Thanks for the Journey So Far!

I just wanted to thank my mother for all the "discomfort" she experienced fifty-four years ago today as she gave birth to me. (And all the "discomfort" I may have caused along the way!) Recently I visited Greenwood, SC, where I made my debut, and took a few pictures in case I ever forget where I was born!

This is South Main St. Baptist Church where my parents worshiped on the morning of my birth. I wonder if she was able to pay attention to the sermon? I would arrive at 4:50 pm. What a commitment! If I was nine months pregnant, I probably would have taken a pass that morning! Nothing like being in church on the day you're born! I'm glad my parents started me off right!

I was surprised to see that the original hospital (Self Memorial in Greenwood, SC) still survives amidst the years of renovation and additions. This is a bad attempt at a panoramic ("stitched" two pics together), but you can see the old hospital best here. Wow, born without a single computer in the room (probably in the whole hospital!).

My first home (for 18 months at least)...not looking quite as swift as it did in 1957. I guess the same is true of me! God has been very, very good to me these 54 years. By far, the greatest "earthly" blessings (I say "earthly" to make sure you know my greatest blessing is my relationship with Christ.) have been my family and the many amazing people I have the privilege of calling friends (including, of course, my church family at Denmark as well!)! Thank you all for making my life so great. Oh, and let me thank someone else, too...

Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:5

Detours Can Be Beautiful, Too

This past week I was hurrying (not the same as speeding!) to our Wednesday evening prayer meeting, when traffic backed-up about five miles from town. Being a fair distance away from the top of the hill, I couldn't see what was going on, but knew it was probably an accident. I had to go home a longer, less convenient way, BUT this is what I saw on the detour. (And, yes, I did pull over to take these!) Yes, I would have seen the same sunset, but my regular route did not have the wide-open space needed to get these shots.

The lesson? Don't be in such a hurry, and even when you are, be open to unexpected gifts of grace and beauty. I wonder how much beauty in life I miss because I'm irritated because something (or someone) forced me out of my rut and routine?

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.'” James 4:13-15

So slow down and enjoy the view (and thank the One Who provides it!).

A Great Couple With a Great Story of True LASTING Love!

Mary and Elwood Bunton are long time members (and dear friends of mine!) of my church. Their love story is so cool and wonderful that the Orangeburg (SC) Times and Democrat did a story on them that took up the front page of the features section in this past Sunday's edition. Here is the article: http://www.thetandd.com/lifestyles/magazine/article_1952a06e-3640-11e0-98d0-001cc4c03286.html

They are true WWII heroes in my book (and in a lot of other people's books,too!)...and above that, both are devoted Christ followers and pastor encouragers! Their love for each other and for their Savior is obvious to anyone who knows them! They have been consistent, active, loving members of my church family, and I thank God for their continuing ministry at The Oaks, and also for all the encouragement, prayers, support and love they have so generously given (and continue to give) me and so very many others! Way to go Mary and Elwood...you two love birds, you!