Tag: Family

Posted in About Me, Blog, Family, Travel

Get-a-way not far away

Posted on by Snow's Southern Life
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Railroad Park, Birmingham Alabama

Hey there! Come on in! Have I got some tea for you! When is the last time you’ve been on vacation? I need one, maybe two back to back. I really need to getaway. But there isn’t any time for that! It is an everyday struggle to get a moment to myself, let alone a couple of days. I have way too much going on to leave the City.

Speaking of which, have you ever researched your City to see what is hiding within the concrete? There are always places to run away and hide for a couple of days. If you are anything like me and my family, it is crazy around home, all the time. There is hardly ever any peace and quiet, and when there is, it’s very minimal. My husband and I, as you know from previous posts, have been together for almost fourteen years. We have a huge family. People are always coming and going at the family home.

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Turkey Creek, Pinson Alabama

Every now and again, just to get away, Hubby will call on Friday from work, and tell me to pack us a weekend bag. I get all excited! I know we going on a get-a-way, not far away. You know, the hotel across town, or over in the next town an hour away. We disappear all the time. It gives us time to be alone, and be on vacation, while still close to home in case of an emergency. I love our getaways! The alone time in the rooftop pool, the room service at two am, the nightclub downstairs. Just a couple of days, one night even can be so rejuvenating. 

I especially love the one-day trips, to explore the city. I hear people say all the time, “There is nothing to do in Birmingham!” That is so not true. Birmingham has so much to do. There is such a thing as Google, and the internet. That search thing, it works wonders! We have a Zoo, Museums, dozens of Parks. The nightlife is awesome too. I love my city.

I especially love this place outside the city, Turkey Creek. I found this place from an elderly lady at the gas station in Pinson. I told her I needed a place to go swimming. She ultimately told me of Turkey Creek. She told me of how she enjoyed it as a child. Intrigued, I researched it. Located in Pinson, Alabama, only 15 miles north of Birmingham, Turkey Creek Nature Preserve is a great place for couples, or families, to get away and go for a picnic on the grass, swimming in the creek, or tube down the natural falls. Go bike riding,  hiking, fishing and so much more. We have been going here for years. We never knew it existed before that conversation. After a day here, I always feel like I’ve been away on vacation when I get back home. Even though it is technically near the city, it feels as if you are so far away.

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I want to challenge you. Take a few moments, and research your city. Open your mind to the millions of possibilities that your city has to offer. Find places that interest you, and take a day away from it all. Just disappear. And it doesn’t always take money. Most of our museums are free. Make precious moments with those you love, your children, your spouse. Plan a date with hubby, let him pick you up at the door, and go on a real date! How awesome that sounds.

Take the time to enjoy life. Oftentimes, we can go through life day to day, in and out of time, just like robots. There is no excitement, no joy. Make a point to enjoy your loved ones while they are here. If you can’t do a whole day, start small. Surprise hubby for a picnic on the grass at his job. It’s amazing what one hour of conversation and alone time can do. Tomorrow is not promised to any of us! Enjoy life, enjoy your city. Enjoy each other. A relationship can only withstand the time put into it. It takes effort and attention.

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Speaking of attention, my glass is empty again. Must refill! Until the next glass of Tea, stay blessed, stay southern sweet.

COPYRIGHT © 2016 SnoSouthernLife

Posted in About Me, Blog, Family, Self Help

I love my life, do you?

Posted on by Snow's Southern Life

Hey ya’ll! I know, I know! Why has it taken me so long to write? Well, let me tell you! Sit on down, I’ve got some Tea to spill! Where should I begin?

Life. I am in love with my life. If you follow along with my blog, you will hear me brag often about my husband. But I love the ups, the downs, my husband, my friends, and my family. I am so full of Joy! Life can be so funny, so demanding. One day passes you by, then two, then the next thing you know, a whole week has gone by. Life is what we make of it. I believe that with all my heart. If we constantly focus on what we want, or what could be, instead of what is, what we have, we will be forever stressing, worrying, striving for that happiness, that truthfully may never come. But to have Joy? There is a difference. Happiness is an emotion, from an event in our lives, whether good or bad. Joy is inner peace, that no matter the circumstance, it never waivers.

