I live in the midwest and cannot image living in any other part of the country. I love the change in seasons and the special and unique beauty each brings. This weekend definitely brought God’s gift of snow. Well maybe not a gift, but a beautiful picture that leads me to believe that God gives us what we need. I read that snowflakes are winter butterflies. Both individual and unique in their own way. By staying home, we spent time sharing with our friends and loved ones. Yes, football games were a part. GO CHIEFS!! But we shared precious time with other people. And yes, we are empowered by the love we share. We need more of this.

This picture was taken in St. Louis

66 years ago today, Thursday, January 1st 1953, Truman was president. And he was from my home state of Missouri. Hank Williams, young legendary country singer died approximately 845 pm.

The weather in Ray County Missouri was warm especially for that time of year. Farmers worked in the fields taking advantage of this. My mother was very pregnant withthe me. She spent a good part of her pregnancy in the hospital. The doctors wanted her to abort me but she said no. She agreed to never get pregnant again. I was actually due Christmas and everyone that she would be in the hospital then, so they gave her her gifts in advance. Needless to say, they had to do more shopping. Easier said than done. The nearest town was approximately 10 miles away and very small. God decided that my time to enter this world at 8:45pm. I wonder if Hank Williams souls crossed one another that night. If so, God did not bless me with his gift of music, but an appreciation of it. I was named the New Year’s baby of Lafayette County after the first was stillborn. My father teased me until he passed that he was unable to deduct me from the previous years taxes. I believe God had special things planned for me and still does. I am empowered through him. Happy New Year.

2018 is about to come to an end in just a few hours. But some of the memories that come to forefront of my mind is the country church that was a part of my young life. 

My family was from a small community in Missouri. Camden.  It was once a coal mining town. One that you can blink and you are through it. It contained a Methodist and a Baptist church.  I had family in both, but my strongest memories are from the Methodist. Many Sunday’s of Sunday school and church, holidays spent there with family and friends. We had attended bible school and were preparing for the evening program when we saw the church was on fire.  Apparently a bird carried a lit cigarette up to the bell tower setting it ablaze.  In a matter of time, our beautiful picturesque country church sat in a heap of rubble. The church established in 1854 and gone June 1961. I believe this church held memories of my relatives, our history. Weddings, funerals, baptisms, dinners and other celebrations were held here.  We shared our love for one another and God. We were empowered to become the people we have become.  I am thankful for these memories the Lord placed in my heart. Memories are to be cherished 

 

 

 

As I sit here watching some Christian Christmas musical programs, I holiday memories flood back to me.

When I was young we traveled to my grandparents homes. Breakfast and midday meal were spent at my maternal grandparents and the evening meal at the paternal ones. They lived in the same small town. One Methodist the latter Baptist. Breakfast consisted of fried oysters, square poached eggs, homemade biscuits and jelly. Strange you say, but it was delicious. Lunch was turkey with all of the fixings. Pumpkin, cherry, apple and mincemeat pies awaited us as well as German chocolate cake. There was a special dish we called “Mamas salad”. She whipped real whipping cream until it was stiff and beautiful with white peaks. She rolled peanut brittle on a white cotton tea towel until it was a powder. She folded into the cream and it was like heaven. You didn’t know whether to top your pie or eat it alone. Apparently this recipe goes back many generations. We ate until we were stuffed.

My grandfather’s white work socks were filled with an apple, orange, banana and nuts. A box of chocolate covered cherries from my grandfather was under the tree for all of the females. We then played games, visited with one another and of course clean up and dishes.

Later we would go to Grandma and Grandads house. We would open our gifts. I would always be gifted with two games. Grandma was a retired teacher so learning was very important to her. She was not the cook that Mama was but the meal was served with love. After cleanup and visiting Mom, Daddy and I would head out.

These are memories that I cherish. They taught me the importance of family, love and the reason for the season. The birth of Jesus. My daughter remembers some of these traditions and shares them with her family. When she came along we celebrated at my parents home. The stockings, the food, the love are in her family. My oldest grandchildren have significant others and hopefully will continue these traditions with their families. New memories will be made. Food, love, laughter and family will live on. And yes, “mamas salad” always has a place of honor at the table.

I truly believe in sharing these traditions have empowered us to be the family and people we have become. And we believe Jesus came to love us and save us. He is the great “I am”

Wishing everyone a blessed and Merry Christmas from my family to yours. God bless

Connie L. Hennigh

Believe Share Empower

This has definitely been the year of Women’s Empowerment.  Women believe they can make this a better country.  We have shared our needs and concerns with each other.  Election day proved that more women will continue to empower each other.  Congratulations to women of color, creed,nationality and religions who are set to lead us.  God bless.

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