Its Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas 2021

Hey Friends,

This is Odie writing to you again. I appreciate several of you reaching out to me in the last few days. Your kind words about my blog post have been very encouraging.

Did you see my Dad's post from yesterday? Click here to see his latest Word For Wednesday. I am really enjoying his Christmas series. I am thankful for the reminder of the real reason that we celebrate Christmas! Christ came to give us hope!

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas 2021

I enjoy decorating my home for Christmas each year. This is my fourth year in my house. It has been fun to add pieces to my Christmas collection.

October is the month that I like to decorate the house. That could not be done. Yes, I am all for decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving. I know that is a controversial subject among some of you. This time I was not home to decorate until November.

You better believe I started planning my Christmas decorating ideas in October. I was excited to execute my plans as soon as possible. When we arrived home, my parents helped me retrieve the decorations from the attic. Then it was time to make my house feel like Christmas again.

I have been holding off showing you the 2021 version of Christmas at the beach cottage. This year I struggled to pull everything together and make it look good. Right now, I think it is just about done for this year. 

My cousin Lisa helped me finish some of the things that I could not reach. Thanks, Lisa, for coming to my rescue! You are awesome!

Here are the pictures of my 2021 Christmas decorations. I have my large tree in the front part of my house. Also, small trees in both my office and bedroom.

This year I have my snowflake projector light on the front of the house. Lisa and I also decorated my front porch. It looks so good! I am so happy with it!

Yesterday I woke up to a dusting of snow. It was beautiful, and it put me in the Christmas spirit. I liked that the snow was gone by the afternoon.

Thanks for visiting with me today.

Odie

A Word For Wednesday, What If Christmas Had Not Come?

It is Christmas time!

It is time for A Word For Wednesday. A Few minutes ago, I posted A Word for Wednesday on our YouTube Channel.

What If Christmas Had Not Come?

We are focusing on Christmas for a few weeks on A Word For Wednesday. This is the second Christmas episode. I am asking a question today. What If Christmas Had Not Come? This question was spawned from a book of sermons entitled If Christ Had Not Come by Jarrette Aycock.

If you enjoy this, please subscribe, thumbs up the video and share the video with someone.😍

Thank you, friends.

Davy

Tuesday Testimony Time

Hey Friends,

This is Odie checking in with you again. How are you doing today? I hope you are enjoying a wonderful week.

Remember that I told you Saturday's weather was gorgeous? Well, that good weather did not stay for long. Sunday, the temperature was much cooler. Then it stormed most of Sunday night. 

Yesterday was frigid. Below is a screenshot of our weather in Waynesville. My Mamaw would describe this forecast as "bone hurting cold"! 

I was glad that I did not have to leave my cozy house all day. I rushed out a few times to retrieve a package and a couple of decor pieces that the wind toppled over. I rushed back inside as soon as I completed my task.

Tuesday Testimony Time

Now I will share a couple testimonies with you. The first one happened yesterday morning. I prayed and asked God to help me out of a crazy predicament. He answered my prayer! I promised Him that I would praise Him for answering my prayer!

Yesterday morning, I reached for my phone to check the time. It slipped out of my grip and disappeared.  My phone fell through a crack between my bed and wall. Thus "Operation Retrieve Phone" began.

I could have called several people. They would have happily come to my rescue at some point during the day. I was determined to get the phone myself.  My Mom often tells me, "Andrea, you can do anything that I can do!" Her voice was ringing in my head. Therefore I worked and prayed that I could get my phone. 

This is the tiny space that I had to fish my phone through. I do not have pictures of the process.😆My phone's camera is the device that I use to take photos for the blog.

I was thankful that I could answer texts and calls from my Apple watch. Also, the "Hey Siri" iPhone feature came in handy for me. I could control my phone's flashlight with Siri. I was glad the battery on my phone was fully charged too.

Twice I had it almost out and I dropped it again. I was so bummed when that would happen! I would take a break and try again later with a different method. After several failed attempts and a few hours of trying, I finally had my phone back in my hands. My phone was unharmed! 

