Sometimes I feel like Pat and I have been put in a high-tech blender and someone hit #20 on the speed dial. Seems like Tonka knows the road between here and Georgia so well that I can just about put her on automatic pilot.

About ten days ago, we headed up the road to be part of a memorial service for our daughter in law’s father. Bill went Home after a 20 year bout with prostate cancer. It was good to see Beth, Mark, and their two little ones, our grandchildren, Milena and Eric Ray.

A couple of days later, we signed final papers on our five year old “new” home in Jasper, GA. We filled in the hours looking for good prices on flooring, appliances, etc.

We were blessed with a lot of rain. I noticed a loud noise when using my windshield wipers! The right one was really bad. I was afraid it might scratch the windshield.

While Pat was looking at some floor tile in Canton, GA, I went next door to an Auto Zone store. There was a black and red pickup parked outside with an advertisement on the side that said “Lucio’s Shop”. It stated that Lucio did auto repair and service. Lucio happened to be sitting in the front seat of his pickup. Because I need Sparky to go most places, I asked him if he would see, when he went into the store, if one of the employees would come out and take a look at my wiper.

Lucio stated that as a mechanic, he could look at my wiper blades. He quickly diagnosed my problem: My blade on the right side was in very poor condition. I gave him some money, he disappeared and came back with two new blades and some change. What a remarkable difference the new wiper blades made. No more noise and a much cleaner windshield. BTW, it’s always a good idea to replace both blades even when only one is broken.

When I offered Lucio money, he just grinned real big and said, “Forget it. However, when you move up here and ever need a mechanic please keep me in mind.” I’m telling you this for a fact: It’s probably 30 miles from our new home to Lucio’s Shop, but I believe I may have found me a mechanic. Thanks, Lucio!

I’d thoroughly enjoy hearing any lessons the Lord brings to your mind from this piece. Just use the “Leave a Reply” box below!

SOME RESPONSES TO “ACORNS TO OAKS”

– Thanks for the new & improved 🙂 Jerry Ray story…last night about 10, I got a call from our oldest daughter who just got home from her night class…she got a 100 on a paper she did for a psychology class. She was so excited that she wanted to share it with someone…I’m blessed that the someone was me! Exxon/Mobil has approved financing her degree in nursing…she has finished almost all of the general ed classes and will begin working on the nursing portion in the spring.

– Thanks for the newsletter. I missed that one somehow, Your Mom sounds wonderful! It reminds me of a 15 year old gray, beautiful cat named Ashley. When I used to do my Bible reading in the kitchen, or on my desk, she would jump up on the table and listen with her head cocked until I finished! I always read my Bible out loud, it keeps the mind from wondering because of the devil! She seemed like she always enjoyed it. Now, she’s too old to jump on anything and she doesn’t come in when I start to read, I almost miss it. My animals (2) dogs, (4) cats and (3) fish should know the Bible frontwards and backwards. They should be able to quote Scripture by now!

I would appreciate your prayers for my injured left side and my busted left big toe! I fell “and I couldn’t get up”!! (g) I tripped on my door edge with my hands full and couldn’t stop my fall. I have knots and bruises all down my side. Nothing broken but my feelings! I did it Tuesday and I haven’t been able to get around too good. I’m as the old people used to say “stove up”. I can’t wear shoes. I’m a mess! I’m not sure I can make it to church tomorrow, and I really want to go. Thanks for your love and prayers.

– I am realizing more and more that even the little things we do can count for eternity… We show Christ in everyday living as we go about our business… our work, vacations, at home, etc. Each little thing we do in the name of Christ counts.

So many times as Christians we think it does not count unless it is a big thing. That is wrong thinking. We make a difference one person at a time. A listening ear, a card of encouragement, any act of kindness, buying someone a cup of coffee, visiting someone in the hospital. These are things any Christian can do and things that mean so much to the one on the receiving end. It may encourage them to go ahead and do the right thing, be encouraged to go on with ministry, be encouraged to go on with life… etc. These things can be a step in their maturing and growing process.