It is unclear if I was searching for God or if I had a new-found determination to know Him. Somewhere about 1960-something, I walked the aisle at the Woodstock Park Baptist Church, which at that time was located on St. Clair Street in Jacksonville, Fl. Interesting to note that the church moved in 1997 from St. Clair to Crystal Springs road on a 10 acre plot exactly next to our home. We had moved from the Woodstock Park area about 1960.
The church pastor who welcomed me into the fellowship was Harold Cushing and it was then that I had an experience of new life in Christ. The expression of the Christian faith is often said in this way; “I accepted Jesus in my heart” and I did.
From that time, I had convictions that I had never known and the realisation that there was indeed an eternity and that I would one day see Jesus face to face. Yes, I believe that even today. No, I have not lived the perfect life but yes, I live forgiven daily as I depend on His Holy Spirit for strength, power and understanding.
Geneva Vaughan, missions
For many years, we remained at Woodstock Park Baptist Church and both of my parents served faithfully. My Father was a deacon and my Mother worked in various positions at the church and as listed in the 1964 Church Directory, she was on the missions committee.
Woodstock on St. Clair
When my parents bought the 10 acre plot on the Westside of Jacksonville about 8 miles from Woodstock Park Baptist we continued to attend the church until we joined Macedonia Baptist on Fouraker Road to get involved in the neighborhood church. It seems I was about 10 years old.
It was so interesting in 1997 when Woodstock Park Baptist Church moved right next to our home on Crystal Springs Road. They purchased the land and built a big, beautiful, white church with office buildings and all. Our family never returned to join the church, although my niece was pianist there for a bit. In my Father’s older age, he visited a few times by simply walking across his property line to the churches transom. Full circle.
In 2019, Woodstock Park Baptist ended up in the hands of Hillcrest Baptist Church and there was a name change. It will alway be Woodstock Park Baptist to me though.
In my adult life, I attended Westside Baptist Church and then joined the First Baptist Church, the fellowship of my grandparents, Clifford and Lula Long. Again, full circle.
My life would have been very different without Christ. I’m thankful for the change. I’ll never be the same.
In 2022, our family was deep, (no pun indended) into having my Father and Mother’s property cleared and prepared to host a wedding for Kristie, our youngest daughter. To do this, huge trees were removed and pushed to the back of the property where the massive roots were put on a fire in hopes to clear the land without the expense of removal. The weight and massive size of the trees would have cost a great deal to haul away so we tried burning to save. The biggest problem was the huge tree logs and roots were fresh wood and not easily burned. In addition, we went through a rainy season which kept the wood damp. When push finally came to shove, and our time was getting short before the wedding, we hired a young guy who had a new Kubota tractor. Boom! Done in a matter of minutes.
Ronnie, Kristie’s Dad videod the whole event and in the video showed this young forester, literally disappearing into the ground digging out a hole big enough to put 3 gigantic roots weighing thousands of pounds. The roots were almost as big as the equipment he was driving but he had no trouble digging out that dungeon and pulling in those massive pieces of wood, then covering them with a smooth surface.
He was on the property about 2 hours for which his payment would be $500. In that time, he spread a full truck load of number 57 rock, disappeared into the hole numerous times, leaving us with a walkway between the chapel and barn and a parking lot with a smooth surface of dirt for which to plant grass.
His disappearing act was exactly what was needed to prepare our grounds to host a perfect wedding and yes, we had that wedding.
Derrick and Kristie
See you tomorrow,
Category: Family, Transportation | Comments Off on The Day the Tractor Disappeared Under Ground
Every year, our family enters something into the Jacksonville Fair arts contest. It’s fun and free and you might even win a dollar or so. This year, I entered a cabinet door painted with chickens and won the $10 prize for “Best in Class”. How fun! Also entered was a drawing of the Jacksonville clock which received a blue ribbon. Yay.
As a “wanna-be” artist and being named “Nan”, I paint by the name of “Nan Gogh”. My cousin, Phyllis once teased me in that way and from then, Nan Gogh has been my assigned painting name.
Kathy, my sister has won multiple first place ribbons at the fair over the years and this year was no different, she received a first place for her drawing of Mollie, the family dog.