I really do thank God for helping me achieve my goal! Operation Retrieve Phone had not been on my to-do list for Monday. It is not a mission that I care to repeat again, but Praise God my mission was successful!

Testimony number two is named Oliver Tinnon. My friends, Bro. Jonathan and Sis. Whitney Tinnon welcomed a new addition to their family last month. This is a picture of them that I took in October.

I have been so excited about the gift God was giving them. We have been anxiously awaiting Oliver's arrival into this world. He was supposed to arrive in January. Due to complications, Oliver arrived several weeks early, on November 3rd. 

People across the nation have been praying for Oliver and his parents. The Lord has answered those prayers, and He has performed numerous miracles for their family! It has been amazing to watch the progress from a distance.

Oliver is a fighter! He has already faced and conquered so many obstacles. December 5th, he was able to go home! When I received that news Sunday afternoon, I was overjoyed! That was definitely an answer to countless prayers!

Oliver made his first appearance at church Sunday night. I was excited to get a glimpse of him on the BHC Livestream. His parents are training him to be a faithful church member!

I am already anticipating my next scheduled visit to Virginia next spring. I want to see this living miracle with my own eyes. I look forward to spoiling him when I get the chance. I already told his mama to schedule a few moments for me with Oliver when we get to BHC.

Thank you, God, for blessing Bro. Jonathan and Sis. Whitney with a precious child! Thank you for all the answered prayers in Oliver's short life! I can not wait to see what God has planned for Oliver in the future!

Thanks for reading my testimonies that were burning in my heart today. Friends, remember that God hears every prayer you pray. I believe that He is answering prayers for you today.

Odie

Odie's Weekend Write Up

Hey Friends,

This is Odie reporting in for a Monday post. Thanks for stopping by to visit with me today. 

Announcements

Here is a recap of the last couple of days. If you missed yesterday's post, click here to read it. My Dad gave us a short Sunday Morning Sanity.

Saturday I gave you a brief glimpse into my week last week. You can read it here. 

Stay tuned if you miss reading my Dad's great posts. I know he has A Word For Wednesday scheduled to go up Wednesday morning. 

Odie's Weekend Write Up

The weather was sunny and gorgeous Saturday. It did not feel like a normal December day in Ohio. The highs were in the 50's.

Papaw Eugene called me, asking if I had plans for the day. My schedule was clear and he invited me to go for a ride. I quickly said yes because it was a beautiful day for a drive!

Early in the afternoon, Mamaw and Papaw came to picked me up. We were excited to spend the day together. Our ride went great and soon the roads led us to Der Dutchmen Restaurant in Plain City, Ohio. Can you believe we found food along our route? All roads seem to somehow lead us to food. 😁

We had worked up an appetite on our ride there. We were ready to partake of the delicious food on the fully stocked buffet. I just wish I could have had room for more food!  

Here is a selfie to document our wonderful day. I love my Mamaw and Papaw so much! I truly value and cherish the special moments that I get to spend with them. Mamaw and Papaw, thank you for allowing me to tag along with you!

Sunday I spent the day once again with my church family at Dryden Road. Thanks to Bro. Denny and Sis. Bev Blevins for helping me get to and from church!

Sunday morning Bro. Bennie taught Sunday School. This week he started on 2 John. As always, his teaching was phenomenal!

Bro. Michael Alexander does a fantastic job as our Sunday School Superintendent.

The Kids Choir sang so well. I love their enthusiasm for singing.

Bro. David Eldridge preached both services yesterday. He preached outstanding. I am thrilled that I was home to hear my friend preach so good!

I love my Renae! One of the sweetest humans to ever live on this earth! She definitely makes the world a better place!

Red Lobster was on the menu for lunch. I enjoyed spending time with most of the Blevins Family. We always have a wonderful time together.

Quickly we were back at church for a wedding shower. Samuel and Amy will tie the knot early next year. I am really excited for this sweet couple!

