Every once in while someone will cross our path and truly impact our life. If we are lucky, we will have the opportunity to spend time with this person and get to know them.
In my life, there have been many extraordinary people. All of them have impacted me in some way - once or twice not necessarily for good. But, in recent years, there was Miss Grace. Miss Grace can only be described as a sweet, gentile lady. Her entire life revolved around her love for God and her family and friends. She is known as a matriarch, a pillar, a cornerstone and even and icon in our church family. My husband has known Miss Grace his entire life - she and his grandmother were friends from childhood. He can never remember a time when Miss Grace lost her temper, said an unkind word or raised her voice. She has taught Sunday School for so many years that nearly everyone in our church has been in her class.
Miss Grace lost her husband many years ago and her three children live away. But, she never complained and she never faultered in her dedication to the church and church family.
A few years ago, at the age of 90, Miss Grace gave up her driver's license. Not because she was forced to do so - she became ill and decided she didn't want to drive anymore. Over the last four years, her health became increasingly worse. She could only come to church on occasion and was bound to her home - mostly her bed.
Tonight, my husband and I visited Miss Grace for the last time - at the funeral home. She went home to be with the Lord, peacefully in her sleep two nights ago. She was home, where she wanted to be, surrounded by her family and friends. What a blessed way to be called Home.
I am saddened by the loss of Miss Grace - but I am so blessed having known her. I still have the little coat and hat that she made for my son when he was born. I will treasure it forever. I will treasure the lovely memories of Miss Grace - her smile, her dedication, her determination and her sweet, gentle ways.
There are just some people who pass through our lives that leave such sweet memories. Miss Grace is that person for me. I pray that you have someone in your life that will touch you in the same way. I pray that you have someone to bring only love and blessings to you simply by their presence.
May God bless and keep you, Miss Grace. I will see you again.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
And Now, I Pronouce That You Are Man and Wife . . .
The newlyweds left this morning for thier wedding trip. Yes, my step-daughter, Amanda, was married to her beloved Andy yesterday. This should explain my semi-absence from Blogville the last few weeks.
The wedding was wonderful and the weather was perfect. It was a clear and sunny fall day here in East Tennessee. The trees are so full of color - it was as if God tailor made the day just for Amanda and Andy.
As I think back to all the hard work we've all poured into making this day happen, it was more than worth it to see her lovely face shine with love as she said her vows. Oh, and speaking of faces - darling Andy had a little surprise for all of us. Andy wears a full beard - a bushy, full beard - until yesterday that is. He left the rehearsal dinner Friday with a beard - but he showed up at the ceremony clean shaven. We were all stunned - but he is so handsome. Andy is a darling person. We like to refer to him as "Jacob's favorite toy." Jacob adores Andy and he is so good with Jacob. He won my heart by the way he loves my son.
Here are a few pictures from the Big Day.
It was a very blessed day and as you can see, we are very happy parents.
The wedding was wonderful and the weather was perfect. It was a clear and sunny fall day here in East Tennessee. The trees are so full of color - it was as if God tailor made the day just for Amanda and Andy.
As I think back to all the hard work we've all poured into making this day happen, it was more than worth it to see her lovely face shine with love as she said her vows. Oh, and speaking of faces - darling Andy had a little surprise for all of us. Andy wears a full beard - a bushy, full beard - until yesterday that is. He left the rehearsal dinner Friday with a beard - but he showed up at the ceremony clean shaven. We were all stunned - but he is so handsome. Andy is a darling person. We like to refer to him as "Jacob's favorite toy." Jacob adores Andy and he is so good with Jacob. He won my heart by the way he loves my son.
Here are a few pictures from the Big Day.
It was a very blessed day and as you can see, we are very happy parents.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Another Answered Prayer
A few weeks ago I wrote about finally earning my bachelors degree. I also wrote that I couldn't get my diploma because I still owed money to the university. At that time, I wasn't too stressed over the situation because I believe that God is in control. Well, I was right.
This past weekend, my darling husband sold six of our cattle. They were old and ready for market. Frank gave me enough of the money from the sale to pay the entire tuition bill. I went to the university on Monday, paid the bill and received my diploma. The hold on my transcripts was also released so now, I can apply to grad school. Can I get a "Praise the Lord?" Because that's exactly what I'm doing.
I am so glad I left that request at the feet of my wonderful Father. He is so good and with Him, I have nothing to worry about.
