TODAY THE WORDS are REWIND TO BETTER HOMES AND GARDEN.  Last evening someone posted a Better Homes and Garden cookbook as shown in their picture. This cookbook is from the 60’s and it flashed so many memories, I wanted to share them with all of you. Yes, I had one too. My husband and I received one as a wedding present in 1967. This cookbook has taken quite a journey with me. Here is how it happened as we rewind to Better Homes and Garden days.

When Ralph and I got married, I knew how to cook basics as I had to do the cooking for the family as a teenager when our Mother worked. This was not a bad ordeal as it helped me as I started my own family. This cookbook was a great help to me and it went to Valdosta for my husband’s college days and on to Germany where I prepared a lot of American food and shared it with my German friends and landlords. They in turn taught me some great German food. I became a better cook with each meal and lesson. I found out I liked to cook and even today, some of my wonderful days are from hearing the ohs and ahs when I have cooked and baked for our family.

Along came our daughter Missy and we returned to Georgia. Once she became a toddler, I would sit her on the counter top when I was preparing dinner. She would watch and of course talk up a storm while I entertained her. Missy had an artistic talent and loved to draw; and draw she did with a pencil over the recipes in my beloved cookbook and on my index cards (a long time before Pinterest). Well, let me tell the whole story, she took a magic marker and made a great design down the hall walls too. I still have those index cards and the cookbook still has her marks, because those are symbols of some of the most cherished memories of bonding with my child. I find it somewhat fitting when she, now grown and quite an accomplished cook herself, comes for a visit; we plan around our “feasts and Seafood beach spread” (that is a blog within itself for another time). We laugh and joke and I haven’t caught her scribbling yet. We reminisce about the days and places we have shared tossed with a lot of laughter.

Fond memories abound from a cookbook and shared moments with those we love and that brings me to the deeper thought….. when Joel and Gloria, my brother and sister in law gave us the cookbook I don’t know if they knew the value of this gift. They might have desired me to become a better cook; just kidding. Times have been blessed by sharing love through meals prepared from this book but more than the book; times are precious when we share our time whatever we are doing with loved ones. The cookbook still resides with all of my other books and I smile when I take it down. LIVE LIFE; LOVE LIFE and LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST by sharing food, love, and time to make memories which live on after we are gone.

TODAY THE WORDS are WHERE DOES THE TIME GO? I find it somewhat amusing when I looked back and saw I wrote this original post in 2012. In so many ways, it seems like a long time and then again, it seems like yesterday and this is why I felt this post appropriate for a re-post. 

Here is the original post for Where Does the Time Go?

As we grow older, and remember I didn’t say “old”, we find ourselves saying, “Where did the time go?” when we see pictures of young people. We remember those same people as babies and cannot figure out how they grew up so fast. We reminisce about the times we babysat, changed diapers (well maybe not), and went to recitals, ball games, graduation, and weddings. The memories are both happy memories and sometimes sad. When we recognize those moments, we have to recognize that years are passing and with that occurrence, we age, they age, and life goes on. We have another reason to use the phrase, “Where does time go”. It seems as if we work and don’t really think of how long we have worked at the same place and then 10 years, 15 years, and if we are lucky, we retire and normally reflect how time flew. We have children and most of them start having children of their own and if we are blessed to live long lives; we may even see great grands. Time does have a way of flying by. 

When we see pictures of friends and other acquaintances after a long absence, it is hard to think wow, they have aged but in reality, they are thinking the same about us. We age; all of us age; and that means we have “experience” lines not wrinkles. Attitude about growing older can be the essential wrinkle cream. If we look at life as a positive experience; we usually have a positive outlook on life.

Now for the deeper thought…….We have only so many days and so many opportunities to do great things. Life doesn’t always cooperate with our intentions. Oh, yes we intend on helping others; we intend on saying I love you more; we intend on sharing our testimony with others; we intend on volunteering our time for good causes; and we intend on spending more time in quiet retreat with God and so forth. Then, our time is up with all of the unfulfilled intentions left unfulfilled. Time does go fast and so must we! Today may be the last opportunity to do what we have in our hearts and wouldn’t it be great when others reflect on our lives, “How did he or she find the time to do all they did for others?” May we take some time today and do something wonderful!