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I thank God every day for my husband. I am not bragging about him, but yes I am! God has truly blessed me. A couple of days ago, we got a letter from his job, and July 1st will be his last day of work, yet again. They are going out of business. He has been laid off three times in the last six years. Twice within the last 6 months. Just frustrating!

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Let me tell you about hubby. My husband is a man of integrity, honesty, hard-working, and dedication to whatever he puts his mind to, including his family, and God. He loves to work, and never calls in, ever. He has had an award for the last 10 years for perfect attendance, at all of his jobs. Babe worked at the McWane Cast Iron and Steel plant 25 years, up until 2010. They went out of business due to the Economy. Now while unemployed for almost 9 months, he never gave up. I worked, and he was the best hubby ever. My husband did what all women dream of. He cooked, kept the house spotless, and even did laundry! Imagine that. The entire nine months of unemployment, it did not affect his happiness at all. He never gave up hope. We lost our home, got behind in bills, credit went down the drain. Not one time did he complain. He kept paying his tithes out of his little unemployment check, (which was not near what we were bringing in). He never became angry or upset at our situation, always full of joy.

He did eventually get work, underground to the Coal Mines. He did not complain, never called in, and was considered a very productive employee. As a matter of fact, life became so good, he told me to quit work, due to my health, and focus on getting well. “Just take care of you and the house. I got the rest!” I told you he was a good husband, didn’t I? Even though my husband made good money, really good, he never let it go to his head. We did not buy the fancy cars, a big home. We prepared ourselves for that day when…..

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Now, six years later, the mines went out of business. Some Obama thing about cleaner coal, or something. That’s another story. Anyways, another 4 months without work. This time, we are both unemployed. But he never wavered. He found another job, at a significant pay cut mind you. He worked for three months, and then we get this letter. Really!? Ugghh!

Life can be so mean at times. There are ups and downs. Life can take you through some things, that would cause a normal person to have a stroke or become ill if they let it. My husband and I, we live a life of simplicity. At the same time, making sure we are productive. We do like the nice things, but what we don’t want are “things”.  Our home is small, but it is comfortable. It is a nice home, just for us. Our cars are paid for, no notes. Those things are material. They are just not at the top of our list right now. I, we, would rather live a life of Joy. A life with stability in knowing, whatever we go through, he will be there. We will go through it together, no matter what!

My husband is a giving person. Never meets a stranger. He will give the shirt off his back if you are cold. Always blessing others. Sometimes, he actually gets on my nerves with the giving. Hubby is a man of God, who knows, the more we bless others, God will in return bless us. I am happy with what we have, where we are, and where life is taking us. I am happy with the life we have built together as a family. If more comes my way, I am waiting with open arms. Until then, I am full of Joy!

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So I just want to encourage you today. I want to slip a little Tea into your life. If life gets you down, just hold on. Don’t waste one minute! Keep pushing, and never look back to what could be. Life may take you places where it seems you can never recover. Do not let go of that dream, that hope. A better day will come. Some storms are worse than others. Whether big or small, eventually, the sun has to come out. The sun always shines brighter, after the storm. The clouds clear, and the sky is crystal blue again. Just keep pushing and don’t give up!

Now let’s fill that glass! Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet. I’ll have the tea waiting.

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com 

Posted in About Me, About Me, Blog, Family, Self Help

Family isn’t always Family

Posted on by Snow's Southern Life
Hammock-Swing

Why hey ya’ll! How’s it goin? I am blessed and cool under this shade tree with my Tea! I just love those cool days when I can sit under the tree, relaxing, with not a care in the world. Just me, the shade, and my tea. Not for long though. I can always count on my two little ones, my dogs, of course, to interrupt me. They come running, jump up on the hammock, all excited, and then just plop right there and go off to a nap. Why do I have to move to make you comfortable? They are the epitome of family.