Ramey, my 9 year old grandson is now in his 2nd year of winnings with a first place this year for his photo of our family old Dr. wagon which was recently restored on our parent’s Homestead property.
The address- 510 Fairground Pl. Jacksonville, Fl 32203
Since 1955, Jacksonville has had an annual fair brining thousands of people to one location to ride rides, exhibit art, show off animals and win prizes of various kinds. It deems itself as a private 501(c)3 non profit corporation and highlights itself as being a “quality family fair”.
For years and years, the Jacksonville Fair was held on the grounds of the Gator Bowl, a well-known sports venue with one of the biggest rivalry games, the Florida-Georgia game. Sometimes, that game would fall about the same time as the fair and the two would collaborate the fun. Today, that field is called EverBank Field. According to the Greater Jacksonville Fair history story, in 1989 the Fair Association “broke ground” on its own property nearby the football stadium and a new fairground facility was born entertaining some 700,000 people.
The Jacksonville Fair is a huge event for the Jacksonville area bringing in millions of dollars to the area in the way of businesses, food vendors, game attendants, parking revenue and more. In 2002, the fair celebrated 65 years of fun and frolic. Yesterday was its last day for this year.
Our Sunday school lesson this week is on being “generous”. In looking up the definition, it said: “(of a person) showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.”
The scripture is that of the Rich Fool which is written in the book of Luke. It talks of the rich man giving heed to building more but not seeking the wisdom or time spent with God, the Creator.
He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man brought forth abundantly. He reasoned within himself, saying, ‘What will I do, because I don’t have room to store my crops?’ He said, ‘This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. I will tell my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.”‘ “But God said to him, ‘You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared—whose will they be?’ So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16-21
In studying the scripture, it made me want to think more of God and who He is in relation to all I own. I know that knowing and seeking Him rather than things will bring an eternal reward.
What about you? Let’s seek Him today while He can be found. I am seeking too….
See you tomorrow,
Source: Google Dictionary, The King James Bible, Art- Heinrich Hofmann-20th Century German painter
To honor members of the military, these restaurants are offering veterans free meals on or around Veterans Day, November 11.
7-Eleven — Veterans get a free Quarter-Pound Big Bite 100% all-beef hot dog on November 11. Available in-store and via delivery through the 7NOW app.
Another Broken Egg Cafe — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Patriot French Toast Combo & Coffee November 11. Available for dine-in only at participating cafes.
Applebee’s — Active-duty military, veterans, Reserves, and National Guard receive a free meal when dining in from a special menu on November 11. And when dining in on November 11, military guests will receive a $5 Bounce Back Card to redeem for dine-in, To Go, or delivery within a three-week redemption window.
Aroma Joe’s — All veterans get a free 24oz. drink on November 11.
Au Bon Pain — Active-duty military and veterans get a free breakfast sandwich and small drip coffee on November 11. Must present military ID and mention offer at time of purchase. Valid in café at participating locations.
Bagger Dave’s — Active, non-active, reservists and retired personnel get a free Great American Cheeseburger and fries on November 11. Dine-in only.
Beef ‘O’ Brady’s — Veterans eat free on November 11 at participating locations with the purchase of equal or greater value up to $12.
Biggby Coffee — Veterans and active-duty service members receive a free 16 oz beverage of choice on November 11.
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse — On November 11, current and former military members receive a free meal from a select menu. Dine-in only.
Black Angus Steakhouse — Current and past members of the military get a free meal on November 11 at all locations from 12pm to 3pm. This deal is not available to-go.
Bob Evans — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Dine-in only.
Bombshells Restaurant and Bar — All 12 locations in Texas will provide free entrees for veterans on November 11. Other items will be discounted 20%. In addition, families accompanying veterans as well as active service members and accompanying families will receive a 20% discount on entrees and other items on Veterans Day.
Calhoun’s — Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch from 10:45am to 4pm on November 11. Military ID required.
Caribou Coffee — Veterans, active military members and their spouses receive a free hot brewed coffee on November 11.
Carolina Ale House — Veterans and military members get a free rib platter with the purchase of a drink on November 11.
Casey’s General Stores — Service members past and present receive a free cup of coffee on November 11.
