Just a little glimpse of my Christmas with the fam... (embedded video)
I'm never eating again.... :)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Monday, December 24, 2007
Merry Christmas
(Rss readers..there's a video embedded - you'll have to go to the actual blog to see)
I couldn't have said it better myself, Linus.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
JW
I couldn't have said it better myself, Linus.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
JW
Friday, December 21, 2007
Christmas Top 10
I can't believe that Christmas is already almost here! The fun and the festivities have flown by in a flash...it's been so exhausting, but I love it! In Letterman fashion, I thought I would list my top 10 reasons I enjoyed the holiday season this year:
10. It IS possible to start listening to Christmas music after Halloween and not get sick of it.
9. Getting up at 3am to go shopping with my sisters and cousin the day after Thanksgiving is the MOST fun a girl can have while running on no sleep and caffeine.
8. Elf is just as funny the 7th time watching it in one month as the first time.
7. One can never eat too many Christmas cookies.
6. Picking out a real tree in the freezing cold with friends is always fun. (even if I do cut off tooooo much rope, Leah. haha)
5. It is actually possible to attend 14 Christmas parties in one month and still go to work occasionally. ;)
4. Classic Christmas movie night every Sunday = fun childhood reminiscing. (PS...you'll shoot your eye out!)
3. Staying up all hours of the night with my high school girls and eating cake an waffles for breakfast. Enough said.
2. Spending priceless time with family and friends always warms my heart.
1. Remembering the REAL reason we celebrate the season in the first place.
Merry Christmas friends!
10. It IS possible to start listening to Christmas music after Halloween and not get sick of it.
9. Getting up at 3am to go shopping with my sisters and cousin the day after Thanksgiving is the MOST fun a girl can have while running on no sleep and caffeine.
8. Elf is just as funny the 7th time watching it in one month as the first time.
7. One can never eat too many Christmas cookies.
6. Picking out a real tree in the freezing cold with friends is always fun. (even if I do cut off tooooo much rope, Leah. haha)
5. It is actually possible to attend 14 Christmas parties in one month and still go to work occasionally. ;)
4. Classic Christmas movie night every Sunday = fun childhood reminiscing. (PS...you'll shoot your eye out!)
3. Staying up all hours of the night with my high school girls and eating cake an waffles for breakfast. Enough said.
2. Spending priceless time with family and friends always warms my heart.
1. Remembering the REAL reason we celebrate the season in the first place.
Merry Christmas friends!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Price check on aisle 2...
Ok, so I apologize in advance for the content of this post...it's written for my girls who understand where i'm coming from. Gentlemen, if you tend to get a little queazy at the mention of certain "girlie issues," you can just stop reading this post right now - I wont be offended. Otherwise, read at your own risk...
This afternoon as I ran a few errands, I made a quick stop at my neighborhood Publix to pick up a few necessities. You know, those "necessities" that we women only have to purchase once a month. At age 27, one would think I would be over it by now, but for some reason I still find it incredibly awkward to purchase said items from someone of the male persuasion. Alas, to avoid such awkwardness I opted to head towards the U-Scan. I ring it up, I bag it up - it's the perfect solution. Well, almost...
As I proceed with scanning my purchases, I hastily avoid the awkward stares from the high school-age boy who is "supervising" the U-Scan lanes. And wouldn't you know it, but there is ONE item in my basket that just absolutely refuses to scan. Yep. Lovely.
As I see him head over to my register, I refuse to make eye contact...I furiously try to scan my purchase so I can just put it in the bag and move along, but nooo...he walks right up and takes it out of my hand! Now i'm utterly mortified. And now the guy at the U-Scan lane next to me has stopped what he is doing to look and see what it is that the cashier is trying to ring up for me. Even better.
Where's the guy in the Dr. Pepper commercial when you need him??
This afternoon as I ran a few errands, I made a quick stop at my neighborhood Publix to pick up a few necessities. You know, those "necessities" that we women only have to purchase once a month. At age 27, one would think I would be over it by now, but for some reason I still find it incredibly awkward to purchase said items from someone of the male persuasion. Alas, to avoid such awkwardness I opted to head towards the U-Scan. I ring it up, I bag it up - it's the perfect solution. Well, almost...
As I proceed with scanning my purchases, I hastily avoid the awkward stares from the high school-age boy who is "supervising" the U-Scan lanes. And wouldn't you know it, but there is ONE item in my basket that just absolutely refuses to scan. Yep. Lovely.
As I see him head over to my register, I refuse to make eye contact...I furiously try to scan my purchase so I can just put it in the bag and move along, but nooo...he walks right up and takes it out of my hand! Now i'm utterly mortified. And now the guy at the U-Scan lane next to me has stopped what he is doing to look and see what it is that the cashier is trying to ring up for me. Even better.
Where's the guy in the Dr. Pepper commercial when you need him??
Worth: Songs of Hope
Since 7|22 isn't meeting tomorrow night, what do you have planned? Nothing you say? Well you do now!!
Come join us at Andrews Upstairs tomorrow night at 7pm to hear great Christmas music for a worthy cause. The Romania mission trip team from Buckhead Church came together and made a CD of 10 original Christmas songs as a means of response for how God broke their hearts for the people of Romania. Here's a little exerpt from their invite:
"Our GlobalX team recently returned home completely wrecked from our experience there...not quite sure what God wanted us to do with what we saw, what we felt, and what we did. God has broken us for the loss of life in Romania, and so we respond. We respond by singing songs of life. Songs of children. Songs of praise. Songs of celebration. Songs of worth. Songs of hope.
And we want to invite you on journey with us into one of the most special moments of our time in Romania. It was the day we spent at Estera (Esther - for such a time is this)...a crisis pregnancy center founded by Rodica, the wife of the pastor we partner with in Romania. It was a day that we will never forget. We are changed forever. What we will share is an amazing story of God's story - the worth and value he places on every single life. Every Life."
The cost is $20 at the door, and it includes a free CD...with all proceeds directly benefitting the Estera Foundation in Timisoara, Romania. So come on out and join us for some holiday cheer and help those in need.
Click here for more info - Worth: Songs of Hope
Come join us at Andrews Upstairs tomorrow night at 7pm to hear great Christmas music for a worthy cause. The Romania mission trip team from Buckhead Church came together and made a CD of 10 original Christmas songs as a means of response for how God broke their hearts for the people of Romania. Here's a little exerpt from their invite:
"Our GlobalX team recently returned home completely wrecked from our experience there...not quite sure what God wanted us to do with what we saw, what we felt, and what we did. God has broken us for the loss of life in Romania, and so we respond. We respond by singing songs of life. Songs of children. Songs of praise. Songs of celebration. Songs of worth. Songs of hope.
And we want to invite you on journey with us into one of the most special moments of our time in Romania. It was the day we spent at Estera (Esther - for such a time is this)...a crisis pregnancy center founded by Rodica, the wife of the pastor we partner with in Romania. It was a day that we will never forget. We are changed forever. What we will share is an amazing story of God's story - the worth and value he places on every single life. Every Life."
The cost is $20 at the door, and it includes a free CD...with all proceeds directly benefitting the Estera Foundation in Timisoara, Romania. So come on out and join us for some holiday cheer and help those in need.
Click here for more info - Worth: Songs of Hope
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
More Than Enough
In an all too often "gimme-gimme" and "buy me-buy me" time of year where marketing geniuses emphasize that our Christmas is not complete without "the perfect gift" and "that special someone" to kiss under the mistletoe...it's easy to get caught up in the mindset that we are missing something. I'll admit that it does get a little daunting sometimes to RSVP for "party of one" to invite after invite for an entire month. And the shopping malls with their super sales make it hard for a shopaholic like me to resist.
But I constantly must remind myself that these "necessities" are of this world...and I am not. There is nothing I need that God will not provide, on His time and His terms. Although I can only see the small picture, I choose to trust in an all-knowing God who knows the WHOLE story, and who knows the desires of my heart. To quote John Piper, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisified in Him."
Lord, it is my prayer that no matter what this world tempts me with - I will always find my fulfillment in you alone.
All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
More than all I want, more than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know, more than all I can see
YOU are more than enough for ME.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
But I constantly must remind myself that these "necessities" are of this world...and I am not. There is nothing I need that God will not provide, on His time and His terms. Although I can only see the small picture, I choose to trust in an all-knowing God who knows the WHOLE story, and who knows the desires of my heart. To quote John Piper, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisified in Him."
