LOCAL WATAUGA STUDENTS ARE AMAZING!

I don't know about you, but as a teenager I would NEVER have given up my free week from school to serve others. I am so amazed at the students who continue to give up their time to serve others. The first year we traveled to New Orleans to help after Hurricane Katrina. Last year we worked in Grifton, North Carolina for disaster relief through the North Carolina Baptist Men Disaster Relief.

This year we journeyed to Campbellsville, Kentucky and the students worked on 8 different homes. Seven groups worked diligently on roofing projects in less than perfect conditions and then the eighth group worked on building two decks! Many students conquered fears and worked tirelessly hammering thousands of nails to attach a covering of protection on those that they didn't know.

This year we were blessed to take Brandon, Nicole, Ella, John and Denice with us and get a bit of family time in as well. It was so good to see Ella after 3 months!!! My how she has grown and she is so darn cute! Words can't even describe how adorable she is! I had the honor and privilege of spending time with her while her mom and dad enjoyed some rest.

Our worship time was led by a group of guys from Charlotte and God came and sat with us. His presence was unmistakable and the kids grew! The excitement that we saw from them was rejuvenating.

Brandon led our study time and challenged our kids to be a John the Baptist generation; being the change they want to see--preparing the way for the Lord. (Luke 3:5)

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth.

Every valley shall be filled means that all of our insecurities can be filled when we reveal them to our maker. I find that I really become less secure when I understand WHO HE SEES ME AS. Knowing who I am in the Lord takes away all the fears that I subject my heart to. No longer will we be a generation that fears others thoughts about us, or fear abandonment, need affirmation, or need control when we turn to the desires of our Father. He desires us to live my our spirit and not need the things that our flesh requires.

Every mountain shall be low--WHAT KEEPS OTHERS FROM SEEING CHRIST IN YOU? WHAT ARE YOUR THE THINGS YOU ARE PRIDEFUL ABOUT? Remove them so that others can see the Light!

Crooked ways made straight- What generational curses do you see from your family? Alcoholism? Abandonment?

Rough ways made smooth- Places where you can be offended

These weren't the only things that were talked about, but I just can't put it all!! It was simply amazing!

More to come.....

Beautiful Spring Day

Yesterday was a gorgeous day. The sun reigned high in the sky and it was one of those days that you throw on the old Chacos and run around in the woods.

I decided to run around in the ones that are adjacent to our yard. It is something that I had the opportunity to do a little last spring. The water has finally decided to unthaw higher on the mountain above us and now the 'culvert drain', that comes from the top of the mountain and flows down past our house, is running with water. I like to imagine it as a little spring or creek that's attached to our property. Works for me and it sounds better than culvert drain! It actually has the sound of running water, so I think Webster wouldn't argue with me.

Of course as I set on foot Lily and Caroline decided to be adventurous right along with me.

John arrived and we laid in the yard for over an hour dreaming of where we would like to add a few more rooms and a garage. Then we remembered that we live on the budget of a teacher and youth pastor and food is of more priority than covering our cars in the winter, so we just enjoyed laying in the free sunshine and resting in the peacefulness of the day!

Loving the Beauty of Boone

Gosh! It's been so long since I have blogged. I just seem to not have that much going on right now in the way of sharing. But that can be a blessing too!



One thing that I have had the opportunity to do is enjoy the beauty of God's creation. Maybe you aren't like me, but there are just things that God creates that speak measures to me. They calm my spirit like nothing else can.



And it seems at times that it is simply God saying,



" BE STILL.... KNOW THAT I AM YOUR GOD. KNOW THAT I HAVE IT ALL UNDER CONTROL. I'M HERE."



Here was one of these moments captivated in my picture: