My cousin gave us the movie "Facing The Giants" as a gift for Christmas. We had actually rented it when it first came out on DVD, but I was not in the frame of mind at that time to watch it and absorb it for the real message it was sending. We watched it again on Sunday night and I realize now why I was having such a hard time.
Looking back, I was facing more than one giant in my life and quite frankly was ready to give up. I knew God, acknowledged God, but did not have a personal relationship with the Lord. Did I forget to mention that I was a bit of a control freak? I had a really hard time giving up control of my circumstances to God...that is until I almost lost everything I loved and held so dearly. Sometimes you have to be at your breaking point to realize who's in control. I had to surrender it all. C.S. Lewis said, "Pain is God's megaphone." This is his way of waking us up from spiritual slumber if you will. I needed a wake up call.
Our Pastor put it beautifully at our Christmas Eve service when he said and I'm paraphrasing, "You can have a close encounter with God but miss the personal experience." My cousin that I mentioned earlier, she and her husband lost their only son 8 years ago in an automobile accident. A personal relationship with the Lord has given them the strength they've needed when they didn't have it on their own. Will was in college and planning to be a minister. God has helped them face this giant day in and day out. He can help you face yours too.
I urge you beginning now and into 2009, to turn your giants over to God. Surrender it all to him and lay it at His feet. If you are suffering from bitterness, anger, depression, facing divorce, addiction, an eating disorder, financial struggles...whatever your giant may be..give it to God. Let Him fight for you.
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Embrace Life,
Ginger
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Family Blessings
Yesterday my sister drove my parents here to visit us! We were so excited to have them come and visit if only for overnight. Mama and Daddy haven't been able to travel to our house for over a year now because of health reasons. Before we left their house on Friday, daddy told me he really wanted to come and visit us and see our Christmas decorations. He and mama never get to see our house at Christmas.
Usually when mama and daddy come, we take them to Captain Steve's Seafood, but Tony cook fried salt and peppered catfish fillets last night and fried oysters. For sides we had blue cheese cole slaw,fries and hushpuppies. They absolutely loved it. Back home we used to have fish fries on a regular basis and the folks in the community would all get together and fry fish in the back yard! I miss that sometimes.
We enjoyed spending the evening just talking and sharing stories from the past. Speaking of folks in the community and stories from the past, mama retold the story about the summer that daddy got so sick when Jan and I were very little. Daddy suffered a massive blood clot to his heart. He was working on the farm, mending fences on July 4, when it happened. The doctors had pretty much given up on him. Daddy tells the story of being able to hear Dr. Merrit say "I've done all I can do." He asked the other doctor to take over. Daddy was a fighter and so was mama....a prayer warrior.
He survived that clot and stayed in ICU for 31 days. The community rallied around our family. There were acres and acres of tobacco to be harvested as well as other crops. There was no way that mama could do it by herself. The good people our community did it for her and daddy. The crops were brought in and harvested and mama and daddy weathered a major storm.
Sometimes, I think I don't have that sense of community the way I had it growing up, but when I stop to think about it, I really do. I am very blessed to attend a wonderful church, Elevation. There, I'm a part of two small groups where I feel very much a part of an extended family. We have made so many friends there and our lives have been forever touched and blessed by these friendships! I am also very blessed to have good neighbors that I know I could call on if I needed them. Good people and good neighbors. Then there's my family at PSE. I am very blessed to be a part of such a great place to work. So yes, I do have that sense of community. Sometimes we just have to stop and think about our family away from our family to realize how blessed we really are.
Spending time with your family is so important and realizing just how special the time we have together really is. I so enjoyed the time I had with my sister, Jan, my niece Callie and my mama and daddy.
Katie and Callie
Mama, Jan and Me
Tony and Callie's new puppy, Rugby!
I count them all as blessings!
Usually when mama and daddy come, we take them to Captain Steve's Seafood, but Tony cook fried salt and peppered catfish fillets last night and fried oysters. For sides we had blue cheese cole slaw,fries and hushpuppies. They absolutely loved it. Back home we used to have fish fries on a regular basis and the folks in the community would all get together and fry fish in the back yard! I miss that sometimes.