How awesome it is to serve such a loving God. I am always amazed at how much He loves me. I certainly don't deserve it yet He continues to show me His unfailing gracy and mercy.
So, now that this part of my detour is behind me, I look forward to the road ahead. For now, God is allowing me to work as a substitute teacher to help with the bills. I love being in the classroom, but my true dream is to be a Media Specialist (librarian). There is a position opening at the end of this year in the middle school in our neighborhood. I would love to have that position, but I want only what God has planned. I know that whatever He has in store for me will be more than I could ever dream.
The future looks so bright and I'm excited to walk with my Lord.
Blessings!
This past weekend, my darling husband sold six of our cattle. They were old and ready for market. Frank gave me enough of the money from the sale to pay the entire tuition bill. I went to the university on Monday, paid the bill and received my diploma. The hold on my transcripts was also released so now, I can apply to grad school. Can I get a "Praise the Lord?" Because that's exactly what I'm doing.
I am so glad I left that request at the feet of my wonderful Father. He is so good and with Him, I have nothing to worry about.
How awesome it is to serve such a loving God. I am always amazed at how much He loves me. I certainly don't deserve it yet He continues to show me His unfailing gracy and mercy.
So, now that this part of my detour is behind me, I look forward to the road ahead. For now, God is allowing me to work as a substitute teacher to help with the bills. I love being in the classroom, but my true dream is to be a Media Specialist (librarian). There is a position opening at the end of this year in the middle school in our neighborhood. I would love to have that position, but I want only what God has planned. I know that whatever He has in store for me will be more than I could ever dream.
The future looks so bright and I'm excited to walk with my Lord.
Blessings!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Shrimp and Chonda
This past Saturday (September 29th) several of us church ladies took off to see Chonda Pierce. But first, we made a stop at the local Red Lobster for the "All you can eat" shrimp special. It was a fabulous night. We go every year to see Chonda - it's our annual "girls night out." Here we are at the Red Lobster completely stuffed. Can you tell how happy we all are? (I'm the one in the pink shirt)
Then, we headed off to the concert. We were so excited to see Chonda again. If you have never seen her in concert, or at least seen one of her video's I recommend you do one or the other as soon as possible. She is so funny and has a beautiful voice. But, most of all - she loves the Lord with all her heart.
O.K. here we are in our seats - ON THE FRONT ROW!!!!! Yep, after that first time in the balcony - we decided it was only the first row for us. So, this is our 7th year and we have been on the first row every year. The only draw back to this is that we have to be at the ticket office by 5:00 a.m. on the day tickets go on sale or we miss out. But, we have a lot of fun doing that too.
We weren't allowed to take pictures of Chonda during the concert - so I managed to get a few snapshots of her afterwards. She was so kind and gracious - she just sat down on the edge of the stage and talked to her fans. I remembered to take my copy of her book "Laughing in the Dark" and she kindly autographed it for me.
If you would like to learn more about Chonda or get her concert schedule you can check it out here.
Oh, and another really cool thing that happened - Chonda's brother, Mike Courtney asked me and my friend, Vickie to help pass out pamphlets for World Vision at the intermission. So, we did - it was fun - and he gave us a complementary copy of Chonda's video "Combo Platter." That was so nice. You see, good things happen to those on the front row!!
Blessings!
Then, we headed off to the concert. We were so excited to see Chonda again. If you have never seen her in concert, or at least seen one of her video's I recommend you do one or the other as soon as possible. She is so funny and has a beautiful voice. But, most of all - she loves the Lord with all her heart.
O.K. here we are in our seats - ON THE FRONT ROW!!!!! Yep, after that first time in the balcony - we decided it was only the first row for us. So, this is our 7th year and we have been on the first row every year. The only draw back to this is that we have to be at the ticket office by 5:00 a.m. on the day tickets go on sale or we miss out. But, we have a lot of fun doing that too.
We weren't allowed to take pictures of Chonda during the concert - so I managed to get a few snapshots of her afterwards. She was so kind and gracious - she just sat down on the edge of the stage and talked to her fans. I remembered to take my copy of her book "Laughing in the Dark" and she kindly autographed it for me.
If you would like to learn more about Chonda or get her concert schedule you can check it out here.
Oh, and another really cool thing that happened - Chonda's brother, Mike Courtney asked me and my friend, Vickie to help pass out pamphlets for World Vision at the intermission. So, we did - it was fun - and he gave us a complementary copy of Chonda's video "Combo Platter." That was so nice. You see, good things happen to those on the front row!!
Blessings!
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