Kinfolk!

Lamentations 3:20 My soul hath them still in remembrance, and is humbled in me.

Growing up in Alabama with parents who were from distant parts of the country (Dad from the Mid-West and Mom from the Northwest), it wasn't like we were blessed with an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins around us. My mother's parents died long before I was born and my Dad's father died long before I was born. I did know my one paternal grandmother but she lived one thousand miles away from us, so I didn't see her very many times. But I can tell you this... I loved her dearly. It was a blessing as a child when Dad's one brother and his family relocated to our town after his stint in the U.S. Navy. Otherwise we had to travel long distances to visit our "kinfolk."

It was Dad's sister's family (my Aunt Blanche) who was so much fun to visit in the mid-west. They lived on a farm, and that was always an exciting trip and a special place to spend a few days. I guess I was there only 2 or three times. I can recall two times~~ once as a child and then once as a young mother with a 5-month-old Amy in tow. That trip was made with Dad, Mom, Nonie, Amy and me. One thousand miles each way by car with an active 5-month-old. I don't remember much about it so guess it went okay. I do remember that I was away from Richard on my first Mother's Day and how much that bothered me.

Back to the farm...... When we visited Aunt Blanche and Uncle Alvin, we also got to see my one and only cousin from that branch.... Donald... and his wife, Helen. I would guess that they are about 18 years my senior so they probably didn't pay much attention to me, but I remember how much I looked up to them. It has been 32 years since I have seen them and had just about lost contact with them in the past 20 years but the wonderful world of internet has brought us back into contact. What a joy that is. Uncle Alvin and Aunt Blanche are no longer on this earth but it is nice to hear from Don and Helen... to hear about their boys and their families. This year, I received a nice collage picture of them by email. I asked permission to share as I just don't have much extended family to share about on my blog. So, here are Don and Helen and their sons Larry and Mark and their families:

Picture ID:

Sue and Larry on lower left
Mark and Mary on lower right;
Helen and Donald on middle left,
Chris and Brooke ~~ Sue's two children on middle right along with the three younger granddaughters on middle right


I hope that someday Richard and I can make a trip to visit these dear kinfolk!

Our Wonderful Weekend With Chip

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

It is Monday morning, and my heart rejoices over the wonderful weekend we had visiting Chip at his new place of ministry in North Alabama. (Sweet Home Alabama!) Richard and I rode up with Brian, Amy, and the kids in their 8-seater Suburban which made it a fun time of travel. It was planned that Richard and me along with Jarrett and Josh would stay with Chip while Brian, Amy, Isabella and Jaden would stay in a motel room, but Chip figured out sleeping arrangements for us all and all 8 of us stayed with him in his house for those 2 nights. (Note: a few of my pics are posted in this article but all can be viewed at

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=nhewoo3.9e27a1v3&x=0&y=-g77dt7

Needless to say, it was close but fun family fellowship wit Chip. We got there at about 10:30 on Friday night. Chip had arrived home in the late afternoon from a 4-day trip to West Virginia with about 70 teens and workers from his student group. He was exhausted but threw open the door to his home and his heart and welcomed us all with a hug. We got bedded down by midnight.

On Saturday morning, we awakened to Chip's 30th birthday! Brian and Richard went and got some breakfast for us all, and our day began. Chip needed to go to the church to get some studying done so while he was gone we got some things squared away and were ready to meet him at the church at 1:00. He showed us their marvelous facility. We especially enjoyed seeing Chip's office and then the building where the student ministry meets. It is the old auditorium and is very nice. They are currently making some renovations and will be putting in a coffee cafe and a video room. Of course, Chip's main thrust is that of teaching and preaching God's Word to the teens. You can check out Chip's blog and actually read what is being taught: http://storyline24.blogspot.com/.

Chip in his church office and a view of his youth "room."

When Chip was showing us the gym in the family life center, there was a home-schoolers basketball practice going on. In talking to one of the ladies there, it was discovered that Amy has taught or is currently the 5th grade video teacher for that lady's children. With Amy having a married last name, the mom in Chip's church had had no way of knowing the connection between the new youth pastor and her kids' teacher. The mom was so happy to meet Amy and when the practice was over, that ladies kids were excited to meet their teacher, so that was fun!

