What's working on me, will one day work on you!

I travel down a lonesome road and no one

seems to care! The burdens on my ...........

You fill in the remaining words.....

Its your life, its your years, its your tears... and it is your thoughts.

And if you are not there yet, you will be.. what then?

Who is there, that really cares?

Who is there, that really will help?

Who is there, that will take the time to speak?

Who is there, that will mend a broken heart?

You fill in the answer.. or will you leave it blank!!

"In God We Trust"Martha Duke Manley © They are on our nation'sSeals and Currency. But, are those same words found in our lives, for others to see? You know, then, as well as I,it goes like this, "In God We Trust."But, it seems that the only time we really say it is when we feel we must. It is only when our country is in need that these few words become, once again, our earnest creed.You say No! It is not really that way.Then, let's think and examine.We say them so often with tears streaming,when there is death, drought, and famine.But, what of its' use in our everyday life?Can it be only heard when we are full of Anger, Pain and Strife?Is it at the threat or time of war,when we find ourselves crippled by fear for the lives of so many,that we then want God to be near ...So that He would be watching and hear us as we say, so desperately,"In God We Trust"?But for this nation,I do solemnly pray.Father, may we wake up and realize,we need to live those words everyday!

I gotta tell you..I do appreciate the creator of this lady and her antics.. because, oh me, does she hit my world on the head most of the time.

She inspires me to greater height.. to deeper thinking... to laughing out loud!

In this world that we are now living, it is more often the case that one finds things all turned upside down, rather than upside, like it should be. Like for instance, one can't read the newspaper, listen to radio, watch t v or speak with someone that you don't begin to hear of the state of affairs for this nation, and her people. And if that is not enough we are filled with compassion for the people who live across the waters and who face such turmoil.

We pray for our troops who stand brave and forward for those of us who remain here on the homeland. We pray for their safe return. We know that there will always be fighting and wars and talks of such till the end of time. And may we continue to have the faith that it takes to continue on.

Well, that brings me to the subject of my thought... about not excercising because I would spill my coffee... hey that is not me period.... I don't do anything each morning till I have my cup or cups of coffee.. I can't consider what is going on around us in the whole wide world, without my coffee. I can't even smile without it..

I can tell you how bad it is.. one day my beloved husband told someone that he almost woke up "grumpy" but he thought better of it.. and let his wife sleep!

Hope this has given you a laugh or two and even put a smile on your face.. if so.. then all is worthwhile.. and I will just say good night... till morn comes and the coffeemaker shuts off.

Well, for all who know me, health food is not my choice most times. Ok.. hardly anytime, ok..maybe once in awhile, ok, ok.. never!!!

But I really could use all of the perservatives that I can get...

What really works for me, is the beginning of a new day. A phone call ,email or a text from someone that I love. An awareness of the beauty that God has blest me with on this earth. The knowledge that most of our days are determined by the way that I conduct myself, or allow others to be around me. Oh, yes, we have a choice in that. So to sum it all up, I am replenished day by day from the knowledge of these things. What about you?

You can't stay young forever but!

Oh, me, how true that statment is in todays world. The longer I live, the more I see those who would fit this description, easily.

No, I am not a respecter of persons.

But I am afraid that there are many "older" people who may have advanced in years.. are so very immature.

Just listen to some of the conversations that go on about you, each day. Just watch the actions of so called, "older" people, who act more like the children, than as wise parents.

Just go into some businesses and try to deal logically with the salesperson. It is enough sometimes to make you wonder about yourself!

What this world and her people need now, I believe is the combination of wisdom and faith in God to see us through these trying times. We need "adult acting parents". We need leaders who are just that, true leaders, for that which is good for all.

Ok, so you say, I am babbling like a child, over these matters. And acting very immature? Hmmm.. I don't think so.

No, I have learned much in my 67 years. Of which I must admit, I wish I had learn these lessons at a much younger age. But so be it, this is now and this is my way of trying to support any who read my thoughts to step up to the plate, and act responsibly for our family, for our state and for our country's sake.

