Month: August 2008

This week has been tough. I won’t kid you. I am thankful—but it’s been hard nonetheless.

Yesterday marked six months that Wanda left our side. When she breathed her last struggling breath and the next gulp of air was celestial air—had to be so incredible. I cannot even fathom.

It’s really not a secret that we are working on a book project of her life, faith and ministry to others. That’s hard too. Because of all the picture memories that flood to my heart and mind.

As Jeff and I watched this video last Friday night, I could do nothing but sit and cry. I apologize for the “blurriness” of the video—but the song will ring through I hope loud and clear straight to your heart. I intend to go. I intend to hug her. I intend to lay hold on eternal life—I love you all. I am blessed constantly by some one’s sweet comment or thoughtful e-mail. I am thankful for what the LORD has given me. The valleys of life as well as the mountains.

Go to Iris’ place for more thankfuls! Have a blessed weekend girls (and guys).

(Song “How Are Things At Home” by Janet Paschal)

Our office has been blessed beyond measure with a phenomenal young lady. (The young one!)

I have had the pleasure of working closely with “Katie-Bell” as I have nicknamed her. She is what I call, “precious”! But—since I am who I am –and talk the way I do-and I live where I live—I have a somewhat distinct “southerness” in my voice. So—it is “Pressshhhuuuuhhhssss”! And that is Miss Katie to a “T”.

She has been given tasks by every employee of the firm—from the “big bosses”…on down to each secretary. She has helped EVERYONE! And without one single complaint. No matter how daunting or simple the task! She has a bright smile when she enters the building and it is just as bright when she leaves! If an exclamation mark could describe her upbeat and cheery personality it might look like this
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just love her to pieces! AND will miss her so much when she leaves us in a few days! So, I have asked Miss Katie to share a bit about herself, her studies and her plans! So—-take it away Katie!!!

HI!
My name is Katie and I have been working as Angie’s faithful office assistant this summer. I attend school at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, but I will be spending the next year studying abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

I am a Political Science major and a Religious Studies minor with a general focus on International Relations, thus spending a year in an international surrounding seemed like the perfect plan for me. A disabling feeling of being land locked in America has driven my plan. I think it is becoming increasingly important for Americans to gain a better understanding of the world beyond our borders.

This age of globalization requires that Americans begin to step outside of their comfort zone and experience cultural diversity less we get left behind by the rest of the world. I think one of the most important ways to begin to study another culture is to observe their religious practices. Learning about other religions is a great way to test your own faith.

In my own experience I have found that the more you begin to learn about different religions and cultures the more you begin to find the common ground of humanity. I think the linking bits of kindness and humanity found in all cultures and religions is one of the most important displays of God’s love and the proof of goodness in people all around the world. Watching the Olympics through out the next couple of weeks will be a great way to see just how small this world really is!

My advice to you is:
Look beyond the world of your day-to-day life.
Watch the news and the Olympics.
Have faith in the goodness of God and people.
EDUCATE yourself about different cultures and religions.

Have a great week & remember to pray for me while I am abroad this next school year!

Katie

Thanks Katie! I appreciate your willingness to blog along with me for this little adventure. Ladies, do take time to pray for Katie as she travels abroad at the end of this month. It can be a scary world out there! Joanne of Blessed, laughed “out loud” and real hard at me when I told her that I had never flown on an airplane before….I just don’t get it…surely there’s a lot of people just like me….right??? RIGHT???

If you haven’t seen this video yet….stop what your doing…press pause on my music (bottom of sidebar) and watch.
Feel.
Listen.
Hear…what He might be reminding you of YOUR TESTIMONY.

We’ve all got one. That place where we came from before He found us…before HE rescued us…from that pit…you know.

The PIT.

OF SIN.

We’ve all had one.

Sure, we may have decorated it. Hung pictures on the wall…even laid down some rugs or pretty tile to make it look appealing…and maybe it did.

For a while.

But it didn’t change the smell.

The stench.

Of the SIN.

But God did.

He applied the CLEANING POWER behind the blood of JESUS CHRIST.

That forever changed our lives.

The ladder out of the pit….well, it was a cross.

Go ahead. Put your foot on the bottom rung.

Take a step.

Climb up and out into the fresh air of freedom in CHRIST JESUS!

Join me on THURSDAY for a special GUEST! Can you guess who might be joining us for Thankful Thursday??? Well?? Any takers???

http://godtube.com/flvplayer.swf

BEFORE PLAYING THE VIDEO—PRESS PAUSE ON MY MUSIC ON THE SIDE BAR 🙂
This is the coolest video—KNOW that God is for you. FOR you! Imagine that. The God that cast the stars into the sky from the tips of His fingers—has a plan for your life. Watch the video. Thanks Guy Tatum for an awesome Sunday School lesson this morning…which took my mind back to this very video.

As I sat there this morning…watching the shots taken of space way beyond our finite minds, I instantly thought of Wanda’s life, leaving here—and venturing on a breath-taking journey past all the glories God created! How incredible that must have been! We too, shall one day take that journey. Whether by the calling of our name—or by the calling of the trumpet.

Enjoy the video—and girls….I plan to see you, whether on this side of heaven or that side—so be looking for me!

(Press play Grandbuddy)