Today, I am THANKFUL for my grandparents.
This past Thanksgiving weekend, I was able to spend some time with my grandparents. I have my maternal grandfather, Baxter, and my paternal grandmother Momise still with us. Baxter's wife, Dot, passed away a little more than three years ago. I miss her a lot, a whole whole lot. She was a wonderful woman. She lived a full and wonderful life. She loved to travel, was fun to be around and had a great spirit. Baxter is 92. He is bedridden and sometimes can't remember whether or not he ate lunch. But he is usually wonderful to be around. I think he gives my mom a hard time sometimes, but over Thanksgiving this past weekend he was in especially good spirits. Maybe he'd been into "the spirits" before we got there :) We had a great time eating with him and telling him about our lives.
Baxter is kind and generous. He is a wonderful man. He worked hard in the earlier years of his life to provide a good life for his family. He came from a family with a lot of children (he had 5 brothers) and one parent. His father died when he was a teenager. He is the oldest of the brothers and the only one still living. He is so proud of his children and who they have become. And who his grandchildren are becoming, all 9 of us. He is a provider of great stories and good laughs. He always has a great story and a good joke. He has lived a full and wonderful life.
Momise's husband, Junebug, passed away about 23 years ago. Momise is 84. You would never know she was 84. She looks and acts like she's in her late 60s. I am amazed by her and hope I have long lasting health like hers. She too has lived a full and wonderful life. She too is proud of her children and grandchildren, all 10 of us. She is a wonderful woman. She is the provider of encouragement, wisdom and laughs. We had a great time this past Thanksgiving sitting around the table, listening to my aunts and uncles share stories from childhood. It is always just hilarious to get them all together. Momise, Anna and I also went to lunch on day this weekend. Nothing special, just a good time to hang out and get to be with Momise. I really wish that I could have known my grandfather. I love to hear stories about him and I know that he was a great man too.
I love spending time with my grandparents. It is a wonderful reminder of the heritage that I come from and the wonderful people that have paved the way for me to have a full and wonderful life.
I am THANKFUL for my grandparents.
Nov 29, 2009
Nov 25, 2009
My Job
Today, I am THANKFUL for my job.
Well I'm obviously thankful for my job every day but especially today. We've been working out of the office for about 2 weeks now. When I got back to the office today, my boss - who is a little intimidating, must have been feeling the Holiday Spirit. He asked me if I was going home and said "Y'all can go ahead and leave at lunch today if you want". I was like you don't have to tell me twice! What a great thing for Thanksgiving to be able to leave at lunch time!
So, I'm heading to South Carolina here in a few minutes to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.
I have so much to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Well I'm obviously thankful for my job every day but especially today. We've been working out of the office for about 2 weeks now. When I got back to the office today, my boss - who is a little intimidating, must have been feeling the Holiday Spirit. He asked me if I was going home and said "Y'all can go ahead and leave at lunch today if you want". I was like you don't have to tell me twice! What a great thing for Thanksgiving to be able to leave at lunch time!
So, I'm heading to South Carolina here in a few minutes to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family.
I have so much to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 22, 2009
Friends
Today I am THANKFUL for my wonderful friends and two weekends in a row with college roommates.
Last weekend I visited my friend and past college roommate (for two years), Ashley, in Thomasville, Georgia. It is a beautiful little classic southern town about 15 miles from Florida. We actually went to Florida to go to Target! Ashley lives there with her husband, Tim, who is the associate pastor at Thomasville First Presbyterian Church. It was so good to be able to see their new home, their new town, and get to experience some of life with them. They've been living just north of Boston for the past three years so it's nice to have them a little closer!
This weekend I had Joetta (college roommate for 2 years), Keli and Melissa (college roommate for 1 year) come stay with me in Knoxville to celebrate Melissa getting married! It was a good excuse to hang out together and be with each other for the weekend.
Last weekend I visited my friend and past college roommate (for two years), Ashley, in Thomasville, Georgia. It is a beautiful little classic southern town about 15 miles from Florida. We actually went to Florida to go to Target! Ashley lives there with her husband, Tim, who is the associate pastor at Thomasville First Presbyterian Church. It was so good to be able to see their new home, their new town, and get to experience some of life with them. They've been living just north of Boston for the past three years so it's nice to have them a little closer!
This weekend I had Joetta (college roommate for 2 years), Keli and Melissa (college roommate for 1 year) come stay with me in Knoxville to celebrate Melissa getting married! It was a good excuse to hang out together and be with each other for the weekend.
I have a lot of wonderful friends and you all have no idea how much I am thankful for your friendship and encouragement. It has meant more to me in the last year than ever before. I am so grateful to share life with you!
Nov 16, 2009
Grace
I am THANKFUL for Grace, the loving infinite Grace of Jesus.