1	To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2	a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

TODAY THE WORDS are BLINDERS OFF. Some of you who follow the blog may know I have written a novel and some may not know. I thought I would share my thoughts with you on the upcoming book in hopes of sharing a thought which came to me about taking blinders off. First allow me to go to the races with you, specifically the horse races.

Blinkers, sometimes known as blinders, are a piece of horse tack that prevent the horse seeing to the rear and, in some cases, to the side. Blinkers are usually made of leather or plastic cups that are placed on either side of the eyes, either attached to a bridle or to an independent hood. Blinkers that have a peep hole cut in the back of the cup are known as visors.[2] Many racehorse trainers believe these keep the horse focused on what is in front of him, encouraging him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions, such as crowds. Additionally, blinkers are commonly seen on driving horses, to keep them from being distracted or spooked, especially on crowded city streets.

Most equestrian disciplines, other than racing and harness competition, do not permit the use of blinkers at any time, under penalty of elimination. In racing, blinkers are usually seen attached to a synthetic hood placed under the bridle. In driving, they are attached to the bridle’s cheekpieces.

If this is the definition of blinders, to keep one focused on what is in front of him, and not to pay attention to other distractions, it sounds like it would be wise to wear blinders in life, but I am not so sure.

I have written a novel which is fiction but has a powerful story. This story could not be told without inserting some strong realities in life. I have had some questions about the content which may sound a contradiction in my faith. I want to share that if it would bother anyone to read what is real life but is based on fiction; please do not read it. Life is so real and vivid and things such as in the novel do happen to people. A writer writes and a preacher preaches and we have to know the difference. When we live a faithful life to our faith; we can sometimes put blinders on and while it seems safe to do so; we become blind to life itself. If we cannot see the traps in life; if we cannot see how a person can dive down into pits of sin; we might find ourselves unfeeling and non caring.  I will announce when the book is published for those willing to take blinders off.

Now for the deeper thought….. Whether you read my book or not will be a decision you will make. I wanted to be upfront it contains controversial topics and descriptions.  My thought for the blog is this…..For us to be the compassionate, loving people God wants us to be; we have to step out of our comfort zone and see the world as it really is to offer the people struggling with this world’s temptations the way to a happy and peaceful life known only by a close walk with Our God. 

TODAY THE WORDS are TOY SOLDIERS. In honor of Memorial Day, I am reposting a Memorial Day tribute posted in 2013.  How many times have you picked up a toy soldier and really gave any thought as to what it actually represents? Probably, like me, not many times have any of us visualized the representation right in our hands. A toy soldier is not very big, no more than 3 inches or less and they come in bright colors or a muted green and come with a lot of them in a bag. Boys and some girls have played with them and knocked them down “killing” them. The kids would then pick them up at the end of the battle and either start a new war or put them in the bag for a future battle. A game of pretend enemies with usually the best of friends taking sides and a lot of “bang, you are dead” was heard. Children are innocent and learn from others and many people don’t see any harm in playing war or even violent video games but now for the deeper thought…..War is real and deadly……Soldiers can’t be stood up again in the real war games and lives are taken or forever changed by injuries. 

As Memorial Day is here, my mind went to the toy soldier and it felt sad as if I had a soldier in my hands and wondered if he was alive or dead. Do we as humans try as hard as we should to avoid war? Are we so wrapped up in proving a point that we do the same as precious, innocent children do when they play toy soldiers and kill without thought and reality that some one’s son; some one’s husband; some one’s daughter; some one’s wife; and some one’s brother or sister can or will be killed. 

Soldiers face death on a daily basis if sent to a military zone. I can remember my brother Joe, who served two terms in Vietnam, and who retired after 21 years in the Army, when he said to me in reference to how the soldiers got booed at the airport by Americans, “Sis, a soldier doesn’t ask why, they are told where!” In other words a soldier obeys commands from a superior officer and is not in a defining position; he is in an obedient position. That tells me in order to protect us a soldier responds to an order. We should respect this demeanor and honor their willingness to serve. If there are opposing positions to a certain engagement, it should be brought to higher officials. Tomorrow, and every day, thank a soldier for our freedom which we value. Thank God for the highest protection of our life as God gives us every breath we take.

