There Goes Connie

An Important Prayer for 2019

01/04/2019 By: CCPearsoncomment

Driving home from taking grandkids back to their parents on New Years Eve, I turned the car radio to 88.1, the Christian music station in my part of the country. A song I had never heard came on and immediately captured my heart.

If you want to hear the song, click here for the YouTube link. It was written and sung here by Natalie Grant and is called “More Than Anything.” The part that lingers in my mind goes like this:

Help me want the Healer more than the healing.

Help me want the Savior more than the saving.

Help me want the Giver more than the giving.

Help me want you, Jesus, more than anything.

Wow. I was immediately convicted. Far too often, my prayers are requests that begin with “Please give me . . . .” I want to be healed and to see my loved ones healed. I want to be saved from bad situations and have my loved ones delivered from them. I want to be given things over and over again. But, I KNOW that God’s desire is for me to long most of all to know, love and long for the Healer, the Savior, the Giver, Jesus above everything.

Matthew 22:37 — “And He (Jesus) said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Matthew 6:33 — “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness . . . .”

Psalm 37:4 — “Delight yourself in the Lord . . . .”

Deuteronomy 6:5 — “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”

That will be my prayer focus for 2019. I’d love to hear about yours.

Corinth, Mississippi: 5 Great Reasons to Take a Short Detour off of Highway 72

12/31/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Corinth, Mississippi is SO MUCH MORE than a convenient pit stop between North Alabama and Memphis. Yes, Highway 72 has numerous fast food chains and gas stations, but this fun Southern town has a great deal more to offer if you’ll give it a few hours (or a day or two) of your time. For that matter, you could even make it your actual destination and have a wonderful time.

CIVIL WAR HISTORY

Corinth and its immediate surroundings are steeped in significance related to the Civil War. I strongly recommend a tour of the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center at 501 W. Linden Street. There you’ll find a modern, 15,000 ft. facility with exhibits, a video about the Battle of Corinth and a very impressive water feature.

The Verandah Curless House, 705 Jackson Street, is Corinth’s only historic house museum and was the headquarters for several generals during the war. The plan for the Confederate attack on Union troops at Shiloh was set into motion at this house.

Corinth Contraband Camp at 902 N. Parkway was the site where newly-freed ex-slaves were given refuge. The American Missionary Association assisted in this effort. Sculptures on the property evoke an emotional response.

Shiloh National Military Park is a short drive away at 1055 Pittsburg Landing Road, in Shiloh, Tennessee. It is a must-see if you have a serious interest in the Civil War. Seeing the terrain and conditions firsthand add to your understanding of who and why the circumstances happened as they did.

At the entrance to the Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center

SLUGBURGERS and Lots of Great Food

Borroum’s Drug Store on the courthouse square at 604 E. Waldron Street, has the distinction of being the oldest drug store in the State of Mississippi still under continuous operation. But, in addition to a chance to see artifacts and relics from Native Americans and the Civil War, you can have a soda or a milkshake at their vintage soda fountain or try their signature Slugburger.

Nickels used to be called “slugs,” and these burgers were originally sold for a nickel. They were made from ground pork and beef that had been stretched with flour (during the Depression) and then deep fried. The accepted way to serve them is with a slice of onion, some pickles and mustard. The price is $1.75 now. Actually everything on the menu is very reasonably priced. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped WAY back in time.

Other restaurants and eateries that I heartily recommend in Corinth include smith. (yes, it begins with a lowercase s), Abe’s Grill (go at breakfast time and try their chocolate gravy), Pizza Grocery (housed in a wholesale grocery warehouse built in 1920), Joe’s Diner (another popular breakfast spot), tamales at Dilworth’s (strictly a drive-through) and Vicari (an upscale restaurant downtown). There are plenty of chains in Corinth, but, as always, I urge you to try the locally-owned places.

Chocolate gravy for breakfast at Joe’s Diner

Slugburger and chips at Borroum’s Drug Store

Entrance to smith. in Corinth – upscale restaurant.