From there, we all had CHIP'S BIRTHDAY LUNCH at Rosie's~~ a very nice Mexican restaurant that Chip enjoys in the area.

After lunch, we ALL went bowling. Over the Christmas holidays, Richard and I watched the family bowl but on Saturday, we joined in. We hadn't bowled probably in 30 years but it was lots of fun to get back on the lane. It was a fun time for the nine of us. I was too busy bowling to make pics. Ha!

After bowling, Chip needed to go back to the church to do some studying and so we all went back to his house. The four kids got their Saturday night baths and we got things squared away. Brian and Isabella went to Starbucks and then picked up Chip's favorite local pizza and 2 big birthday cookies for Chip's birthday supper. You can't do too much to celebrate your "baby" turning 30 you know. :) We had a fun dinner hour and hanging out together in Chip's den together. We all turned in at about 10:00 and were looking forward to Sunday morning.

Sunday dawned earlier than most of us were ready for, but we got up and at 'em. Chip showed, dressed, ate, and was out of the house by 8:00. The rest of us were showed, fed, dressed, packed up, loaded up, and at the church for Sunday School at 9:15. Chip wanted all 8 of us to come to his youth Sunday School service which we did~~ and totally enjoyed. Chip is a wonderful Bible teacher and kicked out a brand new format and Bible study for his teens. He is calling it "Framework" and the study will be on the principles behind the doctrines of our Faith. Each study will be in 8-week increments and over a period of 6 years, the students will study Genesis through Revelation. It was a blessing and fascinating to watch Chip teach his group of some 70-80 teens (I don't know the exact number of how many were there yesterday, but it was huge!) and to watch them interact with him. The morning worship service was wonderful. The auditorium holds 1,000. The bottom floor was quite full, and I'm not sure how many were in the balcony. With schools there starting back today, it looked like most everyone was back in their place on Sunday. The singing was uplifting and worshipful, they had a time of prayer at the altar before the preaching which was moving, and then a very good message by their interim pastor while the church waits upon the Lord regarding their next senior pastor. Chip does the announcements at the end of the service and used that time to have his family stand. Afterwards, many people came to us to let us know how much their are enjoying Chip. Of course, my mother's heart was blessed as it is evident those folks have already grown to love Chip in his first 2 months there. (Note: another church member has home-schooled her 4 sons and they all had Amy as their 5th grade teacher. She was thrilled to meet them!)

After church, we all went to Zaxby's for lunch and enjoyed the food and fellowship. From there, we said our good-bye's to Chip and made our long trek back home. There was a snarl on the interstate that had us virtually stopped, but we thank the Lord that the problem was resolved in 30 minutes and we were back on our way~~ returning home at just after 8:00.

We arrived home to find that Amy's and Brian's yard had been "spooned" which gave us all a big laugh. Amy and the kids got the spoons pulled up in about 10 minutes and we said good-night after unloading the Suburban.

It was a fabulously fun weekend to spend time as a family with Chip on the occasion of his 30th birthday. I pray the Lord's richest blessings upon him and his ministry. I love you, Son!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO STEVE!

3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

January 3rd was my oldest nephew's birthday. Steve is now 39 years old, and that is hard to believe! Steve was a great kid. As a young man, he set his sights on a goal and has realized his dream and professional ambition to be an attorney. We are proud of Steve and pray this year will yield the best of his personal, professional, and spiritual goals. Happy Birthday, Steve!!

This is one of my favorite pictures of Steve with his mom (my sister, Karen) and it was made at Steve's and Mandy's wedding. We attended, and it was a happy day!

This is the only picture I have of Steve and Mandy. It was made before they were married and is of poor quality (my photography!) but I share it with love!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY TO CHIP!!

Proverbs 23:15 My son, if thine heart be wise, my heart shall rejoice, even mine.

We are excited for we are going on a weekend trip. We are leaving out this afternoon to go see Chip in North Alabama. This will be our first time to visit him since he went on the pastoral staff at the church on November 1. We will get to see his rental house (he says it is the smallest house in the county!), his church, and visit some of his favorite restaurants as I doubt he will be cooking for us! The reason we are most excited is that tomorrow (Saturday, January 5) is Chip's 30th birthday and we will be there to celebrate that milestone with him. We are so blessed to be Chip's parents and are so thankful for God's blessing upon Chip's life as a youth pastor. He is touching a lot of young lives at a crucial time and is making a difference for the Kingdom of God. He is a faithful servant of Jesus Christ, a wise man, and a loving son. Surely doth my mother's heart rejoice!!