I saw this on a friend's facebook status update today: The beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair.
Over the past two years almost, grace has been a big topic in my life. It's certainly a big topic in Christianity. How many times through Sripture do you read of grace? Grace is truly amazing. I have written of grace several times of the past year. I was talking to a friend of mine recently who is not a believer and telling him about Jesus and what all he has done for us and he said "It just doesn't make any sense." That's right. Grace doesn't make any sense. Mostly because it breaks our rules. It cannot be earned. It is grossly undeserved. It is a gift.
Two analogies I've heard recently about Grace:
1) Grace is like when I have a worn out, stinky, gross, filthy cloak. Jesus gives me his perfect, new, clean, white cloak for no reason and takes mine.
2) Grace is like you're in a courtroom where a criminal, who has committed an especially terrible crime, has been given the death penalty. Jesus is also there. He doesn't know the criminal and has no connection to him but stands up, interrupts the judge, and says "I know that I didn't commit this crime, but I'll die in this guy's place".
Grace truly is Amazing!
I saw this on a friend's facebook status update today: The beauty of grace is that it makes life not fair.
Over the past two years almost, grace has been a big topic in my life. It's certainly a big topic in Christianity. How many times through Sripture do you read of grace? Grace is truly amazing. I have written of grace several times of the past year. I was talking to a friend of mine recently who is not a believer and telling him about Jesus and what all he has done for us and he said "It just doesn't make any sense." That's right. Grace doesn't make any sense. Mostly because it breaks our rules. It cannot be earned. It is grossly undeserved. It is a gift.
Two analogies I've heard recently about Grace:
1) Grace is like when I have a worn out, stinky, gross, filthy cloak. Jesus gives me his perfect, new, clean, white cloak for no reason and takes mine.
2) Grace is like you're in a courtroom where a criminal, who has committed an especially terrible crime, has been given the death penalty. Jesus is also there. He doesn't know the criminal and has no connection to him but stands up, interrupts the judge, and says "I know that I didn't commit this crime, but I'll die in this guy's place".
Grace truly is Amazing!
Nov 12, 2009
My family
I am THANKFUL for my family! I dont know what I'd do without them. I have kind of a large family. Well not immediate family, but big extended family. I have two older brothers and two sister-in-laws and a niece and a nephew.
I am particularly thankful today for my dad. Today is his 60th Birthday.
Happy Birthday Papa!
My mom is pretty awesome too!
I just cannot say enough good things about my family. They are amazing encouragers, life long friends, and wonderful support.
Love you all!
I am particularly thankful today for my dad. Today is his 60th Birthday.
Happy Birthday Papa!
My mom is pretty awesome too!
I just cannot say enough good things about my family. They are amazing encouragers, life long friends, and wonderful support.
Love you all!
Nov 11, 2009
Veterans
Today I am THANKFUL to the Veterans - past and current - who serve our country through the military. Growing up in a post-military family has certainly had an impact on me with an increased appreciation for those willing to give of their time and often lives. I am proud to say that both my dad and one of my brothers served in the military- Army specifically. My dad for 10 years and my brother for 4.
So a big Thank you to the veterans of our country. We appreciate you!
Happy Veterans Day.
So a big Thank you to the veterans of our country. We appreciate you!
Happy Veterans Day.
Nov 8, 2009
A Month of Thanksgiving
Today I realized how much I have to be thankful for. All of my November posts will be about things that I am thankful for. Most of my posts will not be this serious but this topic is on my heart after tonight. This post will be about Freedom of Worship.
Today was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Since we, as Christians living in the United States, have no idea what it is like to be afraid for our lives just to follow Christ, I think its important to remember this. I didn't make it to church this morning where there was a Christian from Iran who spoke. He said that the pastor of their church had been killed for being a Christian. Tonight I went to my community group and we spent our time together praying for the persecuted church. The top 10 countries that are the most persecuted in the world are: North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Maldives, Yemen, Laos, Eritrea and Uzbekistan. A few of these countries are countries that you never hear about. I dont think I've ever heard of Maldives or Eritrea. Others are a lot more well known for being oppressive to Christians: North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran specifically. I am also a little familiar with Yemen because there was a couple that were missionaries there from my parents church.
I cannot imagine living in a place where I could not worship freely. The people in these countries continue to meet and worship Jesus and share their faith, even though they run the risk of being arrested, beaten, tortured and killed. I am THANKFUL to live in a place where these thoughts do not ever even enter my mind. Just thinking about the courage the Christians in these countries possess makes me a little embarassed at how much I take for granted the freedom that I have to worship Jesus and often don't take advantage of it. I will continue to pray for the people, leaders and Christians of these countries that persecute believers, and I hope that you will do the same.