FUN SHOPS

Corinth has a surprising number of unique shops for clothing, gifts, home decor, accessories and more. Some to keep in mind are Carli & Co, Lipchic Boutique, Baxter & Me, Rowan House, Hoochies Gifts and Accessories, Taylor Wick & Co and T. Feazell. I want to return soon and spend more time in each of these.

Two I explored and found a couple of things that “had my name written all over them” were Shirley Dawg’s and Sanctuary. Shirley Dawg’s has clothing for men and women, mostly casual and mostly sports-oriented but also high quality. Sanctuary is a beautiful shop of antiques, collectibles and art. They also have signature-scented candles, one of which is sitting on my desk as I type. The business is housed in a former Episcopal church building constructed around 1904. You’ll enjoy looking for evidences that this was once indeed a sanctuary for worship.

VINTAGE MOTORCYCLES

Possibly the most unexpected place I found in Corinth was the motorcycle museum inside Lake Hill Motors right on Highway 72. It is sometimes called the bike museum and displays many of the ones Dwayne McLemore has been collecting for more than 30 years. You’ll be amazed at the variety.

Visit from 8:00 to 5:00 Monday through Friday or from 8:00-3:00 on Saturday.

One of the fine motorcycles on display at Lake Hill Motors museum.

CORINTH COCA-COLA MUSEUM

Corinth didn’t invent Coca-Cola, of course, but its bottling company in the town has been in existence for more than 100 years. The museum showcases more than 1000 pieces of authentic Coca-Cola memorabilia. Admission is free. The hours are 8:00 to 4:45 Monday through Friday, but you’ll probably want to email museum@corinthcoke.com to schedule a group tour. I suspect you’ll be treated to a refreshing Coke float while you’re there.

Coke float offered to visitors at the Coca-Cola Museum

I hope these photos and suggestions have convinced you to plan a day or two to explore Corinth, Mississippi. It’s a fascinating town, loaded with attractions, food and history.

What Will 2019 Bring?

12/28/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

The short and definite answer is “No one knows but God.”

We don’t know what minute we will breathe our last breath on earth, nor do we know when the Second Coming of Jesus will happen. We are only promised the specific moment we are experiencing at any given time.

The GOD’S WORD Translation of Matthew 24:36 puts the circumstance of the Second Coming like this: “No one knows when that day or hour will come. Even the angels in heaven and the Son don’t know. Only the Father knows.”

When my mother opened her new 1986 calendar, she had no idea she would be in heaven before the end of that first month. I have that calendar and can see her notes for events she expected to attend in the first months of that year. On Saturday morning, January 25th, she had her ingredients lined up on the kitchen counter ready to make cookies when an aneurysm burst in her brain. Others I’ve known and loved died suddenly, completely without warning.

But this post is not about death, it’s about life.

I have some great expectations for 2019, don’t you? Mine include: celebrating another wedding anniversary and birthday (gulp!), watching our oldest grandchild graduate from high school in May, welcoming grandchild #14 into the family in July (yes, you read that correctly), continuing my travel writing with some fabulous trips, enjoying our first full year in the new house, undertaking fresh ministry opportunities at church and spending lots of quality time with family and friends. It all depends, though, completely on God’s provision, HIs timing, His mercy, protection and grace. My job is to live with joy, love and gratitude.

Here are some wonderful verses to encourage each of us as we face the challenges, the uncertainties, and yes, the blessings of 2019.

Zephaniah 3:17 — “The LORD your God in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”

Matthew 6:26 — “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”

Philippians 4:6-7 — “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”😆

HAPPY NEW YEAR, Everyone. God has a plan for each of us. Let’s enjoy finding out what that plan is for 2019.

Merry Christmas Eve, Everyone!