I am going to post some pics of Chip in celebration of this special time. Happy Birthday, Son ~~ and many more!

Love & Prayers Always,
Mom


Chip's first Easter ~~ infant in his Grandma's arms


His Dad started him out on the road to being a committed Alabama Football fan in his infancy!


Into sports from a young age unto this present day


Elementary Baseball League was fun for him and us both!


Chip did great in basketball throughout his school years. Wanna see some video??


Chip at home in his room.


Our favorite football player ~~ senior in high school.


Chip was a loving grandson to his 4 grandparents. Each of them contributed to Chip's Godly heritage though at a young age he learned he couldn't wing it on anyone else's coat-tails and gave his heart to Jesus Christ.


He graduated from Baptist Bible College and then went on to this happy day of graduating from Seminary with his M-Div.


He has a wonderful relationship with sister Amy~~ his only sibling.


He is a wonderful Uncle and loves Jarrett, Isabella, Josh and Jaden.


And we are proud to be his parents.


Chip, you will always be in our prayers as you pastor your teens and seek God in your personal life.

HAPPY 13TH BIRTHDAY TO ASHLEY!

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

Today is my great-niece's 13th birthday. As Bryan's and Tricia's first child and Karen's and Paul's first grandchild, ASHLEY was the first "great" in our family... our Mom's first great-grandchild and my first great-niece so you know she has always been very special to us all! Ashley is a beautiful girl and smart, too. But most of all, she is a born-again Christian... a Godly teenager. We pray God's richest blessings upon her today (her first as a teenager) and for the rest of her life!! Happy Birthday, Ashley!

Love,
Great-Aunt Susan



Great-Grandma for the first time, Mom holds Ashley during a visit with Tricia and Ashley in the hospital.



Dee and Amy enjoying Cousin Ashley at the baby shower for Tricia.


Granny Karen with Baby Ashley


Granny Karen and Ashley enjoy a close and loving relationship.


Ashley visiting with her new cousins adopted from Ukraine: Jarrett, Josh, and Isabella


Ashley with her precious parents, Bryan and Tricia.


Ashley and her Mom at last year's Beauty Walk.

Serving Our Country in Afghanistan ~~ A Testimony from a Soldier

Exodus 12:26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?

Hey all. Here is the picture from the Medal Ceremony. My first AF Medal really earned. See you all soon. Lots of love, Lacy

My friend Trish R's sister is serving in Afghanistan. Lacy is a young single woman who is making her mark on the world. She is doing something crucially important for us all and for future generations should Jesus tarry His coming. When Lacy left the States to "work over there," Trish provided Lacy's address so that I could write to her. I wrote not really knowing what to say but wanting to be an encouragement to Lacy. The tables have totally turned as Lacy's emails have blessed and encouraged me. She is not "down and out" but she is a vibrant young lady who is excited about what she and her comrades are accomplishing. Here is the latest email I have received from her. It was written on December 30 she she is soon to ship out of there and return to the States. Please pray for her safe return and may we NEVER get lazy and complacent and forget to pray for all of those serving and protecting us here at home.

...I am still in Afghanistan, should be leaving here in about 11 days and headed home. I can't wait. And you are very welcome for my service. I would not have it any other way. I am very proud of what I do and what I am part of. Being here has been rough, but a life changing experience. It brought me back to God, where I should have been all along. And I know that, because of the sacrifices that we make, our families stay safe. I only hope that future generations realize the same and choose to serve as well. So many people have forgotten why this war started. America is truly the greatest nation on the planet and no matter what politicians are running the show I will always chose to serve as long as I am able. I received my first medal ever here, it was such a good feeling. God is truly smiling on me, taking the load off my shoulders, and making me a better person everyday...

With love, Lacy

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2008!!!!

