sisters – Grits with Grace

Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, loving others, prayer, Scripture, thankful, Trials

#Friends

Posted on March 13, 2024March 11, 2024 by Dewayne Taylor

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

There were times when having a sister was not a bad thing. So, I am the baby of eight kids. Daddy and Momma, probably unintentionally, grouped the kids. There were three older boys, then a girl and a boy, and finally two more girls and me—the object of my parent’s delight—the perfect child. Ok, that is not even close to true but after all, it is my story. Growing up there was not a brother too close to my age, so I was kinda a solo act and too often the object of my sister’s merciless teasing and testing. More often than not…we were at odds. And, of course, they would run to Momma and tell her how bad I was. But she knew better…oh yes, she knew better.

Now with all that said, there were times when having a sister was not a bad thing. When they became teenagers a few years before me, sometimes I got to tag along on dates. Since their boyfriends had their driver’s license, it meant…freedom! Yup, even sisters have advantages. Another of those advantages involved manual labor. You see when I was a kid, one of my responsibilities was to mow the yard. While our yard was good sized, we also had a couple of acres that was just a big open field. Every once in a while, that field had to be mowed. Riding mower? You’ve got to be kidding.

At one time or another, I do remember we had two push mowers. They were nothing special—in fact they were anything but. They were usually lawnmower corpses that my Daddy had resurrected using spare parts. I particularly remember one that didn’t have an off position on the throttle. The only way to turn it off was to pull off the plug wire. It was this mower that taught me the value of doing something carefully because if you didn’t remove the wire very carefully…well, let’s just say it was a shocking experience!

Well, I’m not whining (no, really) but that was a lot of weeds to mow. So, every once in a while, I would talk one of my sisters into helping and sometimes they would even volunteer. I mean you know how girls…even sisters…are about their figures and what I saw as work they saw as a weight loss plan. Anyway, I would lead with mower number 1 and my sister would follow with mower number 2. It sure helped–both physically and psychologically. Just knowing I wasn’t all alone was really encouraging. Well, I remember the time I was mowing my little heart out thinking my sister was right behind me with mower number 2. Around and around I went…never looking back…believing that she was still there.

Well, the bottom line is I went and went and then I happened to look back only to realize that she had quit, and I was all alone. Instantly the task seemed impossible and the field bigger than ever and I wanted to quit too. The difference: I was alone. At that moment I realized that even though I didn’t always like my sister…I needed her. We may have fussed and fought but when it came to mowing, she was my helper–my partner.

Well, the point is this…we really do need each other…especially in our life journeys, our spiritual journeys, our day-to-day bump into stuff journeys. Having someone we can talk with, someone we can share our burdens with, someone who will pray with us and for us, someone who is slow to judge and quick to love is just invaluable. Someone said, “No man is an island” and that is just the truth. I’m learning that you don’t have to always agree with someone to love that someone…or even like that someone.

Even as a person who values alone time—I know there is value in walking side by side with others. In the Old Testament part of the Bible, Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, one of the smartest guys ever to live said, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” Well, let me just tell you, I know that is true when you are nine or ten and mowing two acres and it is true today and every day. There is no better best friend than the One who wants to be your Dearest Daddy. He will never leave you alone…never quit. You can trust that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, food, friends, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

Ex-lax

Posted on April 25, 2023April 24, 2023 by Dewayne Taylor

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful, and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So, she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” Genesis 3:6

I remember it like it was yesterday…or a couple of weeks ago anyway. I am the youngest of eight children. Some call me the baby of the family…I call it the best. My brothers and sisters nicknamed me precious. I used to think it was because they were jealous, but I later learned they were just right. And, because I was so precious, well I often was the target of pranks and other acts of terrorism.

The two sisters right above me and myself were called the three little ones. That was because everybody else was several years older and therefore bigger. My two youngest sisters were the main terrorists. They loved to hold me down and tickle me mercilessly and then pull my ears till they were blood red. It’s because of them one of my ears sticks out further than the other. They were two tough cookies.

One time they pushed me out the door in my underwear and wouldn’t let me back in. I banged and banged on the door all to no avail. They, of course, will deny all of this but trust me, at the Judgement Seat all will be revealed, and they will surely be grateful for grace.

I have always had an affection for sweet things, and they even used that against me. One day one of them came up and said, “Dewayne, do you want some candy?” Well, my response was, “Well sure.” It was a small box and in my excitement, I didn’t take time to read the label. Honestly, since I was only about eight, I probably wouldn’t have known the difference anyway. So, I opened the box and found that it was filled with chocolates. There were only three or four pieces in the box and before long…they were gone.

