Anticipation

I love the stillness of early mornings!  Just quiet time with the Lord and my cup of Java before the busyness that is life begins.  This morning is one of excitement and anticipation.  Plans today include some girl time with my granddaughter to get pampered a little together and have lunch together. 

The day will continue to unfold by beginning to celebrate a HUGE accomplishment in the life of my husband.  Please bear with me as I brag a little on him. 

Tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m., he will stand in front of Founders Hall at Athens to receive his B.S. degree. This has been a very long journey and one that he started years ago, but life just kept getting in the way.  A few years back, he became committed to complete this journey.  Taking 2 or 3 classes each term while working full time was not easy, especially when you get a few years on you.  There was much stress which added to health issues,  and honestly, there were times where he just plain ole wanted to give up... but then pushed right through.  Not only did he push right through, but he will graduate Magna Cum Laude!  That calls for a big whoo hoo!!!!  I am so very proud of him!!!

This summer has been a tough one.  He had a hernia surgery at the very beginning of this last term and developed some complications which pretty much immobilized him for most of the term.  It was a scary time as we both wondered if he would have to return to surgery and if the healing would ever come...but it did!!!  Looking back, I can now see the time as a gift of sorts for him to complete the final semester in a different way with real time to read and study, as he couldn't do much of anything else. 

Looking back.  Why does it take looking back to see God's hand in what is happening?  I know there is purpose in everything and always say that and believe that.  But I don't always act like I believe it in the hard moments. 

As years come and go, I think the looking back makes me more eager for what is ahead because it causes me to see how beautifully God accomplishes His purposes.  It also helps me to be aware of His constant presence so that I can see Him in the present more clearly. And I am so excited about what lies ahead, even though I honestly don't know what exactly that will be.  Scott plans to continue his studies through seminary after taking a break for one semester.  As he seeks to follow God in an obvious calling on His life, the journey will be one of great anticipation.  I know that there will be difficult and challenging times along with the joyful and happy times, but God works His purpose so beautifully and I'm eager to see it all unfold.

So Friday, let's do this thing!!!!

The Real Deal

Felt the need to jump on again just a minute to tell you about my friend Sharron. She is the real deal!!!

She's going through a difficult time right now as her son is battling a serious health situation, but even in the midst of that, she noticed people hurting around her and requested prayer for them. In fact, I've seen her many times over the years praising the Lord through difficult circumstances. She is the real deal!!!

I often tease her and call her the energizer bunny because of her energy level that is way so high! Such enthusiasm and energy is very contagious and I'm proud to call her my friend! She is the real deal!

She sings like a bird and uses that talent faithfully to sing praises to her Lord and King! And she loves the Lord with all her heart, all her soul, and all her strength. And I know her pretty well. In fact, we often tease each other that we couldn't have a real falling out cause we know way too much about each other! She is the real deal!

If you have a minute this evening, please say a prayer for her son, Jason, and all of the family as they wait by his side. He is battling a fever, pneumonia and some complications following a surgery last Wednesday and is in ICU at a hospital in Wisconsin. He and his family moved to Wisconsin to plant churches and what an impact he is making for the Lord there! Thank you so much for your prayers for them.

A Little Observation from Alabama

WOW! Has it really been 2 years since I posted on my blog?! Well, it's time to write again! I started this a few weeks ago, but never got finished. So here goes!

Football in Alabama is exciting! Although I am not a huge fan, I so enjoy observing the rivalry of Auburn/Alabama football. We had our rivalries in Mississippi, but I've never seen anything quite like this. There is fun and excitement in the air during this season. While walking in my subdivision on a Saturday a few weeks ago, I passed a house where an Alabama fan lives. There was no doubt about! The huge blowup Alabama elephant and Alabama flags flying gave it away!


It starting me thinking just a bit. What is it that makes Alabama/Auburn football rivalry so exciting? I observed 3 things: (1) The fan is definitely identifiable, even without the blowup symbols or flags. They walk it, they talk it, they live it out during this season! (2) The fan is loyal. Although some may pull for the "other" team when they are not playing each other, on Iron Bowl weekend, there is EXTREME loyalty, and only something of critical importance could keep a fan from watching that game. In fact, if you are not a football fan, it might be a good day to go on a shopping trip. The stores are pretty empty! (3) The last observation, but certainly not the least, is that the fan is excited! Folks who are commonly very passive become quite animated during this season.


All this observing made me think even further and I concluded that those same 3 characteristics should be observed in the life of a Christian. (1) A Christian should be identifiable. No, I don't mean a big blow up Jesus in your front yard, but the walk, talk and life of a Christian should point to the fact that they are a Jesus fan. (2) A Christian should be loyal and devoted to Christ. (3) A Christian should be excited. We should talk about Christ and be so excited about what He has done for us that we share enthusiastically with those we come in contact with. After all, what He has done for each of us is the ultimate gift.

So, with all that said...

"War Eagle" to my Auburn friends!
"Roll Tide" to my Alabama friends!
"Praises, Honor and Glory" to my Savior!

A GOOD TIRED

OK – so I’m really tired today, but it is a good tired. Know what I mean?!

Yesterday, me, my siesta friend Sharron, and our 2 hubbies set out after Sunday School on a road trip. Sharron and I were so excited that we could hardly contain ourselves. Lots of “whoo hoo whoo hoo hoo’s” were shared each time we saw each other Sunday morning before we left.

So, I know you can’t wait to hear where our road trip took us. (Singing) . . . “On the road again, I just can’t wait to get on the road again! The life I love is making music with my friends, and I can’t wait to get on the road again!”

I had to take that little detour in song. You know me. I like me a good song to go with the situation.

