Welcome to my blog!

I think God has a sense of humor. My most recent position has been directing an after school program located in a Presbyterian church that was once an old Pentecostal church, and therefore, has a baptismal. Turns out the possums set up residence in the baptismal... along with their tag-a-long fleas. There's nothing like fighting an army of fleas for weeks on end to keep a person humble. Just a small reminder that all the planning in the world doesn't do much good if there are possums in the baptismal. So, I could have tried to come up with a super-spiritual title for this blog... something deep and profound. However, I think the theme of my life is that nothing ever turns out the way I thought it would. There are possums and fleas along the way... but part of the treasure is in the journey through the unexpected and unplanned challenges. For it is there that I find God's power made perfect in my weakness. It is there that I find Him.

Friday, October 28, 2011

A Time to Weep...

One of my favorite drives over the last several years has been from Northern Alabama up into Tennessee.  The foothills of the Appalachians are breath taking! Even more so today, with the deep oranges, reds, and yellows sprinkled through the trees.  The Tennessee Valley was known to Indians as “Death Valley” because of all the allergens.  I won’t deny that I’ve had my share of sinus infections along with every one else, but this place has been a valley of LIFE to me over the last six years.
I viewed the changing colors of Fall through tear filled eyes, and a heart full of humble gratitude.  As I passed each mountain, I took time to remember each person who has blessed my life.  The eleven hour drive was a mixture of sweet remembrances, and overwhelmed heartache.  I thought of my last meeting with the LIncoln Village Staff. They sent me off by going around the room individually expressing my value in their lives. Tears streamed down my face.  I was looking into the eyes of FAMILY.... family I would soon be leaving.  Friends, both new and old, filled cards with prayers & blessings.   Others spent hours helping me pack and move everything into storage. I received envelopes with gifts that I know were sacrifices from families with their own needs. “My kids” from the neighborhood showered me with pictures and notes of their love for me.  Almost every picture had a face with tears, but also words expressing support.  One third grader wrote, “I’m really gonna miss you. I’m proud of you that you’re gonna help your nephew. Well done.”  Another girl quoted one of our memory verses: Jeremiah 29:11. This one really touched my heart: "I will miss you forever and I hope you have a great time over there and I hope God heals your nephew."
I am truly in awe.  In awe that life can be this RICH.  In awe that I could be loved this dearly.  My natural reaction is to want to earn people’s time, love, and money.... why is it so hard to receive!?  And yet, God set the example for this kind of love:  
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us,
 even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ 
(by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, 
and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” 
Ephesians 2:4-6


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1 comment:

  1. Katherine SpearingOctober 29, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    I am crying because I miss my Moseley. Happy hunting. Love you.

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