What's Important

What's important. I've been very philosophical the past couple of days. Thinking about what is really important in life. I mean, I know the big stuff, like my relationship with Jesus Christ. But what else is important?
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of one of the saddest days I can remember. We lost two very special people, Lisa and Ben Kelly. The were taken from us so suddenly, without warning. How could we cope? This past year I have watched a husband and father show strength that I know, can only come from God. Bro. Don has been an example for us all. My heart hurts for him and for Jay and for a parent and a sister that lost ones they love. While we mourn, heaven is rejoicing! Two more are home now. And for that, we can be thankful. We know where Lisa and Ben are now. Our loss is heaven's gain. We can gain comfort in knowing they are with Jesus.
So, back to the question posed earlier: What's important? Living without regret. That is important. Making a difference -- that's important. Forgiving -- as difficult as that may be at times, is important. Loving others, and telling those we love that we love them -- that's important! Don't put that off. You might not get another chance. Sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who are lost and dying and headed to an eternity separated from God -- yeah, that's important! Really important. It seems that the past few days God has been re-emphasizing that point to me. Share the love of Jesus with others! Every sermon, every quiet time devotion -- they all come back to that message. People need to know about Jesus. I need to tell them!
What's important? This scripture keeps coming to mind: “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desire of your heart will be." Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT). What I do now, here on this earth for the Kingdom of God is what is important. When I get to heaven, I want to hear my heavenly Father say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Spontaneity

I've always been a planner. I make lists and keep a calendar. I'm an organizer. I don't usually do things on a whim. Not usually! However, this past Friday I experienced a little spontaneity in my life! After a busy week at school, I headed home thinking about what the weekend would hold for me. As Jeff and I sat in the den talking, I asked what he had planned for the weekend - Saturday to be exact. He said he'd like to go to the beach. I concurred. The beach sounded great! But what would be even greater would be to wake up on Saturday morning -- at the beach! I must confess, I was inspired to do that by Emily and Brian. Last weekend they had camped at Anastasia State Park in St. Augustine and attended a James Taylor concert. We kept the wonderful grandchildren that weekend. But, I must say, the weekend sounded great. So, on a whim, Jeff began to check and see if any campsites were available at our favorite beach camping spots - Gamble Rogers State Park at Flager Beach - none; Anastasia State Park at St. Augustine - none; Fort Clinch, Little Talbot Island -- none! Hope was fading fast! We would just have to get up early on Saturday and head to the beach. That would be ok. But wait, what about that RV Resort just north of Flager Beach -- what was it called? After a little internet research we made the call to Beverly Beach Camping Resort and before we knew it, we were tossing the tent, air mattress and swimsuits into the back of the suburban and the two of us were on our way to Beverly Beach for the night! (Bethany already had plans for Friday night and she was going to be at the beach on Saturday, too). In about an hour and half we arrived at our destination. We set up the tent and headed down to the beach. It was a beautiful evening on the Atlantic Ocean. After snapping a few pictures and enjoying the sand and surf, we headed out to dinner, ending up at one of our favorite spots down in Ormond Beach where we enjoyed some delicious seafood - the lobster was fabulous! Upon finishing our leisure dinner and great dessert, we headed back to our campsite where we sat in front of our tent overlooking the full moon shining down on the ocean. It was quite relaxing and enjoyable! After a great night's sleep, we awoke to see through the door of our tent the sun trying to peak over the horizon. After a gorgeous sunrise, we spent the day enjoying the beach -- soaking up the sunshine and enjoying each others company! We headed back home Saturday afternoon -- ready to face whatever the week had for us. We had such a wonderful time. I think I 'd like to "plan" some more spontaneous weekends at the beach. But then, if I did that, it would not really be spontaneous, would it!

Cutting the Apron Strings

I really enjoy being a mom. It has been my privilege to be one for almost 27 years. God has blessed Jeff and I with three wonderful daughters, and now 3 amazing grandchildren! "Letting go" of my children has never been easy for me. I've already had to let two of them go and now it looks like I'm going to have to let go of #3. But I think she may be the hardest to let go of. Why? Well, because she is the baby, and I know when she is gone, there are no more! Bethany is quite a few years younger than her sisters, Emily and Ashley, so for the past several years she's been the only one at home. Subsequently, she and I have grown quite close. She's not only my baby girl, but also my fashion consultant, listening ear, and friend. And we've never spent allot of time apart. So this past weekend was a difficult one for me. She went on a youth trip -- without me! I was there to see her off, all dressed up in her gorgeous purple gown, with her bff Corey on her arm! They looked amazing. I busyed myself taking pictures as they loaded into the limo and headed away for an entire weekend! I don't think anyone saw the tears, as I watched them drive away! She had a blast with all her friends -- dancing the night away, sunning on beautiful Daytona Beach, and just hanging out with a great group of kids! She is pretty amazing. Even though I was not there, she kept me up to date on what was going on via text messaging and the occassional phone call! And I made it. Before I knew it, the weekend was over and she had returned home. She survived without me! Well, I survived without her. But this is just the first step. In a few weeks she will be a senior in high school! And, if God continues to lead, she will be leaving me in another year, headed to Southeastern in North Carolina! That's nine hours away! I don't think I'm ready. But I trust God and know He will do with her what is best! I know He is just getting me ready to cut the apron strings!

And so I begin

So, it seems everyone in my family has a blog! And to think that just a few years ago "blog" was not even a word you could find in the dictionary! And now, we all have one! So this will be my attempt at blogging! I'm really not sure that anyone will care to read what I have to say, but at least I feel like I've moved into the 21st century now! I have a blog!
So, where does one really begin? I'm thinking that we'll pass on that "frosty December morning" and just pick up where we are -- some 50 years later!
The past few months have not been easy ones, that is for sure! For the last five years we have been enjoying life right here in Starke, Florida, serving God at a great church - MSBC! But God, in His infinite wisdom, has seen fit to move us to another great church, Hibernia Baptist on Fleming Island, Florida -- just 30 short miles from our home here in Starke! God is doing amazing things at the church and I feel so blessed to be part of it! Of course, me being the shy person that I am, doesn't make it easy to make new friends and find my place. But the people are great and are really making us feel welcome. And I know God will show me what He has for me there!
But I do miss all my friends at MSBC and am praying for all of them as the church faces new challenges each day! But I know God is in control of every situation and He is sovereign.
And I am thankful that He saw fit to move us only 30 miles away. We still have Emily, Brian, Hadley, Avery and Ben just a couple of blocks away from us! What a blessing! And Bethany is grateful to be able to stay at BHS for her senior year coming up.
I look ahead with anticipation what God has in store for us at our new church in the days ahead. I'm looking forward to summer camp with our students and the opportunity to see our former students there, as well. And I am very excited about the mission trip to Costa Rica in July! I'm praying God will use me in a way I've never experienced before!
Today I am remembering a very special friend who would have turned 50. Lisa, you will always be in our hearts. Love and miss you and Ben very much.
Well, I guess this is a beginning. This is where we are right now! Looking forward to blogging more as God works in our lives each day!