November 28: I'm thankful for...

This post has been a long time coming.  Five years to be exact.  I've felt compelled to write about Dad, but have mostly put it off.  On his birthday or every November 28, I chicken out and don't write anything.

November 28, 2007

Five Years
It's crazy to think what's happened in the last five years.  Dad passed away at the end of my first semester at North Greenville University.  Since then, I did Summershine for three years, welcomed a niece and nephew into the family, graduated from college, married Jeff Williams, moved away, and built my photography business...and these are only the major life changers!

So much love

Thankful for my story
God's given me a story so that I can reach out to people.  When I see a facebook update about someone loosing their father or someone going through cancer, I try to comment and share encouragement.  Obviously, their wasn't an earthly victory over cancer, but I can at least relate to the hospital visits, chemo, and hospice.
Sometimes I'll include his story in my testimony.  It's extremely powerful to talk about a man who was diagnosed with stage 4 advanced cancer, given only 2 weeks to live, sitting in his bed quoting Romans 8:28 to his wife and six children after delivering his diagnoses.  Dad's positive attitude set the stage for our grieving, for our recovery.

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 ESV

Dad & James coaching at BR

Good Grief
Obviously, I wish I had my Dad here, but I'll let you in on a little secret.  Dad lived his life with a purpose, a Christ centered purpose.  I know he would much rather be in Heaven than living life on earth.  So where do we go from there?  To my family.  We've grown closer through this experience, we cherish each other more, and we are at each others' side when one needs a hand.  We have a strong bond that is hard to explain.  I do believe our experience with Dad's sickness, the 2007 football season, and grieving his death has pulled us closer to each other in a way we couldn't have anticipated.  We've been able to help each other and proceed with life.  We all know that Dad wouldn't put up with whining, self pity, or complaining.  I think his former football players could tell you how that would go.
I've learned that it's healthy to share about my experience.  I love telling Jeff stories about the quirky things Dad would do.  His sneezes, his daily habits, his words of wisdom.  Sometimes I wish I could sit down at the table with Mom and Dad.  He'd be scribbling football plays on a napkin and I'd be spilling a dramatic story to mom.  Mom and I'd finish talking and debating on what to do about the situation.  Then Dad would put his pen down, look up, and within one simple sentence he'd set things straight and tell me what to do.
During dad's sickness and death, there was no shortage of support.  I remember receiving a gas gift card because someone thought about me driving from NGU to the hospital each day.  The Blue Ridge community, former football players, Mt Lebanon Baptist Church, friends, family, and North Greenville University really showed their sincere love and support!

No Pedestal Here
Dad was pretty awesome, but I want you to know these words are NOT to glorify him.  His life was spent seeking to glorify God, not himself.  Of course Dad wasn't perfect.  These words are to encourage you to embrace the people around you.  Don't waste a second questioning your relationship with Christ.  Take pictures, cell phone or camera, I don't care what with, but really take pictures. Live your life with a purpose, seek God for that purpose.

Here's a video of a former player's visit to Dad while in the hospital.  He explains things well.

blur blur blur

Photography
What does photography have to do with Dad? Well I was in the football stands and taking pictures of him on the sidelines every Friday night.  The setting was dark, lots of motion...this means lots of blur.  I remember crying over some of the pictures because they came out blurry.  It was then that I knew I needed a camera that would allow me to control the settings and produce the images I had in mind.  So there ya go, I got my first DSLR December 1, 2007.  Since then I've learned and learned, made mistakes, learned some more.  As I approach each session or wedding, my motivation for getting all family members and special people in different combinations is fueled by the collection of pictures I have of Dad.  I'm so thankful I have pictures.  You can never have too many, once someone is gone, you wish you had more.



So here's today's "I'm thankful for..." post
Day 28:  I'm thankful for the 18 years I had with my Daddy.  I'm also thankful for the last five years...A lot has happened since he passed away.  I've missed him through each step. 11.28.2007

Now for a few Farnham memories.  These pictures are priceless to me.  I can't believe these times were that long ago!  It feels like yesterday.

Dad's first year at Blue Ridge, notice the bruise on his forehead from head butting a player at practice

Daddy Vince(Grand father) always took family pictures at our holiday celebrations. 2001

Super Hero Day

Hunting Thanksgiving 2006

Relay For Life Pageant April 2007

One of our many visits to Clemson

Lots of support, November 2007

The Situation

Here's a late night understanding that happened in the car while trying to run an errand to help a situation that is just plain weird and complicated.

Me:  "God this situation is beyond me and what I can handle."
Holy Spirit: "That's the point.  Give it to me."