12/24/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

It’s Christmas Eve. If you haven’t already had all of your holiday parties and family gatherings, then likely today and tomorrow will be packed with food, gifts, excited children, tons of discarded wrapping paper and the inevitable dilemma of storing all the leftovers. Maybe, too, you will take time to attend a Christmas Eve service at your church or read Luke 2 and remember how all of this began, what it meant then and what it continues to mean today.

Before we start to take our own Christmas trees down this year and pack things away until next November, I just wanted to share a few more Christmas trees that we spotted in New York. Maybe you can start hinting to whoever controls the budget at your house that you’d like to see them for yourself in 2019.

A very Merry Christmas to all of you from Steve and me.

Elaborate tree in a store window on 5th Avenue.

A tree comprised of beautiful Louis Vuitton accessories for the fashionable woman.

A tree in the entrance at the Brooklyn Tabernacle, greeting worshippers coming in for Sunday services and the yearly Christmas programs.

A tree beside a Menorah, when Hanukkah and Christmas intersect. These two symbols were in the Food Hall at The Plaza.

Tiny trees and other symbols of Christmas incorporated into the sweets served at Afternoon Tea at The Plaza.

35-foot tree made of Swarovski crystals in the lobby of Radio City Music Hall.

An unintentional self-portrait while photographing scenes in Rockefeller Center. Can you spy my Silver Fox waiting patiently for me to move along? 🙂

What to Do “When Hate is Strong”

12/21/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

You know the Christmas carol.

I heard the bells on Christmas day. Their old familiar carols play. And wild and sweet the words repeat of peace on earth, good will to men.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the 3rd verse of that carol recently.

And in despair I bowed my head: “There is no peace on earth,” I said,“For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men.”

Hate is a word I very deliberately try to keep out of my vocabulary. Yes, I embrace hatred for sin and all of the things that the Bible tells us God hates, but in my heart, I choose not to hate anyone. I don’t even allow myself to say I hate certain foods, certain football teams or certain annoying medical procedures such as root canals. I definitely chastise any of the grandchildren who might mention hating something or someone. I think the word itself is toxic. It has the capacity to harm us deep down inside.

Yet, hate is everywhere in our world right now, and the results are devastating. As I mentioned in several posts recently, Steve and I were in New York at the beginning of December. This year Hanukkah fell on December 2-10, so we were in the city for the first two nights. Right outside our hotel “The World’s Largest Menorah” was erected, and each night one of the lights was ceremoniously lit. I suspect that in years past there have been great throngs of Jewish people who gathered for the occasion. Yet, this year, the crowd seemed small. No doubt there was some fear and apprehension about gathering in such a place and then becoming a target for anti-semitic extremists, such as the deranged man who entered a synogogue in Philadelphia and gunned down 11 innocent people while they were having a prayer service in late October. News reports described it as a “terrible and unspeakable act of hate.”

World’s Largest Menorah outside The Plaza Hotel in NYC

At the 9-11 Memorial, we saw the place where one of the most horrendous attacks, fueled by hatred for America, took place. Thousands of lives were snuffed out and thousands more have suffered the consequences.

9-11 reflecting pool with the names of victims inscribed

On the news night after night, we see our own governmental leaders spewing hate and venom toward each other and watch the sectarian violence occurring constantly in countries around the world.

My friends, this is NOT what God wants for His people.

In John 13:35, Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you LOVE one another.“

What about it? What would it be like if this Christmas season we purposely put on love? How would it feel to choose to love that relative or neighbor or acquaintance or even a fellow church member with whom we disagree? How would it look to love store owners, restaurant servers or other shoppers waiting in line with us? Is it possible that we would be recognized as disciples of Christ if we “wore” love in these days?

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.” . . . . AND LOVE.

Afternoon Tea at The Plaza

12/17/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Before our recent trip to New York City, Steve asked me for suggestions as to what I’d like for my Christmas gift this year. I jokingly said, “Well, what about something from Tiffany’s?” But, in seriousness, I replied that I’d really like to have Afternoon Tea at The Plaza. In spite of the fact that such a frou-frou occasion sounded WAY out of his comfort zone, he agreed and let me make our reservations. The event matched my expectations and anticipation beautifully.

