in the festive atmosphere,
The hustle and the bustle of this time of year.
But your heart you've got to know,
There's more to Christmas, you see...
There's something special about Bethlehem and Calvary.

Born in a manger a gift from God above,
Born of a virgin, conceived in God's love,
A resurrected Savior, who died to set me free,
A Cross and a Cradle, that's Christmas to me.


From the cradle to the cross...the birth was miraculous, but if not for the cross and the resurrection of our Blessed Saviour, we would all be lost.

As the time for Christmas miracles is upon us, will you join me as I pray for friends and family that I know of that could use a Christmas Miracle, a touch of the Master's healing hand.

Greg Grobmyer(Canoe Guy to you caching friends) --Greg is currently battling cancer and is remaining so strong in spirit.

Logan Anderson (JimmyLogan's dad)--Logan also has been recently diagnosed with cancer. At age 77, his strength to fight is weakened by the perils of age.

Maxine Dillahay (My best friend's mom)--She had a heart cath today and is scheduled for open heart surgery on Monday, December 14th.

The father of Paula Jordan--His has cancer and is terminal.

Rhonda McLaughlin--My Aunt--She also has cancer and is terminal.

Colton Anderson--Our son--Suffering from depression--After reading my last post, a friend referred to it as Cancer of the Spirit. Sounds right.

Pray for the families that are separated by the war. JAG member, Andrew Pritchett (Titansfan), will be protecting us through the upcoming months. Pray for the safety of Andrew and all those that serve with him.

I know that many of us are in search of a Christmas Miracle. My prayer is for God's will to be done in all our lives. He is the Great Physician and can heal whether it is Christmas or not. December 25th was a date set by the world, He isn't on our schedule or limited by our calendar dates.

May God's grace and peace be with each of you.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!"

Depression VS Cancer

Have you ever noticed just how much these two illnesses have in common?

Both consume their victim from the inside
Both can be hereditary
Both can be treated but are seldom permanently cured
Both possess the ability to go into remission and to return unexpectedly at ANY time
Both will eventually show signs on the outside, but by this time the inside is consumed

These thoughts come to my mind as the holiday season approaches. A time of year that for myself and others can prove quite depressing. Also, as we face the reality of my father-in-law's cancer. As I watch him suffer and his health decay, my heart breaks for him just as it does for my child that is suffering from depression. They are both fighting a battle from within and only the prayers and support of family and a touch of God's hand will see them through each day. Some days their strength to fight is stronger than on others. That is why they, and all that suffer from either illness, need your love and forgiveness and not to be judged by their past, but loved and supported for their present and future.

It is my prayer in the upcoming season and the upcoming months that God will provide all with the grace to sustain them.

GeoRace Pics

Geo Race

August 29th was a special day for Jimmy & me for a couple of reasons. First of all, it was our 23rd Wedding Anniversary. (I love you babe!!!)

Second thing, this was the day of the 1st Annual Jackson Area GeoRace/Challenge. This was an awesome event. We had cachers from the local association, JAG, friends from the Memphis area and GOWT. There were also cachers from as far away as Alabama. Thanks for visiting us Team NAG!!! (the first place winners) The Usual Suspects came in second place and Team Updog finished a VERY close third. (Take a look at the pics to see team members.)

Everyone had a great time caching and catching up. Big Daddy D was the chef for the day and the burgers and hot dogs were AWESOME. Thanks BDD. There were also travel bugs and coins to be discovered and traded.

The most popular coin of the day was Curt's iPhone. This is a very humorous tale in and of itself. Maybe I will blog about it one day, but for those on the "inside" we know the story and the giggles at the mention of the coin are enough for now.

I hope you all enjoy the pics at least half as much as I enjoyed taking them. Hope to see you at the next event, October 16 & 17 when we will be camping at Mousetail. Be sure to check back for details.

JimmyLogan & Bashful Hit 1K

This post is a wee bit late, but at least it is here now. On March 28, 2009, JL & I found our 1000th cache GC1DWRQWe chose this to be our milestone cache because it belongs to the geocacher that helped us most along our way. Our story is the same as many others, we were new to the game and Yogi offered loads of tips, a friendly smile, a handshake/hug EVERYTIME we saw him and lots of great caches to hunt.

Caching has been great. We have made LOTS of late night/early morning runs in so

me not so friendly places. We have literally cached in the rain, snow and sleet and been through "hail" to get some of the finds. ;o) We have seen beautiful and usual places that we likely would have never seen were it not for the sport. MOST OF ALL, we have met some of the greatest people in world, the JAG Nation. Thanks to all of you for caches hidden, the PAFs, events, cache runs and most of all, your friendship. You are very special to us and we look forward to MANY MORE great times with all of you.