Sunday night I tried taking a picture of my buddies Albany and Kenedy, but they had a different idea. They wanted me in the picture too. I love these two girls dearly.

Here is a picture of Bro. David Eldridge preaching Sunday evening. David is good to come wherever he can to support our family in services. He always sends pictures for the blog that he snaps from the crowd. It was my turn to get pictures of him while I was in the crowd.

That concludes my weekend. I hope you had a fabulous weekend too. I look forward to seeing you here again later.

Odie

Sunday Morning Sanity 12/5/21

Sunday Morning Sanity

The world is a book. Those that do not travel read only one page.

Augustine of Hippo

Living Life With Odie

Hey Friends,

Welcome to another Saturday post with Odie. We are finishing up another week in 2021. Can you believe there are only a few weeks left in this year? It is crazy how quickly this year has come and gone. I am trying my best to savor the last few moments.

How was your week? I have had a great week myself. It has been good to be home and enjoy my beautiful house! I know that I probably sound like a broken record, but I love my Beach Cottage!

I have been able to do a few fun things this week too. Of course, I have pictures to share with you. Here is a glimpse into my life lately.

Last Saturday I spent time with my cousin Lisa. I was good to be together again. The weather was cold, gloomy and rainy. re refused to allow the weather to hinder our fun.

It was the perfect afternoon for our favorite pizza. Cassano's Pizza is a local chain and their pizza is amazing! We visited the Springboro, Ohio location. This Cassano's recently moved into a new building. The new facility is extremely nice and the food was scrumptious! We look forward be going back again.

This is us ready to eat some pizza.

Our cousin Jimmy Purkey and his wife were there eating too. I just realized that you can see Jimmy in the background of the photo above.

I liked the Cassano Pizza King logo on the chairs.

This is the big lighted Cassano's logo on the wall.

Here is a picture of our scrumptious pizzas. Feast your eyes on the Heavenly goodness of Cassano's Pizza.

 

We both got a small pizza, half and half pepperoni and deluxe.

After lunch, we went to visit Mamaw and Papaw for a little while. Then Lisa came to the house and helped me with a little Christmas decorating. I will show you my 2021 Christmas decorations soon.

Sunday was reserved for church. It was wonderful to hear my Pastor preach both services. I am so thankful for my church family at Dryden Road Pentecostal Church. Here are a few pictures from Sunday.

Tuesday I spent part of the day with Mamaw and Papaw. I rode along while they ran errands.One of those stops just happened to be for lunch. Mamaw was craving Olive Garden. My food was so good.

Also this week I went to a Christmas party with Mamaw. It was a lot of fun to spend an evening with family and friends. We made Christmas wreaths. 

Yesterday I fixed lunch for my Aunt Theresa. I was glad to spend a couple hours with my Aunt. I loved getting to host her at my house and do something special for her!

Thankfully the food all turned out great!

That is a wrap on my week since last Saturday. Thanks for visiting with me today.

Odie

Pray Through Me

 Hey Friends,

This is Odie checking in from the Beach Cottage in Ohio. My parents are doing well. I hope they are getting some much deserved rest and relaxation.

You will be hearing from me more than normal, while they are away. I do not know all the things that we will discuss under my watch. Hopefully, I will make my Dad proud! 

Prayer is on my heart today. I am burdened for several precious people. Everywhere there are people in need of help and encouragement. Many are dealing with sickness and need miracles. Others are dealing with tragedies that are life altering. I can not even begin to understand their pain. Our nation is in such turmoil, that I can barely stand to hear the news.

I am so grateful for prayer! I have spent time praying for family, friends and our nation this week. Personally, I am helpless and can not fix any of the situations. I know a God who can answer prayer. I get to talk to Him through prayer!

Many times my prayers feel hollow. I do not have the words to express my own needs, prayers, and petitions to God properly. Then I try praying for the countless people that I know that need help. Do the I prayers actually help those in need?

Do you ever struggle with your prayers? Yesterday I was trying to pray and struggling to make the connection, that I desired with God. Then a song brought me the help I was looking for. 