Gone crazy. Back soon.

Have you ever just had that feeling like.. "I must have gone crazy, but hope I come back soon?"

Well, I can say that I have on several occasions. Whether it was noticeable by others, is anyone guess. Ha..

Some days are filled with complete success at whatever is before me,then others leave alot to be desired.

Today, my mind is on school teachers, parents and students.

Wonder if any of them have thought the same thing ? Like getting their classrooms in order, plan of action ready,consideration of time allotted to get the education across to his or her students and not go crazy!

And then you have the students, some eager to return, some not, some wanting more time to spend with their classmates and some wondering about their newly assigned teacher, it enough to make both of you feel crazy,at times.

Well, we can't leave out the parents. Some I hear are all overjoyed that the little ones, or big ones will once more be away for a few hours. Some are very emotional about their wee one heading off to that BIG school and not have them there to protect them.. oh, my! Its enough sometime to make them act crazy.

But when it is all said and done.. the Teachers are prepared to work with their students and do the very best that they can with them. The students, learn how to become the student that the teacher wants or the student visits the special office for more advice.

And the parents, well, they soon accept the fact that times or changing and they must change with it. Their children are growing up, before their eyes,not needing the parent as much as before. But then isn't that the way we are suppose to raise them to be self sufficent? Hmmm, well, it all sounds a bit like crazy, but we will all surrivie, I am sure.

I often remember the memories made by our children, who between the two of them,are the parents of 6 grandchildren, who have also added many memories to my heart. So tho, it seems like none will get through it, you will and I will give you a passing grade of A+ for your efforts.

She made it all the way to the top!

Oh, where do I begin... at the beginning might be the best place.... we knew from the start that we had been blest with a healthy,beautiful and darling daughter on that April day... but what we did not know then.. was that she would be someone who would make a difference in the coming years for many people, as well as for herself.

She just finished and has now recieved the honor of being able to put Phd. in front of her name..yes.. she is now Dr. Stephanie M. Eddleman, in English Literature. She will continue on as a teacher of such,at Harding U. in Searcy, Arkansas.

But that is not all of the story.. what you don't know is that she has done all of this is such a short time... and at a time in her life, where she has given birth to three children and is a devoted wife, and a dedicated Christian.

She has been an inspriation to so many. And has worked putting in many, many hours in study and on the road back and forth from her home to Ole Miss.

And now she can go on , but without the constant thought of having more to do to get to this point in her life.

I, as her mother, want you to know how "proud" we are of her, and tho, this may seem like a way for me to brag...wellllllll..... all I can tell you is that we give God the credit for giving her the ability, the courage, the fortitude and the caring enough to continue on to the finish line..

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to say my piece... for she made it all the way to the top!

A Willing Woman

By Martha Duke Manley ©

OH, DEAR FATHER,

MAY I BE.

A WILLING WOMAN JUST FOR THEE.

READY TO SERVE,

READY TO DO.

ALL THAT WOULD MAKE ME PURE AND TRUE.

NEVER LORD SHOULD I TEACH,

BUT CHRIST TO OTHERS AS I MEET.

BY EXAMPLE,MAY YOU SEE.

A WILLING WOMAN FOUND IN ME!

Closer Walk

By Martha Duke Manley ©

OH! LORD MY GOD, MY KING.

ALL POWER IS IN THY HAND.

MAY I STRIVE EVER ONWARD,TO BE THE BEST THAT I CAN.

I KNOW OF MY SHORTCOMINGS,MY FAILURES AND MY SINS.

BUT HELP ME OH, DEAR SAVIOR

TO KNOW JUST WHERE TO BEGIN.

A LIFE OF DEARER SERVICE.MORE DEVOTION TO YOU, I SEEK.

A STRONGER DESIRE TO DO THOU WILL.

IS WHAT I MUST REACH.

BRING GLORY TO THY NAME,

BY EXAMPLE OF MY WORDS AND THOUGHTS.

