Monday, March 7, 2016

CORNY THE ACORN


Meet Corny.

The Acorn of Safe Travels and Good Times.

Let me tell you about him.

As most of you know, once a month I venture *off the mountain* to visit my family.

And a couple of months ago, before one of these trips, as I was walking out the front door and heading to the car, I decided to take a little bit of *home* along with me.

Years ago, one of my grandmothers told me that when you leave a place, and accidentally leave something behind, it just meant that you'd come back.

I think about that when I realize that I've left a pair of shoes, or a jacket, or a book, or something behind at my mom's after visiting her.

It just means that I'll be coming back…

(Which is much nicer than admitting to yet another "senior moment"!!)


So, I figured if leaving something behind has meaning, then taking something with you could have meaning, too!

That's why I decided to take a piece of my home with me, to always remind me of where my heart lies.

So on this particular day I was looking for something to take along with me.

And there was Corny lying on the ground.

He had a perfect little black hole in his shell, which I thought looked like the perfect little nose.  I added a couple of eyes and a cute little smile, and voila – Corny was born!


Now there's also another reason I thought about doing this.

Years ago, after graduating from college, my son and his roommate decided to take a huge road trip.  Their plan?  To visit all 48 contiguous states in one month!  (Just skipping Hawaii and Alaska!)

Can you even imagine this mother's concern?!

Well, they did it!

After driving over 14,000 miles, and accomplishing their goal of visiting all 48 states, they finally arrived home…in one piece.  (Thank You, Lord!!!)

Now it just so happened that in the first few days of the trip they got donuts.

And one donut that didn't get eaten ended up on top of the dashboard, snuggled up against the inside of the windshield.

The boys nicknamed it "The Traveling Donut of Freedom!"

Well, after all those miles, that donut ended up becoming hard as a rock.

Mummified.

And what did my son do about that? 

Throw it away?  

Oh no…

He bought a plastic display case made for hockey pucks, inserted the donut, got an engraved plaque made for it, and proudly points to his memento of an iconic and memorable road trip!

Truth be told, I kinda thought it was a great idea!

Let me tell you, that road trip was 12 years ago, and the Traveling Donut of Freedom is still in there, in the same shape, as it's always been – still serving as a great reminder of a great time!

(People joke about Twinkies being so durable they can survive a nuclear blast.  I don't know about that, but I think the TD of F could give them a run for their money!!)

Now Corny isn't mummified, and he probably won't be traveling 14,000 miles in one month – but he is up for being my companion as I journey back-and-forth, up-and-down the mountain.


And he reminds me of some important things.


First of all, he reminds me to pray.

For safe travels.

Yes, that's what I pray about.

That God will get me to my destination safely, in one piece.

Some people think that God assigns one guardian angel to every believer.

I don't know if He does or not.

But we do have certain promises in God's Word.


We are promised that nothing happens outside of God’s control.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, NIV)


And yes, if we know Christ, we are told that His angels continually watch over us.

"For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways." (Psalm 91:11, ESV)


The Bible also teaches that the angels work for our good.

"Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14, ESV)


And though I do not pray to the angels, I do indeed pray to the God of Heaven's Armies.

I pray for concentration on the road, for good judgment and quick reflexes if needed.  I pray for my aged car to rumble down the road without problems.  I pray for the other drivers surrounding me.

I pray for Him to protect me.

What ultimately happens is His will, but I still pray!


Second, Corny reminds me to pray for my family.

To pray about what's happening in their lives.  To pray for their struggles and challenges.  To pray for their relationships, their work, their health, and for their faith.

I pray for God to bless them, and keep them, and guide them.  

And I pray that I will bring happiness, not turmoil, to their lives when I come down to visit.

I pray for good times.

"…If now I have found favor in Your sight, O Lord, I pray, let the Lord go along in our midst…" (Exodus 34:9, NASB)


Finally, Corny reminds me of home.

Of the joys of returning to a place of comfort and security.  

And that reminds me of my true home, of where my heart is…

And to the remembrance that in many ways, this life is but my journey to that everlasting destination. 

