Kick-Off Celebration-

Kick -off

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On October 10Th at 6:30 it begins. At the First Baptist Church in Stanley, NC it begins. The beginning of the tenth annual event. You are welcome to attend.

Yes I am talking about something near and dear to my heart, the East Gaston Relay for Life. Some of you already know this-many do not. The reasons that I am so dedicated to Relay for Life.

In January of 2008 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In February I underwent a lumpectomy and began radiation treatments. There are few things that can blindside you any more than having a doctor sit down beside you and in a calm, caring voice tell you that you have cancer. Even though I thought I had already accepted that the tests were going to come back positive for cancer it still sent me reeling. The rest of that day was spent actually accepting the diagnoses and deciding how I was going to handle it. An unashamed Christian I spent a lot of time talking to God as I tried to finish out the day at work. By the time I got home I was calmer. I knew it was going to be okay.

I had a wonderful doctor, she explained everything, every step of the way. Possessing a wonderfully different personality she made it easy to prepare for everything that was to come. And then to travel the road to recovery afterwards. Still, there were moments that I wished I knew more about things other than procedures, types of cancer and recovery times. Having never traveled this road I had no clue where to go find answers. There were times that I felt very alone.

Near the end of my radiation treatments I was invited to join a Relay for Life team. There wasn't many meetings left before the event was held so I didn't see what all was involved in the making of the Relay night happen. At my first Relay it was an amazing collection of sights, sounds and happenings. Campsites lined the track, tents and lawnchairs surrounded the canopies, the air was filled with the sounds of voices and laughter. The different textures of the grass and the paved track, the feel of the air warm in the afternoon sun cooling quickly as the sun went down. The aromas of various foods cooking, drifting on the breeze, the kaleidescope of colors drawing one's attention from one site to the next. It was so amazing, so thrilling and at times confusing. The crowds thinned the later the hour got. At 2AM I found myself walking around the track alone. The cool night air bringing a shiver. The music level had been lowered in an attempt not to disturb the neighors. I walked with my hands in my pockets absorbing everything around me, hearing the people I passed or who passed me. I walked alone and felt it. Just as I had felt alone undergoing the whole cancer experience.

Since that first time I have remained a dedicated part of the East Gaston Relay for Life. I do help as I can with the fundraising, but I have come to realize that it is so much more than that. I have learned a great deal in the time since my cancer. There is a wealth of information on the American Cancer Society's web site: www.cancer.org. There are people on the other end of the phone number: 1.800.ACS.2345 ready and willing to answer any questions and provide any assistance or tell where the caller can get the assistance they need. I know that there are programs set up to help those who are fighting cancer. Programs such as Look Good-Feel Good, rider programs and more. They want the person fighting and the fighter's caregiver to know they are not alone and there is always someone there for them.

The fundraising events are not just fundraising- they are times when communities can come together with one goal in common- fight cancer, help the fighter. I've watched the people attending some of these events and watched how the spent time visiting, laughing and sharing. How they support the fight and are also determined to win this. Too many have been touched by cancer in some form or other. Too many have watched friends, relatives, co-workers fight and win or fight and the cancer win. The pain of this has them working in what ever capacity they are able to put an end to cancer.

On October 6TH the East Gaston Relay for Life will have a booth at Stanley's Country Festival, stop by and visit with us. Learn more about what we have to offer the community, how we can be a bigger part and not just a fundraiser.

The very first East Gaston Relay for Life event took place in 2003 raising over $43,000. This Relay beginning will be the 10th annual event. A lot of changes have taken place in ten years. Teams have come and gone. People have won..and lost..their battles, lost friends and family members. A lot has been lost to cancer. The event has moved from the East Gaston High School football field to the Methodist Church's walking track known as Common Ground at 5481 Hickory Grove Road just outside of Stanley. We have made progress, but we have not met the goal of getting rid of Cancer.

On October 10TH the East Gaston Relay for Life 2013 Kick off event will take place at the First Baptist Church in Stanley at 409 Old Mount Holly Rd. It begins at 6:30PM. It promises to be an interesting time, an educational time, a good time-complete with edibles. We've saved a place for you, won't you join us? You don't have to be a cancer survivor or caregiver to be a part of Relay. all you have to be is someone with a dedicated heart and a solid determination to help eradicate cancer in our lifetime and while we are working on that to make things better for those in the midst of the battle.