MAY I LIVE EACH ONE

OF MY DAYS AND YEARS.

IN CLOSER WALK WITH THEE.

Behold I thought!

First of all, I am sorry that I have missed a few days in keeping this up to date.. but my husband and I are on an extended trip, following the trail of Lewis and Clarke...and we are now in North Dakota.

Enjoying this very much. We find it so interesting, from what we saw while in South Dakota and now here.

I hope to share some of that with you as the days come.

But for right now... look at the picture on your left. Do you know where I took that? Does it look like something you have seen before? If I were to say to you.. the Badlands of South Dakota,would you say, yep... that's just what I figured they would look like.... well, not me, for behold I thought, that they would look much different... for there are miles of the same thing that you are seeing in this picture. And they are very rugged. Some very high...... bad cowboys could surely find a hiding place in there somewhere..only my thoughts were... if they left for somewhere and returned, 'how would they know just where to come back to?"....ha... oh ok.. laugh at me if you will... but I seem to want to relate this to life itself... do we sometimes, see things as they really are, and not as we had beheld them to be... and has it not been the case in your life, that once you have gone "somewhere in your actions of life, that you can not seem to find your way back home to safety? Well, when we consider these things, think on this... Remember that the great Creator who made all things can guide us from wherever we tread, back to safety, if only we will follow his steps. And stay grounded in Him.

Happy 4th. of July to each of you!!!!!!

"In God We Trust"Martha Duke Manley © They are on our nation'sSeals and Currency.But, are those same wordsFound in our lives, for others to see?You know, then, as well as I,It goes like this, "In God We Trust."But, it seems that the only timeWe really say it is when we feel we must.It is only whenOur country is in needThat these few wordsBecome, once again, our earnest creed.You say No! It is not really that way.Then, let's think and examine.We say them so often with tears streaming,When there is death, drought, and famine.But, what of its' useIn our everyday life?Can it be only heard whenWe are full of Anger, Pain and Strife?Is it at the threat or time of war,When we find ourselves crippled by FearFor the lives of so many,That we then want God to be near ...So that He would beWatching and hear usAs we say, so desperately,"In God We Trust"?But for this nation,I do solemnly pray.Father, may we wake up and realize,We need to live those words everyday!

Happy Birthday, Travis.. dear grandson!

Oh my, where has all the years gone?

It seems only yesterday that our lives were changed by the arrival of our first grandchild.. a grandson.

Happy Birthday, Travis!

My mind is filled with so many great memories of time spent with you.

Of laughter, games, and so much more.

Why we even share some interesting fun things to do till yet.

Can't say enough, as to how proud your Grandfather and I are of your accomplishments.

You are a joy, in your own "way".

We know that the future is bright for you.

That you will forever remain in our hearts and prayers, no matter where the road of life shall take you.

Go with God, Travis!

Never lose sight of what is the most important thing in your life.

No matter where you go nor withwhom you meet, always remain the same, grounded person.

So that we will say, " that's our grandson, Travis!"

Is It Morning Yet?

Well, have you ever found yourself, thinking "Is it morning yet?"

Only to find out.. not only has the morning dawned but that you have ton of things to do... and know for a certainty that won't anything "git done", till after I have my morning cups of coffee.

I don't really know just what can be said for having a loving husband, who gets up in a great mood each morning.. thinking.or singing.. oh, what a wonderful morning, oh, what a wonderful day....

Other than, the fact that I am blest by him.

But you know what?

I for the life of me, can't figure out, how that after having my first cup of coffee, and digesting it, that I put on a big smile and say"Good morning, Dear!"

As to why, he doesn't just bring it to me "in bed".... !!!!

Have you given thought?

Have you given thought, as to whom we owe our gratitude to for giving us this beautiful land, waterways and forest. And that also included the sky, clouds, winds, rainfall and etc?

I keep hearing "climate change", and other such terms for conditions that we as well others are facing in this world today.