Lord, it is my prayer that no matter what this world tempts me with - I will always find my fulfillment in you alone.
All of You is more than enough for all of me
For every thirst and every need
You satisfy me with Your love
And all I have in You is more than enough
More than all I want, more than all I need
You are more than enough for me
More than all I know, more than all I can see
YOU are more than enough for ME.
"Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."
Psalm 37:4
Monday, December 03, 2007
Monday morning distraction
So, I opened my inbox this morning and got a cool email from a friend that says "God is really big, just in case you forgot" with this picture attached....
Amazing.
Thanks for the reminder, Matt.
"Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured,and who set the cornerstone, while the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night."
Job 38:3-9 (MSG)
little me. BIG HIM.
Amazing.
Thanks for the reminder, Matt.
"Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you'll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? How was its foundation poured,and who set the cornerstone, while the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night."
Job 38:3-9 (MSG)
little me. BIG HIM.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Oh Christmas Tree....
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree.....i'm gonna stare at you every night!
Ok, so that's not exactly how the song goes, but if I happen to disappear sometime in the next few weeks, it's likely that you'll find me sitting in the dark in my living room with a warm cup of joe, Christmas music playing in the background, and this beauty gleaming before my eyes...
I'm not even being biased when I tell you this picture doesn't even do it justice! You're all welcome to stop on by for some warm coffee (or hot chocolate) perhaps a Christmas cookie or two, and of course some warm fuzzy time of gawking at our masterpiece.
Just another holiday favorite that makes me smile...
Ok, so that's not exactly how the song goes, but if I happen to disappear sometime in the next few weeks, it's likely that you'll find me sitting in the dark in my living room with a warm cup of joe, Christmas music playing in the background, and this beauty gleaming before my eyes...
I'm not even being biased when I tell you this picture doesn't even do it justice! You're all welcome to stop on by for some warm coffee (or hot chocolate) perhaps a Christmas cookie or two, and of course some warm fuzzy time of gawking at our masterpiece.Just another holiday favorite that makes me smile...
Monday, November 26, 2007
Family, Food, Freaks and Football...
What a wonderful Thanksgiving! So many fun memories - here's a quick recap of my weekend...
First, it started off with our usual massive family Thanksgiving lunch. In the words of Buddy the Elf, my family is kinda "ginormous"...so we all gather at the FBC of Smyrna for our traditional lunch. Homemade dishes as far as the eye can see, Turkey and desserts galore...we're all stuffed when we leave there, ready for an afternoon nap!
Then, it's on to my sister's house for our annual shopping extravaganza/slumber party! My sisters, my cousin Julie and I all spend Thanksgiving night together every year, watching Christmas movies, eating leftovers, and getting ready for our early morning shopping rush on "Black Friday" with all the other crazy shoppers! This year we hit the Mall of Georgia, and we were not disappointed. When we hit the parking lots at 4am (yes, I said 4AM)...you would have thought it was the middle of the afternoon...it was packed!! If you ever want to get in some GREAT people watching, head to any local mall the day after Thanksgiving. It's sure not to disappoint - and you might find a good deal here and there too...if you get there early enough!
After 12 hours of fighting crowds, being silly and burning a hole in our checkbooks, it was time to unload our SUV that was busting at the seams, and head home to collapse. I made it home just in time to drop my bags and pass out on the couch...needing to rest up for Saturday's big tailgate!
Saturday morning brought cooler temperatures and the anticipation of an afternoon full of exciting football! We all decked ourselves out in our respective team colors (GO DAWGS!) and headed downtown fo
r a little friendly rivalry fun. It was a great afternoon of hanging with friends and cheering my boys on to victory! And we even got to witness a Tech fan relieving himself off the side of the bridge onto the interstate....uh, yeah....gotta love those college kids.
And...to wrap up the weekend with a big red bow, we watched National Lampoons Christmas Vacation last night while eating cookies by the Christmas Tree. I have so much to be thankful for always, this perfect weekend was yet just another reminder!
Ahhh....let the Christmas season begin!
First, it started off with our usual massive family Thanksgiving lunch. In the words of Buddy the Elf, my family is kinda "ginormous"...so we all gather at the FBC of Smyrna for our traditional lunch. Homemade dishes as far as the eye can see, Turkey and desserts galore...we're all stuffed when we leave there, ready for an afternoon nap!
Then, it's on to my sister's house for our annual shopping extravaganza/slumber party! My sisters, my cousin Julie and I all spend Thanksgiving night together every year, watching Christmas movies, eating leftovers, and getting ready for our early morning shopping rush on "Black Friday" with all the other crazy shoppers! This year we hit the Mall of Georgia, and we were not disappointed. When we hit the parking lots at 4am (yes, I said 4AM)...you would have thought it was the middle of the afternoon...it was packed!! If you ever want to get in some GREAT people watching, head to any local mall the day after Thanksgiving. It's sure not to disappoint - and you might find a good deal here and there too...if you get there early enough!
After 12 hours of fighting crowds, being silly and burning a hole in our checkbooks, it was time to unload our SUV that was busting at the seams, and head home to collapse. I made it home just in time to drop my bags and pass out on the couch...needing to rest up for Saturday's big tailgate!Saturday morning brought cooler temperatures and the anticipation of an afternoon full of exciting football! We all decked ourselves out in our respective team colors (GO DAWGS!) and headed downtown fo
r a little friendly rivalry fun. It was a great afternoon of hanging with friends and cheering my boys on to victory! And we even got to witness a Tech fan relieving himself off the side of the bridge onto the interstate....uh, yeah....gotta love those college kids.And...to wrap up the weekend with a big red bow, we watched National Lampoons Christmas Vacation last night while eating cookies by the Christmas Tree. I have so much to be thankful for always, this perfect weekend was yet just another reminder!
Ahhh....let the Christmas season begin!
Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday, Monday...
Day 18: Today I am thankful for Mondays, clouds and Christmas music!
It's Monday and it looks like it's going to rain....YES!!! Normally, that is not a prognosis that would make me overly excited, but today I can't help but smile. Why? First off, because the Lord knows that we need the rain desperately...bring it on! And because even though it is Monday, it's the Monday before Thanksgiving - which means a three day work week, followed by time spent with my extended family eating myself silly with the best home cookin', shopping till I drop with my girls, followed up by some good ole fashioned Georgia football rivalry...can it get any better?
Yes, yes it can. I have come to the conclusion that it is practically impossible to be in a bad mood while listening to Christmas music. I know, I know, i'm not supposed to "officially" listen to it until after Thursday, but I just couldn't help it. And I don't care how many people cut me off this morning on the way in, they still can't put me in a bad mood! (and it probably doesn't hurt that i'm breaking in a brand new pair of heels today too...girls always love a new pair of shoes!) Just trust me, the cure for the common Monday: Christmas Music. Unless you're scrooge, try it...it'll ad a little extra pep in your step - I mean really, can you be in a bad mood singing about kissing someone under the mistletoe? ;)
Happy Monday!!
It's Monday and it looks like it's going to rain....YES!!! Normally, that is not a prognosis that would make me overly excited, but today I can't help but smile. Why? First off, because the Lord knows that we need the rain desperately...bring it on! And because even though it is Monday, it's the Monday before Thanksgiving - which means a three day work week, followed by time spent with my extended family eating myself silly with the best home cookin', shopping till I drop with my girls, followed up by some good ole fashioned Georgia football rivalry...can it get any better?
Yes, yes it can. I have come to the conclusion that it is practically impossible to be in a bad mood while listening to Christmas music. I know, I know, i'm not supposed to "officially" listen to it until after Thursday, but I just couldn't help it. And I don't care how many people cut me off this morning on the way in, they still can't put me in a bad mood! (and it probably doesn't hurt that i'm breaking in a brand new pair of heels today too...girls always love a new pair of shoes!) Just trust me, the cure for the common Monday: Christmas Music. Unless you're scrooge, try it...it'll ad a little extra pep in your step - I mean really, can you be in a bad mood singing about kissing someone under the mistletoe? ;)
Happy Monday!!
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Ho, ho...huh?