This Moment

Here I am Lord, my heart crying out to You


You have said, come to You, bring everything to You

I am here Lord, the storm has grown dark

the clouds seeking to darken the path

I need Your light, shining down, covering me

the waves have grown, Lord I fear

How they have grown, tossing my calm away

My heart trembles, my thoughts all in confusion

yet I know, it is You I need

so I am here, coming to You

placing it all at Your feet

You knew this was coming, You knew what we would face

nothing catches You unaware, unprepared

I need Your calm, I need Your peace

wrapping around this wounded heart

holding me safe, holding me secure within Your sheltering arms

calm my fears as one does a child, for this moment

I am a child, and I am afraid

this moment, I am weak, I need Your strength

this moment Lord, I am weary, I need Your rest

I am here Lord, placing this struggle at Your feet

giving to You, this storm in my life

for I need Your peace, for me and for my household

Lord You are our protector, You are our shelter

You hear our cries in the dark and You are here

never far from our side, never far from our heart

Your peace ours for the asking

so here I am Lord, kneeling before You

this moment, seeking Your sweet healing peace for a worrisome heart

Your calm for a troubled spirit.

This moment my Lord my God

this moment, I need You, in the midst of this storm

This moment, I trust in You, Savior and King

For I know, with a mere word from You, calm reigns.

How great is Your love

How great Father God- is Your love

for us, sinners that we are

how great, is Your love?

How is it Lord, that there are those

who do not see, nor understand

the love that You hold

while the false prophets call out

claiming Your name

in the words from their mouth

in the actions of their hands

shouting profanity in their words of hate

So many are fooled, taken in by the acts

thinking that what is said, is true

how wrong, so wrong

that they do not understand

there is wrong in every station of life

those who take truths and turn them around

twist and mangle peace into battles

love into hate, mercy and grace shredded

by how they are

How great is Your love Father God

for us the sinner

for us, Your creation

how great, how great

How are we, those broken and yet healed

stained and yet cleaned

lost and now saved

how Lord, do we reach out

in Your love

to a world that sees the wrongs readily

and takes it for true

how do we, show You

and how great

Father God how great

is Your love

One if buy 10$ to if buy... insult should be our wake up call

Ralph Lauren responded to the outcry over the USA team's Chinese made Olympic uniforms. Only after members of congress threatened to burn the uniforms, only after American citizens made their feelings on this known. They have promised that the 2014 uniforms will be American -wait- "domestic" made. Can they not even say "American" made? Here are my thoughts on this topic.




Once upon a time, there was great pride in the land over American made products. They were the best made hands down. They still are- the ones that are. And yes, there is still American made products. There could be more. We need to use this latest incident to make us angry, to be the last straw, to make us finally fed up enough to act. And not just by writing blogs, or letters- but to physically put actions behind those words.



We do know how to hit them where it really hurts and that of course is in the bank account. Ralph Lauren feared that this would happen. That the backlash would cause fewer sells and it should.



I am not talking solely about American textiles here. Not simply about the clothing, but about all manufactured products. They are out there, it only takes a little more effort to find them. Once we do, buying American keeps American workers on the job and puts more of us there. You want jobs back? Buy American.



The only way to slow (we will never stop) cheap foreign imports is to stop buying cheap foreign imports. Cheap is not better. Cheap is killing our much loved pets and even worse sickening and putting our beloved children and families at risk. America has strict standards-yes it raises the cost but our families are safer. The chance of the many poisons that are being found regularly in imports being in domestic products are slim to none. If found all of the products are recalled and the producer called to task. I am not blind to the fact that greed is everywhere and can and does bring about those taking the chance of getting away with skirting the rules and laws. It is more difficult to do that here-and it is not the point of this writing.



If we set out to deliberately purchase American made products we will put Americans to work. We will cause companies to hire more workers, start up or start up more fully plants that have been idled. Lights will be back on and machinery humming once again.



Crafted with Pride in the USA could once again be our battle cry. Flying high and proudly on a banner across each American business. We could once again walk with head held high as we clocked in to a job created products that are made to last, made to clothe, to feed, to transport our family and neighbors. Products that will build and fill our homes. American products are still out there.