**Special thanks to Yogi and Dolphin, RiverNWick, BDD & Mrs. T, the Bluff Boys and the Sal Clan. You guys have made the first 1000 a total blast!!!

***One last thing, thanks to the best caching partner in the world, JL. I love you babe. You have been my best friend for 25+ years and if I had it to do over, I wouldn't change a thing. We've come a long way baby and I look forward to another 25+ years and 1000s more caches. Thanks for loving me!!!

Caching Anyone??!?!?!

With the coveted 1K Milestone in sight, I am soooo ready to do some caching during our Spring Break (this week). We have been sporadic at best when it comes to caching. Life and its trials and tribulations have taken a GREAT toll on JL and myself over the past seven months. As we continue to pray for strength to muddle through, more and more we are looking for time to escape. Line dancing has been a great escape during the winter months. However, with the arrival of Spring, we both are looking to do more caching. The hikes in the woods do wonders for a person's nerves.

We went for a couple of caches today. One of which has been on our map for a loooooong time and even though it was close to our home coordinates, we just never found time to go for it. Today we made time. It was a nice little walk, though the smell of the fertilizer or whatever was PUTRID, we still enjoyed the sun and the time out.

After leaving the cache we headed toward the Great River Road. On the way, we saw a new foal. So precious. They day was beautiful, the grass was greening up and new life was all over. Isn't God great. Even in the midst of our trials, He puts things in our path that have us to "be still and know that He is God."

I am thankful for a God like that. I am also thankful for our JAG Family. JAG's members are just like any other close friend or family member. You may go days, weeks, even months without seeing each other, but the minute you reunite, you pick right back up where you left off. We have some great people in our group. However, on more than one occasion we have been referred to by some as "a group of misfits and malcontents."

Webster defines malcontent as a discontented person or one who is in opposition to an established order. He also defines misfit and one who is unable to adjust to one's environment or circumstances.

First I must say that the "established order" from whence we came at that time, was anything but orderly. However, the misfit may be somewhat of an adequate term. True, we did not fit in with the environment/circumstances, but I don't think it was because we lacked the ability to adjust it was more a case of that we had too much integrity to "sell out/adjust."

The former group may be doing well and may be back on track. I have no knowledge of the group, nor do I have a desire to attain such information. I am most happy with my "misfit" friends. I fit right in with them. If honest, genuine people are what is considered to be a misfit, I am honored to be included in that number.

Our friends at JAG are GENUINE. Their concern for each person during a time of need is obvious. They are not intrusive with their concern, but helping hands or kind words are always in abundance. Our two year anniversary has come and gone. We will be celebrating together as the "JAG Nation" soon I hope, but not matter when it is, it will be great.

Maybe it will be so that the JAG Anniversary Celebration will be logged as our 1K cache. How appropriate would that be???

Remembering the Love That Makes Us a Family

It is very early Christmas morning (3:35 a.m.). As I think of the events that today will hold I feel dread, excitement, stress. Then I remember the writing on one of my favorite Christmas ornaments. 

"Celebrate the Love That Makes Us a Family"

This ornament hangs from the front of our tree each year accompanied with a pair of tiny white booties. They are there in memory of our first child, Robyn. Though Robyn is not here in body, the love that we feel for her, Kyle and Colton will forever make Christmas special. The gifts may be minimal and the money even less, but the love is always here and HIS grace is sufficient. Sufficient enough that ithas brought us this far and sufficient enough to see us through the challenges that we already know we will be facing over the next year. Though uncertainty abounds, so does love, and WE WILL OVERCOME!!!

To my children and my husband...

• May God bless you this Christmas and in the days to come. You are very special to me and I can't imagine facing the giants without you here.

To my JAG Family...

• To you I also pray for God's grace and blessings upon you and yours. You are an AWESOME bunch of folks and I count myself blessed to have friends like you.

To the remainder of  my readers...

• My wish for you is a  Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
  

CHRISTmas

After attending another great JAG Event I want to write and once again wish all of the JAG family a very Merry CHRISTmas and may the New Year be filled with blessing and FTFs. :o)

Will the Time Come?