First of all, the setting at the Palm Court is exquisite. The ceiling, the architectural details, the ornately woven rugs, the plants, the music (light jazz a la Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole), the table linens, all of it has been welcoming dignitaries, movie stars, and common folks like us since 1907.

A closer look at the ceiling in the Palm Court.

Our server knew how to put out-of-town, fairly unschooled, formal afternoon tea people at ease. She helped Steve choose a wonderful green tea, and my black tea had a light, but complex flavor. I noticed hints of cinnamon, vanilla, ginger and apples. I liked it with a cube or two of sugar, and lo and behold, I discovered that I really like a touch of milk in my tea. Who knew?

I chose a black tea with hints of apple, cinnamon, vanilla and ginger. Oh my.

Although guests are booked solid every afternoon from noon until 5:00 p.m., especially during the holidays, we felt completely unhurried. Eventually, our tiered tray of sweets, savories and scones arrived and looked amazing. After a morning of browsing holiday markets and walking through Central Park, we were ready to enjoy these special treats.

After the first cup of tea, it was time to get started on all of the treats.

The middle tray of sandwiches and savories included a smoked salmon and pumpernickel napoleon, deviled egg salad on white bread, roasted turkey on wheat bread, English cucumber on rye bread, Parisian ham and gruyere cheese on a pretzel ficelle and roasted prime rib on a brioche roll. So much variety, definitely something there for even the finickiest eaters.

Salmon, cucumber, turkey, ham, egg salad and prime rib sandwiches.

I’ve never thought of scones as being extra special, but that’s probably because I haven’t had them with double devonshire cream, lemon curd or fresh preserves. Lemon curd was my favorite. That touch made the scones positively decadent.

Preserves, devonshire cream, and lemon curds for the scones.

The pastries and sweets were tiny (but not too tiny) bites of artfully-presented and intricately-delicious perfection. Listen to these descriptions: chocolate hazelnut nutella turron, chocolate and cherry buche de noel, eggnog tart with cranberry preserve and candied orange, raspberry tart, maple cheesecake with candied pecans, mandarin orange chocolate eclair and green apple and cinnamon macaron. And, yes, I had to look up several of those words. Turron is not in my everyday vocabulary. 🙂

Intricately-prepared pastries and sweets, all with a holiday touch.

I was completely surprised when the server appeared with a chocolate replica of The Plaza for each of us as parting gifts. (And, they both made it home unscathed in my carry-on bag). I can’t imagine actually breaking these apart and eating them, but I’ll enjoy showing them to the grandkids. 🙂

A chocolate replica of The Plaza with my last cup of tea. I can’t believe I didn’t stick out my pinky finger for the sake of this photo.

Apparently, very few people are able to eat everything on those trays in one sitting. Happily, the servers are gracious to offer to box up the leftovers, so Steve and I enjoyed them later than night after more sightseeing.

So, thank you, Silver Fox, for giving me this unforgettable afternoon. I loved making this memory with you.

When Church is THAT Good

12/14/2018 By: CCPearson2 Comments

Psalm 122:1 — “I was GLAD when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the House of the Lord.”

What kind of church would be so attractive that a visitor would be willing to take a 30-minute subway ride from Manhattan to Brooklyn, walk several blocks in the cold and rain and stand in a line wrapping around two city blocks a full 30 minutes before the service even begins? Did I mention the cold and rain? And, within another 10 minutes, the line snaked behind me for another block.

Last week, Steve and I were in New York City over a Sunday. Of course, that meant that we would make our way to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. We were not alone. Services are held at 9:00, 11:00 and 1:00 every Sunday. We chose the 11:00 service. When the doors opened signalling the end of the 9:00 service, there was a huge surge of people coming out the doors. After a few minutes, we were allowed in by very competent and courteous ushers and greeters. From where I was sitting, it appeared that every seat (even those in the balcony) were filled in a very short time. The assembled group was more than 50% African American, Some were dressed “in their Sunday best,” while others were very casually dressed. Some were old. Some were young. Some were families. Some came by themselves. But I sensed that everyone had come for the purpose of worshipping Jesus Christ.