We can get the attention of the big chain stores that are only out for the profit made. Once you could walk into certain stores and see that made in the USA sign, once. If you want those products there again, shop elsewhere until they get the idea. Smaller, independent shops understand the importance of home grown, home made products and are happy to carry them. Spend your dollars- our greatest weapons in this battle- at home on home produced items. Put yourself, your spouse, your children, your neighbors back to work.



It was once said that the United States had moved from a manufacturing country to a service country. Really? Service to what? Unemployment? Hunger? Standing on the side of the roadways with signs begging for work, food, money?



We need to stand strong and stand together. We NEED to buy American made, "domestic" products. Shop at farmers markets, shop at family owned-independent businesses, shop where you know you will find American made. Check the label in that item. For every ONE American item purchased you put many back to work. It is a domino effect. One more business with work increased hires another worker to manufacture, another worker to do warehouse, another worker is hired to transport, another to stock in the store..One more person put to work puts more money in the economy which helps repair that economy. Which makes more people able to purchase more products or services. More are able to go to concerts, theme parks, restaurants- which means more employees will be needed there. Like that ripple in a pond it spreads. If we get riled up enough to act.



Buy American-return Crafted with Pride in the USA as our rallying cry. We have the power, we have the weaponry-we carry it in the form of our money. Use that weapon wisely and you can and will see a difference. If you sincerely want it.

Nice Slap in the Face Olympic Committee

photo taken in Pigeon Forge TN in July 2011

My home is in Gaston County North Carolina. At one time the textile industry was big here.  At one time we were called the Textile Capital.  "Mills" were abundant and bustling. Over-time, long hours, long days, were normal as we sought to fill the many orders. Shift change was hectic, traffic around the mills was maddening but the jobs were there and the work was honest. Some of the work was hot, some was physically difficult while others strained the nerves and concentration.


My first job was in a textile mill folding pantyhose and stuffing it into small pencil boxes. Eight hours a day, most of it spent sitting or standing in front of a long table using a plastic paddle to help get the hosiery into that box. I was young, I was fast and I worried the full time, permanent help who feared they would be expected to do that once I was back in school. Those paychecks taught me how to budget, how to save, how to have a really nice wardrobe and music collection. While I was being paid by the hour most of the employees were production- that meant the more they produced the better they were paid.

I went back to that mill once I got out of school. My mother worked there as well. If I did something the others thought wrong they ran to my mother. She managed to politely put them in their place and I worked on. Eventually I moved on and got a better paying-production- job at a different type plant. I went from standing in front of a table to standing in front of a machine the likes of which I had never seen before. I would take skeins of yarn and place them on a creel where they were wound onto a cone. Here I worked the night shift, the pay was better and the people a little less nosey. Not much as it was still textiles where everybody knew everybody else's business. Once I learned the job it wasn't too bad. I had to learn where not to put my hands but it only took not paying attention a couple of times before I became more alert and careful. When the opportunity arose I moved to the afternoon shift running an autoconer. A type of winder that run yarn from bobbins onto cones. I was still young enough to be quick and hungry enough to be greedy.

Around then there was something called the Textile Olympics, complete with Olympic type games. A Made in the USA campaign was going strong. The logo was every where. There was pride in the jobs, there was pride in the country, and what we were capable of doing.

I changed jobs several times over the course of the years- remaining in textiles for the most part. Working with my hands, using my mind to make it better, easier. Working six and ever so often seven days a week. Tired, frustrated at the lack of time for much of anything but work, but not hurting for money. We worked ignorant of what was to come. Wishing for a little time off, time to spend with family, time for a vacation, time to simply sit and rest. Still we worked producing a quality product for our customers. Box after box was filled, strapped, stacked and stored waiting for time to be shipped. Companies were working hard to keep up with orders. Orders for an American product, crafted with pride by American workers.

Then someone decided there needed to be a trade agreement and it all flushed away.