Now for the deeper thought…In a perfect world, there would be no soldiers; there would be no wars; there would be no hate. We live in a world where evil does exist and in a world where there will be wars and rumors of war. We, as humans, should put more value on human life, animal life, and our earth which are all blessings and are our treasures here on earth and are to be valued and protected. May I bow my head and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

TODAY THE WORDS are KEEPING MOM’S DAYLILY LEGACY. I find this time of the year both gratifying and sad at the same time.This morning our sweet Mother is on my mind and I am sure Greg’s too as so many of her favorite day lilies are starting to show out. She would smile and tell Greg how he is taking such good care of “her flowers”. She would spot a small weed and direct us to pull it as if it was an emergency. She would call their names and I would do my best to remember the names one more time. She would put her hand on her hips and study them and make suggestions to Greg when to feed them; when to split them, etc.  what would be the best part of the walk through our garden would be her smile and we would most certainly laugh! Day Lilies make me smile but now I smile and shed a tear for Momma. How she loved God, her children and family, and right in the mix, her day lilies.

I want to take us back several years ago when we were blessed to have Momma here with us. I have always laughed and said “If Mom wanted to send any of her flowers on a suicide mission all she had to do was to send them home with me.” Of course this was before I met my wonderful husband Greg. He had a natural green thumb and is such a great gardener. He and Mom loved flowers in the same way and they bonded over day lilies. Well, let me say, in addition to Greg’s love of flowers, she loved Greg’s wonderful way of taking care of us. She prepared Honey Do Lists and he would laugh and grab his tools. Of course, Mom loved all of his help and support and so began a great relationship in addition to the great one Mom and I shared. I took the yard tours and tried my best to acknowledge every day lily and rose she pointed out.

Now for the deeper thought….I could go on forever about our daylily adventures but I thought I would share the lesson Mom’s Daylily Legacy taught me and has kept it at the forefront of each and every bloom I see. As precious as our time with Mom was and how many great memories we made from sharing her love for this delicate flower; Mom was in a way like her precious day lilies. She was in the most beautiful bloom one day and it seemed she had gone the next day and as wonderful and beautiful as she was to us; there was nothing we could do to stop the normal process of life. She had grown; she had siblings and children with grandchildren; she had blossomed and radiated her beauty to everyone who saw her. She was a unique day lily who shared her love and beauty. But when the sun went down on her; all we have are those magnificent photos of her as I am displaying some of her favorites on here. Her garden is now Heaven and we keep her daylilies as a sweet reminder of her beauty and love.

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin,<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-ESV-25478a" data-link="[a]” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”>[a] yet I tell you, <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-25478A" data-link="(A)” style=”box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;”>even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

TODAY THE WORDS are WHAT IS MY STORY? This is not going to be a tell all. It probably would not be interesting enough if it was. This morning I was given a thought and of course I wanted to share it with my readers. I had gotten up and took my glucose reading which was okay. I thought about how I get up each morning and check it to see how the diabetes is regulating with the changes in my diet. While I was doing this necessary but nuisance task, I began to think how this routine check tells a story. So began the topic for today process and here goes:

When I was diagnosed with Type II Diabetes, it was scary. I read; I researched; and I listened to the physician how it was a progressive disease but could be managed by medication and diet and exercise. Okay, I changed diet and started doing some walking and have made sure I take the medications on a regular daily basis. Am I perfect? No, I find excuses to not walk on a regular basis and sometimes on a No Basis. I am sorry, but I walked and exercised so much of my younger life I don’t get the fascination any more. My bad, I know. Now for the eating; I do so good and then I do bad. You know what I am talking about. I eat healthy for the majority of the time and I do read labels more; I do buy healthier but am I perfect….No. To get to why I am being upfront and honest about how I eat and how I don’t exercise regularly; I am telling you as Paul Harvey used to say, “Now for the rest of the story.”

When I go to the physician and they do blood work, that is the true story about how my diet and exercise is or is not working. This is the real story, no matter how I try to pretty it up or dummy it down. Those numbers don’t lie, do they? I could tell a pretty yarn and if convincing, the physician might believe me or not; but when she looks at the numbers she sees the real story. The numbers may or may not agree with my story.