We enjoyed spending the evening just talking and sharing stories from the past. Speaking of folks in the community and stories from the past, mama retold the story about the summer that daddy got so sick when Jan and I were very little. Daddy suffered a massive blood clot to his heart. He was working on the farm, mending fences on July 4, when it happened. The doctors had pretty much given up on him. Daddy tells the story of being able to hear Dr. Merrit say "I've done all I can do." He asked the other doctor to take over. Daddy was a fighter and so was mama....a prayer warrior.
He survived that clot and stayed in ICU for 31 days. The community rallied around our family. There were acres and acres of tobacco to be harvested as well as other crops. There was no way that mama could do it by herself. The good people our community did it for her and daddy. The crops were brought in and harvested and mama and daddy weathered a major storm.
Sometimes, I think I don't have that sense of community the way I had it growing up, but when I stop to think about it, I really do. I am very blessed to attend a wonderful church, Elevation. There, I'm a part of two small groups where I feel very much a part of an extended family. We have made so many friends there and our lives have been forever touched and blessed by these friendships! I am also very blessed to have good neighbors that I know I could call on if I needed them. Good people and good neighbors. Then there's my family at PSE. I am very blessed to be a part of such a great place to work. So yes, I do have that sense of community. Sometimes we just have to stop and think about our family away from our family to realize how blessed we really are.
Spending time with your family is so important and realizing just how special the time we have together really is. I so enjoyed the time I had with my sister, Jan, my niece Callie and my mama and daddy.
Katie and Callie
Mama, Jan and Me
Tony and Callie's new puppy, Rugby!
I count them all as blessings!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Home For the Holidays!
Celebrating Christmas with family and friends is so special!It's hard to believe another Christmas has come and gone! Christmas 2008 has been busy, but lots of fun. We continued the Christmas Eve tradition with our best friends the Sherrills! After attending the Elevation Christmas Eve service at Belk Theatre, we enjoyed having dinner together at our house! It is such a blessing to have such good friends that are just like family! Tony loves to cook. He prepared a rib roast and I cooked a ham! We had all the traditional sides; sweet potato casserole, roasted potatoes, salad, mixed turnip and collard greens...YUM!
Christmas should be a time of celebration with family and friends. According to Rick Warren, throw a party in honor and celebration of the birth of Jesus. We've been doing this with the Sherrills for many years now. The girls have grown up so much! It was so much fun to watch them open their gifts...all from Tutti and not planned!
Since we were traveling on Christmas morning to visit our families, Santa came to visit on Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning we traveled home to Johnston County to celebrate Christmas. We had a great time with both our families. As always we ate way too much. There was enough food to feed an army! We enjoyed lunch with my family on Christmas Day and Tony's family on Christmas night. This is my 5 year old nephew Evan. He was so excited to get a UNC football uniform, but he wasn't so sure about the shoulder pads! My sister was trying to convince him that they go under the jersey! He and his dad are big Tarheel fans!!
My mama's house is a wreck with wrapping paper, but boy is it fun with the children opening gifts. They have such a good time.
We still get a kick out of watching our parent's eyes light up when they open their gifts. They are still young at heart! One of the things we gave both sets of parents was a calendar with snapshots from the year. They love it!
Tony's parents were just as excited about their calendar! Afterwards, another feast began...I was stuffed from the first! Tony's dad, Joe is a wonderful cook. He prepared both turkey and ham! Needless to say I enjoyed both with all the delicious fixins! Can you say New Year's Resolution?
There truly is no place like home for the holidays! Our family is richly blessed with good friends and a loving family. I am also blessed to have a Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and through him all things are possible.
Merry Christmas!
Christmas should be a time of celebration with family and friends. According to Rick Warren, throw a party in honor and celebration of the birth of Jesus. We've been doing this with the Sherrills for many years now. The girls have grown up so much! It was so much fun to watch them open their gifts...all from Tutti and not planned!