I was reminded of a song penned by our dear friend, Bro. Rick Simpson. Pray Through Me was exactly the reminder that I needed. Bro. Rick, thanks for sharing this great song with the world!

I played this song on repeat and continued praying. The song helped me get in the right mindset. My prayers were not answered immediately, but I was able to feel God near me. I knew at that moment that Jesus was interceding for me as I prayed.

I hope you find encouragement in the words of Pray Through Me too! Below I included the song lyrics for you to read. Click here to hear the Simpson Family's beautiful version of Pray Through Me on YouTube. The song is also available on Apple Music.

 Pray Through Me

At times I've been so burdened

I didn't know how to pray

Through my tears I struggled

Just to find the words to say 

Confused and frustrated no matter how I tried 

Until I found the answer

And from my heart I cried

Chorus 

Pray through me Holy Spirit 

Pray through me when I'm weak.

Touch the throne of God for me today.

When I don't have the words to say

Pray through me 

Verse 2

Now I have learned the secret

There's power in one prayer

It can pull down in a moment, 

The strongholds that are there

And I become dependent when I'm driven to my knees 

That you're ever present to intercede for me

Bridge

Demons tremble 

Every mountain crumbles

When the Spirit intercedes

There's no enemy

That I can't defeat

When I'm down on my knees

Chorus 

Pray through me Holy Spirit 

Pray through me when I'm weak.

Touch the throne of God for me today

When I don't have the words to say

Pray through me

Thanks for reading! See you tomorrow.

Odie

A Short Explanation

Our current trip is ministry and vacation, but heavy on the vacation side.😊 I would really love to come out of this resting season running about 90 MPH all next year! 

We will be out of pocket most of the time so we will be away from Mile Markers at least some of this trip.  I am not sure if we will have phone or internet or inclination to use either one.

I have our A Word For Wednesday videos and Mile Marker posts ready to go live, but Odie will be posting the rest of the time IF she can think of anything to say. Thank you for understanding.

Please cheer Odie on and leave her a comment or two along the way. If she gets inspired to write while we are away, I could turn more of the writing to her on a regular basis.😎

We will see you on the flip side. Thank you for coming by here each day.

Davy

A Word For Wednesday, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

It is time for A Word For Wednesday. A Few minutes ago, I posted A Word for Wednesday on our YouTube Channel.

It is Christmas time and today I am beginning a series of four A Word For Wednesday episodes with a Christmas theme. Today is God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. I tell how this Christmas song saved my life and brought peace to my troubled mind!

If you enjoy this, please subscribe, thumbs up the video and share the video with someone.😍

Thank you for stopping by Mile Markers.

Davy 

A Place To Stand And Preach

I mentioned Monday that we ate lunch with Bro. and Sis. Whiffen on Saturday and preached for them on Sunday. We were so glad to be with them and visit with them and their family and church. We had to cancel revival here this year when we were sick and we hated it.

We have had some wonderful services, revivals and special events at Lighthouse of Holiness Church. I preached their first New Year's Eve Service in December 1995 and one of their first Homecoming Revivals.

Since then we have preached Homecomings, Pastor Appreciations, Building Dedications and various revivals for Pastor Chris Whiffen. They have been a huge part of our lives.

In fact, our friendship goes way before the founding of Lighthouse. We met the Whiffen's in the late 1980s and they have been our friends through thick and thin and back to thick again.

Lighthouse was founded during the summer of 1995 and I built a Bible Stand for them in the early winter of the same year. I built it in Ohio and one of Bro. Whiffen's friends picked it up while visiting near us.

It was first used in their original location at the old post office in Davenport, Florida. They used it at their second location and then in their current location for the last 20+ years.

This is the only Bible Stand that I have ever made. It is made of Oak.

It is still in use. I preached behind it this week.

How many sermons have been preached from this Bible Stand? How many preachers have stood behind it and preached?

May it be used for many many more years!

Thank you for dropping in for a while today.

Davy