Textile mills closed. Big hulking empty buildings stood silent. Machines that once hummed nonstop now sat still, rusting in the passing time. Machinery was sold off to the highest bidder as the lights were turned off for the final time. People- the American Textile Workers stood outside mourning what was. They stood in unemployment lines waiting for their turn to be signed up for that temporary assistance. Where you once saw made in the USA now was anywhere but on that label. Where we once were a strong working nation, we fell away, watching as the jobs went to the countries were workers were exploited and paid pennies. We watched as huge ships crossed the ocean packed with cheap goods made by cheap labor. While we began to long for what was.

Empty buildings that could not be sold have been torn down. Empty lots now the legacy left. The few textile plants still operating a mere shadow of what once was. The pride one once held within their very heart missing as they wonder, what will tomorrow bring?



We were proud, we worked hard, we created quality. We worked stead regularly, unafraid of hard work. We knew quality and how to make it. We knew what went into our product and that those who used, consumed it would not be harmed.



Gone--so much is gone. Not just textiles but manufacturing in general. We still work, we struggle, we stand at the ready, willing to work and work hard at our jobs. Ready to create, to craft, to produce. The American Worker remembers what once was, desiring the return. What do we get instead? The clothing- the uniforms for the USA Olympians......





made in China.



Nice slap in the face Olympic Committee... nice slap in the face.

Doing Battle with a Porcupine with a pair of wire cutters and will power

I look....and feel as if I have been in a fight with a porcupine.






I have mentioned several times about my dogs; Buddy is a mixture of probably every type hunting dog the Good Lord made. Rambo is a border collie, possibly Saint Bernard mix. He's big, he's sweet and he is terrified of the sounds of thunderstorms, fireworks and gunshots. The only thing that scares Buddy is fireworks. But Buddy loves to run, and this front yard a quarter of an acre, fenced is not enough room. He will run around the yard and then jump the four foot high fence better than any squirrel.



When ever a storm would come up or someone had visited South Carolina or neighbors decided to target practice Rambo would jump on the front door wanting in. If we were here to let him in he would lie down in the bathroom and no one would know he was in the house. Several times we actually forgot he was in here right up until someone would go to take a shower only to have problems opening the door because Rambo was stretched out in the way. If no one was here- a terrified Rambo would manage to escape.



I had to do something.



A while back we ran an electric wire around the yard hoping that if they hit it once the memory alone would stop them..it worked for Rambo. Buddy watched us run the wire and hook it up to the charger. He watched as Rambo walked up and got shocked. Buddy was released from his chain. As we watched he started at the halfway point and ran across the yard. As he reached the fence he jumped and caught the top of the fence, pulled himself over while going under the electric wire. We watched as he disappeared into the woods. I won't repeat the words I heard coming from my husband. When Buddy was caught he went back on the chain. The squirrel have been tormenting and teasing him ever since.



Everything was fine until Rambo recently discovered the electric wire wasn't charged. That night there was a thunderstorm. I figured Rambo hit deep within the storage building. The next morning I was sitting here talking with my husband when I heard a noise that sounded like something was drinking out of a container of water in the backyard. Jumping from my chair I headed for the back door. There was Rambo looking up at me. Getting him in the house I wondered how he got out, and what was I going to do now that he knew he could escape.



We found where there was a hole in the fence so I repaired that as best I could. Rambo still got out. I had no choice. Over a year ago I had purchased two rolls of fence wire with the intention of cutting it in half and attaching it to the top of the existing fence, increasing its height. James had instantly voiced his opinion and I had abandoned the idea. Now I knew I was going to have to do that after all.



Fetching the wire from the building I located an old pair of wirecutters. I cut a long section of wire from the roll, first by cutting it in half and then separating it from the roll. Carefully I attached it to the fence using the wires from the fence itself. One by one I bent them into place around the old wire. This was going to take a while. Once I had that first section up I did what I knew I had to do as soon as possible. I got James and brought him out to where I was working and showed him my handiwork. At first he was not happy, but I showed him how I was doing it so that there were no gaps anywhere. There was no way that either of the dogs could get between the two wires. Once he understood that he accepted my project. He didn't offer to help, but he didn't argue about it any longer.



Since I started so late that first day I only got the two sections up but I figured out what I was doing-I hoped.



