Meet Cora

 

 

     I had the sweetest phone conversation with my grandma this afternoon. I cried after we hung up because she was so encouraging and sweet like her parents, [Great] Grandpa and Grandma McMillian (the writers of the love letters I have posted).

“That's what older people do. They have time for encouraging the younger ones.”

  She told me a little about her great grandma, Grandpa Mac’s mother. They called her Cora.

  They had a total of 11 children, and lived in big farm house. She lost a step-son, two of her own, and her husband all within a few short months. Grandpa, her youngest, was only eight. She no longer was able to live in their home or even care for her children on her own. The children were split up, living with older married sisters, for a time.
  Grandma Cora love God, and she learned more about His will by reading the Bible on her own. When grandpa was 18, she became acquainted with the "Faith and Victory" and said, "This is what I've been looking for." She loved all her children and faithfully prayed for their salvation. Her prayers were not in vain, and she never would have know how many souls her life and prayers affected. Even after so much hardship in her own life, she had a heart for others, and some called her "The Lady with the Golden Heart."

  I told grandma how much I enjoyed hearing about Great-great-grandma Cora. I remembered listing to great-grandpa and grandma tell stories, too, and I always enjoyed it. Grandma added, “And they were always so encouraging! That’s what older people do. They have time for encouraging the younger ones.”

  As I’m writing this and reflecting on the lives of those who have gone before me, I ponder what kind of ripple I’ll make in my little world. I am honored to have such great examples before me. Do I have the faith and courage to ask for a “double portion” of their spirit? I am challenged.

Blessing,

Alyssa

Be Ye Thankful

When the couch is ugly,

And the kitchen floor needs to be replaced.

When I want a puppy,

And maybe a few hens,

(But, first, we need to buy a freezer.)

When I'm lonely or bored,

Or I have so much work,

It's easy to think,

"I wish things were different."

 

But why complain?

Why choose discontentment?

Instead, I have chosen

to be thankful. 

We have a home, and plenty of room.

He has a job, and we both have health.

The couch is actually comfy, even if it's orange,

And the carpet is so soft.

(Your feet won't know it's dated!)

There's plenty of food,

And plenty to share,

And I have a sweet cat

(She's good company for me.)

The neighbors here

Are just the best!

My husband knows me so well,

And loves me still!

And even more, God cares for me,

And He blesses me,

And He knows what I need,

Even before I ask.

And when I think of all the things I have,

And of all my dreams that have come true,

Of all the laughter we share,

And the love that is here,

I am thankful.

Blessings,

Alyssa

A Happy Wedding

      The hopes of young people are to have a happy marriage, but when I got engaged, I realized I also wanted a happy wedding. I wanted a pretty dress, and beautiful love songs, pretty flowers, and good pictures, but most of all, I wanted our wedding to be a happy wedding. My advice is to not focus on designer weddings, perfect dresses, or other's opinions. As you make decisions, keep close to your heart those things that matter most to you.

1. Your spouse (to be)
       You have opinions. Your fiancé has opinions. It is more important to learn respect, communication, and cooperation than to have your own way. When the day is over, the words you said and attitudes you displayed will linger a lot longer that the satisfaction that you got the groom and groomsmen to wear a pink shirt and suspenders. (Unless, of course, they wanted to wear a pink shirt and suspenders, in which case I want to see your wedding pictures, because that sounds kind of cute!)

2. Your family
       Your family loved you long before your knight in shining armor showed up. You know them, too. You know what makes them happy and what makes them feel loved. I felt like this was my opportunity to try to show them that even as I was leaving them and joining my life to my husband-to-be, I still cared for them. Whether it's a special night out, or a special part in the Big Day, you can let them know how important they are to you.

3. Your convictions
       It's the most important day in your life. It is going to be your "best day ever." Why ruin that memory with regrets because you gave into peer pressure, or you wanted to be a little more like the fashionable weddings everywhere on Pintrest and magazines? Whether it's modesty, stewardship, or simplicity, the God-given convictions you have do not disappear on your wedding day. Remember that you want God's blessing on your marriage, and now is not the time to let go of convictions. Personally, I also wanted to be reminded of the correlation between God and His Church and a pure marriage. I reminded myself of verses such as "as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee," "they twain shall be one flesh," "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church," and the quote from a song, "Church of God, thou spotless virgin." It's such a beautiful thought to think of God desiring me and loving me so much. Even more than I wanted to be a beautiful bride to my husband, I want my God to be pleased with me.