Cattlemens — Active, non-active, and retired military personal get a complimentary sirloin steak dinner in honor of Veterans Day. Sign up on their website on or before November 11 to receive your steak certificate. The offer will be emailed on November 12 and is valid November 12 through 22 during regular business hours for outdoor dining or dine-in. The offer is not valid on takeout orders and is valid at California locations only.
Charleys Philly Steaks — Veterans and active-duty military get free Gourmet Fries in-store with no purchase necessary on November 11. In addition, Charleys’ locations on military bases are offering free gourmet fries with the purchase of a cheesesteak and drink for all customers.
Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille — Veterans with a valid military ID get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.
Chicken Salad Chick — On November 11, veterans and active-duty military will receive a free meal at all locations.
Chili’s —Veterans and active-duty service members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11. Available for in-restaurant only.
Chuck E. Cheese — On November 11, active-duty military, National Guard and veterans get a free personal 1-topping pizza with valid military ID or proof of military service. Not available for delivery.
Cicis Pizza — Active and retired military personnel get a free adult buffet on November 11. The offer is valid for dine-in only and it does not include a drink.
Circle K — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free medium coffee all day November 11 at every location that serves coffee.
City Barbecue — Veterans and active-duty military get a free sandwich (excluding brisket), one side, and a drink on November 11.
Claim Jumper — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free meal from a special menu at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Colton’s Steak House & Grill — Veterans and active-duty service members get a free entrée on November 11 until 4 pm from a select menu. Available for dine-in only. Offer not available in Kentucky locations.
Cotton Patch Cafe — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Chicken Fried Steak or Chicken Fried Chicken Entrée with a valid military ID on November 11.
Country Kitchen — Active and retired military get a free Country Scramble on November 11 at participating locations. Dine-in only.
Cracker Barrel —Veterans get a complimentary slice of Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola Cake in-store or online on November 11.
Crooked Pint Ale House — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11 at participating locations.
Davanni’s Pizza and Hot Hoagies — On November 11, active-duty military and veterans get a Free Solo 1-item Pizza and Regular Pop. Show proof of service and mention when you order for dine-in, takeout, or curbside.
Denny’s — On November 11, Denny’s offers a complimentary Grand Slam to all active, non-active and retired military personnel. The offer is valid for dine-in only at participating locations from 5am to noon with a valid military ID or DD 214.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit — Veterans and active-duty military get a Free Pulled Pork Sandwich on November 11. Valid in-store, and online/app for carryout.
Duffy’s Sports Grill — Veterans get a free meal on November 11 from 11am to 4pm. Dine-in only.
Dunkin’ Donuts — Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut of their choice on November 11 at participating locations. Offer available in-store only. Not available for orders placed using On-the-Go Mobile Ordering through the Dunkin’ Mobile App.
Einstein Bros. Bagels — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) with a purchase in-store on November 11.
El Chico — Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée on November 11 at participating locations. Limit $20. Proof of service required.
Emmet’s Social Table — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal up to $15 on November 11. Dine-in only.
Famous Dave’s — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Georgia Chopped Pork Sandwich and choice of side on November 11. When ordering online, use code ‘VETERAN’ to receive the discount. Must present valid proof of service at pickup. Not valid for Call-In Orders or Delivery.
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill — Dine with a veteran or active-duty service member on November 11 at participating locations and their meal is free. Dine-in only.
Food City — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from the Deli Hot Bar on November 11.
Fox & Hound — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal on November 11.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers — Veterans and active military personnel who visit on November 11 will receive a free Freddy’s Original Double with Cheese combo meal card that can be redeemed through November 30.
Gold Star Chili — Veterans and active-duty military receive a free regular 3-Way and regular drink on November 11. This offer is valid for dine-in, carry out or drive-thru.
Golden Corral — Golden Corral is hosting their Military Appreciation Night on November 14 from 5pm to close. This includes a free “thank you” meal when dining in.
Grady’s BBQ — Veterans and active-duty military get a free one meat sandwich on November 11.
Green Mill Restaurant and Bar — Veterans and active-duty military get a free menu item at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Greene Turtle — Veterans get a free meal up to $13 value on November 11 with valid ID. Dine-in only.
GuacAmigos — Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a special menu on November 11.
Hamburger Stand — Veterans and active-duty military get a free hamburger, regular fries and a small Pepsi on November 11 at participating locations.