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You know?! The one who always gives out a great big hug just when you need it. Or the cousin who makes you laugh at nothing funny at all. Some of us have that Aunt that always wants her way or no way. Or that Uncle that is always drunk at the family holiday, asking for money from the kids. I have a brother like that, well used to. Now he’s going to be upset with me writing this, but it’s ok. I love my family with all my heart. But sometimes you have to just get away. Or move away in my case! I just left, moved to Alabama, because I could not take the selfishness and in-consideration for others any longer.

Please allow me to be specific. At the time, 14 years ago, my brother was an Alcoholic. I say was, because he is no longer, and has been sober for quite some time. It took him years to get himself together, to get support from those willing to endure his attitudes, his countless disappearing acts, his anger. But he did it, and I am so proud of him.

That brings me to the title of this blog. Family isn’t always family. If it was not for my brother’s best friend, and in-laws, (ie; sister and brother-in-law), I am not sure where he would be. I had been through enough with my abusive ex-husband for the last ten years. I did not want to endure another ten. I was trying to get myself together. My life was a mess, my self-confidence, my attitude towards men, everything. So when I had enough of family, I packed up and left.

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We are still in contact. Just spoke to him two days ago as a matter of fact. We have mended old wounds, and are rather close I would think. We still have our differences, but nothing will ever break us apart completely except for the big D.  But now the roles have changed. No, I do not have an addiction. Well, maybe chocolate. What I mean is that I am now down here in Alabama, with no family, except my husband’s side. I love them all, but there is nothing like your own. I miss my family dearly. However, I do not miss them enough to leave Alabama. No, I will stay right here. But the circle of friends that I have is awesome! I have made myself a family through non-family. We are closer than most of my real family. Like I said, family is not always family.

I love the South. There is nothing that would or could pull me from here. For a long time, I was a transient of sorts. I could not sit still. Just could not find my place in this big ‘ol world. But now, I have, and I am in love with my life. I am in love with a great husband, wonderful children, and five awesome grandsons, and one precious granddaughter. All of which, are not my blood, but my husband’s children. I could never birth my own. I love them like they were my own, and I believe they love me! Holidays are the biggest ordeal with us. So, why would I leave? It is ok to get homesick once in a while, but that’s it. After a point, reality has to set in and get back to our lives, whatever that may be. 

Speaking of which, I have to get up and go cook dinner. We cook every night in the south. Whether big or small, dinner is always on the table by sundown. And ya have to have a Desert! It’s a Southern thing I think.

So, in the meantime, think about the important people in your lives. Tell them often how important they are to you. Blood or not, family is family. It is rare that we find others we can rely on in these days and times. Someone to listen, without judgment, and be there to pick us up, without question. Make sure your “Family” knows just how much they mean to you. Do not let too much time slip away, or it may end up being too late.

Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet, and I will have your tea waiting.

Lipton-KCups-TeaMoments

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Where is the Village of Old Days?

Hey ya’ll! Come on in! What’s been up with you since the last time we spoke? Me? I have just been thinking about my childhood. Do you remember when we were young, everyone was in church on Sunday morning, Wednesday Bible study, Friday youth group? We did not have a chance to get into any trouble. My Mother kept me busy with homework and church. Especially in the South! In the South, it’s like a golden rule that Sundays you have your butt in church, and we have fried chicken for dinner after.  Society was laid back, in slow motion back then. It was cool to get our first paper route at the age of ten, or lay in the grass in a field, and look at the clouds, naming shapes out of them.

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Today, however, we are a diverse generation of chaos and instant pleasure. Our youth are lost. Mainly because the parents raising them are children themselves, however, the grandparents are not assisting either. Back in the day, it took a whole neighborhood to raise our youth. If I got a spanking, yes with a belt, at someone else home, I got another when I got home, for embarrassing my parents! I mean, I have had plenty of spankings, and I am still alive and well. I knew better than to cut up on my parents. I would rather be teased by my peers than face my mother. By no means, do I agree with Child abuse. Let’s just be clear. But I do feel a small tap on the bottom every now and again just to remind them who the parent is, never hurt anyone.