The very famous Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, consisting of about 120 voices, sings at all three morning services. Jim Cymbala is the pastor. He’s been there for over 25 years and has written more than 20 books. His wife Carol directs the choir that has produced numerous CDs and even won a Grammy. She, however, doesn’t direct the congregational singing.

With the first note of the pre-service music, everyone stood and sang at the top of their voices. The first song was “Hark, the Herald Angels Sing,” and it almost took the roof off. I’m telling you EVERY PERSON was singing, exuberantly!! The choir was swaying and clapping. That freed up the rest of us to do the same. We were “having CHURCH.” Wow. That was the only Christmas song during the service. The rest were moving praise songs with occasional hymns interwoven. The actual worship time started twenty minutes later. Believe me, we had been prepared to truly worship by that time. When time came for corporate prayer, everyone prayed out loud on their own. It was a heavenly sound and so reminded Steve and me of our time in South Korea back in the 90’s.

The choir sang a couple of anthems.

They took an offering.

The preacher preached about various people in the lineage of Jesus, particularly Rahab. She was a Gentile. We could all relate to that. The pastor said “God is no respecter of persons. He loves us equally. There is no black pride in heaven. Heaven’s worship will include every nation and tribe.” He said, “It’s sad that we can’t get along. Nobody is special, and EVERYBODY is special.” (It was very interesting to hear those words spoken by a white man in that setting,, but it was received completely. Lots of “Amens.”) Rahab was a woman. Half of us could relate to that. She was a prostitute. Pastor Cymbala reminded us that “When Jesus comes, He has the power to lift you up. He doesn’t throw people away. Remember, when everyone else ran away, Jesus TOUCHED the lepers.” It was a powerful message.

Many stood when he asked if there were those needing prayer. No one was embarrassed. They knew they had come to a place full of praying people.

When we filed out, there was another long line of people waiting to get in for the 1:00 service. I didn’t blame them. I was tempted to turn around and go back to hear it all again.

Why are people willing to make big efforts to get to that church? What draws them?

There were some aspects of the service that I hear complaints about often in our Bible Belt churches back in Alabama. It definitely lasted more than an hour. There was no organ. The music was loud, by most people’s definition. There was a praise team AND a choir. The choir did NOT have on robes. People clapped during and after the songs. A lot of “Amens” were said. People in the congregation had to sit practically shoulder to shoulder in the pews. Yet, it was powerful, and I sensed no complaints among my fellow worshippers that day.

Steve and I attended Brooklyn Tabernacle once before, back in the summer of 2000. What I felt then is the same thing I felt last week. The Holy Spirit was in that place. When I go, I get a tiny glimpse of how it will be when all of God’s people are gathered around His throne praising and worshipping HIm throughout eternity. All races. All genders. All focused on Him.

I urge you to make this a part of your New York Must-Do List. It will change you. It will move you. It will impact your life.

P.S. You can watch the whole service if you’re interested. Go to the BrooklynTabernacle.org website, click on media, then webcast and look for the one dated December 9. It was actually recorded on December 2. It will be an insightful way to spend an hour and a half.

Christmas Experiences in New York City

12/10/2018 By: CCPearson4 Comments

It has been on my Bucket List for several years to “do New York City at Christmastime.” This was not a foodie trip, although we found some great food. This was not a shopping trip — but time for browsing holiday markets and window shopping did happen. This trip was a collection of experiences.