Hard Rock Cafe — Veterans receive a free Legendary Burger all day long on November 11. Dine-in only.
Hawaiian Bros — Veterans and active-duty military, plus their friends and family, get a free plate lunch from 11am to 11pm on November 11.
Hopdoddy Burger Bar — Veterans and active-duty military get a free classic burger on November 11. Available for dine-in only.
Huddle House — Active-duty military members and veterans get a free MVP Breakfast Platter on November 11.
Hy-Vee — Veterans, military members and their families get a free fresh breakfast on November 11 between 6 and 10am. Plus, veterans and military members receive 15% off grocery purchases on November 11. Shop in-store or Hy-Vee Aisles Online and use promo code HOMEFRONT15 at checkout.
IHOP — Veterans and active-duty military get free Red, White & Blueberry Pancakes at participating locations on November 11. Dine-in only.
Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant — Veterans and active-duty service members receive a complimentary burger or sandwich along with a non-alcoholic beverage on November 11.
J. Christopher’s — On November 11, veterans get a free meal at participating locations with valid proof of service. Dine-in only.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice — All former and active military personnel receive a free small treat on November 11.
Kings Family Restaurant — Veterans and active-duty military members get a free meal from a select menu on November 11.
Kolache Factory — Veterans and active-duty military get a free kolache and a cup of coffee on November 11 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Krispy Kreme — Veterans get a free coffee and doughnut on November 11 at participating locations.
Kwik Fill — Veterans receive a free coffee on November 11.
Lab Bakery & Coffee Bar — Active-duty service members and veterans get a free cup of coffee and a slice of vanilla pound cake on November 11 with a valid ID.
LaMar’s Donuts — Veterans and active-duty military get a free donut and 12 oz. coffee at participating locations on November 11.
Lion’s Choice — Active-duty and retired military members get a free original roast beef sandwich on November 11. While there, veterans can also take advantage of the standing 20% discount offered daily for veterans and active-duty military.
Little Caesars — Veterans and active-duty military get a free Lunch Combo at participating stores on November 11, from 11am to 2pm. In-store only.
Logan’s Roadhouse — Veterans and active-duty military personnel can enjoy a free meal between 3 and 6 p.m. from a special menu at participating locations on November 11.
There are more… Check out the Military . com site for the list.
Thankfully, the weather was beautiful before, during and after the November 5, wedding. It was so grand that everyone sat out in the open air at the tables and rocked and rolled with the band until about 10:00 pm.
Fast forward only a few days and we’ve now removed the 20 x 40 tent, secured anything that might blow away or fall and stacked the chairs. (Although, I think I’ve stacked them too high and strong winds might take them down. We shall see?)
A now designated hurricane named “Nicole” is on the way up the middle of Florida and expected to skirt the west side of Jacksonville. I’ll keep you posted as to what happened to the chairs.
Derrick wanted to make the proposal special so he called Katie the sister of Kristie to see what could be done to make that happen. He chose to allow the family to be a part of this momentous occasion and we all were thrilled. Love was in the air and through a turn of events, it was scheduled that we would all get aboard a horse and buggy in St. Augustine and Derrick would do the honors, even getting on one knee.(Not pictured here but he did).
We all were a part of it in the Nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine in December of 2021 and afterwords ate at a luxurious restaurant to seal the deal. Great fun was had by all.
They were married last week in November at the family Homestead in Jacksonville, Kristie’s hometown. It was wonderful. They will live happily ever after.
After the wedding was over, we had a team of people willing to help. Chairs had to be stacked, food had to be covered and refrigerated, trash had to be gathered and all of the small details had to be put in place in order to leave the venue.
One of the last things to come down was the flower display which had been place over white painted antique doors. Now what to do with them. They still are resting over wooden benches in the chapel. We don’t know how to store or even wrap for possible future use.
Kristie wanted a barn wedding. We had an old barn on my Father and Mother’s property but it was small, old and rickety. We decided to start fresh and so we did. We began in January of 2022 and set out the clear the land, demolish the barn and build a new one. We also determined that we would take the current camper barn and add onto it creating a chapel and we did.
The wedding began at 5:30 p.m. and by 6:30 p.m. everyone was rocking and rolling with the band. Great fun was had by all.