4. Your stewardship (while we're talking about it...)
       Weddings are expensive. I saw an article about how to have a cheap wedding and I was amazed at what people considered a cheap wedding. If I judged our wedding off of the standards I saw everywhere on the Internet, we had a cheap cheap wedding. The truth is, no matter how much other people spend on their wedding, I know deep down that I could have been a lot more thrifty and still had the happy wedding I wanted.

5. Your sanity
       Is it worth it? Don't let the little things stress you. Let things go. I was blessed with a beautiful wedding day, but I could still choose to focus on little disappointments if I wanted to. The sky was too bright in my pictures, or some decorations were missing from the guest book table. If I had chosen to, I could have focused on all those little trifles on the morning of my wedding. What was more important to me was that my husband to be was there waiting for me, that friends and family were there to celebrate, and that God had kept us, had led us together, and today we were going to be married, a union ordained and designed of God.
     I know there are huge catastrophes at some weddings, and sometimes when it seems like nothing else could go wrong, the worst happens. However, we can save a lot of our sanity by simply being a little more simple. The best way to keep an ice swan sculpture from melting during the reception is to not have an ice swan sculpture.

6. Your guests
       It's easy to blame all extravagances in the name of pleasing the guests, but it's an excuse that doesn't really hold up. I learned that instead of trying to make a good impression, it was more important to make good memories. Instead of showing off, show that you care.

       I realized now, even more, how overdone weddings are in our popular culture, and how much we are effected by that, even without realizing it. Even the simplest things can grab us and lead us to disappointment. Personally, I did have a Pintrest wedding board, and I pinned a lot of ideas to keep it organized. I remember a particular sweet, romantic idea of writing letters to one another and exchanging them on the morning of the wedding, or night before, or something like that. What's wrong with that? Nothing, unless I start to measure my husband and our relationship to other people. My husband didn't write me a letter for me to read the night before our wedding, but when I stopped looking at other relationships, and look at ours, I realized that he didn't have to, and if he had, it would not have been as romantic as it sounded. The truth was that he showed me how much he loved me, and his love is more real than a romance novel or Pintrest idea. That is a simple and somewhat harmless example, but there are many many traditions and new ideas out there that can steal your focus and your happiness on your wedding day.  I even found that I was encouraged somewhat by a subconscious pressure to live up to expectations to friends and family (who had no ill intentions). In the end, it didn't matter if everyone liked my theme or my colors, or even my wedding dress.

What mattered is that my fiancé knew/knows I love and respect him.

That my family felt loved and cared for.

That I stayed true to my convictions.

That God remained the center of our relationship.

That I didn't give into excess that I would latter regret.

That I didn't stress out over things of no importance.

And that our guests had a good experience.

Blessings,

Alyssa

Inspiration From Nature

Though a rock may be before you, like the river, you can still find a way. A beautiful way.

You may not know what they are, the world may not value them, but to you, they are beautiful. What are they?

Why is the water blue?

Water, as a great looking glass, is reflecting the beautiful sky.

What are you reflecting?

Blessings,

Alyssa

Love is Love

The most weighty elementary playground bribe: "I'll be you best friend forever!"

Friends are friends,

Love is love,

When each give to the other,

And demand no return.

I want to let my relationships grow, and not hinder them with selfishness.

Blessings,
Alyssa

All Things Work Together

Neosho, Mo

Gen. Del.

Nov. 2, 1943

Dear Carrie,

  Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ our blessed Lord.

  This finds me still save sanctified and determined to go all the way with the good Lord. I can say like David he will be our guide even untill death or for ever.

  I felt some better this morning after a long night's sleep, but I think I would hardly be able to make it at work wo I am staying in to day.