Since we were traveling on Christmas morning to visit our families, Santa came to visit on Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning we traveled home to Johnston County to celebrate Christmas. We had a great time with both our families. As always we ate way too much. There was enough food to feed an army! We enjoyed lunch with my family on Christmas Day and Tony's family on Christmas night. This is my 5 year old nephew Evan. He was so excited to get a UNC football uniform, but he wasn't so sure about the shoulder pads! My sister was trying to convince him that they go under the jersey! He and his dad are big Tarheel fans!!
My mama's house is a wreck with wrapping paper, but boy is it fun with the children opening gifts. They have such a good time.
We still get a kick out of watching our parent's eyes light up when they open their gifts. They are still young at heart! One of the things we gave both sets of parents was a calendar with snapshots from the year. They love it!
Tony's parents were just as excited about their calendar! Afterwards, another feast began...I was stuffed from the first! Tony's dad, Joe is a wonderful cook. He prepared both turkey and ham! Needless to say I enjoyed both with all the delicious fixins! Can you say New Year's Resolution?
There truly is no place like home for the holidays! Our family is richly blessed with good friends and a loving family. I am also blessed to have a Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and through him all things are possible.
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Silver Bells
Over the last week I've been so busy that I haven't even had time to take a few minutes to sit down and write. It seems that's how it can sometimes get this time of year, which caused me to stop and reflect a bit over a few things.
I have many books that I enjoy reading at Christmas, but one of my favorite books is "The Polar Express". I especially love to watch the movie and listen to Tom Hanks do the voices.
As I've mentioned in an earlier blog, our pastor, has been doing a series titled "Do You Hear?" He's been focused on how we hear from God and how God speaks to us. Call me silly, but "The Polar Express" really connected with me differently this year than ever before after hearing these messages.
In the book, the little boy only wants silver bells from Santa when he travels to the North Pole. He is chosen by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas. On his way back home on the Polar Express, he realizes that he has lost the silver bells because of a hole in his pocket. However, when he wakes up on Christmas morning, there is a small package under the tree for him....the silver bells. Mom and dad say "too bad they're broken", but he and his sister can hear them. Interestingly enough, none of his friends can hear the bells either. They don't believe anymore!
This book spoke volumes to me! Are we listening to the voice of God? Or have we lost the true spirit and meaning of Christmas? Are we able to hear the silver bells through all the hustle and the bustle? God speaks to us in ways that are sometimes beyond our understanding. Maybe we need to allow that childlike faith to come back into our hearts. If we are too busy or have lost our faith, we won't hear the still small voice of God, the true spirit of Christmas...the silver bells.
I have many books that I enjoy reading at Christmas, but one of my favorite books is "The Polar Express". I especially love to watch the movie and listen to Tom Hanks do the voices.
As I've mentioned in an earlier blog, our pastor, has been doing a series titled "Do You Hear?" He's been focused on how we hear from God and how God speaks to us. Call me silly, but "The Polar Express" really connected with me differently this year than ever before after hearing these messages.
In the book, the little boy only wants silver bells from Santa when he travels to the North Pole. He is chosen by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas. On his way back home on the Polar Express, he realizes that he has lost the silver bells because of a hole in his pocket. However, when he wakes up on Christmas morning, there is a small package under the tree for him....the silver bells. Mom and dad say "too bad they're broken", but he and his sister can hear them. Interestingly enough, none of his friends can hear the bells either. They don't believe anymore!
This book spoke volumes to me! Are we listening to the voice of God? Or have we lost the true spirit and meaning of Christmas? Are we able to hear the silver bells through all the hustle and the bustle? God speaks to us in ways that are sometimes beyond our understanding. Maybe we need to allow that childlike faith to come back into our hearts. If we are too busy or have lost our faith, we won't hear the still small voice of God, the true spirit of Christmas...the silver bells.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Are You Listening?
Do you ever feel like you're talking to someone and your words are going straight through them? Nothing is registering! I'm sure I've been that person many times. My mind was a million miles away. Thinking of my grocery list, what's for dinner, lesson plans for class. You name it, I wasn't paying attention. Are you listening to God that way? Are you tuned in? I've struggled with hearing God's voice for a long time, but I think I'm beginning to get a better grasp of what I should be listening to and for.