We flew in on a Friday and flew back home the following Tuesday. We lucked out on great weather. It was cold but not freezing, and it rained only on one day. During our 3 1/2 days in the Big Apple, we managed to fit in these activities:

We strolled through Times Square and Rockefeller Center, including the new F.A.O. Schwartz Toy Store, the big tree, and the astounding music/light display at Sak’s 5th Avenue.
We took in a Broadway play. For this visit, we saw “My Fair Lady,” one of my all-time favorites. I know every song and most of the dialogue. For this one, we took the subway to Lincoln Center and saw it in the Vivian Beaumont Theater. It was done superbly — every note, every set change, all the costumes fabulous.
We visited the new World Trade Center and the 9-11 Memorial. Sobering. Such a testament to the resilience of the citizens of NY to rise from those ashes.
We attended a service at the Brooklyn Tabernacle. (More about that in next Friday’s post).
We browsed the holiday markets at Grand Central Station and at Columbus Circle.
We gazed at the elaborate window displays along 5th Avenue.
We had Afternoon Tea at The Plaza — so delicious and elegant. This was my Christmas gift from Steve. I LOVED it!
We saw the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall featuring the Rockettes. We had seen the Rockettes in Nashville in years past, but I’m so glad we saw them in their home setting. The lighting, staging and special effects were SO MUCH BETTER in NYC.
We survived several taxi rides with Middle Eastern taxi drivers. 🙂 Actually, they were very friendly and did a good job of navigating the traffic.
We figured out which way was Downtown and which was Uptown — very important when using the subway system.
We tried real Manhattan Clam Chowder — and liked it a lot.
We averaged over 10,000 steps a day.
We were there for the first two nights of Hanukkah and saw the World’s Largest Menorah.
We stayed at the Marriott Marquis in the heart of Times Square for 2 nights and then enjoyed our biggest splurge by staying at The Plaza for the last 2 nights. Trust me. The Plaza deserves a blog post all its own. It was everything I had hoped and more.

Now, for a few photos that might tempt you to start planning your Christmas visit to NYC.

Radio City Music Hall, home of the Rockettes

Iconic keyboard in FAO Schwartz looking out onto the Rockefeller Center tree

Palm Court inside The Plaza, site of Afternoon Tea

Christmas tree in the lobby of The Plaza

New Tree. Old Ornaments.

12/07/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

When Christmas of 2007 rolled around, Steve and I had recently moved into a new house in Decatur after returning from living four years in Ecuador. We pretty much started over, since we had sold most of our “worldly goods” before we moved away. A new Christmas tree was necessary, and I found a picture of a beautifully-decorated tree in Southern Living that I decided to try to imitate. It was filled only with large gold and red balls and crystal icicles. A trip to Old-Time Pottery and an online order to The Christmas Place in Pigeon Forge for the icicles and a tree picked out on BalsamHill.com, and I was in business.

The tree was indeed “picture perfect,” but truthfully, it lacked heart. Where was the nostalgia? Where were the ornaments that evoked smiles or outright laughter? Where was the feeling of tradition?

Before we moved to South America, we divided many of our Christmas ornaments among the kids to have on their own trees, but it turned out a box or two was still packed away and kept in my daddy’s attic. I’m glad.

This year, once again, we are in a new house, and after eleven years of use, it was time to get a new tree. But this time, the collection of ornaments evoke memories, and I think it might be my favorite tree so far. I loved watching the grandchildren on Thanksgiving Day as they explored all of the fun treasures they saw hanging, and I enjoyed pointing out various ones and the memories/trips/givers they represent. Hopefully, the ornaments that now grace the tree(s) in my house will one day show up on the Christmas trees of our grandchildren who will smile and be reminded of happy times.

Reminder of a trip to Yellowstone National Park years ago.

A reminder of the mission project we did in South Korea in 1992.

Ahhhh, the lighthouses in Maine. What a great trip!

A treasure. My mother combined my love for music and sparkly things in this ornament she gave me years ago.

Great friends had this ornament waiting as a gift in 2004. The bigger gift was the fact that they gave us their house to use as a gathering place for our family when we came home from Ecuador for a Christmas visit that year. So, so special.