Check out this crazy article I just read:
"In the latest blow to the no-longer-holy holidays, Santas in Sydney, Australia are being urged to say "ha, ha, ha," instead of "ho, ho, ho." Recruitment firm Westaff (NASDAQ: WSTF), which contracts with hundreds of Santas, sending them to stores and social appearances throughout Australia, has re-vamped its training. It's telling would-be Santas that the "ho ho ho" phrase "could frighten children and could even be derogatory to women," according to an Australian newspaper."
In the words of Schroeder from A Charlie Brown Christmas...."GOOD GRIEF!"
"In the latest blow to the no-longer-holy holidays, Santas in Sydney, Australia are being urged to say "ha, ha, ha," instead of "ho, ho, ho." Recruitment firm Westaff (NASDAQ: WSTF), which contracts with hundreds of Santas, sending them to stores and social appearances throughout Australia, has re-vamped its training. It's telling would-be Santas that the "ho ho ho" phrase "could frighten children and could even be derogatory to women," according to an Australian newspaper."
In the words of Schroeder from A Charlie Brown Christmas...."GOOD GRIEF!"
Friday, November 09, 2007
Beauty
Sorry for my absence...i've been sick the past few days. Yet another thing i'm thankful for - cold medicine. :)
Day 8: Today I am thankful for beauty.
Yesterday I was blessed to experience one of the most peaceful, beautiful drives i've ever been on. There's something freeing about driving across 4 states by yourself. I took the seven hours to just relax, and enjoy some quality time of solitude...something I haven't had in large quantities in a while. As I drove through the Tennessee mountains and on into Kentucky, what I witnessed before the sun went down was nothing short of breathtaking. It was mile after mile of rolling hills and mountains painted with the most amazing hues of amber, yellow, burnt orange and crimson that i've ever seen. And then I thought about something that my roommate reminded me of the other day - the leaves are changing color because they are dying. God could have chose to just make the leaves fall off the trees in a dreary way, but instead - He made it a beautiful process that we get to admire and enjoy.
Thank you God for giving us beauty, even in death.
Day 8: Today I am thankful for beauty.
Yesterday I was blessed to experience one of the most peaceful, beautiful drives i've ever been on. There's something freeing about driving across 4 states by yourself. I took the seven hours to just relax, and enjoy some quality time of solitude...something I haven't had in large quantities in a while. As I drove through the Tennessee mountains and on into Kentucky, what I witnessed before the sun went down was nothing short of breathtaking. It was mile after mile of rolling hills and mountains painted with the most amazing hues of amber, yellow, burnt orange and crimson that i've ever seen. And then I thought about something that my roommate reminded me of the other day - the leaves are changing color because they are dying. God could have chose to just make the leaves fall off the trees in a dreary way, but instead - He made it a beautiful process that we get to admire and enjoy.
Thank you God for giving us beauty, even in death.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Silence is golden
Day 3: Today I am thankful for silence.
For the past two weeks, we have been teaching our high school students about being still. We've talked about what it looks like to fully halt the busyness of our lives and completely be still as a means of communicating with God. To let Him do the talking, for once. I encouraged my girls to carve out some time each day to get away from everything and just be silent: to take a moment to focus on what God is trying to tell us, and not worry about what we're trying to tell Him we want.
Conveniently in the middle of all of this, I lost my voice.
All day, I couldn't talk on my phone because noone could understand what I was saying. I couldn't sit and have a face-to-face conversation because it hurt my throat (and surely the other person's ears for having to listen to my squawking attempt at speaking). All I could do today was be silent. And not for just the few minutes a day that I had committed to with my girls. ALL day long. It was refreshing and difficult all in the same token. But it made me realize that I should do that more often. I think it's in our silent moments that we find our strength. When we listen for God's whisper into our hearts rather than trying to do His job ourselves.
This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says:
"In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength...
-Isaiah 30:15
And so i'll extend to you the same challenge that I have given to my high school girls and myself:
"Be still and know that I am God."
Psalms 46:10
That's it. There's no intense study, there's no parable to analyze. Just take this week to stop in the midst of the busyness of your life and be still....remember that God is our God - one who loves us and is with us every step of the way...no matter how hard it seems. We don't have to do life on our own...in fact, it's when we try to do it on our own that we feel the overwhelming burden of our personal limitations. Talk to God, but more importantly, LISTEN to Him. In your prayer time this week, don't say much - let God do all the talking.
You just might be interested in what He has to say...
Saturday, November 03, 2007
20 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 2
Day 2: Today I am thankful for healing.
One of my best friends lost her grandmother today to cancer. A reality that hit pretty close to home. When I got the text message from her this morning with the news, the first thing I did was pray. I asked God to comfort her family during this time, but I also thanked God for healing her grandmother. Not healing in the way we typically think of it, but healing in His way - the wisest way. I thanked God for allowing her time of suffering here on earth to be brief, as she was diagnosed with cancer not long ago. Only because i've recently walked through this in my own family, did I understand the signifigance of God's timing and His will.
The view of healing through God's eyes can sometimes look different than our own. But our desire for healing is often a self-driven desire. We don't want to watch those we love suffer. We don't want to suffer. We want to be over him. We want to be over her. We want to move on. We want to be at our best. We find ourselves praying for healing from a variety of things:
Healing from an illness
Healing from an injury
Healing from a broken heart
Healing from being hurt by a friend
We also find ourselves sometimes angry at God if He doesn't "heal" the way that we visualize healing for a situation. I can remember 13 years ago, as a freshman in high school, getting angry with God when He didn't heal my grandfather of cancer. I could only comprehend that He took him away from me, and it hurt. Bad. Looking back now, I realize how incredibly long my grandfather suffered through treatments and radiation, sickness and pain - and now, years later, I can thank God for taking him home when He did, and not making him suffer any longer. It took me watching my other grandfather struggle with every breath, just a few short weeks ago, to understand that.
Then there's times when we don't understand why God doesn't heal our broken heart immediately after it's been crushed. Another painful lesson i've had to learn first hand. But again and again the words of James 1:2-4 keep ringing in my head- “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perserverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” John Woodall described it so perfectly not too long ago when he said that God often wants to break out hearts because that is the only way we can minister to the brokenhearted. We have to suffer to be able to connect to their suffering. In other words, the more we suffer and persevere, the more we become like Christ. I have experienced this first hand in my own life - God has completely taken moments of absolute heartbreak and healing, and allowed me to share them with others who where enduring those same struggles. For that reason, even though it is painful, I gladly welcome suffering into my life for the glory of God.
Why? Because I know in the end, He will be the ultimate healer of ALL things....all pains, all sickness, all hurt, all heartache. All in HIS perfect will and timing. And ALL for HIS glory.
O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
Psalms 30:2 (NIV)
Friday, November 02, 2007
Giving Thanks
Halloween's over...time for Christmas!
Wait....what? Yep, that has been the retail trend for the past few years - before the kids have even come down off the trick or treat sugar high, the Christmas decorations are already on the shelves! I'll admit I, myself have been caught up in the early bird Christmas spirit. In fact, i've already listened to a few Christmas songs on my ipod, and watched Elf for the first of what will be many times this season. I love wandering through the malls watching people do their shopping! I'm like a kid, well....at Christmas! (no pun intended)
But even with all the anticipated excitedness of Christmas just around the corner, I can't allow myself to bypass the wonderfulness of Thanksgiving. I have so many things in my life that I am incredibly thankful for. So, as a means to remind me of that, and keep from going into Christmas overkill, i've decided to have the "20 Days of Thanksgiving." (not at all like the 12 Days of Christmas...this is a completely original thought. Well, not really....) I've prayed that God will lay on my heart something specific that I need to be thankful for each day for the next 20 days...and i'm going to share those with you - I encourage you to do the same. I was reminded of the first thing just the other day while having coffee with a friend...
Day 1: Today I am thankful for grace.
I love it when God shows up in the smallest and strangest places to remind us of the most important things. Back in the spring, I had found my heart wrestling with acceptance. I know that my identity is firmly and deeply rooted in Christ's love for me, but every now and then the enemy tries to taunt me with self-condemnation. Even though I know that Jesus has fully forgiven me for my past sins, I find myself occasionally struggling with receiving that forgiveness. Consequently when this happens, the enemy will use that as a tool to make me feel broken - telling me that noone will ever want to love someone who has made such prodigiously unwise decisions as I have in the past.
