Resurrection 2009

Sometimes God places us in situations just so we can see His power at work. Well, this past weekend was one of those times for me. Frank, Jacob and I went along with our church youth group to Gatlinburg, TN for Resurrection 2009 (a Methodist Youth Retreat). It was our first trip to Resurrection and I wasn't sure what to expect. I had heard some amazing stories, but I still couldn't quite grasp the whole concept. I admit, that when Frank first volunteered us to go, I was more than a little apprehensive. But, as time to go grew closer, I began to get excited about it. By the time we left I was really looking forward to it. Somewhere down deep in my heart, I knew I was going to meet God there. And oh boy, did He ever show up. I can not remember a more amazing time with the Lord. He showed up in full force. His presence was so clear. I'm still reeling from it. And Jacob loved it. He hung on every word. He danced with the band and just "got it." I mean he really "got it."
We had four sessions over the weekend. We started with one session on Friday night shortly after we arrived, Saturday morning and afternoon and a wonderful session Sunday morning complete with Communion. Our youth participated in the serving of Communion. I am so blessed and so touched to have received communion from these amazing kids.
The kids were great - no problems at all. Of course, I think they are a great group of kids regardless. I just love'em all. Of course, I have to tell this . . . us girls had a hard time going into the boys' rooms for our nightly devotions. Those rooms smelled awful! There was a grotesque combined smell of feet and "other body functions" that would knock us down at the door. But, a little Febreeze helped. Needless to say that after devotions, us girls hightailed it back to our sweet smelling girl rooms.
Anyway, the music was awesome. This band was on stage at every session and the kids went wild. They rushed the stage, they danced, they sang and they truly praised the Lord.
The main speaker was phenomenal. I admit, I had never heard of this guy before, but he really hit home. And, he spoke in such a manner that the kids just got it. Not to mention that he was hilarious in the process.
I just can't seem to find the words to describe exactly what I brought back with me. There were (literally) thousands of kids there - all of them hanging on the Word of God, praising Him, Glorifying Him - it was one of the most awe inspiring events I've ever been a part of.
Now, heres the trick - it's our responsibility to "keep the fires burning" in our kids. I'm not sure how that will happen, but I am sure that with God in charge it will be done.
So, will we go again to Resurrection - you bet. Jacob asked me Sunday morning, even before we had left Gatlinburg, if we could come back next year. Of course we will. I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of many Resurrection weekends to come.
I wish I had some pictures to share, but I left my camera at home. Yeah, I know. That won't happen again. Next year, I'll have lots of pictures and lots more blessings to share.
If you are curious about Resurrection you can visit this site and learn all about it. You can also find out how to register your youth to attend Resurrection 2010 which is the 25th anniversary. I highly recommend it.
I pray that you are as blessed as I am.

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 Stuff that Fall Brings

You Belong in Fall

Intelligent, introspective, and quite expressive at times... You appreciate the changes in color, climate, and mood that fall brings Whether you're carving wacky pumpkins or taking long drives, autumn is a favorite time of year for you

What Season Are You?

I love fall - I think I wrote that in another post. There are so many things I look forward to in the fall. I love the changing of the leaves. Here in the mountains when the leaves are at thier peak, it looks like a beautiful quilt. The air is crisp and clear and even smells cleaner. I love to sleep with the windows open during the fall. Talk about a good sleep!
Fall also brings a new season of my favorite shows. I don't have many - but I look forward to the new episodes. Survivor is my all time favorite. I started watching it from the very first season (I was pregnant with my son). I haven't missed an episode yet. Yep, I've watched every episode in every season. I am always amazed at what people will do for money. I also watch CSI (the original one), Cold Case and Law and Order:SVU. Notice that all these shows come on after Jacob's bed time. I watch these shows during my down time.
But most of all, fall brings me the sense of being closer to God. The brilliant colors, the sweet fresh air and all that goes along with it, I just feel the presence of God to be stronger during this time. Sometimes during my morning walk I feel as if there is no one else around - just me and God. What a comforting feeling.

This fall we have a very special event to look forward to. My daughter Amanda(actually my step-daughter but my real daughter in my heart) is getting married on October 20th. It is an exciting time. I know that she will be happy because she has made a good choice for her husband. Andy is a sweet and loving young man. They make a darling couple. I am happy for both of them.
In thier pre-marital counseling session the other night, they were discussing thier choice of vows. The pastor was going over the traditional vows and mentioned that at a certain point in the ceremony she would ask "who gives this woman in marriage?" She said that her dad would then respond "her mother and I." But Amanda told the pastor that she felt as though there were more people involved in that part - she wanted to include me and her mother's fiance too. She said she has four parents, not two. Isn't that sweet? I was so touched. But, to keep the moment light, I told her we are not giving her away, we are bringing Andy into the family.
We are all so excited.

But, this is the nutshell version of why I love fall. What is your favorite season?

Have a blessed fall!!

Welcoming Fall with my "Fall Into Reading 2007" Reading list

I love fall. But, the weather here in East Tennessee is still so stinking hot - it's hard to really believe that fall is finally here.

I am joining the Fall Into Reading 2007 challenge on this blog.
If you love to read, check this site out and join in the fun.

Here's my list:

NON-FICTION
On the Brink - Rod Parsley
Reposition Yourself - Bishop TD Jakes
The Power of Simple Prayer - Joyce Meyer
Believing God - Beth Moore
Faith of the First Ladies - Jerry MacGregor & Marie Prys
Discovering America's Hallowed Ground - Jeff Shaara

FICTION
Emma - Jane Austen
Mansfield Park - Jane Austen
Abraham's Well - Sharon Ewell Foster
A Christmas Candle - Max Lucado
A Light in the Window - Jan Karon

Actually, my "want to read" reading list is much, much longer but I think this is enough to get me through the holidays.

A Great Book

I love to read. Actually, I've been known to let other things in my house go unattended just to finish a book. I will stay up much too late just to read a good book. I just love books. Sometimes, I will have four or five books stacked up waiting to be read and I'll go out and buy some more. I love all kinds of books, but I especially love books about real people.
I also love to watch the Food Network. I usually have it playing in the background on those days that I am not reading a good book and am actually doing my housework. My favorite Food Network personality is Paula Deen. She is a Southern Sister. We speak the same language (in every sense of the word). So, imagine how excited I was to find out that Paula wrote a book - her memoirs. Well, I'm about half way through it and I just can't put it down. I feel as if I'm reading the diary of a dear friend. It is a true tell-all. But, what I've discovered as I read is that I just admire her all the more. She is honest about the most humiliating details, but it's not like a gossipy, tattle-tale story. It is full of feeling and her heart shines through every page. And, her life has not been an easy one. I just want to march myself down to Savannah and give her a big hug. She has literally pulled herself up by her bootstraps.
It really is a great book. I recommend it to everyone who loves a story with a happy ending.