JimmyLogan and I have been talking about how much we miss caching and our friends at JAG. We really enjoyed the few caches we got on the way home from the JAG Campout, but life just seems to keep dealing out blows that interfere with our plans. Perhaps one day things will settle and we will be able to hit the trails again on the way to our 1K. For those who read this blog, please remember our family in your prayers as we are going through trial by fire at this time. We will be delivered, but things are hard now and we see no light at the end of tunnel. God's grace is all that will get us through now. It is completely out of anyone's hands.

As the holiday season approaches, they seem more depressing this year than ever before. The drama, the judgement by others, and the uncertainty of things. Perhaps joy will come in the morning....or one morning soon.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving and a very 

Merry Christmas from Bashful & JL.

Vote For Capt'n Cutless the Cacher aka Dan Meyer

After narrowly missing the chance to advance to the America's Got Talent Finals last night, our own DAN MEYER is among a list of 8 wildcard performers out of over 50,000 who can be VOTED BACK onto the show by YOU, THE VIEWERS!!

The response has been overwhelming! But we need YOUR HELP!

NOW IS YOUR CHANCE TO VOTE DAN MEYER BACK ONTO AMERICA'S GOT TALENT!

To vote, go to:

http://www.nbc.com/Americas_Got_Talent/vote/register.shtml


You can VOTE up to 10x (TEN TIMES!) per person up to Friday, August 15th!

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!!

BRING BACK DAN!!

Happy Birthday Kyle

Man....time sure passes fast. My baby will be 17 on Friday and starting his senior year this year. Kyle has always been a very outgoing young man. Even as a little fella, he would talk to/go to almost anyone. He has always had a very dynamic personality. He loves music, hunting and like most guys his age ... just hanging out. I can't believe it is time for his Senior year. 

I used to remember all the firsts and now I keep thinking of the lasts. This is his last summer vacation. This will be his last year in the marching band. This will be the last time we buy school clothes and school supplies. Yes, I know, this will also start a new series of firsts also. He just got his first job (well, the first one he got all on his own). Soon, he will be getting to vote for the first time . He will be getting married, having his first child and then an entire series of firsts will start. I miss all the times when Kyle used to crawl up in the bed between Jimmy & me and when he would talk to Colton and say "It's ok Buddy!" and now they fight all the time. Ahhh...brotherly love. 

I love you Kyle and wish you all the happiness in the world. No matter what path you choose or who you choose to spend your life with, Mom will ALWAYS love you and be here for 

you.

Love you bud!!!!

No Caching for Now

Well, I had hoped things would slow down and we would be able to get back to caching, but I guess not. I had knee surgery on 7/7/08 and have an additional test scheduled for a what may lead to a second surgery. Between a gimpy leg and a dying gall bladder, this summer isn't shaping up very well. However, if I am not in the hospital, I do plan to attend the event at Chuck E. Cheese's. My kids are a bit old for the place and won't be attending, but we plan to go and see our friends for a while. The sport of geocaching is great, but the friends we have made have been awesome. If you are in the area on July 8th, stop by and meet some great cachers and maybe, just maybe we will be there too. :o)

Haven't Quit Forever ...just forced to stop for a while

We are  still talking caching, trying to keep up in the forums and thinking up hide ideas, but getting out in "the field" isn't something we have had the opportunity to do. 

With less than ten finds in the past two months we are definitely missing geocaching and MORE THAN THAT, all of our geocaching friends. Life has been dealing some pretty tough blows the past couple of months, but hopefully things will be better soon and we will be back out and about once again.

Keep on caching and we will see you on the trails again very soon...

I HOPE!!!

A Year Already??!!??!!??!!??!!??

On March 15th, 2008 Catfish Cabin in Jackson Tennessee played host to a great group of folks...The Jackson Area Geocachers aka JAG. The back room of the establishment was filled with cachers of all ages and from all walks of life (40+ members, family  & friends). Everyone was laughing and having a great time as they shared their caching adventures. There were those there with thousands of finds and years of experience and they were just as eager to hear the new cacher's story as the new cacher was to hear tales and tricks from the seasoned cacher.

That is just one of the things that makes this group so great. Everyone is open and willing to help. Sharing is in abundance. Sharing stories, techniques, tactics and even down to sharing each others burdens. You can count on the folks in this group.

After dinner and the trail tales came the "First Annual JAGGY Awards" The winners were:

Favorite Micro Cache--Dalls
Evil Park Widget GC11PX2

Favorite Traditional Cache--Yogi & Dolphin
Not a Charter Member GC12BAN

Favorite Location/Journey/Experience--Team Bluff
BWA-Welcome to the Bluff GC11NYJ

Favorite Event Cache--BigDaddyD
JAG JAG JAG JAG JAG JAG JAG Campout GC168TV


Then it was outside to pose for our traditional group photo.