I can't help but be reminded of the one who is our Creator, who controls all nature, who shows us His favor in so many ways,yet so many do not consider that we have a responsibility to honor Him.

And one such way, or should I say, "my way of thinking is this!"

Servant of the King

By Martha Duke Manley ©

Will you be a humble servant for the Lord each day?

Will you always be striving to please Him,by doing things His way?

Are you always thinking of Him,as you make your daily plans?

Do you know to choose His word as you take your battle stand?

Do you think of someone else and their many needs?

Do you have an open ear to listen to their pleas?

Do you care more for your own self and of what others may say?

Than to search for that one poor soul,who has a need today.

You will want to serve others in their moment of strife.

When you make Him the Lord and Savior of your life.

What a glorious reunion,as you hear the angels sing.

If you are called to enter Heaven,

as a SERVANT OF THE KING!

Ever have the time, when you read something that really moves to you to do some deep thinking and considering how you relate to happenings in your life... and after much thought.. you find yourself saying" sure wish I had said that!" Well the following is one such writing that explains my feelings. See what you think.

==================================

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him. Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions. One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky. He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost. He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?" Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island! It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. The Moral of This Story:It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.

I Remember Dad

I Remember Dad!

by Martha Duke Manley

The way that you worked the soil,

and made your garden grow.

The beautiful color and

fragrance of each rose caught

everyone's attention as they

would come and go.

The way that you sat so erect on your

fine horse.

As the two of your rode out on your

daily course.

The way that you worked,

you had a good business mind.

And how you would try to help

others,from time to time.

And even though we would occasionally disagree.

There was one thing we knew would always be.

YES, I remember Dad.

How we could see easily.

How much you loved this family.

Love to you, from your daughter

Written in memory of :

Prince Farley Duke, Sr.

8/29/1903-1/17/1990

Fun With Lexophiles

LEXOPHILES:

I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

Police were called to a day care where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

Did you hear about the guy whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference.

The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.

When fish are in schools they sometimes take debate.

The short fortune teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.

BBQ RULES

Ladies, you surely will enjoy reading what "someone" listed as BBQ RULES. I thought after I finished laughing,that I would share this with you. Get ready the 4th. of July is just around the corner..


BBQ RULES We are about to enter the BBQ season. Therefore it is important to refresh your memory on the etiquette of this sublime outdoor cooking activity . When a man volunteers to do the BBQ the following chain of events are put into motion: Routine.... (1) The woman buys the food. (2) The woman makes the salad, prepares the vegetables, and makes dessert .. (3) The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill - coke in hand. (4) The woman remains outside the compulsory three meter exclusion zone where the exuberance of testosterone and other manly bonding activities can take place without the interference of the woman. Here comes the important part: (5) THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL. More routine... (6) The woman goes inside to organize the plates and cutlery. (7) The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is looking great. He thanks her and asks if she will bring another coke while he flips the meat Important again: (8) THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN. More routine... (9) The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, utensils, napkins, sauces, and brings them to the table. (10) After eating, the woman clears the table and does the dishes. And most important of all: (11) Everyone PRAISES the MAN and THANKS HIM for his cooking efforts. (12) The man asks the woman how she enjoyed ' her night off ', and, upon seeing her annoyed reaction, concludes that there's just no pleasing some women.

Ah, Here we go Martha!

Have a good laugh on me.. can you see something like this happening?

I just love it when "one" finds out too late that they should have read the instructions first!

What Kind of Day Was Yours?

What kind of day did you have today? I had a wonderful day. Why you ask? Maybe the following will give you a clue.

"Thank You, Lord" by:Martha Duke Manley ©

What kind of dayIs this one to be?

Will it turn outSad or happy for me?

Of this one thing,I'm perfectly sure ...

As I go through any day,I must always remain pure.

As I travel down all of life's roads,I often see others carrying the heaviest loads.

How do I seem to those that I greet?

Will they find a Christian,as we meet ...One who is always willing to share,so that they would know that I do truly care?