I don't ever want to forget that.

All the problems of this world, and the troubling circumstances in my life – the sufferings and hardships, the losses and sorrows – all of this is only temporary.

Fleeting, transitory, momentary, short-lived.

A shadow that will surely fade in the glory of eternity!

"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long.  Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!" 
(2 Corinthians 4:17, NLT) 


So, friends, there you have it.

Corny, the Acorn of Safe Travels and Good Times.

My little traveling buddy.

A cute (and corny???) reminder...


To pray for safety when I am traveling.

To pray for family, and to look forward to the joys of spending time with them.

To always be grateful for my eternal home.


On the road again…



Who or what is your traveling companion – and what do you pray for?





Then you will go on your way
in safety...
For the Lord will be
at your side.










"Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you affectionately and cares about you watchfully." (1 Peter 5:7, AMPC)

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.  Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.  His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, NLT)

"For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him." (Psalm 34:11, NLT)
"You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me." 
(Psalm 139:5, ESV)

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18, NASB)


"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance – an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.  And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.  
So be truly glad.  There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you have to endure many trials for a little while.  These trials will show that your faith is genuine.  It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold – though your faith is far more precious than mere gold.  So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." (1 Peter 1:3-7, NLT)


"'I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.'" (John 10:28, ESV)

"'And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them up at the last day.'" (John 6:39, NLT)

"The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever." (Psalm 121:8, NLT)



Linked with:

INSPIRE ME MONDAY, SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, LIVING PROVERBS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TITUS 2SDAYS, TUESDAY'S RUBIES, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WORSHIPFUL LIVING, TELL HIS STORY, WISE WOMAN, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOTLIVE FREE THURSDAY, NO RULES WEEKEND PARTY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

45 comments:

  1. So cute with Corny :) I like your traveling companion and I like what he stands for as you do your journey and as you pray along it :) LOL with the traveling donut! So neat that it has lasted over time! I'm sure when your son look sat it, he does remember the great times and adventures of that trip!

    betty

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  2. Fun post that drives a point home. I love the donut. I get it, I am a mother of five boys! We too pray. Thanks for the reminder. I do love the saying of your grandmother, that is precious!

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  3. That do-nut story is one of the best stories ever, including the 49 states in one month. Have mercy!

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  4. Hi Sharon! I love visuals. They help me so much, and that's what Corny is to you! A reminder for you of home, safety. We all need that!
    The donut story is amazing too. It's still in one piece? What a cautionary tale for me. Yikes. I've had my share of donuts in my time, believe me.
    "Don't worry about anything". Such beautiful advice.
    may you and Corny have many adventures together, and may you always return in safety!!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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  5. I love Corny, Sharon! And anything that prompts us to pray is a good thing, indeed. Maybe I'll start taking my stuffed "Racer" squirrel on the road with me to remind me to say those prayers.
    And the story of the donut? Priceless! :)
    Blessings!

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  6. I'm right there with Dayle! My question is how in the world did you get him to stay in your steering wheel?

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  7. Oh Sharon ... how cute ... or better said "how corny"?!!!

    I was here very early in the day on my SMART tv device and despise trying to comment via that keyboard & remote so I waited until I was online on a real computer keyboard so I could type more that something short & sweet. Guess I needed something light sided after all the significant people that died this past weekend: Joey (on my blog) Martin Feek, Nancy Reagan, Gary Smalley. But this is fun yet practical and a good reminder to pray as you travel.

    Enjoyed your "grateful" page too - and your relationship with your sons and their promised one and the already committed one. Quite a few blessings to be happy about ... even "nothing". "Connection" was very special and I love our connection always have and always will. So from spider (ieu), to mansions or fix-it-up houses, to that sweet breakfast company and toddler in the park "learning" to walk and being encouraged to "Victory" (all very unique and specially written with love).