These parents today do not want anyone spanking their children. Most of our youth of today have never had a spanking. Ever. That, in my opinion, is the issue. There is no kind of consequence, no discipline. We just let our children do what they want as little ones. They sit around when “Grown folks are talking” as my mother used to say. We allow any kind of music and language in their presence. Then when they grow up, with an attitude, we want to get angry at them. Not good at all.

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Now there are still old school parents around, who do teach their offspring the importance of responsibility, respect, and life in general. They believe in spankings, punishment, and responsibility for our actions. Their children flourish with education and prosperity. I applaud you. There is nothing in the world like watching your teen walk across that stage on Graduation day!

Most everyone has a microwave in their kitchen. You know, you throw your food in, and in five minutes or less, we have a dinner that normally takes thirty minutes or an hour on the stove. That is our generation of today. A microwave generation. Has been for a while. We want it, and we want it now. And we will do whatever it takes to get it.

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Our youth today have no respect, no desire for an actual job, or respect for life. We don’t know the meaning of earning anything, hard work. There are those parents, mostly younger, who allow their children to raise themselves or watch their parents lead a bad example, then only to follow in their footsteps. It’s almost a generational curse.

It saddens me to see our youth plunging downhill. I have stopped watching the news altogether. Every time I turn it on, nothing but violence and crime. Our prisons flourish with young men under the age of 25. Most of the crime is on our Senior citizens. Picking on those who can not even fight back. Shame on you! Let’s get ourselves together people. If we do not wake up and get our youth back, we are going to see our government raising them from afar. There are many ways to discipline. It does not have to be spankings if you disagree with hitting. We do need to start when they are young. We do need to do something to get our youth back to a generation of respect and prosperity.

What are your thoughts on our youth? Do you believe in discipline? I would love to hear the thoughts of how and when to discipline. 

Until next time, stay blessed, stay southern sweet. I’ve got the tea waiting on you.

 

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Discipline by Maxwell Maltz March 14, 2013 at http://www.verybestquotes.com/self-discipline-quotes-the-ability-to-discipline-yourself/
Letz go to church at http://quotesgram.com/funny-church-lady-quotes/#f6yPgP8v4X
Poll by BBC 21 September 2014  “Understanding black America and the spanking debate” at http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29261462

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in About Me, Blog, Family

Do you date or hook up?

Posted on by Snow's Southern Life

Hello, my Southern friends! It is good to see you again. I’m just pouring this tea, getting ready to sit up under the stars with hubby on the porch.  After 14 years, my husband still dates me. Whether we get dressed up and go out to dinner and a movie, or a walk after midnight in the park, or for a ride down a country road on the motorcycle, I love our alone time. We are still best friends after all this time!

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 This is my favorite picture of us taken in 2007. We still have the same bike, the same color. I look at other couples in our life, other women friends of mine, and it amazes me how people don’t spend time together anymore like in the old days. I see the women constantly out with the girls, or the guys out with the guys, but never together. Hubby and I went to a gathering about three weeks ago, and a guy friend hugged me and asks “where is hubby? I know he isn’t far, your always together!”.

Today’s generation of dating and marriage is so different from when my parents were young. Of course, we can expect change and growth in society, but what happened to dating? What happened to a man picking you up for a date? Or opening a door for a lady? I appreciate my Mother-in-law so much. She passed away in 2007, rest her soul, right before this picture was taken. The man she raised that is my husband today, was taught the manners of old school. He opens doors, he is trustworthy, a man of his word, and is well-respected by everyone who meets him. Now I am not bragging on him, but in a sense I am. Our marriage is one of the same characters. We have communication, trust, integrity, and God. But most of all, we LIKE each other. We are best friends.

I remember my ex-husband, when we met, I knew him two weeks, ran off, and married him. I know, I know. What was I thinking? I wasn’t, that was the problem. By my twenties, I had become a hard-headed naive girl who believed everything a man told me. I found out the hard way that I should have dated him first, got to know what I was getting into. (That is another post). If I had taken my time, I would have saved a whole lot of heartache and bruises.