I did notice that they tasted a little different, but they were sweet and they were brown so hey, that was close enough for me. I should have been suspicious that the terrorists were being so nice, but I always was a trusting soul. Several hours passed and before long time wasn’t the only thing that passed. You see, my loving sisters had fed me a whole box of Ex-Lax. They would deny it, you probably can’t believe it but trust me I was there. Oh, boy was I there.

Well, I learned a lot of lessons growing up and this is one of them. You see, things are often not what they seem to be. I thought I was getting a box of chocolates and instead I got a box of trouble. It looked like chocolate, it even tasted like chocolate but it wasn’t anything close. Did you know that the Bible warns us how the Devil and disguise himself? It says that he can disguise himself as an angel of light when in fact He is the angel of darkness. Remember that…things are not always as they seem.

I learned too that not everyone who comes bearing gifts can be trusted. I should have known better when they offered that box but my desire for chocolate overruled my common sense. That is what got Adam and Eve in trouble in the garden. The story is found in Genesis, and it says, “The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful, and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So, she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” And just like that…I found myself eating Ex-Lax.

It’s a tricky world out there…terrorists are lurking everywhere and sometimes they might be related so be careful. Be sure and use your good common sense if someone offers you a little box filled with chocolates. You might be getting more than you bargained for. Like I said, I probably wouldn’t have understood the label even if I had read it. But do you know what? My mama would have. In fact, if I had gone to mama this story would have been totally different. But, well, I didn’t.

As we journey through this upside-down world, don’t forget to go to your Dearest Daddy with your questions and mysteries. He is always there, and He is always watching out for you. You can trust Him. His box of chocolate is always the real deal. So have a seat, open the box, and enjoy. You can rest in Him. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, life, love, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, Trials

#friends

Posted on March 4, 2022March 3, 2022 by Dewayne Taylor

Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

At one time or another, I do remember we had two push mowers. They were nothing special—in fact they were anything but. They were usually lawnmower corpuses that my Daddy had resurrected using spare parts. I particularly remember one that didn’t have an off position on the throttle. The only way to turn it off was to pull off the plug wire. It was this mower that taught me the value of doing something carefully because if you didn’t remove the wire very carefully…well, let’s just say it was a shocking experience!

Well, I’m not whining (no, really) but that was a lot of weeds to mow. So, every once in a while, I would talk one of my sisters into helping and sometimes they would even volunteer. I mean you know how girls…even sisters…are about their figures and what I saw as work they saw as a weight loss plan. Anyway, I would lead with mower number 1 and my sister would follow with mower number 2. It sure helped–both physically and psychologically. Just knowing I wasn’t all alone was really encouraging. Well, I remember the time I was mowing my little heart out thinking my sister was right behind me with mower number 2. Around and around, I went…never looking back…believing that she was still there.

Well, the bottom line is I went and went till I happened to look back only to realize that she had quit, and I was all alone. Instantly the task seemed impossible and the field bigger than ever and I wanted to quit too. The difference: I was alone. At that moment I realized that even though I didn’t always like my sister…I needed her. We may have fussed and fought but when it came to mowing, she was my helper–my partner.

Well, the point is this: we really do need each other…especially in our life journeys, our spiritual journeys, our day-to-day bump into stuff journeys. Having someone we can talk with, someone we can share our burdens with, someone who will pray with us and for us, someone who is slow to judge and quick to love is just invaluable. Someone said, “No man is an island” and that is just the truth. I’m learning that you don’t have to always agree with someone to love that someone…or even like that someone.

Even as a person who values alone time—I know there is value in walking side by side. In the Old Testament part of the Bible, Ecclesiastes 4:9–10, one of the smartest guys ever to live said, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts. For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.” Well, let me just tell you, I know that is true when you are nine or ten and mowing two acres and it is true today and every day. There is no better best friend than the One who wants to be your Dearest Daddy. He will never leave you alone…never quit. You can trust that “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Family, fear, forgiveness, Grace, life, love, loving others, Southern born, thankful

Just Say No

Posted on October 12, 2021October 11, 2021 by Dewayne Taylor

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful, and it’s fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” Genesis 3:6

I remember it like it was yesterday…or a couple of weeks ago anyway. I am the youngest of eight children. Some call me the baby of the family…I know Momma and Daddy saved the best for last. My brothers and sisters nicknamed me Precious. I used to think it was because they were jealous, but I later learned they were just right. And, because I was so precious, well I often was the target of pranks and other acts of terrorism.