Fast forward to Memorial Day weekend. I spent 4 fun-filled days at the beach with about 25 of my closest friends. On the way home we stopped for our traditional breakfast at Cracker Barrel. The wait to seat our group was about an hour, so we proceeded to wander aimlessly through the cute little country store in the front of the restaurant playing with toys, smelling all the candles, and basically just goofing off to kill the time.
At one point, I stood at a table full of useless knick-knack toys. I picked up this cute little wooden bird, which would balance on your finger like a perch. I placed it on my finger and jokingly showed my new pet to my friend Jessica, who was standing nearby. As I laughed and turned to put it back, it fell from my finger, breaking into three pieces. i instantly felt like that kid in the glass store who just knocked over a set of dishes. I picked it up and immediately started towards the cash register, prepared to pay for my blunder. However as soon as I stood up, one of the Cracker Barrel greeters stood directly in front of me, smiling with her hand outstretched in my direction. Apparently she had witnessed the whole thing. I apologized profusely and told her that I would immediately pay for my fault. She just smiled at me (visibly missing quite a few teeth), took the bird out of my hand and said "honey, if I made you pay for that i'd have to make every single child that comes in here and breaks something pay for theirs too...it's ok." And with that, she walked off to put it in the back room.
As she walked away, I felt so sheepish. Even though she told me it was fine, I couldn't help but feel guilty for being so careless and silly. And then I noticed something. As she walked back out of the storeroom, I noticed the name that was embroidered on her apron.
Her name was Grace.
I was overcome with emotion - I stood there and just teared up right in the middle of a restaurant, right in front of all my friends. And in that moment, I felt God whispering to me. I knew that I was the "bird," broken...but still forgiven. I got it. It amazed me to see how God could use some petty experience in a restaurant to calm my heart over what I had been fighting. I resisted the urge to go and hug the nice lady, for fear that she might think I was nuts - she had no idea how God just used her in my life in such a big way.
As we drove home, I just kept thanking God over and over for using something so small to remind me of something so big - that He extends us ALL grace so that we may freely receive it and live fully redeemed in His power of forgiveness. No, we don't deserve it, but He loves us so much that He gives it to us regardless. And I thanked Him for allowing me to hear his whisper, even in the middle of a busy restaurant lobby.
What are you thankful for today?
Wait....what? Yep, that has been the retail trend for the past few years - before the kids have even come down off the trick or treat sugar high, the Christmas decorations are already on the shelves! I'll admit I, myself have been caught up in the early bird Christmas spirit. In fact, i've already listened to a few Christmas songs on my ipod, and watched Elf for the first of what will be many times this season. I love wandering through the malls watching people do their shopping! I'm like a kid, well....at Christmas! (no pun intended)
But even with all the anticipated excitedness of Christmas just around the corner, I can't allow myself to bypass the wonderfulness of Thanksgiving. I have so many things in my life that I am incredibly thankful for. So, as a means to remind me of that, and keep from going into Christmas overkill, i've decided to have the "20 Days of Thanksgiving." (not at all like the 12 Days of Christmas...this is a completely original thought. Well, not really....) I've prayed that God will lay on my heart something specific that I need to be thankful for each day for the next 20 days...and i'm going to share those with you - I encourage you to do the same. I was reminded of the first thing just the other day while having coffee with a friend...
Day 1: Today I am thankful for grace.
I love it when God shows up in the smallest and strangest places to remind us of the most important things. Back in the spring, I had found my heart wrestling with acceptance. I know that my identity is firmly and deeply rooted in Christ's love for me, but every now and then the enemy tries to taunt me with self-condemnation. Even though I know that Jesus has fully forgiven me for my past sins, I find myself occasionally struggling with receiving that forgiveness. Consequently when this happens, the enemy will use that as a tool to make me feel broken - telling me that noone will ever want to love someone who has made such prodigiously unwise decisions as I have in the past.
Fast forward to Memorial Day weekend. I spent 4 fun-filled days at the beach with about 25 of my closest friends. On the way home we stopped for our traditional breakfast at Cracker Barrel. The wait to seat our group was about an hour, so we proceeded to wander aimlessly through the cute little country store in the front of the restaurant playing with toys, smelling all the candles, and basically just goofing off to kill the time.
At one point, I stood at a table full of useless knick-knack toys. I picked up this cute little wooden bird, which would balance on your finger like a perch. I placed it on my finger and jokingly showed my new pet to my friend Jessica, who was standing nearby. As I laughed and turned to put it back, it fell from my finger, breaking into three pieces. i instantly felt like that kid in the glass store who just knocked over a set of dishes. I picked it up and immediately started towards the cash register, prepared to pay for my blunder. However as soon as I stood up, one of the Cracker Barrel greeters stood directly in front of me, smiling with her hand outstretched in my direction. Apparently she had witnessed the whole thing. I apologized profusely and told her that I would immediately pay for my fault. She just smiled at me (visibly missing quite a few teeth), took the bird out of my hand and said "honey, if I made you pay for that i'd have to make every single child that comes in here and breaks something pay for theirs too...it's ok." And with that, she walked off to put it in the back room.
As she walked away, I felt so sheepish. Even though she told me it was fine, I couldn't help but feel guilty for being so careless and silly. And then I noticed something. As she walked back out of the storeroom, I noticed the name that was embroidered on her apron.
Her name was Grace.
I was overcome with emotion - I stood there and just teared up right in the middle of a restaurant, right in front of all my friends. And in that moment, I felt God whispering to me. I knew that I was the "bird," broken...but still forgiven. I got it. It amazed me to see how God could use some petty experience in a restaurant to calm my heart over what I had been fighting. I resisted the urge to go and hug the nice lady, for fear that she might think I was nuts - she had no idea how God just used her in my life in such a big way.
As we drove home, I just kept thanking God over and over for using something so small to remind me of something so big - that He extends us ALL grace so that we may freely receive it and live fully redeemed in His power of forgiveness. No, we don't deserve it, but He loves us so much that He gives it to us regardless. And I thanked Him for allowing me to hear his whisper, even in the middle of a busy restaurant lobby.
What are you thankful for today?
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Trick or Treat!
Just thought i'd get a little in the "Halloween mood" at the office...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!
Monday, October 29, 2007
Carve-o-rama!
Thursday, October 18, 2007
7|22 is HERE!
What a night! Once again I was blown away by God's goodness. I'll admit, I honestly probably underestimated God's ability a little to "bring it" on our first night, because I was really only expecting us to start out with about 500 people. I couldn't help but grin from ear to ear and do a little happy dance as I stood in the back of the auditorium looking at 1300+ SINGLE ADULTS (finally! no offense, high schoolers and college kids...we love ya, but well, you know). The music was amazing, the teaching was excellent...all in all I feel like the night was a success!
(there was this one little hiccup called parking, but I PROMISE we're working on making that better for next time!)
Can't wait to see what God has in store for next month! If you missed October, you don't want to miss the next one! November 13th...be there....it will be worth all the parking hassle. :)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Is it morning yet?
It's exactly 2:40am. I have probably a 15 hour work day ahead of me tomorrow. Any other idiot in my shoes would be sound asleep long ago. But not this idiot. :) I can't tell if i'm still awake because i'm overwhelmed looking at my to-do list, or if it's because i'm so incredibly excited for what's going down tomorrow. (or maybe it was the Red Bull I drank at 7pm...nah, that wore off long ago) I feel like it's Christmas Eve, but instead of being excited about waking up for Christmas tomorrow, i'm actually excited about waking up and going to work. Wait....what? Did those words just come out of my mouth? Yes they did, and i'll tell you why...
To update those friends that I might not have talked to in a while, about a year ago I fell into my dream job. No, i'm not a rockstar. (but maybe one day) I'm talking about the job where what i'm passionate about and what i'm good at collide. A place where my job revloves around serving people and helping them grow in their walk with Christ. A place where I get to use my creativity in ways that I never imagined I would be able to at the workplace. A place where my co-workers are like family, and I actually speak to them (sometimes more) when i'm off the clock. I've been so incredibly blessed to be able to say that I get paid to do something that I love to do...serve Jesus and everyone around me. There has not been a single day in the past year that I have not thanked God for my job.
At the beginning of the year, my pastor Andy preached a sermon about "praying big." We were challenged to pick something that was beyond us, something huge, and pray for it daily. Little did he know that I had already been doing that for the past three months...his message was just additional confirmation for me that I was to continue to be a prayer warrior for this big dream that I had.
