community

How amazing is it to be part of something so BIG! I have never seen anything like this up close and personal. The Village Church is a community! I am thankful that I can proclaim my participation with these believers. This weekend was a milestone one for us.

It was our final set of services in the HV campus. My heart is glad that I was able to do the Saturday night greeting just one weekend before its culmination. It brought tears to my eyes to stand in the doorway at the back of the sanctuary while Matt stood up there for the last time talking about the move. I'm not sure when it happened, but my heart had grown attached to the little "ghetto" church building....if that is even possible in HV, Texas! So much has happened in my heart and with those that I love so dearly during the past four years as a result of God's work through that place. I know, I know...it isn't about the building itself and I'm not even sure it started in those walls, but we are sentimental creatures. My hope is that even more wonderful memories, revelations, and growth will happen just a few blocks away at the FM campus.

Then, I received a status update on Thanksgiving day about a significant event in Matt's health. Within a few hours, it seemed like the whole world was buzzing of the news. Again, my heart felt connection with and heavy for a situation that I had not anticipated. While I have only spoken to Matt in passing as I greet on Saturdays, his ministry pours into me weekly. It is that community of The Village Church. Now something that I treasure is shaken by the news of "a mass" on Matt Chandler's brain. Unreal. Right now? To witness the outpouring of support, love, and prayer from across the globe is breathtaking. This community is far larger than I can comprehend.

God has all things, including these Jars of Clay, within his power.

Now, we pray and wait.........please join us.

scars

The last several days have been emotional for me. A case of serious tears appears to be on the verge of flowing down. I guess the water has been backing up.

While for the most part the spirit is resilient, some wounds of distress can easily be torn open. These scars have left an everlasting impact. The words of Papa Roach in the song "Scars"...

Why don't you just go home?
Cause you're drowning in the water
And I tried to grab your hand
I left my heart open
But you didn't understand
But you didn't understand
Go fix yourself

I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I gotta move on with my own life
I can't help you fix yourself
But at least I can say I tried
I'm sorry but I gotta move on with my own life

I tear my heart open, I sew myself shut
My weakness is that I care too much
And our scars remind us that the past is real

I hate some words as soon as they are spoken. Then, emotions break my heart.

I ponder the darkness that others walk in without having a flashlight to deal with it.

Thanksgiving

I am thankful for...
*time to sit and be quiet
*simple pleasures
*sharing moments with a friend
*people who love and challenge me
*The Village Church and grace
*memories that make me gush and hopefulness for more to come
*music that makes me tap my feet
*good food
*a glass of wine
*bar food and a cold beer
*the warmth of spring and the chill of fall
*pictures that hold memories
*comfortable pajamas and a soft bed
*new clothes
*surprise phone calls
*weekend trips
*paying off a car
*the anticipation of a holiday
...and an abundance of other gifts I've been given

Happy Thanksgiving!

state fair

Yes...I have fallen behind on my posts! October was filled to the max. It contained a lot of traveling and work, celebrations, and good times with people I love. So now that I have time to breathe, the pictures are edited and ready for posting. :)

One of the things that thrilled my heart was an afternoon at the State Fair of Texas! I was even a little surprised at how much joy it brought...and that I continued to think of it for some time after. Macee, Maile, and I were battling with the weather during the month of rain. It was hard to say, even at the moment of pulling out of the parking lot whether we were going to make it. Before the clouds began to spit on us, we did get to have the all important photo-op with Big Tex, take a ride on the ferris wheel, and indulge in fair food. The Fletcher's corn dog and cold beer were worth the numerous tickets that we had to hand over, but the best was yet to come. I now know the simple pleasure that will cure all problems--FRIED SNICKERS!! Oh my! I just wish that I could find a place to enjoy this treat before next year's round of fairs.

Then The Casey Donahew Band performed without disappointment. Singing along complete with chants and motions is not uncommon, however, I had never heard the band stop and teach the fans the inserts. They did! Macee and I were glad to be included and able to participate. :)