See you at the next JAG event.

  JAG's 2008 CITO at Pickwick

The JAG Philoso....Photographer  

 

JAG Leaps Around Jackson

Well, another awesome JAG event in now down in the record books. On "Leap Day" we completed our first multi stage event. The night started with appetizers at TGIF. Then it was off to Buffalo Wilds WIngs for the main course. Dessert was two more stages. Beverages came from Starbucks and the pastries from Cinnabon.

We had many that were able to make all 4 stages of the event with our largest turn out being at BWW for the main course. That was an interesting session. The service left a GREAT deal to be desired, but the company and conversation more than made up for it. When we did finally (and hour and five minutes after ordering) get our food here is what happened. Yep that's right she dumped the entire tray. Most of the wings on the table went to the floor too but after over an hour JL figured he might as well take the food anyway he could get it. (No, not reeeeeeeally.)

Everyone seemed to have a great time here despite the minor set backs. We certainly had our little area of the place packed. The kids played the adults talked and the JAG Nation had another knock out event.

Hope to see you in a couple of weeks at our big birthday blowout. Make plans to attend. As with all other JAG events, I know this one will be another doozie.

JAG Anniversary Bash March 15th, 2008

JAG Leaps Around Jackson

More Than Just a Reviewer

To many throughout the geocaching community, MaxCacher was more than just a reviewer. He was also a cacher, JoGPS and a friend...Joe. Today, Joe announced that he was resigning from his position as a volunteer reviewer for the state of Tennessee. It is with sad hearts that we see Joe leave this area of the caching community. Joe has been a strong force in geocaching in Tennessee. He has hidden, hunted, reviewed and given council on more caches than I can even begin to imagine. He has always been willing to help the newbie and advise the seasoned cacher.

As with anyone in a position to make decisions, Joe met those that opposed him. I will say only one thing about this...whether you like his decision or not, Joe made his decision based on the guidelines set forth by GC.com. If that worked for your cache...great, if not, it was still his decision and he stood by it. I totally respect that. It is not always easy to do what is right, but it is still ALWAYS right.

To Joe, I say happy retirement. I feel quite sure you won't miss the stress of the "volunteer job" you have worked so hard at for so many years. Know that you will be missed as a reviewer, but we certainly hope this will free up some of your time so you can hit the trails more and make more of those awesome JAG campouts.

Best Wishes friend.

Yard Pass Granted, Ammo Can Awarded

After several months in the making, we were finally able to have Volnut's 1K Shindig.

There were both new and seasoned cachers in attendance. The Snappy's Pizza Crew was awesome and so was the pizza. The entire Volnut family was there and of course the other two Bluff Boys. It was great to see the JAG friends we hadn't seen since Christmas and we are looking forward to our next JAG Event.

Also, our One Year Anniversary celebration is just around the corner. That is one thing about this group, if you are forced to miss an event, just sit tight, there will be another one soon.

I have added some new pics from the 1K Event. Hope you enjoy.

JAG Christmas

This was another great night with our JAG Nation Friends. Cachers--non-cachers, young and not as young ;o),... WOW what a night. Food, fun and games.

It was hilarious watching folks trying to figure out the Chinese Counting system. Maybe Lil Slugger can teach dad the system. :o) Brit has a new card trick to amaze her friends with and Dirty Santa was fun.

The Mays' home was beautifully decorated inside and out. The lights and the beautiful trees sure help set the scene. This old "Scrooge" kinda felt the Christmas spirit starting to creep in. It really began to look a lot like Christmas as we drove home at 2 in the morning and it was snowing. The snow was very pretty coming down.

Christmas Blues

"There is nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."

This quote by Erma Bombeck says so much, but after this weekend I had found something sadder...to wake up and realize that your kids no longer a "child."

Sounds odd I know. Jimmy and I were looking to find Christmas gifts for the boys. Two teenage boys...the cost of "their toys" are unreal. We found ourselves walking toward a toy store and I  mentioned going in for a minute. As we drew near, I just couldn't make myself go in and look at all the cars, trucks and trains. 

There must have been a time when Christmas was simpler and a time when it was fun, but for the life of me, I can't seem to get that feeling anymore. The time of the year is busy and everything has a $ on it. What happened to the spirit in The Gift of the Magi? 

What happened to the joy and the innocence of days gone by? I wish I could find it again.