My dream was for 7|22, the singles ministry that I work for, to burst onto the scene in the city of Atlanta, to meet the singles population where they are, and to impact them all for the Glory of God. Our whole team has felt it for some time - that if we REALLY wanted to be able to dig in deep into this massive population of singles that are continually flooding to the Atlanta area, we had to be close to them. We had to get in where they work, where they live, where they play. (collectively I should say "I", since I fall into that population as well) We knew that the perfect location was in progress to open in the near future, and we knew that we had to be there. Of course, that's much easier said than done. There are sooo many details and logistics to work out that I could bore you for hours with the details (but seeing as it is almost 3am and I have to be up in 3 hours, i'll spare us both). Some of these details we're still trying to figure out at this very moment.
But the time has finally arrived, and we will open our doors tomorrow for the first 7|22 in Buckhead. A day that felt like it was years away just a few short months ago. We know the potential that we have to create an environment where God can show up in a HUGE way. We also know that we have the potential to completely crash and burn. (let's pray for the first option) :) I have every confidence that God is going to show up in a big way tomorrow..He's been doing it all along. I just continue to pray that our team will be good stewards of the time and resources He has provided to us. We can always show up and put on a great "production," anyone can do that - the challenge lies in allowing God to plan out our steps for us...for us to create a space for Him to show up, no matter what that looks like. It may mean things being completely different each time we meet...it may mean trying something and failing miserably a few times before we get it right....but whatever it means, its important that we're ready and willing to follow His path for what is best for our singles community.
That's an added bonus to my job. Not only am I serving God and the singles around me, but a lot of those singles happen to be my friends. What a joy it is to be able to play a small role in encouraging growth in their faith. Again, I am so truly grateful for every day that I am allowed to do this.
So pray for our team...for guidance, wisdom and endurance (and maybe some sleep next week...its going to be a looong day). Pray for the single adults that are going to walk through those doors tomorrow...some will know Jesus and some wont - we must love them all alike, just as Christ loves us. Pray for smooth parking...its a big hairy beast we're still trying to work out (be patient with us!)...and most importantly, pray that God shows up in an amazing way. He always does.
Oh, and check out our new website....722.org. We've been working our bootys off re-designing the entire thing, and i'm not gonna lie, its pretty awesome, and i'm pretty darn proud of it. Enjoy!
To update those friends that I might not have talked to in a while, about a year ago I fell into my dream job. No, i'm not a rockstar. (but maybe one day) I'm talking about the job where what i'm passionate about and what i'm good at collide. A place where my job revloves around serving people and helping them grow in their walk with Christ. A place where I get to use my creativity in ways that I never imagined I would be able to at the workplace. A place where my co-workers are like family, and I actually speak to them (sometimes more) when i'm off the clock. I've been so incredibly blessed to be able to say that I get paid to do something that I love to do...serve Jesus and everyone around me. There has not been a single day in the past year that I have not thanked God for my job.
At the beginning of the year, my pastor Andy preached a sermon about "praying big." We were challenged to pick something that was beyond us, something huge, and pray for it daily. Little did he know that I had already been doing that for the past three months...his message was just additional confirmation for me that I was to continue to be a prayer warrior for this big dream that I had.
My dream was for 7|22, the singles ministry that I work for, to burst onto the scene in the city of Atlanta, to meet the singles population where they are, and to impact them all for the Glory of God. Our whole team has felt it for some time - that if we REALLY wanted to be able to dig in deep into this massive population of singles that are continually flooding to the Atlanta area, we had to be close to them. We had to get in where they work, where they live, where they play. (collectively I should say "I", since I fall into that population as well) We knew that the perfect location was in progress to open in the near future, and we knew that we had to be there. Of course, that's much easier said than done. There are sooo many details and logistics to work out that I could bore you for hours with the details (but seeing as it is almost 3am and I have to be up in 3 hours, i'll spare us both). Some of these details we're still trying to figure out at this very moment.
But the time has finally arrived, and we will open our doors tomorrow for the first 7|22 in Buckhead. A day that felt like it was years away just a few short months ago. We know the potential that we have to create an environment where God can show up in a HUGE way. We also know that we have the potential to completely crash and burn. (let's pray for the first option) :) I have every confidence that God is going to show up in a big way tomorrow..He's been doing it all along. I just continue to pray that our team will be good stewards of the time and resources He has provided to us. We can always show up and put on a great "production," anyone can do that - the challenge lies in allowing God to plan out our steps for us...for us to create a space for Him to show up, no matter what that looks like. It may mean things being completely different each time we meet...it may mean trying something and failing miserably a few times before we get it right....but whatever it means, its important that we're ready and willing to follow His path for what is best for our singles community.
That's an added bonus to my job. Not only am I serving God and the singles around me, but a lot of those singles happen to be my friends. What a joy it is to be able to play a small role in encouraging growth in their faith. Again, I am so truly grateful for every day that I am allowed to do this.
So pray for our team...for guidance, wisdom and endurance (and maybe some sleep next week...its going to be a looong day). Pray for the single adults that are going to walk through those doors tomorrow...some will know Jesus and some wont - we must love them all alike, just as Christ loves us. Pray for smooth parking...its a big hairy beast we're still trying to work out (be patient with us!)...and most importantly, pray that God shows up in an amazing way. He always does.
Oh, and check out our new website....722.org. We've been working our bootys off re-designing the entire thing, and i'm not gonna lie, its pretty awesome, and i'm pretty darn proud of it. Enjoy!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Well done, good and faithful servant (A tribute to Billie James Waddy)
My chains are gone, I've been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood, His mercy reigns;
Unending love
Amazing Grace
It's been a long and emotional week. The day that i've been both praying for and dreading for some time has finally come to pass...on Saturday I said goodbye to my Grandaddy. It's been an absolute miracle that he has even been with us this long - especially after two years ago when the doctors called us into the hospital and told us that we needed to start making "arrangements" because he wouldn't be coming home. But God had other plans. After months in a rehabilitation facility Grandaddy, although bedridden, did come home...I know that's where he wanted to be all along.
For the two years that followed, my grandmother stayed by his side day and night - often spoon feeding him three meals a day - and doing whatever was necessary to make him comfortable. No matter what condition he was in, Grandaddy would always smile and light up when one of us came in the room, but there was always a special sparkle in his eyes when he looked at his precious bride. In his last few weeks on earth, I witnessed one of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking moments of my life. Grandaddy had been having a hard time breathing, so my aunt and I were helping give him some breathing treatments. He really didn't like the mask being on his face, and he fought with us a little bit, so my grandmother had to hold his hands down while we gave him the treatment. Even as he struggled with each breath, I watched as he looked over at my grandmother, smiled through the breathing mask, and began raising his eyebrows at her...even through all of that, he was still trying to flirt with his wife! My heart wept with sadness at the pain she had to watch him endure, but it also wept with joy in witnessing a love that was still strong after 62 years of marriage. That night I finally learned what it was like to stop selfishly praying for him to stay with us, and start praying for rest for his weary body and soul. God gave me a peace that although the end was near, it was all part of His ultimate plan.
A week ago as I packed for a three day camp with my high school girls, I knew that there was a good possibility Grandaddy might not make it through the weekend. I felt so torn, wanting so desperately to be there for Grandaddy, Grandmommie, my dad and family, but also knowing that I very much needed to be there for my 18 girls that had given up their weekend to learn more about their relationship with God. I once again selfishly prayed that God would just let Grandaddy hold on until I got home Sunday night (even though I trust God, I still secretly hoped things would go how I wanted). I began to fear my cell phone, afraid to look at the caller id every time it rang that weekend, terrified that I would get "the phone call," and on Saturday Sept. 29th at 6pm, I did. Dad called just before we all went into dinner and calmly told me that Grandaddy was gone. I barely made it back to the cabin before I lost it. I sobbed for what seemed like an eternity filled with heartache over losing someone who had played such a major role in my life, and then later crying out rejoicing - relieved for the freedom I knew he had so deservingly earned.
I immediately wanted to jump in my car and come home, but Dad said to stay - and I felt my heavenly father telling me to do the same. Even though every bone in my body wanted to grieve with my family, I knew too that there was a reason I was still with my girls. We went into session that night and as I began to listen to the words of a familiar song, I found myself (along with all my amazing high school girls) jumping, smiling and yelling out these words of praise to God...
When I stand in that place,
Free at last, meeting face to face;
I am yours Jesus, you are mine.
