Hurting

I've been reminded again how very fragile life is, and not to take it for granted. Heaven gained another wonderful man today, Andy Andrews. A retired NLR policeman, and a building block of Levy United Methodist church.

Yesterday was busy, so busy, perhaps too busy. We had a chili cook-off fundraiser for the youth. Hustle and bustle, decorate, make sure everything is in order. Was there enough time to hug those that I love? Did I make time to visit? No I didn't, I felt pulled in 10 different directions.

Off to a meeting at Amboy, then back to Levy for another meeting and youth group. I just ran into the sanctuary, hugged Cindy, Ms. Roberta and Ms. Dawn and right back out the door. I saw Andy earlier in the day in Ms. Bobbie's office, I saw him again in the sanctuary. I'll never see him again. I cannot even comprehend it. Not at all. He seemed so strong. You would never have guessed his age just meeting him. How ironic that today we would celebrate Mr. Goss's 100th birthday, and at the same time be mourning the loss of Andy Andrews. Again, I cannot grasp this.

I know he had a heart attack, I don't know much else. Gina called to tell me the news, I just kept saying NO! NO! NO! with each thing she said as if that would make it not true. I don't worry about where he is, I know that answer. I hurt for Dawn. They relied so much on each other. For all the years that had been married, you could still tell how much they treasured each other. One of the last things they did together was pray. How awesome!

I worry even more about Daddy now. He and Andy are so much alike. Stubborn old policeman, always with a joke or story to tell. Oh that great big smile, always looking like he's up to something.

I pray for Heidi, Laci & Josi. I know how hard this loss will be for them. Andy was the glue for his family. How do I go to Bible Study tonight with my girl's? I feel so lost myself today. Once again, I have to put it all in God's hands. I know that He will guide me and give me comfort.

Club Matthews

How do you explain "Club Matthews" to someone that has never been? You just can't.....it has to be experienced. For many years now we've celebrated the 4th of July at the home of Duane & Brenda Matthews hence "Club Matthews". They graciously open their home, their pool, the front porch, the decks etc... to friends and family (it's hard to say which we are, I guess technically friends, but we feel like family.) That's how Brenda and Duane are, they make you feel like family. There is no doubt that Hospitality is one of their spiritual gifts. (I guess that is also why they own and operate Just Like Mom's restaurant). Anyway, fall brings on new excitement. The bonfire.....it is legendary. One might think the fire below could be considered a bonfire. They would be wrong, this is the "cooking fire".


This is what the real fire is made of...as you can see it's rather large. (Duane NEVER does something halfway....)



Waiting for the cooking fire to get ready. We're having Nathan's famous hot dogs, brats, etc... YUMMY!

I tried to tell them the fire was too hot for cooking but everyone was starving.
We were afraid Mr. Bill's wheels were going to melt.
Finally Perfect!

Time to get ready for the "real" fire. Don't worry Cody is a volunteer fireman.
NOW THAT'S A FIRE! Look at the reflection in the next few pics. The fire lit up the whole sky. It was quite extraordinary!





I'm not going to name everyone but just suffice it to say that a good time was had by all!



















Duane had to get on his bulldozer and push fire back up. I'm really not sure exactly why, but I'm sure it's necessary or he wouldn't do it. (Michael seemed to think that he just wanted to show off his tractor skills.)


The fire was actually very beautiful! Although it was very easy to convince all of us on where we DON'T want to spend eternity!

Everyone's gone....the old folks, Me & Dale and Brenda & Duane were the last to leave the fire. We pretty well solved all the world's problems and we're already talking about next year.

Thanks guys for another great time!

I know, I know, I'm late as usual. It's just been so hectic that I haven't had a chance to post a lot lately. The Soulfood Sisterchicks went on our annual retreat at the end of October to Shepherd of the Ozarks (SOTO). As usual it was very beautiful! Although this year was maybe not as relaxing as past years, it was definitely a learning and growing experience. Never have I felt more that I was exactly in the place that God wanted me to be. (Although, initially some conversations were somewhat uncomfortable, I pray that God used me to help my sisters!) I have formed new friendships and feel even closer to many of my sisterchicks. Being a sisterchick is not for the faint of heart!

Mandy and I had a great ride up (along with some awesome Chik-fil-a) and even saw a great sunset. I'm not as good as Renee at taking shots from a moving vehicle through the windshield, but these make the point of how beautiful it was that night.

I had to get a picture of the door for Yaya. She's given me a new appreciation for the doors and gates that we enter in our lives. There is now a greater expectation of what's waiting for me on the other side of a new door.

Most of these shots are just kind of random. They show the girls and some of the things we did....hiking, eating, swinging, eating, more hiking, eating, horseback riding, eating, exploring the area and other cabins, eating, playing games, eating, rocking.... You get the idea















During the flooding we had this spring, the camp took a big hit. Thankfully none of the cabins were damaged, but the walking bridge was knocked out. This is a root system from a tree that ended up in the yard of our cabin. It was quite impressive.


After we got to the cabin, I realized that several of my sisters are hurting. Hurting more than I could have ever imagined. Many were facing similar troubles, just in different situations. I feel so incredibly blessed to have Dale. We've been married for nearly 20 years, and just hearing his voice still makes my heart go pitterpat. Before our weekend away, I took that for granted. I hope that I never will again. I also feel incredibly blessed to have each of these women in my life. Of course I also missed those that are usually with me and weren't. (Namely Barbara!) Pebs has come but not lately, and I wish that Karla & Lisa would join us. But I digress...I am again thankful for this opportunity to get away with my friends. Most were in the process of reading the Shack. It's been really interesting to hear each person's thoughts on the book. It seems to touch everyone differently but so far I've heard a lot of positive feedback. So thank you to whoever sent these books out to so many folks that I love.

I'm so excited because we are going to take the kids to SOTO next summer. All the kids from KCIC to college age. It's gonna be great!!! Two weeks after we get back from taking the kids to SOTO, then my family is headed for Dauphin Island! My how time flies when your having fun!

I'll leave you with another effort of me holding the camera out of the car and capturing a picture. This is just right before you come into Clinton.

Love ya, mean it!