My brother gave me this one. It is a poignant reminder of an incident that happened the day our mother died.

Naturally, Dr. Steve received a nice assortment of animal-themed ornaments during his 40+ years of practicing veterinary medicine.

As an elementary music teacher, I received many music-themed ornaments over the years. Each was a fun reminder of students and great times we had together.

Steve had a great floatplane fishing trip in Alaska a couple of years ago.

First Baptist Church, Athens, AL given by my friend Dianne. This is where my parents were married in 1949 and where I was baptized at the age of 8.

We got this one as we were anticipating the arrival of our granddaughter, adopted from Ethiopia.

Some teacher along the way helped Julie make this ornament for us. Now her 8 children get to enjoy it with us.

Laura gave me this one as a reminder of a special high tea we shared at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia during a visit when she lived in Seattle.

From a similar perspective, God wants US to remember the good things He has done for us, the ways He has protected us through the years, and the words He gave us so we’d know how to be saved and how to live lives that are pleasing to Him.

Isaiah 46:9 – “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me”

Deuteronomy 6:12 – “Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

1 Corinthians 11:2 – “Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you.”

Psalm 77:11 – “I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.”

What memories and traditions are represented on your tree or in your home this season? I pray this will be a happy time for you and your family.

Tupelo Honey Cafe: Great Food in Franklin, Tennessee

12/03/2018 By: CCPearsoncomment

Perhaps you’re planning a Christmas shopping spree at Cool Springs Galleria in Franklin, Tennessee, in the coming weeks. Or, maybe you’ll want to go there for after-Christmas sales. Whatever the case, my guess is that at some point, you’ll get hungry. I checked out a place recently that I think is worth the short drive across I-65 from the Galleria. I promise, it’s not far. Put it in your GPS — 2000 Meridian Boulevard Suite 110 in Franklin.

Tupelo Honey is not just a song written by Van Morrison. It is also the name for a delicious number of restaurants now appearing across the Southeast, originating from a tiny location in Asheville, North Carolina. Now, there are 4 in North Carolina, 2 in South Carolina, 1 in Georgia, 2 in Virginia, 4 in Tennessee, and the most recent ones have opened in Denver and in Frisco, Texas. I want to be one of the first in line when a Tupelo Honey Cafe comes to Alabama. Tupelo Honey is not exactly a chain or a franchise, since they are all owned by the same man, Stephen Frabitore, who bought the original Tupelo Honey Cafe in Asheville in 2008.

Tupelo Honey Cafe does a fabulous job of serving brunch. They open Monday through Friday at 11:00 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. But, you can also visit for lunch or dinner, and they are happy to take reservations. When you visit the website here, take note of the recipes included. I’m planning to try the walnut-stuffed apples for supper tonight, and the garlic-mashed cauliflower will be on a future menu.

Steve and I were seated promptly and had a fabulous server. The hot biscuits, blueberry jam and honey appearing at our table right away got things off to a great start.

I can rarely resist Fried Green Tomatoes, so we shared their version for an appetizer. These came with goat cheese grits, a roasted red pepper coulis and sprigs of fresh basil. Two thumbs up.

Steve ordered one of the breakfast combos where you can choose three items for only $10. He selected scrambled eggs, sweet potato pancakes and goat cheese grits. Pieces of baked sweet potato were visible in the pancakes (in other words, they were not “artifically flavored”), and we both agree that the grits were exceptional.

I chose the Pecan Pie French Toast with whipped cream and fresh blueberries. Totally decadent and delicious.

We particularly enjoyed the local art on the walls, which is a characteristic of all the Tupelo Honey Cafe locations. A favorite was this one of the Tennessee flag designed from remnants of the old Grand Ole Opry Building that was flooded along with almost everything in downtown Nashville in May of 2010.

I hope I’ve helped to put Tupelo Honey Cafe on your radar. I certainly plan to go back again ASAP.

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