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive....HE'S ALIVE!!
I knew in that moment exaclty why I was not home when Grandaddy left. Had I been home, I probably would have cried and grieved and wallowed in my own self pity and selfishness of losing a great man, but God wouldn't let me. He made it poignantly clear that this was a time to celebrate...for another one of His precious children had completed his work. All praise be to Jesus!
The week that followed brought with it a roller coaster of emotions. As we planned out every meticulous detail of his memorial service, we began to go through box after box of pictures and mementos...laughing out loud at some of the funny stories that they brought to mind, and crying over some as well. I knew that I had one final act of service to complete for Grandaddy...I had to remember him at his memorial service on Saturday.
I'm a writer, by hobby and passion, however this was the absolute hardest thing I have ever had to write. I stared at my computer screen for hours, not even knowing where to begin. I'm sure it's not the most perfectly composed speech, but I think Grandaddy would have liked it...
My Memorial Service Tribute to Billie James Waddy
When I sat down to write out what I wanted to say today…I got stuck. I had no idea how to even attempt to sum up Grandaddy’s life in just a few paragraphs. And then I realized, I didn’t have to. It occurred to me that everyone in this room is here because in some form or fashion, your lives were touched by this great man. We all knew and loved him, and each of us have our own unique stories we could tell about the mark he’s left in our lives. So I’d like to share a few of my favorite memories that always make me smile. (and sometimes laugh out loud) ☺
I believe that when we leave this earth, we each leave behind a legacy…something that is passed down through generations. And when I think about Grandaddy’s legacy, three words come to mind: Learn, Laugh and Love.
Learn
I think of the word learn, because even my earliest of memories revolve around Grandaddy teaching me something. He was a great historian and the ultimate storyteller…both qualities that I came to appreciate more as I grew older. I can remember as a child Grandaddy loved to take us to different historical museums or battlefields, and he always threw in a story or two of his own days in the military. And I can remember in high school I had to write a paper on our family history – Grandaddy sat with me for hours going through old pictures, and stories and page after page of the family tree…he was determined that I’d get an A on that paper, and I did.
Now I don’t know if this really counts as “learning”, but he did teach me all of the best card tricks he knew, so if you want to get stumped at a card game, come see me…
Laugh
The second word that comes to mind is the one that holds the most memories for me…laugh. If you knew Grandaddy for even five minutes, you knew one thing about him…he LOVED to laugh. He was the ultimate prankster, and in fact – more times than not, when he told stories about the jokes he pulled, he would laugh at himself just as hard as the person he was telling the story to. Just the other day, Carol was telling me that when she was a teenager, Grandaddy would wait until she got in the shower, had just enough time to get shampoo in her hair, then he would sneak around the outside of the house and shut off the water...but she knew exactly who did it…and he would laugh hysterically as he heard her yelling at him all the way from inside the house. That’s just one of the many MANY prank stories we could all tell…in fact, I’m positive that if there’s a way he could play a prank on us from Heaven…he’d surely find a way to do it.
A lot of my favorite memories that make me laugh all revolve around family vacations at the lake. Grandaddy loved to camp and he loved to fish. I think that most of the time he was the only adult that was ever brave enough to swim in the muddy lake water with all of us kids. Julie and I were laughing the other day about how he could do this thing with his hands and pelt you with a squirt of water from 20 feet away. No one was safe from the aim of Grandaddy’s handmade water pistol. Inevitably at some point on the camping trip, one of us kids would get a scrape or a cut, and then it was Dr. Waddy to the rescue. He would bring out his first aid kit that he always carried around with him, and we would run and hide because we knew that whatever he put on it was going to sting. But he’d fix us up, and we’d be on our way.
There was, however, a time or two that we had to “doctor” Dr. Waddy…like the time that he and dad went out fishing in the boat, and they came back with dad’s fish hook in Grandaddy’s lip. One trip to the emergency room later, I think he was the only calm person in the entire place…including the ER nurses. He just smiled and laughed it off…not worried at all.
Love
The third word that exemplifies Grandaddy’s legacy is love. When you spend enough time with a person, you begin to realize what’s most important in their lives. To Grandaddy, that was love…love for his family, love for his country, and most importantly, love for his savior. He was a dedicated veteran, active in his church, and a committed spiritual leader to his family. (Although, we could always determine how hungry he was by how long or short his blessing was over the meal.)
One of my favorite quotes says “you don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” I feel like God has blessed us abundantly by allowing us to be a small part of Grandaddy’s life. I will carry his love and legacy with me always.
Ecclesiastes 3 says “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.”
I believe today is a time to dance and rejoice in a glorious homecoming for a beloved child of God.
I love you, Grandaddy...can't wait to give you a big hug again one day.
Billie James Waddy
December 26, 1924 - September 29, 2007
Decorated war hero, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loving husband and devoted man of God.
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood, His mercy reigns;
Unending love
Amazing Grace
It's been a long and emotional week. The day that i've been both praying for and dreading for some time has finally come to pass...on Saturday I said goodbye to my Grandaddy. It's been an absolute miracle that he has even been with us this long - especially after two years ago when the doctors called us into the hospital and told us that we needed to start making "arrangements" because he wouldn't be coming home. But God had other plans. After months in a rehabilitation facility Grandaddy, although bedridden, did come home...I know that's where he wanted to be all along.
For the two years that followed, my grandmother stayed by his side day and night - often spoon feeding him three meals a day - and doing whatever was necessary to make him comfortable. No matter what condition he was in, Grandaddy would always smile and light up when one of us came in the room, but there was always a special sparkle in his eyes when he looked at his precious bride. In his last few weeks on earth, I witnessed one of the most heartwarming and heartbreaking moments of my life. Grandaddy had been having a hard time breathing, so my aunt and I were helping give him some breathing treatments. He really didn't like the mask being on his face, and he fought with us a little bit, so my grandmother had to hold his hands down while we gave him the treatment. Even as he struggled with each breath, I watched as he looked over at my grandmother, smiled through the breathing mask, and began raising his eyebrows at her...even through all of that, he was still trying to flirt with his wife! My heart wept with sadness at the pain she had to watch him endure, but it also wept with joy in witnessing a love that was still strong after 62 years of marriage. That night I finally learned what it was like to stop selfishly praying for him to stay with us, and start praying for rest for his weary body and soul. God gave me a peace that although the end was near, it was all part of His ultimate plan.
A week ago as I packed for a three day camp with my high school girls, I knew that there was a good possibility Grandaddy might not make it through the weekend. I felt so torn, wanting so desperately to be there for Grandaddy, Grandmommie, my dad and family, but also knowing that I very much needed to be there for my 18 girls that had given up their weekend to learn more about their relationship with God. I once again selfishly prayed that God would just let Grandaddy hold on until I got home Sunday night (even though I trust God, I still secretly hoped things would go how I wanted). I began to fear my cell phone, afraid to look at the caller id every time it rang that weekend, terrified that I would get "the phone call," and on Saturday Sept. 29th at 6pm, I did. Dad called just before we all went into dinner and calmly told me that Grandaddy was gone. I barely made it back to the cabin before I lost it. I sobbed for what seemed like an eternity filled with heartache over losing someone who had played such a major role in my life, and then later crying out rejoicing - relieved for the freedom I knew he had so deservingly earned.
I immediately wanted to jump in my car and come home, but Dad said to stay - and I felt my heavenly father telling me to do the same. Even though every bone in my body wanted to grieve with my family, I knew too that there was a reason I was still with my girls. We went into session that night and as I began to listen to the words of a familiar song, I found myself (along with all my amazing high school girls) jumping, smiling and yelling out these words of praise to God...
When I stand in that place,
Free at last, meeting face to face;
I am yours Jesus, you are mine.
Endless joy, perfect peace
Earthly pain finally will cease
Celebrate Jesus is alive....HE'S ALIVE!!
I knew in that moment exaclty why I was not home when Grandaddy left. Had I been home, I probably would have cried and grieved and wallowed in my own self pity and selfishness of losing a great man, but God wouldn't let me. He made it poignantly clear that this was a time to celebrate...for another one of His precious children had completed his work. All praise be to Jesus!
The week that followed brought with it a roller coaster of emotions. As we planned out every meticulous detail of his memorial service, we began to go through box after box of pictures and mementos...laughing out loud at some of the funny stories that they brought to mind, and crying over some as well. I knew that I had one final act of service to complete for Grandaddy...I had to remember him at his memorial service on Saturday.