    Finally figured out Corny was on your steering wheel ... my traveling companion (besides my furry family that keep me alert) is Jesus and music. Actually Jesus is my Pilot (and I'm His co-pilot) and I place my Bible with an image of Jesus on the bible cover, in my passenger seat, especially when I am afraid or in need of wisdom & safety. I pray for many things while driving but safety like you is at the top of my list. This year, it will also include my ability to physically make this last long journey of such great distance (mostly alone with my critters & God) and good, cool, weather (but no hurricanes, tornadoes, or even thunderstorms) just smooth sailing and like you mechanical soundness of the vehicle transporting me. Certainly understanding you having Corny even to help you smile as you drive. Priceless sense of humor Sharon. Thanks!

    (((hugs))) Blessings and prayers,
    Peggy

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    1. Sharon, first---I LOVE Corny! Second, I got quite a hoot out of the Traveling Donut of Freedom! Third, I'm curious how long it took them. Lastly, I love how Corny reminds you to pray. What a wonderful reminder of home! Oh, actually there is one more thing--I always know before I hover over the thumbnails, which one is yours in a linkup. Must be the similar oddball humor! Blessings this week to you and Corny!

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  8. Where does one start? Love your story, the donut story and the idea of leaving and taking something....then there is the prayer angle. I pray for all that you mentioned too. God is able. And then I pray by category...friends, church, missions neighbors. What an opportunity! And I pray for you!

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  9. Oh, how sweet! I am so happy to meet "Corny"! What a dear, little traveling companion. :) God bless you and always keep you safe, dear friend. My prayers are often with you!

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  10. Corny is a great reminder to pray and keep focused on your trip. On my way to church, or store, I pray, then on the way home, I listen to a CD of a recent Christian conference. I can't attend these conferences, but the CD's are offered afterwards and I take advantage of it. I love the donut too. What an awesome reminder of a great trip. Thanks for sharing with us here at Tell me a True Story.

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  11. Enjoyed your story about Corny. Hope your having a blessed week.

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  12. I took a road trip last year all by myself from Indiana to Nebraska to see myself. I loved it and will never forget it!

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  13. Oh, my, I love Corny! And what a great reminder he is for you to pray. Thanks for sharing, Sharon!

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  14. Sharon, you've got me thinking about my guardian angel (who I am sure works overtime!). Do you think we get to meet our Warrior Angel when we get to heaven? -- I might need to do a post soon about the time I actually got to meet one. You reminded me about it today. Hugs :)

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  15. I love Corny. He's just adorable!
    This post made me think about Lucy on her camping trip collecting rocks ..while Desi wondered why the little camper couldn't make it up the steep hillside. (It was weighed down with rocks!)
    maybe she should've collected acorns instead.
    I try to pick up something collectible from each campsite we've visited...as long as its not a live critter, lol!
    Thanks for another post that makes me think! (Lord knows, I need the mental exercise).
    Blessings & love, ~Lisa

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  16. Sharon, I always love reading your posts. You make me smile and encourage. Thank you for linking up with Woman to Woman. God bless.

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  17. What a fun story. I have a stuffed owl that sits on the dashboard of my car. This owl was given to me by a dear friend's daughters when I moved over two years ago. It is my traveling companion and keeps me safe. Oh and the donut story...what a trip! Blessed to be your neighbor at Coffee for your Heart today.

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  18. I love the donut story! Corny is a great reminder to pray as well.

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  19. What a fun reminder, Sharon! I'm not on the road much, but I do have "prompts" around the house that remind me to pray for certain people, and to just pray period! I shouldn't need to be reminded, but I do :( I think now, whenever I see an acorn, I'll pray for you :) Have a wonder-filled week, my friend!

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  20. You always make me smile -- and think!

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  21. A traveling donut of freedome and an acorn ~ fun reminders. And the prayers? priceless and powerful. Enjoyed the visit today via #w2wwordfilledwednesday.

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  22. I never fail to be amused and entertained here, but I also never, ever leave here without being encouraged and reminded of God's wisdom. He speaks in and through you, sister. Sharing life's lessons with others in love is a fine calling. Glad you answered it.

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  23. Sharon - you always weave a grand story with just the right balance of humor and wisdom. Thank you for sharing today at #THoughtProvokingThursday where I a your neighbor. Thank you also for the great reminder to pray in our comings and goings and to always remember t carry a part of home with us.