Or, would they be told,"Oh, just go away!".

For I am too busy to do for you today?

Rather, Lord, I pray that I would have said,"I will make the time to help," instead.

As I lay down,at the close of the day,and if you were to listen,you might hear me say.

"Thank you, Lord,for those who came my way.

It has once again,made for another wonderful day!"

Class Reunions At Their Best!

Today, on my mind is the up and coming reunion of my graduation class of T. A. Futrall High School, in Marianna, Arkansas.

The last one was in 2000, with the thoughts of another to be held in 2005.

Well, like most things, the disire was there, but the flesh was weak in putting it together, so no reunion.

Since there are some of us who have chosen to remain here and raise our children, do our work and grow older in the same county as we were born, we feel that we chose wisely, for several reasons.

With that being said,we certainly do not hold anything against those who made their decision to go elsewhere, because of schooling, workforce or just for the convienece that they felt that they had in other places.

As I ponder over the past reunions, I find that we, living here, had the best of it. For when we had our first reunion, say half came back.... and when we had the next one,several years later, the other half seem to have come. So in time, we saw most of them.

But when we had the very last one, it was great.. in number and enjoyment.

1. Because we got to reunite with so many of our fellow classmates and their spouses.

2. Because everyone at that stage of our lives did not guage each other, by their wealth or lack thereof.

3. Not the size of their girth but their human worth.

3. We cared not of the marital status of others, but for their happiness.

4. We remembered those whom we have lost during the past 40 years.

5. We shared memories of fun and times not filled with tears of laughter.

6. And I could go on and on..

So back to today, it is filled with excitement and much interest of the coming days of planning and the gathering for the appointed time.

These people hopefully will return, knowing that the building that we attended is no longer standing, as well as many such places of their youth. But that is the case,no matter where they call home today.. there are empty buildings,houses and more.

They too can see people without jobs, and the economy lacking.

But even so. We must all come expecting to find those who were once the centerpoint of our daily lives.

Who still can move us to emotions that make us feel again as that youngster, who by the grace of God and efforts of our teachers and parents got us to where we are today.

I can't say enough about my dear husband, who tho, he did not even go to the same school as I, he still feels close to many of them, and so he and I decided.. now was the time to put us all together once more.

We have set aside a day in September for a fish fry, with all the trimmings and have a location set, for the event.

We decided to not only make this special for my class of 60, but for the class before and the one after.. so 1959 -1960 and 1961 will come together and hopefully rekindle and reunite with those whom, at one stage of our lives were just that, our life.

There are some who married either of the class of 59 or of 61, so you can see how they will fit so well with all of us.

It is sad to say but we have lost more of our fellow students in the last ten years than we had in the first 40 years. And in fact, we just said goodbye to one of our own last week, unexpectedly.

So I guess the reason for writing about this time of my life, is to encourage all who would to consider those that mean so much to you, redeem the time, for it is truly fleeting. And make new memories for the days and years that are before us.

Oh, yes, I have spent time telling my children, and grandchildren of how it was when we were young and in school.. but even as I say it, I can see their faces of wonder.. "is she telling it like it really was, or just as she would like to believe it to have been...!"

Well, I am here to tell you, that it was just as good as I said, and maybe even a little better!!!!

Welcome to my thoughts as they come to mind. I will be as surprised as you, when I finish writing each time, to see what has entered my thinking.

Today I am thinking of you in a very special way, hope you like this:

My Bouquet of Flowers by: Martha D. Manley
. .
When looking at my lovely bouquetOf friendship faces
Picked from so manyWonderful and different places,
It suddenly comes burstingWith such delight
How each one made upA most beautiful sight.

Though it has taken my life time
To add each one,I know that still yet,
My task is not done.

For I shall continue to gather,
Along life's pathway,
More radiant faces
That I shall display.

But dear Friend!
This I want you to know.
It will be your flower,
The first that I show.

Thanks for all the memories,both of laughter and tears.

They will always be with me
Throughout the coming years.