I'm a writer, by hobby and passion, however this was the absolute hardest thing I have ever had to write. I stared at my computer screen for hours, not even knowing where to begin. I'm sure it's not the most perfectly composed speech, but I think Grandaddy would have liked it...
My Memorial Service Tribute to Billie James Waddy
When I sat down to write out what I wanted to say today…I got stuck. I had no idea how to even attempt to sum up Grandaddy’s life in just a few paragraphs. And then I realized, I didn’t have to. It occurred to me that everyone in this room is here because in some form or fashion, your lives were touched by this great man. We all knew and loved him, and each of us have our own unique stories we could tell about the mark he’s left in our lives. So I’d like to share a few of my favorite memories that always make me smile. (and sometimes laugh out loud) ☺
I believe that when we leave this earth, we each leave behind a legacy…something that is passed down through generations. And when I think about Grandaddy’s legacy, three words come to mind: Learn, Laugh and Love.
Learn
I think of the word learn, because even my earliest of memories revolve around Grandaddy teaching me something. He was a great historian and the ultimate storyteller…both qualities that I came to appreciate more as I grew older. I can remember as a child Grandaddy loved to take us to different historical museums or battlefields, and he always threw in a story or two of his own days in the military. And I can remember in high school I had to write a paper on our family history – Grandaddy sat with me for hours going through old pictures, and stories and page after page of the family tree…he was determined that I’d get an A on that paper, and I did.
Now I don’t know if this really counts as “learning”, but he did teach me all of the best card tricks he knew, so if you want to get stumped at a card game, come see me…
Laugh
The second word that comes to mind is the one that holds the most memories for me…laugh. If you knew Grandaddy for even five minutes, you knew one thing about him…he LOVED to laugh. He was the ultimate prankster, and in fact – more times than not, when he told stories about the jokes he pulled, he would laugh at himself just as hard as the person he was telling the story to. Just the other day, Carol was telling me that when she was a teenager, Grandaddy would wait until she got in the shower, had just enough time to get shampoo in her hair, then he would sneak around the outside of the house and shut off the water...but she knew exactly who did it…and he would laugh hysterically as he heard her yelling at him all the way from inside the house. That’s just one of the many MANY prank stories we could all tell…in fact, I’m positive that if there’s a way he could play a prank on us from Heaven…he’d surely find a way to do it.
A lot of my favorite memories that make me laugh all revolve around family vacations at the lake. Grandaddy loved to camp and he loved to fish. I think that most of the time he was the only adult that was ever brave enough to swim in the muddy lake water with all of us kids. Julie and I were laughing the other day about how he could do this thing with his hands and pelt you with a squirt of water from 20 feet away. No one was safe from the aim of Grandaddy’s handmade water pistol. Inevitably at some point on the camping trip, one of us kids would get a scrape or a cut, and then it was Dr. Waddy to the rescue. He would bring out his first aid kit that he always carried around with him, and we would run and hide because we knew that whatever he put on it was going to sting. But he’d fix us up, and we’d be on our way.
There was, however, a time or two that we had to “doctor” Dr. Waddy…like the time that he and dad went out fishing in the boat, and they came back with dad’s fish hook in Grandaddy’s lip. One trip to the emergency room later, I think he was the only calm person in the entire place…including the ER nurses. He just smiled and laughed it off…not worried at all.
Love
The third word that exemplifies Grandaddy’s legacy is love. When you spend enough time with a person, you begin to realize what’s most important in their lives. To Grandaddy, that was love…love for his family, love for his country, and most importantly, love for his savior. He was a dedicated veteran, active in his church, and a committed spiritual leader to his family. (Although, we could always determine how hungry he was by how long or short his blessing was over the meal.)
One of my favorite quotes says “you don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” I feel like God has blessed us abundantly by allowing us to be a small part of Grandaddy’s life. I will carry his love and legacy with me always.
Ecclesiastes 3 says “For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.”
I believe today is a time to dance and rejoice in a glorious homecoming for a beloved child of God.
I love you, Grandaddy...can't wait to give you a big hug again one day.
Billie James Waddy
December 26, 1924 - September 29, 2007
Decorated war hero, son, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loving husband and devoted man of God.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Motivation, Inspiration and all things Fall...
Ok, so I've had a bit of an (apparently noticeable) absence from my blog lately, with the exception of one random post last week. Why, you ask? I'm not really sure. I think it's partially because I've been so busy that I've simply not taken the time to write anything down (something that is never healthy for me over an extended period of time), and partially because for some reason I've just felt like lately I haven't had anything really "profound" to share. I think I just got myself into this rut that if I didn't have some major epiphany, noone would want to read what I had to say. But according to multiple people who have scolded me for not blogging lately, and also according to my internal alarm which is telling me 'if you really want to meet your goal of finishing your first book by the time you're 30, you'd better quit slacking,' then in the mood or not, I am doing life every day and I need to be writing it down.
Do I expect every single entry to be a riveting page-turner? Of course not. Life has it's ups and downs as well as its exciting and mundane experiences, so I'm sure that some of these blogs may not be enthralling past the first sentence but its a good form of expression for me either way. (heck, you're probably bored with this entry already, but bear with me as I think out loud). Writing is how I process things...its how I express myself, its how I vent, it's how I use the creativity that is balling up inside me...and on the way home tonight, it exploded again. Ahh.
You know how it is when you experience or witness something you're passionate about, it gives you the fuel to want to go out and do that very thing? For example...when I hear an amazing new song, it makes me want to go home and write another one equally as awesome. Or when I experience an amazing moment with God, whether through worship, teaching or serving, it sets my heart ablaze with a renewed passion to want to carry out His will in all I do. Or maybe an example from a guy's perspective...every watched an exciting college football game and instantly wanted to run outside into the crisp fall air and toss the 'ole pigskin around that very minute? That's where I hit with writing tonight...
I started out just perusing a few friend's blogs to catch up on life, etc. and then I stumbled across a new co-worker's blog and was blown away. (thanks Carlos, you don't know it yet but your blog inspired me to fully dive back into writing consistently) Just reading blog after blog that were so well crafted, witty and insightful inspired me to want to go home that minute and start writing again. As I cruised home with the top down, looking at the most amazing autum full moon I've ever seen, I couldn't seem to get home fast enough...tons of ideas for new blogs and stories were popping into my head faster than I could remember them! Writer's block who?
So in the infamous words of my buddy Joel, "I say all that to say..." i'm back....like it or not, and i'm writing...good or not. It's life, live it up, and write it down...one day you might not remember it.
Thus goes the ramblings of my somewhat scattered-brain. :)
Peace out.
Do I expect every single entry to be a riveting page-turner? Of course not. Life has it's ups and downs as well as its exciting and mundane experiences, so I'm sure that some of these blogs may not be enthralling past the first sentence but its a good form of expression for me either way. (heck, you're probably bored with this entry already, but bear with me as I think out loud). Writing is how I process things...its how I express myself, its how I vent, it's how I use the creativity that is balling up inside me...and on the way home tonight, it exploded again. Ahh.
You know how it is when you experience or witness something you're passionate about, it gives you the fuel to want to go out and do that very thing? For example...when I hear an amazing new song, it makes me want to go home and write another one equally as awesome. Or when I experience an amazing moment with God, whether through worship, teaching or serving, it sets my heart ablaze with a renewed passion to want to carry out His will in all I do. Or maybe an example from a guy's perspective...every watched an exciting college football game and instantly wanted to run outside into the crisp fall air and toss the 'ole pigskin around that very minute? That's where I hit with writing tonight...
I started out just perusing a few friend's blogs to catch up on life, etc. and then I stumbled across a new co-worker's blog and was blown away. (thanks Carlos, you don't know it yet but your blog inspired me to fully dive back into writing consistently) Just reading blog after blog that were so well crafted, witty and insightful inspired me to want to go home that minute and start writing again. As I cruised home with the top down, looking at the most amazing autum full moon I've ever seen, I couldn't seem to get home fast enough...tons of ideas for new blogs and stories were popping into my head faster than I could remember them! Writer's block who?
So in the infamous words of my buddy Joel, "I say all that to say..." i'm back....like it or not, and i'm writing...good or not. It's life, live it up, and write it down...one day you might not remember it.