I've been studying Rick Warren's "Purpose of Christmas". It is wonderful look at the reasons and purposes for Christmas. One of the purposes of Christmas is salvation. We need a savior and Jesus came to save us for a purpose.
This tied in so beautifully with what our pastor has been preaching on over the past two weeks in his sermon series "Do You Hear?" According to our pastor, when God speaks, His voice reveals your purpose. I love ah ha moments and this was one for me!
In the "Purpose of Christmas" study, Ephesians 1:11-12 is referenced. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
According to our pastor, when God speaks to you , it will stretch you. You're not going to feel comfortable and it's not going to all add up. He used Exodus Chapter 3 as his example, when God called on Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage. Can you imagine getting that kind of call and from a burning bush no less?
In the beginning of Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life, he writes it's not all about you. Personally, I think when we begin to realize that, we've realized it's all about God and his purpose for our lives.
During this busy season, take the time to be still and hear God's ever present voice in your heart and life. He is your Savior and he has a purpose for you.
I've been studying Rick Warren's "Purpose of Christmas". It is wonderful look at the reasons and purposes for Christmas. One of the purposes of Christmas is salvation. We need a savior and Jesus came to save us for a purpose.
This tied in so beautifully with what our pastor has been preaching on over the past two weeks in his sermon series "Do You Hear?" According to our pastor, when God speaks, His voice reveals your purpose. I love ah ha moments and this was one for me!
In the "Purpose of Christmas" study, Ephesians 1:11-12 is referenced. In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.
According to our pastor, when God speaks to you , it will stretch you. You're not going to feel comfortable and it's not going to all add up. He used Exodus Chapter 3 as his example, when God called on Moses to lead the Israelites out of bondage. Can you imagine getting that kind of call and from a burning bush no less?
In the beginning of Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life, he writes it's not all about you. Personally, I think when we begin to realize that, we've realized it's all about God and his purpose for our lives.
During this busy season, take the time to be still and hear God's ever present voice in your heart and life. He is your Savior and he has a purpose for you.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
She
This weekend has been so much fun. To my surprise, when I got home from work Friday afternoon, my daughter Katie, 16, wanted to go with me to run errands. Sounded good to me, I never turn down time with her.
After running errands, we stopped by Barnes & Noble to grab a quick cup of coffee and a cookie for a treat. Fun! I tried the Gingersnap Latte. I think this is my new favorite.
Once again, Katie and I headed out Saturday afternoon bargain shopping at some of our favorite spots....hoping to finish up!We had the best time together looking at clothes and make-up, talking, and just plain doing girly stuff!
When our children are born, they don't come with manuals and I'm convinced that being a parent is the hardest job in the world. Take advantage of the time they want to spend with you! These are the times they are really paying attention and listening.
I embrace these times with Katie like never before. It's hard to believe that in just a little over a year she'll be graduating and off to college. Raising a teenager can be a challenge. No doubt. I've learned over the last few years that I have to surrender her to God and allow Him to work in her life. She is His daughter. I'm ultimately not in control. He is, but He works through us as parents to model what is right. Choose your battles. Listen to your teen's heart. Hear their heart.
I love Elvis Costello's song "She". It is so poetic and really describes the heart of a woman. My little girl is growing up.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Not Just Somewhere We Fall
One of my favorite songs of all time is one by Clint Black called "Love Is Something That We Do". I love to listen to the words of this song, because it reminds me of what love and marriage is all about. It's on my "playlist of favorites". Tony and I were married December 9, 1984 and yesterday we celebrated our 24th anniversary.
According to the song, love isn't just something we have or just somewhere we fall, but something we do. Those words speak volumes to me about true love. Yes, we fall in love, but to stay in love it takes hard work, commitment and a willingness to show respect and give unconditional love.
One of the sweetest things that Tony does for me every morning is to make a fresh pot of coffee! Simple, but sweet. At 5:00 a.m. he makes the best cup of coffee in town! It doesn't have to be expensive or a big deal, it's the little things in life that you do for the ones you love that mean the most!