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However, the choices I made then, are why I am the person I have become today. I am stronger, wiser, and more reserved on my choices. I take time to analyze and pray for guidance. I do not regret one minute, even the bad stuff. It has taught me a lot about myself, and who I really am. I truly am just now enjoying my life now, more than my younger years. I was always told my twenties would be the best time of my life. I feel like my forties have been the best. And the older I get, the happier I seem to be. All with thanks to God and my husband of course!

My husband is a humble and patient man. Completely different from my ex. That man dated me six months before we finally committed to each other significantly. He actually always told others he was gonna find me a good man. We were just friends, who fell in love. He took the time to show me what kind of man he truly is. He made it so I could not help but trust him with my heart. He made it easy to fall in love, and boy did I fall hard!

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My point of all this? Take your time ladies. Slow down and make him date you. If a man truly is interested, he truly wants to get to know you for more than your outer appearance, for more than one date, he will be patient. He won’t mind waiting on the goodies and taking appetizers until you become everything to each other. And if it does not work, then that is not God’s choice for you.

I could go on and on. Once I start talking there really is no end. I just want my girlfriends to have what I have. I wish I could sell the honest pure love that our marriage has, in a cup. I’d be rich!

But right now my cup is empty, so I need to refill, on sweet tea that is. So until the next time, keep calm and move slow. Respect yourself enough to date, and not “Hook-up”. Until the next glass of Tea, stay blessed, stay southern sweet!

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One Hope Picture BY · AUGUST 11, 2015 at http://onehope.com/slow-down/

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in Blog, Family

My dog thinks she is human!

Posted on by Snow's Southern Life
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Hello! I’ve missed you! I must get better at this writing thing. My goal is to blog at least once a week, although it is very difficult when a person is as busy as I am with a zillion things going on at one time. This week I have been super busy, well all the time, but this week seems more hectic than usual. It is mostly due to an addition to our family.

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ok, well here’s the tea! In the past, I used to be that person who laughed at pet lovers and how spoiled their “family member” was. However, after getting a puppy for my birthday two years ago, I now understand. I am totally in love with my fur baby. (yes, I know. I am a sucker for cute faces.) Button, a long hair Chihuahua is now 2 years old, and I swear she thinks she is human! She has her own little personality, and thinks she is as huge as the neighbor’s Pitbull! She is our little killer who is afraid of everything she shouldn’t be, and brave to things she should be afraid of. I was told it is called an inferior complex. She knows she is small, so she growls like she is huge thinking that will scare whatever it is. No ma’am, sit down.

Of course, I spoil her rotten like any self-respected southern woman does. Button eats what we eat, she sleeps with us in the bed, heck she tells us when it is bedtime! Just like a child, at 9:00 pm every night, she climbs up on my husband’s chest and looks him straight in the eyes, like she is trying to tell him something. It took us three days to figure out what she wanted. Freddie takes her outside, nothing. He gives her some freshwater, nope. “What does she want?” he asked. I said, “it’s her bedtime”, as serious as I could be. Of course, he laughed, and then laid down on the couch, covered himself with a blanket, and what did Button do? She crawled right up next to him, and went to sleep! I swear she thinks she is human.

I said I want a biscuit Daddy!

Two days ago, I took Button to Bath, Barks and Bubbles downtown Birmingham. She loves going there, to her “doggie spa” to get a haircut, her nails clipped and painted. I spend more on my dog than I do myself. Anyhow, while there, I was asked if I wanted another dog? My first reaction was, no! But, of course, I had to see him.

Lucky was brought into the shop in January by an older woman, and they never came back. Now, I am praying that nothing happened to her, that she just could not take care of him. But Lucky has been living in the shop for three months. The owner started to put an ad in the newspaper but didn’t because she wanted to make sure Lucky received a good home. He is so adorable, and sweet. Needless to say, yes, Freddie and I just could not leave him. We went back the next day and picked him up.