  I called to Mr. Westior's office yesterday evening but he was done gone home although he left a little information at his office. The lady that answered the phone said that he fail to be able to call out to the farm where he entended to. But he left word there for me to call him a gain this morning. So I did. I called to his house this morning and talked with his wife. He said for me to meet him this mornin as he went to work I tole her that I was hardle able to work this morning then she said that he said for me to call him when I did get able. So by that I supose he must have somthing in mind for me to do. I really hope I can get a job without leaving Neosho.

  Well Carrie I know it seems like that you and I have quite a few tests (or should I say wonder whys) in our being to gether. But as the scripture says "all things work to gether for good to them that love God and to them who are called according to his purpose."

  Carrie I sure did appreciate those kind words that you spoke to me yesterday while I was out at your house and on our way to Neosho. I mean about what you said concerning me being sick. I wish I could return the favor. I hope you all didn't have any more car trouble.

Carrie I am sure you don't know how thankful I am that I got to meet you and to go with you and above all I am thankful for the hopes of our future.

  I am glad that the good Lord thinks enough of us weak creatures to lead us a long the way of life. I am sure that when the Lord leads all will be well

  I think it is a wonderful and gracious thing to have God lead us through life. He can help us to be a blessing where with out him life would be a failure. I knew that every good thing that we are able to do is done by his help or his power. So seeing this is true helps us to be able to say like the song, all I am or hope to be I commit dear Lord to thee. We say this because we love him. I hope it is where I can go to prayer meeting Thur. night as I always enjoy meting in the house of God to learn more about him. I will also be glad to see Miss Wyatt there. I enjoy your lovely presense.

  It will sure be good and suit me very much if I get a job where I can continue to go to prayer meeting. I don't see why it wouldn't be the Lord's will for me to have a job that I could do so. Although I don't know just what Mr.Westion has in mind by him being ready for me to go to work before he called out to the farm. So I will be hoping that God will work things out so I can go to prayer meeting.

  Well I guess I will say good bye to that sweetheart of mine (Carrie Wyatt.)

  May God ever bless you and I both and help us to be a blessing in my sincere prayer.

Pray for me love

(Mc)

Please excuse this short letter.

You Will Find Out I Am Tricky

Neosho, Mo

Oct. 29, 1943

My dear Mac,

  Thought I would drop you a few lines and leave it with your things. Grandma and I intend to got to town right afternoon, and we thought we would take your things and leave them at the house where you stay. I suppose you will be at work, so I don’t guess I’ll get to see you.

Well I’m glad this morning that we can always have bright hopes in the Lord. Our surroundings may appear dark sometimes, but we can still have sunshine from heaven in our souls. I’m glad for salvation. It is something that never becomes old or tiresome to us. Instead of that, we only learn to appreciate the Lord more and more as the days go by. I believe that is one reason the Lord permits things to happen sometimes that are unpleasant to us, and also lets us to get in places so that we can’t see our way out. For that causes us to trust Him more fully when we see we are too weak in our own strength. And when we see it is impossible for us to make the way clear ourselves, then when the Lord steps in and opens up ways for us, then we really know how to appreciate Him better than before.

  I thought last night during prayer meeting, when Sis. Dean and Sis. Reese testified and told about being alone all the time, and how they would sit and think. I thought that it is just the opposite with me. It is so hard for me to find a quiet hour, so I can think and meditate. I would be glad if I could share part of their quiet hours, for I love to be alone part of the time. But I’m not complaining at my lot in life. Perhaps since I don’t very often get the opportunity of being alone, maybe that helps to cause me to be more earnest in seeking the Lord, and to learn of Him.

We both must have been almost of the same mind last night in prayer meeting. As you said I had your testimony.

  —Well I will now try to finish this. It is after mail time now , and we are about ready to start to town. Your mail cam that we were expecting. I didn’t take the package undone, but the end of the box was torn, so I could see the suit. It is a little darker color than I thought it would be, but it is pretty, I think.

  Anyhow it looks better than I dreamed it did. I thought about taking it along today and leaving it with your other things. But I didn’t know whether to or not. So I just decided to let you wait, as you planned to come tomorrow evening. — I thought it would be a good excuse for you to come.

(Now I know you will find out I am tricky) ha. But really I’ll be glad to see you come.