Now for the deeper thought….I tell this “story” to make a point. We go through life and seemingly honest in our lives but say what we will, there is only one “real story” and that is when we find ourselves being honest with God. We don’t have to tell Him a story; he knows each and everyone of our stories and our hearts. Try to convince God (I find it amazing that some people actually try) you are not weak and human; God knows. Try to spin a yarn about how you forgive others while at the same time you are holding grudges. Tell God to trust you that you are serious when you have not made the commitment to make serious changes in your life. Paul Harvey said it right….And now, the rest of the story…..God knows our story; He wrote it; We live it. God also knows if you are “real” with Him, God will forgive us of living our stories differently than we should. Live Life: Love Life; and most importantly Live Life to the fullest by Being Real to Your Own Story.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

(C) copyright 2012-2015 Property of Arline Miller and not to be used without permission.

TODAY THE WORDS are SOUTHERN GRACE at THE SWANSON. First of all, let me say this is my second post about the fine food and the fine folk at THE SWANSON in Perry, GA. I have had the pleasure of great lunches having the opportunity to show off the quaintness of this wonderful place of history and charm and when it became time to launch one of the projects I have been blessed to participate and oversee; The Swanson was right up there on the top of the lists to get together with our team members and enjoy the excitement of the launch and the aroma and taste of some of the best food around.

Calvin Clarke, GM, for The Swanson, took charge of our lunch meeting’s arrangements and placed us in the Green Room which offers a serene atmosphere for a meeting. While we were there, we saw so many of the “regulars” come and go while having a contented smile on their face. One of my colleagues mentioned the friendly faces of the servers and the warm welcome from the moment we entered.  Our personal server, Michelle, was on point with great service, but also displays a wonderful personality and she and I had some great chatter mixed with our mutual southern banter. 

I have to say, while experiencing a great launch of the project which will be covered in a later post in order for me to give both equal time and respect, we chose the right place for our lunch meeting. If you are in the area and have a need for a meeting place, an event which requires catering, a nice place to put your hat down for a great meal; The Swanson has the charm, definitely has the great service while serving the best food around.

My last post gave some history, but please go to the restaurant’s website: http://www.theswanson.com for the history, the services and some yummy photos of the great food. They are also on Facebook too.

I extend a great note of appreciation to Calvin and his wonderful staff which made an exciting time for our team to celebrate with a full and satisfied tummy afterward.

TODAY THE WORDS are WHAT’S IN A NAME? On the blog today, I am going to get real. I can see my regular readers and those of you who know me well are smiling as I am known to be “real” and direct, but today is really direct. To show this point, let’s go back to my childhood. My last name was Lott and I have absolutely no reason to shy from this name. I was more concerned that I didn’t have a middle name like some of my friends had and there is no cute nickname to go from Arline so it was a good thing that I was close to my Dad who I was named after (His  name being Arlie). Apparently, the “Lotts” who were more affluent were younger, so I didn’t have many of my distant relatives in school with me. Ha, most every family were affluent than ours, but I am not complaining; we made it fine on little. 

TODAY THE WORD is ASPIRATION. With this post, Sipping Cups of Inspiration will pass a significant goal of 75,000 page views and with that accomplishment,  I will move the goal post to the 100,000 page view line. Who would have thought it? This note brings me to a thought and I need to go back to my childhood. 

I have told this story when the blog passed 30 K, but this event in my life was probably what set the course in my life for aspiration so I want to share it with you again. So many of you have heard me say I was not birthed into a wealthy home (wealthy in love, but money was not abundant). I had watched the majorettes in the parades and I so wanted to be a majorette. I asked my brother Carlton to cut off a broomstick the same length as a baton which he did and I twirled and twirled. Oh, was I proud to have accomplished my first aspiration; I twirled! At that time in life, you could collect the glass soda bottles, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Orange Crush, and Nehi Grape and other flavors and they would pay 1 cent per bottle. I went out with my wagon all over the neighborhood and looked in ditches and on vacant lots, among the trees, etc. and I found bottles. I took them home, washed them until they were clean, and neatly stacked them under the house in the back. I loyally counted them and kept my “aspiration” in view at all times. I counted, I collected, and I continued to twirl my makeshift baton. Finally one day, I had one hundred three bottles (the price of the wonderful, magnificent, glorious, shiny baton was one dollar and with tax it was my collected treasure of $1.03 so off to the store I went. I turned in my bottles (several trips in my wagon I assure you) and then to purchase my aspired baton. Oh, then I twirled my heart out but as my human nature showed a spirit of aspiring abilities, I picked up my broomstick baton and my newly acquired purchased metal baton and began twirling both batons. 