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Lucky, our new fur baby

Button? Button is the queen of our home. She is in charge. My children, when they come to visit, they ask where is Button. My neighbor speaks to her every morning on her way to work, through the window, (we sleep with our windows open in the south).  The whole block knows Button, and she knows them. So you can imagine when Lucky came, she did not like sharing her attention. She is not happy with us! As a matter of fact, she is giving us the silent treatment. At first, if Button was in my lap, and Lucky tried to come near, she would growl at him. It has been about three days, and she is getting used to him now. Although, I just realized tonight that Lucky is eating his food and Button’s. So, I am going to have to separate them and retrain Lucky on eating habits. Button will one day be the queen of our home again!

Until then, I must deal with not one, but two dogs, a part of my family, who think they are human. Lucky has quickly adapted to Button’s routine. He to now has a regular nap time, and bedtime. Mealtimes are excitement running through the house, thinking they are both going “to get whatever that smell is she is cooking”.  While I am sitting here writing about them, of course, they are both right at my feet. It is past their bedtime, and they are waiting on me to go to bed! So I guess I will end here for the night. I could go on and on about my “children”.

So until next time, on to the next task at hand, whatever that may be.  I will definitely keep you updated on both of my little ones. Until then, keep spoiling, be blessed, stay southern sweet! I will have a fresh pot of tea waiting.

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Do you have pets in your home?  Tell me about them! I would love to hear your stories.  Post your pictures. Animals are precious and must be treated as such.

2012 – 2016 Icehouse Crafts. “My dog’s not spoiled, I’m just well trained”. http://icehousecrafts.com/item_330/My-Dogs-Not-Spoiled…Im-Just-Well-Trained-Sign.htm#.Vwx7g6QrK00
AllPosters.com. “A spoiled rotten Chihuahua lives here”. http://www.allposters.com/-sp/A-Spoiled-Rotten-Chihuahua-Tan-Lives-Here-Wood-Sign-Posters_i9560929_.htm

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in Blog, Family, Religion

Life can be so unexpected!

Posted on by Snow's Southern Life

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Hey ya’ll! Come on in, take a seat. I have somne tea to share. You ready? Let’s go!

Let’s chat about life! Life in itself, can be so many things to us on a daily basis. It can be amazing, nerve wracking, exciting, and very unexpected. There are some who say, “I have my whole life planned out on a schedule for the next ten years”. And then there is me. I often drive my husband crazy with it, because even though I plan things, they never seem to go my way. If they do, I have changed my mind 30 times before the end result. Hey, what can I say,, I am a sagitarious. I’m a jump off the cliff, and think about it later kind of person. I might wake up tomorrow and feel like driving 6 hours on a whim, to see Mom. Then, only to stay one night, wake up ready to hit the road again. I am getting better at planning, but there are times when it just doesn’t matter. There are times, that no matter how long and detailed our plans may be, some things can not be avoided. Like death. It happens to everyone, no avoiding that one.

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Death can be so unexpected. Like a sudden turn in the road. If you are not careful, you’ll end up in a ditch! Slow down! Death can be like a robber coming in your home while your asleep in the middle of the night. I mean hey, if a robber were to tell you he was coming at three A.M. through the back bedroom window, you would be there waiting with a shotgun to let him have it, right? Of course you would! Who wouldn’t? But what happens when it is unexpected? Are you prepared to deal with it? I am not just speaking financially. Although, that is something that can be planned. The cost of a funeral is so expensive now. No, I am speaking emotionally. Am I, if need be, prepared for that day when I must bury Mother? Or my husband? Even one of my children? Again, I think not. Death is something that no matter how much you prepare emotionally, even if it is inevitable that it is on it’s way to claim the life of this person you are so going to miss. No one will ever be ready to lose a life. No one. Unless your just the type who has no sense of connect to others, no respect or remorse for life. But even then, there will be that one person, to bring even the hardest of hearts to tears.

In the past year, I have seen death fall all around me. A young man at my church, “Bill” I’ll call him, is a young impressionable teenage boy. He has a mother, a father, and 3 younger siblings, significantly younger than he. Earlier in the year, his father all of a sudden, became ill, and passed away. No planning could be made to prepare for this. It just happened. Now I get word yesterday, that his mother passed. Her lung cancer came back. So now, I look at this young man, and I feel for him. I was in tears, not because of my friend’s passing, but for these children. Now what? Fortunately, there grandparents are still around to take them in. But is this going to effect these young lives? All the softball games, the prom, the wedding, the babies. Their parents will not be around for any of it. It saddens me.