It seems that the times we get to be together are so short. But yet those times are very precious, as I always enjoy your presence. Those talks we have about the Lord seems to bring heaven nearer. And also binds our hearts closer together.

  Well I could write more, but I don’t have time. I hope we can get to talk more. —I wonder sometimes when we would ever get through talking if we were not disturbed. There is always something new to tell about our experiences with the Lord. And I think it is helpful to each other to tell the things we learn. And I’ve learned some things the last few days that I needed. It took some fire to consume the dross, but I sure wouldn’t exchange the gold that I got in the furnace flame for anything.

  Well maybe I’ll get to see you tomorrow eve., if the Lord wills.

  I know I can’t write anything that would bring as much cheer to your heart as your good letter brought to me that I got a few days ago. But anyhow I thought I would drop you a few lines and leave it with your things, and you can at least know that I’m thinking about you.

  I must hurry now, and say goodbye to the one who is dear to me.

Yours, with Love,

Carrie.

Wishing to See You

Neosho, Mo

Route 3

Sept. 30, 1943

Dear Carrie,

  Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord.

We have just got back from the prayer meeting. Every on here are in bed except my self. I thought I would write my sweet girl friend a letter before I went to bed as I want to be sure and get it in the morning mail.

  As we were coming back from church to night I was thinking about what I told you concerning when I would see you again, which I understand was Sun. The thing I want to say is that I hope to see you before Sun. I hope you will forgive me for not asking you about it to night at church I also hope it will be alright with you. I guess I will just have to go and hoping and trusting that you will understand. I really hadn’t considered it much until we had left the church. So now if the Good Lord wills, I will try to see you Sat. evening some time. I guess this is as near as I can tell you. If Bro. Wyatt is in town Sat. I guess I can come out with him, but if not I will try, and see have it seem to walk out there.

  As far as I know now I will be leaving Neosho about Mon. to go back to Guthrie and I just got to thinking about how little time we would have to gether be fore I left if I didn’t see you before Sun. I am sure I would enjoy being with you more than just Sun.

  I guess I could write quite a lot if I were to take the time but since it is getting late and since I expect to see you soon I will say good by to the girl that has been, and is, a real encouragement to me, and to the girl that I love and respect as my only girl friend.

 

(I love you, Mc)

Work at the Army Camp

Neosho, Mo

Gen. Del.

Oct. 25, 1943

Dear Carrie,

Greetings in the precious name of our Lord and loving Jesus Christ.

This finds me still saved sanctified and determined to go all the way with the good Lord. I am glad we can serve such a mighty God as we have. We read in the Bible where it says Jesus Christ is the same yesterday to day and for ever. Truly I am thankful for this. I am glad that God turned me from a life of blindness and sin to a life of holiness and of hope. I mean by God's help and grace to serve him until death, or until he comes. I know a decision of this kind means a lot. For I know there are many trials and tests and storms of life that we will have to face, but if we yield our self unto God, I also know that he will take us through them all with Victory.

If we have consecrated our all to God and keep it consecrated, I don't see how we could fall if we are willing to suffer with him too. The enemy might come and try to get us to be unfaithful while the storm is on but we can just resist him and refuse to listen to any thing that he has to say and just count God faithful and remember that all things work to gether for good to them that love God and to them who are called according to his purpose. If we will do this I know we will always triumph over the enemy and will be growing stronger in the Lord in so much that we will be able also to help others.

To do the above is my highest and only aim in life. Please pray for me that I might do this.

Well I just wonder how this will find my sweet Carrie getting a long. I hope you are well and happy. I would love to be with you to night and talk with you if it were possible and if it were God's will. But I am sure God knows what is best and I try not to allow my self to go a gainst his will. I feel that he wants, and is, to teach me lessons that will enable me to appreciate your presence more as he brings it about for you and I to be to gether more in the future. Not that I don't already appreciate being with you. The lessons that I am talking about are partly spiritual lessons, yet I can see that they are needful in bringing about happiness for us.