When I got in from work the next afternoon I rested for a bit, drank a cup of coffee, answered a few phone calls and figured I'd put off working on the fence as long as I could. All day at work I tried to figure out what I had done that had rubbed a blister on my finger. Once I picked up that pair of wire cutters and began to work I knew. Needing to finish the fence in an attempt to keep the dogs in I ignored the pain and worked at cutting and attaching wire until it was too dark to see. Crossing the yard I was content with what I had accomplished. Fearing a thunderstorm I closed Rambo up in the storage building. I was glad that I did because it did come up a rather nasty storm that night. The power went out not once but twice. I wasn't worried, I knew Rambo was safe, he was probably afraid, but he was safe.



The next afternoon I was back at work. I slowly made my way around the yard attaching the new fence wire to the old. Fence wire that has been cut, has a sharp edge. Thankfully I wasn't having too much trouble as I worked. Once or twice I stuck myself but I shook it off and kept working.....right up until I ran out of wire.



After I got off from work the next afternoon I went by the local handy dandy home improvement store and garden center. I purchased a roll of wire and some small support rods. As I crossed the parking lot with my purchases I was planning on finishing the job quickly. In my distraction I managed to stick my finger with a wire protruding from the roll. Being that I take a low dose aspirin I bleed more easily. I looked like I had done serious damage to my finger as the blood ran down and dripped off. I carefully as possible pushed the cart with one hand to my car, there I loaded my purchases and then again with one hand pushed the cart to a buggy corral. Back in the car I managed to find a paper napkin. Wrapping it around my finger I held pressure on it for a moment. Once the bleeding was stopped I started the car and headed home.



Phone calls and other distractions kept me from finishing my project. There was always tomorrow, Lord willing. Closing Rambo up in the building for the night I headed for bed.



After work I went straight to work. I was so close to being finished I was determined to get it done. It got a bit more difficult here as I was working on the front section of the fence where everyone could watch my progress--or lack of. The wire took on a mind of its own, fighting me all the way. I got wrapped in the wire, it tangled in the old wire, it tangled up in itself and every sharp edge that could either stabbed, jabbed or cut me in some way. I carefully stepped around flowers, wires and a curious dog. With James's help I did finally get finished today. The wire is up all the way around the yard. I didn't want a fence that high around my front yard, but if it keeps the dogs in the yard so be it. I do plan on re-stretching the electric wire and getting another charger. Once the electric fence is again "live" along with the higher regular fencing hopefully my two escape artists will remain where they belong in the yard..safe and sound.



So yes- it was worth it feeling as if I have done battle with a porcupine. These two are my pets, my friends, my responsibility and I will do my best to keep them safe. Even if it means going outside my comfort zone and once again entertaining my neighbors.

Wrap me in Your peace Lord

I shudder Lord, in this storm

cold air of fear, darkness of worry

surround me

make me weak

I turn to You my Lord

reaching out to You

seeking Your light, needing Your strength

wrap me in Your peace Lord

wrap me in Your peace

that I may continue on

The winds of strife blow

the rains of tribulation fall

soaking me in knowledge of the wrongs I have done

watering my shame

in my weakness I turn to You

reach out to You Lord

from here at the foot of Your cross

needing You, seeking You

here in my time of need

wrap me in Your peace Lord

wrap me in Your peace

that I may continue

the road is long

rutted and covered in the stones of sin

making me stumble, causing me to fall

pain fills me, robs me of laughter

as the tears fill my eyes

briars of temptation grow along the roadside

snagging me as I pass

ripping at the flesh, bringing me down

I seek You Lord, I seek Your strength

I need the forgiveness that comes only from You

wrap me in Your peace Lord

wrap me in Your peace

that I may continue

that I may walk in Your light

know Your love

take my hand Lord, walk with me

cleanse this spirit stained

heal this broken heart

walk with me Lord, grant me Your grace

that You offer so freely, I only have but to reach out, accepting

reach out Lord, draw me to You

show me Your way, grant me Your mercy

forgive me Lord, for my wrongs

the sins I have done

wrap me in Your peace, Lord

wrap me in Your peace

that I may continue

in this walk to You

walk with You

showing You

to those I pass

showing this relationship of peace

of love

of hope

wrap me in Your peace Lord

heal this broken life

wrap me

in Your peace.