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It saddens me to think that as much as I love my family, I would have to leave, and miss all of these life events! I look at my children, and sometimes I just shake my head. Other times I am full of joy to see just how far and wonderfully made adults they have become. Even though I never had any children of my own, due to health reasons, I happen to have been blessed with a huge family. I mentioned them in my post yesterday. I have 2 girls, 2 boys, a slew of grandsons and one granddaughter, Kennedi Nariah. Isn’t she just a doll?

12747354_10153228591956086_3570425061739090607_oHolidays are huge at our home, just like when I was a child. Family is everything to me! I often wonder though, are they really prepared for this rugged world? Are they prepared for that day when Dad and Snow will not be here for them? If not, I feel like Freddie and I have done all we can to prepare them. We have taught them values, respect, a sense of adventure, and planning. But Death? That my friends, can not be prepared for. Or can it?

My husband and I are avid motorcycle riders. A Harley to be exact. We used to be involved with a prominent outlaw Motorcycle club, or “gang” as society labels them. However, we have now been saved by grace, and turned our life to Jesus Christ, changing our lives for the better. Our lives have never been the same! There were times, as I look back now, that we should have both been sent home in a casket. There is no other way, except to imagine our parents and grandparents prayers from long ago protecting us from harm. Someone was on their knees for us, and I thank you.

One day I came to my daughter and told her, “I need to prepare you for our death, God forbid”. She did’t want to discuss it. I had to make her see, that even though she’s not the oldest, she is the only one, responsible enough to make it through, and help her siblings. To step up to the plate, and be strong for the others, if ever something happened while we are out on that road. I thank God, nothing ever happened. We are still here, now being an example to our children of living a Kingdom lifestyle. (That is a whole other subject). It saddens me, as I look back, that we took the chances we did, not thinking of our family, to just go on the road, with no sense of consequence, that we may not come home to our children. It saddens me the thought of possibly having to go through life with out any guidance, a parents love, a hug, their support in everything they do.

As I sit here writing this, with tears streaming down my face, I even feel saddened for what might have been, even though we were graced with life. So now what can I do with this? I can pick up my smile, throw that away in the past, and keep moving. That’s right, let the past remain there, in the past. But how about the future? I ask again, am I prepared for that day when someone closest to me leaves me behind? I do have faith in Jesus Christ, and the comfort he promises me that, yes it will be difficult, but I am built for this test. I can make it. And I will.

You will often here me speak of Jesus, and how much he means to me. If it were not for the Lord on my side, I would not be the strong independent person I am today. Jesus reminds us in his word, that even though that person is gone from this realm, if they are a child of God, we will one day see them again. Now if they are not saved by grace, of course then depending on your beliefs, you should be saddened. Some feel like we are just here, and after death, it is just over. That’s it? I am just gonna die, and that is it? I am so glad I know the truth. It comforts me to know Mother will be waiting on me, that Dad is waiting on me. We will all be together again, IF we prepare.

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“But Snow, I thought you said Death can not be prepared for?”.  Yes, we may not be able to plan for Death. But we can prepare for it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7, NIV) says, “The dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it”.  At the resurrection, God reunites the body and His life-giving spirit, and the person lives again. So what does that mean to us? That means Granny is up there, with God, until that day upon His return. Now that is something to shout about, even in a time of grief! We are only temporarily separated. Isn’t that a little bit comforting?

So, long story short, if you are all of a sudden facing grief right in the face, reflect on this for a moment. Think about your own life. Have we truly “Prepared” ourselves for death? Or are we just living day to day? Death is never a subject we run to for discussion. But it is unavoidable. Every man, woman, race, creed, culture, and breathing thing in this universe, will ultimately one day face death. So let us prepare for it while we have the chance. Let us allow God to send a word of encouragement, a hug of sorts. A comfort in knowing that we will meet again one day. That is, of course, if the right choices have been made, to prepare that same path to a be with God. After all, the choice is ours to make.