Today was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Since we, as Christians living in the United States, have no idea what it is like to be afraid for our lives just to follow Christ, I think its important to remember this. I didn't make it to church this morning where there was a Christian from Iran who spoke. He said that the pastor of their church had been killed for being a Christian. Tonight I went to my community group and we spent our time together praying for the persecuted church. The top 10 countries that are the most persecuted in the world are: North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Somalia, Maldives, Yemen, Laos, Eritrea and Uzbekistan. A few of these countries are countries that you never hear about. I dont think I've ever heard of Maldives or Eritrea. Others are a lot more well known for being oppressive to Christians: North Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran specifically. I am also a little familiar with Yemen because there was a couple that were missionaries there from my parents church.
I cannot imagine living in a place where I could not worship freely. The people in these countries continue to meet and worship Jesus and share their faith, even though they run the risk of being arrested, beaten, tortured and killed. I am THANKFUL to live in a place where these thoughts do not ever even enter my mind. Just thinking about the courage the Christians in these countries possess makes me a little embarassed at how much I take for granted the freedom that I have to worship Jesus and often don't take advantage of it. I will continue to pray for the people, leaders and Christians of these countries that persecute believers, and I hope that you will do the same.
Nov 3, 2009
A Year Ago Today (Installment 2)
It's funny how things can change in just one year.
One year ago today...
I was living in downtown Greenville.
I had a job with a large regional accounting firm.
I had just bought a condo on Halloween.
I had just had a fantastic Halloween party with amazing friends.
I had just stood in line for an hour and a half and voted in probably the most controversial presidential election of all time, I even remember what I was wearing...
Suddenly in a moment all of that changed. I've been so reflective recently about the past year. I cannot believe how quickly things changed but how slowly this time seemed to go by. I cannot imagine the past year without the support and encouragement of too many friends and family members to name. You are all wonderful.
So to update:
Today...
I live in West Knoxville.
I am working for a small accounting firm.
I am renting a townhouse.
I just had a fantastic Halloween weekend in Greenville with friends and a wedding!
Things are good. Life is good. :)
One year ago today...
I was living in downtown Greenville.
I had a job with a large regional accounting firm.
I had just bought a condo on Halloween.
I had just had a fantastic Halloween party with amazing friends.
I had just stood in line for an hour and a half and voted in probably the most controversial presidential election of all time, I even remember what I was wearing...
Suddenly in a moment all of that changed. I've been so reflective recently about the past year. I cannot believe how quickly things changed but how slowly this time seemed to go by. I cannot imagine the past year without the support and encouragement of too many friends and family members to name. You are all wonderful.
So to update:
Today...
I live in West Knoxville.
I am working for a small accounting firm.
I am renting a townhouse.
I just had a fantastic Halloween weekend in Greenville with friends and a wedding!
Things are good. Life is good. :)
Nov 1, 2009
Halloween Weekend
So this past weekend was pretty fabulous! I got home late Friday night (about 1030). Thanks to I-40 being closed in North Carolina I had to go through Johnson City adding an extra hour to my trip. But that made for a good excuse to stop and see Joseph for dinner :)
I spent Friday night with my parents. It was good to see them and spend some time with them. I also got to see Ben and Beth for a few short minutes...and sweet Caldwell who was too tired to acknowledge my presence!
Saturday I went to Adam and Lisa's wedding. It was beautiful and perfect and so good to be with friends to celebrate such a special occasion! I hung out with greenville friends for the rest of the night and today after church! It was so fun. I stayed with Nellie last night and it was great to be able to really catch up with her! We just hung out downtown and enjoyed people/costume watching. I went to church at DPC today and really enjoyed it. It is always good to be refreshed by corporate worship at Downtown Pres! I've been doing a lot of reflective thinking lately about a lot of things. But also about how much Downtown Pres was apart of my Greenville life and how much I enjoyed being apart of the body of believers there! I am truely blessed to know and love all those folks!
I spent Friday night with my parents. It was good to see them and spend some time with them. I also got to see Ben and Beth for a few short minutes...and sweet Caldwell who was too tired to acknowledge my presence!
Saturday I went to Adam and Lisa's wedding. It was beautiful and perfect and so good to be with friends to celebrate such a special occasion! I hung out with greenville friends for the rest of the night and today after church! It was so fun. I stayed with Nellie last night and it was great to be able to really catch up with her! We just hung out downtown and enjoyed people/costume watching. I went to church at DPC today and really enjoyed it. It is always good to be refreshed by corporate worship at Downtown Pres! I've been doing a lot of reflective thinking lately about a lot of things. But also about how much Downtown Pres was apart of my Greenville life and how much I enjoyed being apart of the body of believers there! I am truely blessed to know and love all those folks!
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