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  24. Awww sweet story. :) Found you via the Shine Link Up!

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  25. I have to admit, I was cringing and laughing at the donut story. I have two teenage boys, one who is graduating this year, and I could see them doing something exactly like this. =) I love your idea of having something to remind you. It makes me think of stones of remembrance in the bible. When they would set up rocks to remember what God had done in certain places. We definitely need the reminding! Neighboring with you at I Choose Joy linkup!

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  26. First of all, I can't tell you how I love the donut and the corny stories! My kind of people!!
    The wisdom that came free with this post is even better! Thanks Sharon, as always!

    xo

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  27. What a great bunch of memories your son must have!!! And a great way to commemorate it! So fun!
    Blessings and smiles,
    Lori

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  28. Corny is cute! I love little tokens that remind us of bigger things.

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  29. Corny is adorable! Anything that reminds us to PRAY PRAY PRAY is helpful, too! Thanks for linking up with us at the #LMMLinkup.

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  30. What a fun story but with so much meaning on prayer. I say whatever reminds of the one thing that should come automatic for us. - to pray without ceasing. Thank you for sharing Corny with us today at my party.

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  31. What an amazing feat to travel all 49 states in one month! Corny reminds of the prayer rocks that were on trend some time back. I remember having some when I was I a teenager. The visual reminder to pray was great a tool.

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  32. I carry the Christian fish in my change purse. When I go to pay for stuff, it reminds me how fortunate I am. Be blessed.

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  33. He's a cute reminder! I liked your grandmothers sayings. Now I am really wondering about ever eating a donut again!

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  34. I love reminders, and I especially love when certain objects, places, or things serve as reminders to look at Him! It's a beautiful thing for sure. Loved your story and your application. Good stuff, Sharon! Thank you.

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  35. Your donut story is priceless! I think I need a corny too. Thanks for joining us for Thursday Favorite things blog hop.
    Cheers,
    Jennifer
    http://awellstyledlife.com

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  36. Corny is just adorable and now I'm thinking about all the trips we've been making to Pennsylvania to be with my dad. I need to think of a "friend" to take along. (I don't think a doughnut would last the trip. Ha!) We never leave the driveway without RB praying, whether we are going shopping, church or a long trip. This asking God to go with us is passed down from his father -- a minister for 60 years.

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  37. This is a great post and a great message! I wish I had done something like a road trip before having kids! Thanks for linking up with #BloggersSpotlight and please come back again!

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  38. Love this Sharon and really love the adventure in your son and his buddy. All those states in a month. Now that's wild and very cool. Great writing. Great message.

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  39. I love both these ideas of leaving something behind and taking something with you. I brought an acorn home with me from a prayer labyrinth I walked at a retreat a few weekends ago. After 22 years, I still have a dried baby rose on my dresser from my Kali's funeral. I can't believe it's not fallen apart over the years and through a couple of moves. But it's still with me as a reminder of God's grace and love and faithfulness! Thanks for this beautiful post, Sharon.

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  40. Hi Sharon! Thank you for sharing this post with my NO RULES Weekend Blog Party. I have chosen yours as one of my Monday Special Features! If you want to take a look here's the link: http://www.lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com/2016/03/monday-special-featuresres.html

    Have a great week :)
    Paula

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  41. I love this story! It sounds like your son is chip off the old block...so to speak...I can see you doing that very same thing. Corny is adorable. I don't know of any traveling companion (other than the Lord...you know, God is my co-pilot and all of that) but I do use my time in the car to pray for many things. Even on my short trip to work everyday which is only about 7 minutes. So if you pass by me in your car, you will no doubt see my lips moving...BUT...I do NOT close my eyes! The only thing about that is sometimes I start to cry and then I can't see! Love this precious story, my friend...and I love you! :)

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  42. This is the cutest thing! IT is also a GREAT idea, to take a piece of home with you wherever you go. I love that! We also pray for traveling grace when we leave our home.

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

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