Thus goes the ramblings of my somewhat scattered-brain. :)
Peace out.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Take The Me Away
I love the fact that God allows us to worship and talk to Him so many different ways, because we're all so different. For me, the perfect combination is writing and music, both of which I am doing right now. If music is not your "worship strength," then you might not quite understand why I love to find a song that resonates with how my heart is feeling at the moment and then put it on repeat, listening to it over and over again singing the words in a personal prayer to God. It's times like that when I thank God for putting the pen in that person's hand to craft a song that perfectly aligns with my heart, and I thank Him for letting me find it. It's almost as if when I dont know the words, He already knows my heart well enough to just give them to me. What a cool thing.
This is a song that is resonating with my heart tonight. It's an amazing song with an amazing story behind it. If you've not gotten the "Journal Entry" CD from this year's Rick Pearson Memorial Concert, do yourself the favor of picking it up...its absolutely incredible, has an amazing story behind it, and it benefits a great cause. For the story, go to www.rickpearson.org or go to http://www.myspace.com/rickpearsonmemorial
Take The Me Away
Rick Pearson/Jonathan Shelton/Candi Pearson-Shelton
Oh God, God of my heart
how can I deny the ways you know me
God, God of my all
who am I to limit you by what I do with me
by holding on so carelessly
Lord, I release my hands
here I am
Lay me bare
strip my layers away
reveal the lifeless being I’ve become
Break my will
strip my layers away
until I am loose, free from myself
fill me with you
use what you can
Lord this is what I pray,
just take the me away
So now Great God it’s yours
ugly, abused and misused
refine me
restore me now
Great God, I’m yours
Lay me bare
strip my layers away
reveal the lifeless being I’ve become
and break my will,
strip my layers away
until I am loose, free from myself
fill me with you
use what you can
Lord this is what I pray,
just take the me away
This is a song that is resonating with my heart tonight. It's an amazing song with an amazing story behind it. If you've not gotten the "Journal Entry" CD from this year's Rick Pearson Memorial Concert, do yourself the favor of picking it up...its absolutely incredible, has an amazing story behind it, and it benefits a great cause. For the story, go to www.rickpearson.org or go to http://www.myspace.com/rickpearsonmemorial
Take The Me Away
Rick Pearson/Jonathan Shelton/Candi Pearson-Shelton
Oh God, God of my heart
how can I deny the ways you know me
God, God of my all
who am I to limit you by what I do with me
by holding on so carelessly
Lord, I release my hands
here I am
Lay me bare
strip my layers away
reveal the lifeless being I’ve become
Break my will
strip my layers away
until I am loose, free from myself
fill me with you
use what you can
Lord this is what I pray,
just take the me away
So now Great God it’s yours
ugly, abused and misused
refine me
restore me now
Great God, I’m yours
Lay me bare
strip my layers away
reveal the lifeless being I’ve become
and break my will,
strip my layers away
until I am loose, free from myself
fill me with you
use what you can
Lord this is what I pray,
just take the me away
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Jamaica
I can't believe that I have to be up in exactly one hour to get ready to go to the airport, and here I sit typing away.
I can't believe I am about to embark on an incredible journey all for the glory of God!!
Please be praying for me and my team as we head down to Jamaica to help start up a high school ministry with Spalding Church. This is my first trip out of the US and my first mission trip, so needless to say I am anxious with excitement and nervous for the unknown.
More is certainly to come...stay tuned, mon.
:)
I can't believe I am about to embark on an incredible journey all for the glory of God!!
Please be praying for me and my team as we head down to Jamaica to help start up a high school ministry with Spalding Church. This is my first trip out of the US and my first mission trip, so needless to say I am anxious with excitement and nervous for the unknown.
More is certainly to come...stay tuned, mon.
:)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Fear Factor...Work Edition
Waaay back in the day God gave us the Ten Commandments:
1. Thou shalt have no other Gods but me.
2. Thou shalt not make thyself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it.
3. Thou shalt not misuse the name of the Lord thy God.
4. Thou shalt remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Thou shalt respect thy father and mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not envy thy neighbor.
Notice it does not say anything in there along the lines of "Thou shalt encounter rodents in the workplace"
.....its a good thing I love my job. :)
Today at 3PM I did the same thing that I do every Tuesday at 3PM...I headed down to the church to get set up for the evening. I put my stuff down, and went straight to the 7|22 storage closet to pull out everything we need for the night. What I didn't know was that an unwelcomed visitor would grace me with his presence and send me screaming into the East Auditorium moments later. Ugh.
Let me back up a little bit...
About a month ago, as I was pulling out the snack baskets for our volunteers I noticed that someone had helped themselves to quite a few pieces of chocolate. But this was not your usual hungry employee wandering aimlessly into our chocolate stash...oh no. This time the culprit left his mark...teeth marks, to be exact...straight through the wrapper, leaving half eaten (but still wrapped) Hershey's Kisses all over the place. Yup, you guessed it - apparently a mouse had helped himself to our goody stash.
At first I found this humorous, affectionately referring to the little fella as "Herman" to make him seem more friendly (even though im not a fan of rodents of any kind). Then I got a little freaked out when he ran across my (bare) toe today and scared the heck out of me. Now that I see even after I hid all the chocolate in solid plastic containers, that he has helped himself to our potato chips, its just plain war.
Nowhere in my job description did it say that I would have to fight off four legged vermin, but unless Herman decides he's going to become a 7|22 volunteer he's not getting anymore of our goods!
It's you and me Herman. Or, uh...its you and the exterminator (i'll be hiding behind him hoping that he catches you). I will NOT fear the mouse in the closet! :)
1. Thou shalt have no other Gods but me.
2. Thou shalt not make thyself any idol, nor bow down to it or worship it.
3. Thou shalt not misuse the name of the Lord thy God.
4. Thou shalt remember and keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Thou shalt respect thy father and mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shalt not envy thy neighbor.
Notice it does not say anything in there along the lines of "Thou shalt encounter rodents in the workplace"
.....its a good thing I love my job. :)
Today at 3PM I did the same thing that I do every Tuesday at 3PM...I headed down to the church to get set up for the evening. I put my stuff down, and went straight to the 7|22 storage closet to pull out everything we need for the night. What I didn't know was that an unwelcomed visitor would grace me with his presence and send me screaming into the East Auditorium moments later. Ugh.
Let me back up a little bit...
About a month ago, as I was pulling out the snack baskets for our volunteers I noticed that someone had helped themselves to quite a few pieces of chocolate. But this was not your usual hungry employee wandering aimlessly into our chocolate stash...oh no. This time the culprit left his mark...teeth marks, to be exact...straight through the wrapper, leaving half eaten (but still wrapped) Hershey's Kisses all over the place. Yup, you guessed it - apparently a mouse had helped himself to our goody stash.
At first I found this humorous, affectionately referring to the little fella as "Herman" to make him seem more friendly (even though im not a fan of rodents of any kind). Then I got a little freaked out when he ran across my (bare) toe today and scared the heck out of me. Now that I see even after I hid all the chocolate in solid plastic containers, that he has helped himself to our potato chips, its just plain war.
Nowhere in my job description did it say that I would have to fight off four legged vermin, but unless Herman decides he's going to become a 7|22 volunteer he's not getting anymore of our goods!
It's you and me Herman. Or, uh...its you and the exterminator (i'll be hiding behind him hoping that he catches you). I will NOT fear the mouse in the closet! :)
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Ahhhhh.....
Oh my precious blog, how I have missed you so!
I think it has been eeons since I have contributed to you, and I promise not to let that happen again! Call it "writer's block", call it "ive been so incredibly busy that I haven't taken the time to stop and write out my thoughts" or call it "information overload"...but whatever the reason, I am through with my writing hiatius. I miss writing, and my brain is about to explode with all the thoughts that have been building up for the past 4 months.
Bear with me while I sort out my brain, and stay tuned - there is certainly more to come.... ;)
I think it has been eeons since I have contributed to you, and I promise not to let that happen again! Call it "writer's block", call it "ive been so incredibly busy that I haven't taken the time to stop and write out my thoughts" or call it "information overload"...but whatever the reason, I am through with my writing hiatius. I miss writing, and my brain is about to explode with all the thoughts that have been building up for the past 4 months.
Bear with me while I sort out my brain, and stay tuned - there is certainly more to come.... ;)
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