Well now I will say what I know about my work. Last night when I was down at Mrs. Bradford’s I started talking with one of the men that lives in her house and he told me that he thought I would be pretty sure to get a job out at Camp Crowder if I wanted it. So after trying a few places here in Neosho this morning I went out there. I was directed to two or three different places to go and see about a job. I went to them all and the last one gave me a job. I am supposed to go back in the morning to get completely signed up for a job. I asked a lady there in the office about what hours I would work. She said from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. That will be o.k. won't it? I don't know whether I will get signed up in to go to work to morrow or not. But I understand that I will go to work as soon as I am signed up.

There are buses running about even 15 or 30 mi. out to the camp. So I will go back and forth on the bus. I get a round trip for 25 cents.

The man that hired me said I would make 48 cents per hour beside Sat. and that I would get time and half time for Sat. Which would be 72 cents per hour. (The work will be just common labor.)

This will a gain give me a chance to attend prayer meeting and Sun. Meetings too. I am thankful for how the good Lord works things out for us.

I still expect to go down to Mrs. Bradford’s Wed. and start rooming down there. That will sure be a comfort to me. I will only be a short distance from the army bus station where I will get on the bus.

Well Carrie I guess you or me either one still don't know just what all the Lord has in the future for us. But I am sure life will be a pleasure to both of us as we let God direct our steps. I can truthfully say that your life has already been a pleasure and an inspiration to me. And as I think of you and your ways it only brings more happiness and courage to me. I am thankful indeed that God ever let me have the privilege of meeting you and above all of giving me the bright hope of having you for a life companion.

I am sure as we are together more and have more chances of helping one another in different ways that our love will only increase for each other.

I have had my pocket book out in my hands quiet-a-bit to day, and you can guess, or you should know what I enjoyed looking at. Your lovely Picture. They are just like you. (almost)

Well I guess I had better say good bye to my dear for this time. May God bless you and keep you in my earnest prayer.

With love

(Mc) (Pray for me)

I will be praying for you.

P.S. I hope you are strong in your body.

P.S. Well here I am again writing to my only girl friend. It is about 6:20 A.M. now. I thought maybe you would get this letter to day if I mailed it early this morning which I intend to do.

What I wanted to say is that after I go sign up for work to day I guess I will go over to Bro. and Sis. Allen’s after some winter clothes (That is if I don't start to work today) And as you all live so near them I thought I would come by there and I would get to see you again and I also wanted to get some razor blades and maybe something else too. I also wanted to get those extra things that Sis. Pruitt sent me so I could send them back. They are mostly over at Bro. Allen's

(I hope you don't get tired of my unexpected visits at your house.)

If I do come over to day I won't know just what time as I don't know how long it will take me to get signed up for work.

If I do go to work to day I will be hoping to see you Thur. night at prayer meeting.

Well I guess I had better say good by and hurry down to the Post office so you will get this to day.

A very close friend

(Mc)

My Problem

I have this problem.

There's this guy I love.

I told him I would marry him...and move to this gorgeous place.

That happens to be far away.

So now I miss him.

Because I am here, and he is there.

Blessings,

Alyssa

Hello Summer

Hello welcomed rain.
Hello cool, bubbling brook.
Hello grazing cows.
Hello sunshine.
Hello singing locusts.
Hello full-moon nights.
Hello late night talks with my love.
Hello little girl hugs.
Hello evening walks with old friends.
Hello blue and yellow wild flowers.
Hello lazy summer days.

Blessings,

Alyssa

Love, love love

I love, love, love West Virginia. My trip last year was wonderful, but you can hardly get any better than this year.

Maybe you can guess why...

My sister photographer.

Furthermore, we ended the trip by going to my cousin's wedding in Alabama.

I was so excited for her! You would have thought it was me walking down the aisle, by how jittery I was! Soon...soon. :)

Congratulations Steven and Ashley!

The Color of Memories

I'm just wondering.
How does our mind remember color?
Can you remember right now the color of fall?
What about a special memory. Do you have a color associated with that?

My fiancé and I love going to the park together. I was looking through some pictures, remembering the awesome times we've had together when I discovered a picture I had taken of some blossoms. On a whim, I decided to give it a second chance (it wasn't a terrible picture, but it wasn't beautiful).

before

after!

I love color! Nature's natural color is the best!