It took a second for me to grasp this, but then a calming, sweet peace washed over me.  God is going to do what He needs to do with this situation.  In the end, God will get the glory and in the very end I will get to spend eternity with Him, so whatever works.  I'm going to do my best with the tools God has equipped me with. 

On another note, are you reading Proverbs??  I can't wait to see what God has in store for the rest of the month...and life.

31 in 31

"My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.
Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.
Cry out for insight, and ask for undersatnding.
Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures.
Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
For the LORD grants wisdom!
From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He grants treasure of common sense to the honest.
He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.
He gaurds the paths of the just
and protects those who are faithful to him.
Then you will understand what is right, just, fair,
and you will find the right way to go.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy."
 Proverbs 2:1-10

Originally I had planned to type just the first few verses, but couldn't find a stopping place.  Proverbs is so jam packed with knowledge and wisdom.  As Christians we should thirst for wisdom because that brings us closer to God and allows us to follow his paths.
Here's the game plan.  October has 31 days and Proverbs has 31 chapters.  See, God made it so simple for us.  One chapter a day :)  If you chose to read, don't just read it to be done.  Read it to soak up the knowledge and wisdom.  Look at the comparisons of what a wise man does to what a fool does.  Ask God to give you wisdom each time you pick up His word.

ps. I know it's October 2. . . you better get started : )

Coffee

     Back in June I decided to start drinking coffee.  The mornings are crucial to the rest of my day so a little extra kick was sometimes necessary.  This morning God and I were talking and he helped me make a connection on how I make my coffee and how I live my life.  Stay with me here. . . Jeff and I have joked about my ability to read cooking directions 3 times over and still measure something wrong or put the pasta in before the water boils.  It happens all that time, even when I'm being attentive and careful.  This morning we joked about how it has taken me 2 weeks to figure out how to make coffee even with reading the directions.  Something just didn't click.
     At this point of realization, God gave me the thoughts, "you live your life like you fix your coffee."  whoa.  I can read the instructions all day long and have good intentions, but if I prepare it my way. . .it's still wrong.  It doesn't have the taste or effect that the makers had in mind.  I end up masking it with creamer and sugar(unhealthy).  I've been wasteful with my coffee making, thinking just fix one more cup and I'll figure out the perfect mixture.  Hey, how about you read the directions for what they are and obey them.  Someone has already figured out how to make the coffee just right, try that way! 
     Is this making sense?  God gives us a purpose in life and tasks to complete.  He calls us to trust him.  no fear.  no doubt.  just trust.  We're like "yeah, trust.  I trust God" and then we just keep living our own way, letting our good values lead us instead of letting our God lead us.  I'll tell you one thing, living like that is wasteful and it doesn't glorify God. 
Some things I need to work on.  I'm only writing this down for me to remember and to be held accountable by you.
Luke 10:27
Jesus said. . ."You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."
Matthew 28:16
Jesus said. . . "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age."   * This isn't just for missionaries, it's for all Christians
John 15:1-11
"Abide in me. . .as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself."
     Here's another God thing :)  While going to Bible Gateway to get these verses word for word, I came across Jeremiah 17:7-11.  It's old testament and sounds that way, but read it.  Think about it.  Don't just get to the end and be done.
7) The Lord said. . . "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord.
8) For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit.
9) The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?
10) I, the Lord search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds.
11) As a partridge that hatches eggs which it has not laid, So is he who makes a fortune, but unjustly; In the midst of his days it will forsake him, and in the end he will be a fool."

Matt Redman At Seacoast Church

Last week(I know, this is old news) Jeff and I, along with a few friends, went to Seacoast's Long Point campus to worship.  With Matt Redman!  ha!

Here's a list of songs you may know that Matt wrote and sings.  I had no idea he did all of these!

Blessed Be Your Name, You Never Let Go, Undignified, Nothing But The Blood, Heart of Worship.  I've grown up singing these songs and now I know who wrote them! 

These songs have become my new favorites:  Our God(written with Chris Tomlin) and 10,000 Reasons!  Check out the videos below!

Matt was a delight to listen to as he sang, and between songs as he spoke. . . with a British accent! 

It was also an eventful night because I've been going to Seacoast for a year or so and had never seen our lead pastor in real life.  That may sound weird, but he's REAL enough for me on screen at the West Ashley campus each Sunday.  I got to see Pastor Gregg(pictured on the left) and hear him speak in person.  What a blessing!

 Of course, I took time to worship and time to document!

You must listen to this song, "10,000 Reasons"

I couldn't resist sharing this one!  "Our God,"  I first heard this song when Jeff started singing it.  My favorite lyrics are "And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.  And if our God is with us, then what can stand against"  WOW!  Please listen.

Your turn: What songs have impacted your life?