The two sisters and I were called the three little ones. That was because everybody else was several years older and therefore bigger. The other two members of “the three little ones” were the main terrorists. They loved to hold me down and tickle me mercilessly and then pull my ears till they were blood red. It’s because of them one of my ears sticks out further than the other. They were two tough cookies.

I have always had an affection for sweet things, and they even used that against me. One day one of them came up and said, “Dewayne, do you want some candy?” Well, my response was, “Well sure.” It was in a small box and in my excitement, I didn’t take time to read the label. Honestly, since I was only about eight, I probably wouldn’t have known the difference anyway. So, I opened the box and found that it was filled with chocolates. There were only three or four pieces in the box and before long…they were gone.

I did notice that they tasted a little different, but they were sweet, and they were brown so hey, that was close enough for me. I should have been suspicious that the terrorists were being so nice, but I always was a trusting soul. Well, several hours passed and before long time wasn’t the only thing that was passing. You see, my loving sisters had fed me a whole box of Ex-Lax. They would deny it, you probably can’t believe it, but trust me I was there. Oh, boy was I there.

Well, I learned a lot of lessons growing up and this is one of them. You see, things are often not what they seem to be. I thought I was a getting a box of chocolates and instead I got a box of trouble. It looked like chocolate, it even tasted somewhat like chocolate, but it wasn’t anything close. Did you know that the Bible warns us how the Devil can disguise himself? It says that he can disguise himself as an angel of light when in fact He is the angel of darkness. Remember that…things are not always as they seem.

It’s a tricky world out there…terrorists are lurking everywhere and sometimes they might be related so be careful. Be sure and use your good common sense if someone offers you a little box filled with chocolates. You might be getting more than you bargained for. Like I said, I probably wouldn’t have understood the label even if I had read it. But do you know what? My Momma would have. In fact, if I had gone to her this story would have been totally different. But I didn’t.

Family, food, gratitude, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, thankful

Call Me “Precious”

Posted on August 19, 2020August 18, 2020 by Dewayne Taylor

The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” Genesis 3:6

I remember it like it was yesterday…or a couple of weeks ago anyway. I am the youngest of eight children. Some call me the baby of the family…I call it the best. My brothers and sisters nicknamed me “precious”. I used to think it was because they were jealous, but I later learned they were just right. And, because I was so precious, well, I often was the target of pranks and other acts of terrorism.

One time they pushed me out the door in my underwear and wouldn’t let me back in. I banged and banged on the door ,all to no avail. They, of course, will deny all of this but trust me, at the Judgement Seat all will be revealed and they will surely be grateful for grace.

I have always had an affection for sweet things and they even used that against me. One day one of them came up and said, “Dewayne, do you want some candy?” Well, my response was, “Well sure.” It was a small box and in my excitement I didn’t take time to read the label. Honestly, since I was only about eight, I probably wouldn’t have known the difference anyway. So, I opened the box and found that it was filled with chocolates. There were only three or four pieces in the box and before long…they were gone.

I did notice that they tasted a little different, but they were sweet, and they were brown so hey, that was close enough for me. I should have been suspicious that the terrorists were being so nice but I always was a trusting soul. Well, several hours passed and before long time wasn’t the only thing that passed. You see, my loving sisters had fed me a whole box of Ex-Lax. They would deny it, you probably can’t believe it, but trust me, I was there. Oh, boy was I there.

Well, I learned a lot of lessons growing up and this is one of them. You see, things are often not what they seem to be. I thought I was a getting a box of chocolates and instead I got a box of trouble. It looked like chocolate, it even tasted like chocolate, but it wasn’t even close. Did you know that the Bible warns us how the devil can disguise himself? It says that he can disguise himself as an angel of light when in fact he is the angel of darkness. Remember that…things are not always as they seem.

I also learned that not everyone who comes bearing gifts can be trusted. I should have known better when they offered me that box, but my desire for chocolate overruled my common sense. That is what how Adam and Eve got in trouble in the garden. The story is found in Genesis and it says, “The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too.” And just like that…I found myself eating Ex-Lax.

It’s a tricky world out there…terrorists are lurking everywhere and sometimes they might be related, so be careful. Be sure and use your good common sense if someone offers you a little box filled with chocolates. You might be getting more than you bargained for. Like I said, I probably wouldn’t have understood the label even if I had read it. But do you know what? My mama would have. In fact, if I had gone to mama this story would have been totally different. But, well, I didn’t. As we journey through this upside down world, don’t forget to go to your Dearest Daddy with your questions and mysteries. He is always there, and He is always watching out for you. You can trust Him. His box of chocolate is always the real deal. So have a seat, open the box and enjoy. You can rest in Him. He’s got this.