Well . . . we were actually going to make music with our very special friend, Travis Cottrell, as he recorded a live CD/DVD at FBC Woodstock, Georgia. It was awesome! When we talked this morning, Sharron described it as a magical evening! And that it was! Travis, the praise team, the FBC Woodstock choir, Beth Moore – everyone was really pumped and the music and worship was incredible! The place was packed and Travis said he was afraid only a few people would come!!! Puleeassee!!!

Travis, Praise Team, and FBC Woodstock Choir

We got to meet up with our Southern Siesta friends and visit with them a few minutes before the concert. Then, I had the privilege of meeting and getting my picture made with BooMama!!! How awesome is that?!

BooMama and me

Me and Siesta Sharron

After the concert, we made the 3 ½ hour trip back home, arriving around 11:15 p.m. and guess what?! I couldn’t sleep. Not one teeny tiny itty bitty bit! I think the excitement was just spilling over, and no matter how hard I tried, sleep wouldn’t come. So I’m a little bit tired today. But it really is a good tired. AND I am facilitating a Bible study tonight! Lucky participants!!!!

So after Bible study, Gramster plans to go directly home, put on pj’s, then night night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Warm Fuzzy Sunday

I would have to classify yesterday as one of those warm, fuzzy kind of days.

Scott wasn't scheduled to work, so we had the entire day together! Our Sunday School lesson was from I Thessalonians about "When You Started Out." Several of our SS family shared about their salvation experience. The lesson prompted great discussion as we talked about loving others and about what kind of example we are to those around us. We were reminded that there are actually people imitating us! Our actions and behaviors are so important!

Then, I actually got to sit with hubby in worship, since the choir didn't fill the loft in the morning service. We had a great afternoon together and returned to church in the evening to be part of our choir's annual Christmas program. The choir dressed in 1800's Christmas caroling attire and sang traditional Christmas carols and it was a wonderful time of worship together. The children's choir sang with us in part of the program, and it tendered my heart to hear their sweet voices singing.

The perfect ending to a perfect day happened at Taco Bell of all places! After church, we headed there to grab some tacos to take home. We went through the drive-thru and the line was sooooooo long. We were trapped - people behind us and in front, so we just had to wait. Even though it was irritating to sit in a drive thru for 30 minutes, it gave us opportunity to sit and talk awhile.

As the young lady in front of us was picking up her order, I remember that she looked so bubbly and happy. When we got to the window to pick up our order, the man told us that she had paid for our order. I asked the cashier who she was. He said that he didn't know, and that she didn't know us. She told him that she just wanted to do something nice for someone since it was Christmas! WOW! It made us both feel so warm and fuzzy. It wasn't an extravagant gift, but such a kind expression of love.

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (I Corinthians 13:13)

It really is contagious. We can't wait for the opportunity to pay it forward!

Thanksgiving/Christmas/Birthday Celebrations

Thought you might enjoy a pic of my family at our Thanksgiving/Christmas/Birthday celebration! I was taking the picture and don't get many photo opps of the whole family together. I think they are absolutely wonderful!

Living Waters 5K and Sacroiliitis

Since many of you have asked when I plan to post again, here goes! As for half-marathon progress, there really isn't any. I took a rest after the shinsplint episode. The first time I tried to run after my resting period, I had a backache for about a week, so more rest! I was getting a little anxious since my daughters-in-law and me were going to run in a 5K on Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanksgiving was wonderful as we celebrated my birthday, one of my daughters-in-law's birthday and my granddaughter's birthday, along with Thanksgiving and Christmas. You see, my son and daughter-in-law from Missouri rotate Thanksgiving and Christmas every other year, so they can share those holidays with her family. So, on the year they come for Thanksgiving, we celebrate Christmas as well, since we don't get to see them again at Christmas. After stuffing ourselves with turkey, ham, and all the fixings, we opened birthday presents and Christmas presents. It was so much fun.

Later that evening, Addie and I decided to take a practice run to get ready for the 5K on Saturday. We took the 3-mile path I use in my neighborhood and I actually ran at least 1 mile of the route. It felt great to push through again, but the back pain started again within an hour. It was so bad on Friday! Addie had to drive her old ma-in-law around and help me in and out of the car. A little shopping humor: my cell phone rang while we had stopped in a thrift store and it was my mother. Apparently I was talking very loud, since Addie had to shush me up. She commented that not only was I incapacitated, but apparently had also lost my hearing. We had a big laugh with everyone around us in the store, and I told my mother I would call her back when we were out of the store. I love the relationship I have with my daughters-in-law. We really laugh alot when we are together - mostly at me, but that's ok.

Saturday morning rolled around and I was determined to do the 5K with my girls in spite of my pain. I planned to get up and wash and curl my hair, since hardly no one ever sees me before I do that. The girls said we were running a race and I wasn't allowed to do that, so here you see it and surely understand why I don't let anyone see me this way. This was at the end of the 5K and we all did just fine. Not one of us took last place and I actually achieved my goal of finishing with better than a 15-minute mile. My time was 41:29:1 even with an injury. Whoo hoo!!

Addie, Mary, and me!

So I was pretty much down in my back the rest of the weekend, but we did it! I went to the doc on Monday and the diagnosis - "sacroiliitis". That's a funny diagnosis for a funny lady, right?! The verdict is that I can't run for awhile. I have to take steroids, anti-inflammatory and do some exercises to strengthen my back.

The half-marathon in February is off, but that doesn't mean we can't do another half-marathon when I am well and able to train again.

OK - that reminds me of a song. Are you surprised?

"I'm trading my sickness, I'm trading my pain

I'm laying them down for the joy of the Lord.

I am pressed, but not crushed; persecuted, not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.

I am blessed beyond the curse for His promise will endure and His joy's gonna be my strength."

Everybody sing along with me now.

That's it for now! Stay tuned for more in the continuing maladies of Gramster.