Wonderfully Mysterious

    My track record with Bible studies has never been an admirable one.  If you look at any of my book studies or work books you’ll quickly notice a disappointing pattern.  Start strong, read all the chapters, answer all the questions.   Towards the middle you’ll notice less writing and then moving further you’ll notice abandoned sections, questions unanswered and neglected chapters.  I made this sad realization last night while talking with my mom over the phone.  When I was young I had a knack for reading, but in the last few years I can count on a single hand the books I’ve actually finished.
(pauses, eats rest of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream)
    Today I had an unexpected yet welcomed “day off,”  I work a weekday job at Robot Candy Co. Downtown so that I can work my dream job as a Photographer on the weekends and “off work” hours.  After working on all of my left behind To-Dos this morning I took a break at the beach.  The clouds and drizzles brought me home only to find the sun shining.  Perseverance to get my vitamin D sent me to the roof.  As I was climbing out the window, I grabbed my book study that I was officially three weeks behind in.  I decided to scan over the forgotten chapters of Lioness Arising By Lisa Bevere before reading the current assignment.  And I’ll have you know, I learned a lot.

Lesson One:  “There are people who need you to close your eyes and see them when you pray.” -Lioness Arising
The Seacoast Church family is experiencing the tragic loss of Josh Miller.  He was taken in an automobile accident this past Sunday.  He leaves behind a loving church campus(James Island), wife Liz, and two sweet children Hannah and George.  At The Vine tonight(young adult small group) we listened to Seacoast's Pastor Gregg’s message to his staff.  I don’t know this family personally, but I do feel like this quote was put in front of me two weeks late as part of God’s perfect timing to pray for this family.  After losing Dad in 2007, I’ve been able to pray more specifically for families who are grieving.  In this time of Nana’s sickness I can only hope fellow believers will see her and my family when they pray.  There’s so much oppression and strife in the world, as believers we must take advantage of being able to communicate to God.  We cannot be passive, we must pray.

Lesson Two: “I don’t know or do everything, but what I know, I choose to do well...duplicating the talents of another serves no one well, least of all you.  Individuality is not born through comparison, copying, or competition.” -Lioness Arising
God has created us in His image and has breathed His Holy Spirit into us, not to compare and conform, but to be a marvelous functioning part of the body of Christ.  He’s given you gifts and talents that are magnified by the Holy Spirit.  Do something.  Use His gifts.  Share His love.  Do not hesitate.  Dream.  Be what you were made to be.

    I’ve been very encouraged through this book study of Lioness Arising.  My time with the young adult group at church(The Vine) has been an immense time of growth.  Seacoast messages and worship have also be inspiring and vital to my walk with God.  I look forward to sharing more of my journey with you.  Being real with you may be difficult at times, but I want to deliver what God is teaching me.  He is doing some wonderfully, mysterious stuff!

It's your turn(comment below):  Have you ever noticed how God uses weather to change your plans or get you right where he wants you?  Like today, and my rainy beach trip.  He really just wanted me to go home and pick up my book.

Stars

    Last night as Jeff and I were walking/running Sunnie, I looked at how bright the stars were.  It was enough to stop me in my tracks.
"How cool is it going to be to see the stars in South Africa?"
I said to Jeff, "We'll be in a completely different hemisphere so they'll look different than what we see right now."  Our hearts are being prepared for our mission in Africa.  The stars showed me that God has great things planned for us here, with our life in Charleston, in Jeff's clinical rotations, and as we search for job opportunities.  The stars also showed me that God has plans for our time in South Africa.  No matter what hemisphere we are in, God is there and He is preparing a way for us. 
    Our passports came in this week.  That made our mission seem even more real.  Thank God nothing went wrong with our files or the passport process.  Hopefully, in the next ten years we will get to use this passport more than once!

    Our mission team is looking to purchase our plane tickets as quickly as possible.  With 50 people traveling from South Carolina to South Africa we've got to get them soon, for the sake of traveling together and the price.  If you have been planning to donate to our medical mission in South Africa, please consider doing so soon.  We cannot purchase our flight tickets until there are enough overall funds.  Again, the sooner we purchase these, the better off we'll be financially and traveling as a team.
    If you would like to stay updated with our team's progress and daily updates while we are IN South Africa, please visit:
http://southafrica316.blogspot.com/
You will find more information on here like, how to donate, a description of our mission, pictures from previous trips, supplies needed, and fundraising opportunities.

HOPE

I've been needing to share this with you!  This verse came to me last summer after moving away from Greer.  It has resurfaced as encouragement once again!  I'm thinking this one will be great to memorize.  Thank you LORD for your mercy and faithfulness!