Blessings,

Alyssa

Happy Photoshop Bride-to-be

So. This is what is feels like to abandon a blog.
I have good reason though, I'm using my spare time on the computer to do wedding planning.
The day is less than 5 months away,
And I am getting excited.

I want to share some not-so-weddingy wedding stuff.
I've been designing my invitation,
And in the mean time have created some effects I'm pretty happy with.
I wanted painted-looking roses for my invitation, didn't want to paint all of them by hand, so I came up with a way to do it on Ps.
Then, I wanted a sketch or stamped look,
So I opened Ps again, and soon came up with what I wanted.

I started with some rose pictures I had taken at the Portland Rose Garden. 

Painted look...

Sketched look :)

Well, better go!

Blessings,

Alyssa

Strength

Life and love are precious.
Saying I love you is important.
Someday, you will tell someone you love,
I love you
For the last time.
On that day,
Their last
I love you
Will mean the world to you.
We don't know when.
Some people don't love.
They kill.
And those who love
Will hurt
And fear
And reach out in love to those
Who hurt.

But Love—
Love is Strong.

Of Guilt and Inspiration

It's spring, and I'm feeling it.

There are so many little flowers blooming,

and it's inspiring me to tame more pictures.

I have to admit, though I take my camera practically everywhere,

I've been lacking a little on creativity.

So a little prick of guilt,

And a little taste of success,

And some spring fever mixed in there,

I'm more inspired.

I used a rain overlay from Carrie at "Captured by Carrie", and an action from The Coffee Shop Blog

I almost blamed it on winter.
You know, it being all bare and boring out there.
But, there's no excuse,
Because I can always find a still-life to shoot.

So, hopefully I'll be going through more pictures and keep myself motivated.

Blessings,
Alyssa

Happy 1st Day of Spring!

Okay, so I had a little fun with some sparkle brushes,

but isn't there something magical about

spring and love?

Blessings,

Alyssa

Life in Seasons

I saw a small footprint in the mud and was reminded that little children make a big mark on this world.

I saw a fort built of snow and plywood and was reminded that adults pass traditions down to the young.

I saw an elderly lady wishing to go out in the cold and was reminded that footprints fade, and snow-forts melt.

I saw a tiny flower and was reminded that all goes on.

Blessings,

Alyssa

Armed to Face Another

Sometimes our tools are different. One time I used a spatula to fight my fears; this time I armed myself with my camera, a pen and notepad. I faced them. If I likened this experience to the pancake experience, I would say that maybe I burned a few pancakes a little, but I kept on flipping them.

It was my first assignment to cover an event for the small-town newspaper I work for. An hour before the event started, I began to realize that I was nervous. I knew I could fake some amount of confidence and step out of my comfort zone. That wouldn't be too hard for me. Friendliness and goodwill I wouldn't have to fake, though. I'm always glad I have that on my side. Some may not say it gives much of an advantage, but I feel a smile and a little openness can go a long way for me. It's more for me than anyone else. A good attitude benefits us, as James Franklin, MU quarterback and tonight's guest speaker, said tonight. "Never underestimate the value of attitude", Franklin said, "It is a choice."

So, with a smile, a pen, and a camera, I stepped in and did my best.

Then I think of all the support I had. "You have this whooped," my boyfriend encouraged me. "How did it go?" my sister and mom asked, and I knew they cared. "You'll do great," my boss said. And as always, I had the confidence and assurance that God gives his children. I am so blessed.

Blessings,

Alyssa

I Like You

I like the wind, I like the rain.

I like the song that nature sings.

I like the power of anticipation.

I like joy it brings.

I like the laughter shared with a friend,

And the memories we make together.

I like the dreams of fair weather and spring.

I like the power of prayer.

I like the sound of us all in the kitchen.

I like the meal of venison.

I like the bond of family here.

I like the encouragement of friends.

I like the fellowship I feel around me,

When I go to God's house of prayer.

I like the hopes and dreams of life.

I like the knowledge hard times teach.

I like the feeling when fears and worries,

Loose their weight and bitterness.

I like the way life seems to flow

(If in the direction God wills it to go).

I like the knowledge that He's in control,

If I just look unto him.

I love the Church, I love her Head.

I love the plan He laid.

I love the love that He gave.

Blessings,

Alyssa