I often refer to Deuteronomy 30:19 which states, “This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him”.  I love this! You mean, even though Death can not be planned upon, I still have a choice after death?! Yes, that is what I am saying. For me, I choose life. I choose to prepare for death, even if I can not plan for it. I choose to go on living, knowing that, yes, I am very saddened, even in a sense of grief, over a possible loss. But at the same time, I am overjoyed knowing, I have prepared my path, and we will meet again. So, choose life! After all, we still have others here that need us more.

Until we meet again, pick up that smile, dry them tears, give me a big ole hug. Let’s keep moving. One day at a time is all you need. It will get easier with time, like a small whisper, a vapor of smoke, that grief will leave, and a small reminder will come to you of this person you have missed so. Then you will smile, and keep moving. Just do not give up! Keep going. If you can not keep moving for yourself, at least do it for those counting on us. I love you. God loves you. Be comforted, be blessed, be prepared. Stay southern sweet!

Martin-Luther-King-Quote...Keep-Moving-Forward

Reference: © 2004 – 2016 by Bible Hub; The Bible, New International Version (Deuteronomy 30:19)

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com

Posted in About Me, Blog, Self Help, Travel

Are you traveling forward or backwards?

Posted on by Snow's Southern Life

I was once asked, “In 5 years, is the life you are currently living, going to lead you somewhere further up the road, or will it lead back to where you are today?” Good question!

Hey ya’ll! Welcome to the south! My name is Snow Wilson.  Although I currently live in  Birmingham Alabama, I am a born and bred Christian country girl from Eldorado Illinois, a town of 1400 people, still today! So if you want southern, I’m ya girl. I will be married to my husband Freddie for 9 years on April 28th. We have been together since 2003, with 2 sons, 2 beautiful daughters, and 4 wonderful grandsons, 1 granddaughter diagnosed with Down-Syndrome at birth.

This blog was created out of a need for my numerous followers and social media sites. I have become known to my community, as “Ask Sno” I am constantly researching on the web for items, family, crafts, cooking, travel, anything asked of me by friends! If there is something you need, information, purchases, health, beauty, exercise, family issues, I will do the research, and blog about it!

Do you know what “Freedom living” means? It is living a life completely free, no 9-5 job, no bosses, no day in and day out routine, saving up for retirement for 30 years down the road, that matter-of-factually, we may never reach. According to the recent deaths statistics in my area, my chances of becoming a victim in Birmingham is 1/63. Forgive me for saying this, but out of a Population of 212,297, that is scary as heck!

With that being said, why would I, or anyone for that matter, want to spend the rest of my life doing the same thing every day, expecting different results that I may never reach? Why would you? So, Hubbie and I have put together a plan. Our goal is to eventually sell everything, pay off our debt, and run! I thank God that we have been blessed with a minimal amount of debt left, and with discipline, we will reach our goal right on time! We are going to just DO IT! Like mike!

That’s right! Some day soon, we are going to sell everything, buy an RV, pull our Harley Davidson behind us, and HiT The RoAd!! Only God knows where He will lead us. Will it be Florida? The Grand Canyon, California, Tombstone Arizona, or Canada? That, my friends, is the wonderful thing about “Freedom Living”! You’re free! Do what you want, when you want, with no restrictions! It takes planning, discipline, and saving. I will blog more on how to support a Freedom Lifestyle later on down the road. For now, just put it in the back of your mind, sit on it for a spell, and sip that tall glass of southern sweet tea on that front porch swing!

I so look forward to allowing each and every one of my followers to get to know me on a personal level, while God uses me to help someone in need. Please share my blog (and Podcast) with your friends and family! Until then be blessed and stay sweet. I’ll make sure to have some tea waiting on your return!

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Reference: Location Inc (2000-2016) “Crime rates for Birmingham, AL” Retrieved from http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/al/birmingham/crime/

Copyright © 2016 SnoSouthernLife.com