The Sword of the Lord and Gideon

 Continuing our trip that I began telling you about in my last post...

 We visited the home of Samuel Witherspoon Doak who as the marker states built...

This beautiful old home, where his father Reverend Samuel Doak also lived for a time. The elder Samuel Doak was the author of the fiery sermon and prayer delivered at Sycamore Shoals where our southern Revolutionary forces met just prior to marching to King's Mountain, and the SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON indeed prevailed and signaled the near end of our servitude to the English crown. The sermon is quite short, just one paragraph and then the prayer. See below.

The split rail fence is every bit as gorgeous as the setting...

And I loved the animal gate...

 

The front room and entrance...

Dining area...

Secretary...

Sideboard...

Famous sermon and prayer by Reverend Samuel Doak:

My countrymen, you are about to set out on an expedition which is full of hardships and dangers, but one in which the Almighty will attend you. The Mother Country has her hand upon you, these American colonies, and takes that for which our fathers planted their homes in the wilderness - OUR LIBERTY. Taxation without representation and the quartering of soldiers in the homes of our people without their consent are evidence that the crown of England would take from its American Subjects the last vestige of Freedom. Your brethren across the mountains are crying like Macedonia unto your help. God forbid that you should refuse to hear and answer their call - but the call of your brethren is not all. The enemy is marching hither to destroy your homes. Brave men, you are not unacquainted with battle. Your hands have already been taught to war and your fingers to fight. You have wrested these beautiful valleys of the Holston and Watauga from the savage hand. Will you tarry now until the other enemy carries fire and sword to your very doors? No, it shall not be. Go forth then in the strength of your manhood to the aid of your brethren, the defense of your liberty and the protection of your homes. And may the God of Justice be with you and give you victory.

Let us pray. Almighty and gracious God! Thou hast been the refuge and strength of Thy people in all ages. In time of sorest need we have learned to come to Thee - our Rock and our Fortress. Thou knowest the dangers and snares that surround us on march and in battle. Thou knowest the dangers that constantly threaten the humble, but well beloved homes, which Thy servants have left behind them. Oh, in Thine infinite mercy, save us from the cruel hand of the savage, and of tyrant. Save the unprotected homes while fathers and husbands and sons are far away fighting for freedom and helping the oppressed. Thou, who promised to protect the sparrow in its flight, keep ceaseless watch, by day and by night, over our loved ones. The helpless women and little children, we commit to Thy care. Thou wilt not leave them or forsake them in times of loneliness and anxiety and terror. Oh, God of Battle, arise in Thy might. Avenge the slaughter of Thy people. Confound those who plot for our destruction. Crown this mighty effort with victory, and smite those who exalt themselves against liberty and justice and truth. Help us as good soldiers to wield the SWORD OF THE LORD AND GIDEON. AMEN.

What a sermon!

Until next time.... it's good to know where you're headed and see the path clearly.

Spring Road Trip

Happy spring greetings from the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains!

We recently took to the roads to see what we could see and visit the Mountain View Bulk Food Store in Chuckey, TN. The drive was pleasant weatherwise and we always enjoy the view of those green, green hills of Tennessee.

 The store shelves are lined with various and sundry items in an old-time atmosphere.

 Convenient mixes...

 Baked goods...

 Some bulk foods....I had in mind to find buckets of wheat, but I didn't see any so that was the only downside for me.

 Soap for the folks who love a real down to earth washup. ;)

 Love this display...

Closer look.....

To me the highlight of the day was this cool deli insidethe store. They make sandwiches, and by the time we got around to the counter we were ready for a big one. *chuckles* I ordered a double meat sandwich and they filled my order to a T.

NOT kiddin'. It was so good and filling.

Back at the home front - the grands spent several days with us recently and the oldest tried her hand at making a wallet using duct tape. (No, it's not your grannie's duct tape.)

It's wild and cute.

And makes a stylish accessory in the right hands.

Best of all, it's workin'.

I've actually picked up the crochet hook since last we visited. Wavy Rows Dishcloth

Until we meet again, keep your eyes on the prize and enjoy our fleeting spring!

Spring Break

*smiles* ...that's what I'm calling my absence from visiting here anyways, lol.  I've been busy with normal springtime chores, and I've done quite a lot of bird watching...here's a yellow-rumped warbler looking for bugs in one of the sugar maples.

She jumps around so fast it's a test of nerves to get a decent picture....

But I did! This is the best photo for showing how to know for sure you've sited her particular species. See the yellow patch where her tail feathers begin? (Click for a better look.)

The bluebirds are already nesting in a box along the pasture fenceline. They did visit the box outside my kitchen window but decided there was too much traffic in that spot, probably because one of the birdbaths is near it.

More bird news..there's a new rooster in the lot.

Our Barlett pear tree bloomed a full month early & has already set on fruit.

 We've lived here for nearly 19 years and for the first time ever we found morel mushrooms growing under some trees in the pasture. There's something new every year it seems.

I've nearly finished piecing my quilt top. The pattern is A Trip Around the World as Susan guessed in her comment last time. I've been working in the yard lately so not sure when I'll get around to finishing it... 

It's an early spring & we're taking full advantage of the warm days. Hope your spring is going well, too. See you soon... :)