Our marriage certainly has had it share of ups and downs over the years and at one point I thought it was over, but God had other plans. I'm thankful for the struggles, because they've help us grow in our faith and as a couple.
God has richly blessed us in so many ways. When I think back over our 24 years together, I am amazed at how the Lord has so beautifully orchestrated every little detail in our lives.
Monday, December 8, 2008
What's the Reason for the Season?
I've always heard it said that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season". I couldn't agree more. However last year I was listening to a really powerful sermon that touched me profoundly. The message said that I was the reason for the season. Wow! Think about it. Jesus was born for us...you and me. I knew that, but never heard it put quite that way.
The book of Luke is written to present Jesus as a Savior for the entire human race. No matter the color of your skin, the size of your bank account or house! Luke 2: 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Those words "to you"...for me, are personal. It was for you and for me that God brought his son to earth to live as one of us and to die for our sins. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for me.
Jesus is called "Immanuel" in Matthew chapter 1:23, which means, "God with us." Knowing that God is always with me is a comfort even when I don't think He's there...He is! During this season when it is so easy to lose sight of what we're really celebrating or forget what's really important and get completely stressed out, remember "Immanuel".
This season, celebrate the real reason for the season. The birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord. Not the hustle and bustle, not the latest greatest gadget or gifts. We have the greatest gift! Just recognize it and receive it. Remember that Jesus loves you, is with you and will never leave you or forsake you. He was born for you. Allow Christ to give you peace in this season.
Luke Chapter 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
The book of Luke is written to present Jesus as a Savior for the entire human race. No matter the color of your skin, the size of your bank account or house! Luke 2: 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. Those words "to you"...for me, are personal. It was for you and for me that God brought his son to earth to live as one of us and to die for our sins. He paid the ultimate sacrifice for me.
Jesus is called "Immanuel" in Matthew chapter 1:23, which means, "God with us." Knowing that God is always with me is a comfort even when I don't think He's there...He is! During this season when it is so easy to lose sight of what we're really celebrating or forget what's really important and get completely stressed out, remember "Immanuel".
This season, celebrate the real reason for the season. The birth of our Savior, Christ the Lord. Not the hustle and bustle, not the latest greatest gadget or gifts. We have the greatest gift! Just recognize it and receive it. Remember that Jesus loves you, is with you and will never leave you or forsake you. He was born for you. Allow Christ to give you peace in this season.
Luke Chapter 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
Monday, December 1, 2008
With Love, A Gift For My Daddy
More than anything I wish I could be there today with you to celebrate this milestone in your life. 85 years today! You are a man that is rich not in material things, but in the things that matter most in this life. Your faith and love in God, your steadfast love and commitment to Mama for 61 years. Your unselfish love for us girls and our hubbies, Barry and Tony...the sons you never had, and those grandchildren you adore, Katie, Callie and Evan...the loves of your life. Your love of family, church, community and country. Let's not forget those cows and your coveralls! What more could a man ask for?
Some of my fondest memories are riding the tractor with you when I was little and going fishing late on Saturday afternoons! Chopping and loading fire wood every Thanksgiving Day to prepare for winter ! Digging potatoes on summer mornings...that was fun especially when we'd dig up a snake! Driving up to the Raleigh-Durham Airport to watch the planes take off was really amazing to me as a little girl dreaming.
I used to love it when we'd go to Mr. Ed Smith's store and get a little coca cola and put peanuts in the coke...you taught me how to do that and manage to somehow get all the peanuts! My all time favorite I think would have to be when you'd bring home orange candied slices from the hardware store in a white paper bag at Christmas..always a treat! These things I won't ever forget. You made memories with us. Memories that are worth more to me than you'll ever know. They are priceless.
Thank you so very much for raising me the way you did! There were a lot of hard times on the farm, when we didn't always have what everybody else had, but you and mama always made us feel rich. I love you and thank you for being the best daddy this girl could ever have! I am blessed to have been born your daughter.
Happy 85th Birthday Daddy!
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.
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