Now for the deeper thought…..No, I didn’t become a great majorette like my friend Jan Malphus, Joan Minix or my niece Pam Fussell but I learned how to go after something I wanted and better than that; I learned to work toward my aspirations and to feel inspired to do something more than sit on the sidelines and wait for life to bring me what I desired. Aspire to Inspire is a great reference site and I love to read what others have discovered too. Live life, love life, and live life to the fullest by being full of aspirations!

Proverbs 13:4                

TODAY THE WORDS are IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MOMS. Today is the official day to recognize Mothers, Moms, Ma’s, Mommas, Mamas, and so many titles in so many languages. I think everyday should be Mother’s Day. I thought I would share a story with you to show you how much and how far a Mother will go for their child or children. While you are reading this story, I expect most and maybe all of you will have similar stories of love and caring. Here goes:

When my daughter Missy was born in Germany, no one in our family was there to see her birth or see her except in photos until she was 2 1/2 months old. Ralph, Missy’s Dad was in the Army but got called home early from his tour when his Dad suffered a broke foot and since he was a farmer whose crops were ready; Ralph got an early out to come home and get the crops harvested. This meant a lot of hurry up and pack. In the haste, Missy and I were on a separate flight and Ralph on a military flight. Missy was in the stage of spitting up a lot and with the flight being over 10 hours (slower than current flights) and by the time we made it from NY to Atlanta; I only had one bottle of formula left; she was in her last outfit; and I was completely worn out. Now, I am not a whiner and never have been; but that night this was one whipped young lady. Ralph was supposed to call when his plane got to the states; but from some mishap; he couldn’t call my Mother’s house to let her know when my plane was flying into Atlanta for my Sister and her husband to meet me. I land in Atlanta, get to Baggage claim with undoubtedly the heaviest infant carrier but I was only worried about my baby. I hadn’t eaten but that was okay; my baby needed formula, diapers, and I didn’t want her in anything but clean clothes. I called my Mother from a pay phone (before cell phone days) and her reply was, “Oh baby, where are you?” I knew I was in trouble; I was alone in an airport with my little baby in need; and no one was there to meet me; I had no place to go; and it was 3 1/2 hours from my hometown. My Mother told me not to worry; they would figure something out and to call back in about 15 minutes. 

I am looking around in the baggage claim and I am crying, not for me but for my little bundle of life, Missy, who was sleeping after the last bottle, and had on the last diaper. I prayed, “Dear Lord, please take care of my baby and get us to a safe place.” I called back and Mom remembered a long time friend who lived in Atlanta (amazingly not far from the airport) who had given her telephone number to Mom and said, “If you are in Atlanta come visit me or if you ever need anything, give me a call.” 

What do you think Mom did? She called her friend and didn’t hesitate to ask for help. It was not only her grandchild in need; Mom’s baby, I was in need. Her friend’s son came to the airport, found me, called me by name and I jumped up. When we got in the car, I asked could we stop at a store and get the needed items for Missy. My sister Juanelle and Troy had jumped in the car and headed to Atlanta. I got Missy her diapers and formula and we stayed comfortably while waiting for my family to come get me. God had already seen we were going to need help and had placed Mom’s friend there to help. I guess God knew there would be several Moms who would not let anything get in the way of taking care of the children.

Now for the deeper thought…..It is indeed a wonderful blessing to be a Mother and I can tell you, no matter what else I ever accomplish; all other accomplishments pale to me being Missy’s Mom. My Mother, who is in Heaven now, sacrificed so much for her children and loved with a true Mother’s heart. She was a substitute Mother for other young people who needed a Mother figure to listen. God is Our Heavenly Father and He listens and He makes a way for Mothers to take care of His Children who He gives the honor of being called Mother, Mom, Momma, Mama, etc. If you are blessed to have your Mother alive; please do not hesitate and put off doing whatever you can to take care of her and love her all the days you are blessed to have her. LIVE LIFE; LOVE LIFE; and LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST BY SHOWING YOUR MOTHER YOU LOVE HER.