In prelude to this day, we had a wonderful New Year's Eve with dear friends. We invited Jerry and Peggy to accompany us to Bellingrath Gardens. The holiday season would not be complete without a visit there. In addition to Magic Christmas in Lights, the Gardens were set ablaze with poinsettias in shades of red, pink, white, yellow, green and marbled effects. The Gardens also featured snapdragons, ornamental cabbage and kale, pansies and amaryllis. It was simply gorgeous and a neat way to end the year with friends. We got home from there and spent the next 3-1/2 hours leading up to midnight and the dawn of thenew year by fellowshipping, snacking, talking, laughing, and then prayed in the new year together. Truly our hearts were further knit together in friendship during our 10 hours spent with Jerry and Peggy on Saturday.If you've never been to Bellingrath and would like to see some pictures we made, you can view them here:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=nhewoo3.9e27a1v3&x=0&y=-g77dt7

Otherwise, here is a picture made of the four of us at Bellingrath on New Years's Eve:

NEW YEARS DAY.....

It is cold here (52 but with a stiff wind) with temps in the 20's just around the corner. BRRRR... Our crew next door is all doing fine. Brian and the kids had lunch with us while Amy was doing some things at school to get ready for tomorrow's return for teachers and students at the Academy. Chip and his teens are traveling today on their way to West Virginia to snow ski. In spite of the nice day we are experiencing, I am mindful that today isn't a joyous day for everyone as there are at least three families in our church who are grieving the passing of a loved one during or since the weekend. I have been busy on the phone today lining up sympathy cards as well as meals for our fellow church members. One dear friend's 91-year-0ld mother took off for Heaven on Saturday. Another friend lost her dear Dad, and another young woman in our church lost her cherished grandmother. All of this is yet another reminder that we don't know what the new year holds, but we know who holds the new year! Nothing happens in our lives that is a surprise to God. As Christians, He supplies the grace to see us through the most difficult days of life.

I am claiming God's Promise as my hope for this year: Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. ~~Jeremiah 29:11

I am beginning the new year by meditating on some verses that will inspire me in a fresh new walk with God and give me a deeper commitment to living the Christian life. In addition, it is thefirst day of the new year which gives me the new beginning of reading God's Word consistently this year. Reading, meditating, praying, loving, sharing, witnessing..... oh how my heart longs to draw closer to the Savior. May we all be found faithfully learning and growing in Him this year.

MAY YOU AND YOURS HAVE A BLESSED 2008!!

New Year's Eve Eve

It's hard to believe that we have one more day in this year of 2007. I've always heard that the older one gets, the faster the years go by. I am believing it!! Like everyone, we experienced some trials this year but found God to be so very faithful in the midst of each situation. It is truly in those times that we draw closer to the Lord and grow in our Christian lives. As well, we have experienced so many blessings. Truly it is amazing to live the abundant Christian life. We fail Him far too often but find that His forgiveness is swift and His love is never-ending. Thank You, JESUS!!

We were challenged by our Co-Pastor today to make some earnest decisions to go forward in our Christian walk in the coming year. I knew immediately some areas that I need to re-commit to my Lord and thank Him for pricking my heart about those matters.

Tomorrow we are going over to South Alabama to visit Bellingrath Home and Gardens for our year-end fellowship with Jerry and Peggy. We look forward to that special time with friends who were new into our fellowship this year. Relationships are so special gifts.

I'll be back later......

Susan

Christmas Night ~~ URL for Christmas Eve Pics

If you can't see the pictures in this email, click here to see it in a web browser: http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=nhewoo3.3gt1gaa7&x=0&y=-s0lz2a

I won't post our Christmas pics here but have provided the URL to access them on the kodakgallery.com website for anyone who might be interested.

Just 36 more minutes left in this Christmas Day 2007. What a wonderful day of celebrating the love of God and the special gift of His Son, Jesus Christ!

Good night!

Christmas Blessings

Luke 2:11-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

We had a most wonderful Christmas Eve with the family here for dinner, the giving and receiving of gifts, and sweet fellowship with our crew. How interesting to think that we get so many thoughtful and loving gifts today, and that JESUS CHRIST is the best gift of all. His free gift of salvation is truly amazing. We had such a sweet time with Chip and with Amy and her family last night. I made a couple of videos that were kind of cute. I am mostly posting them here for Amy and Brian to see, but perhaps someone else might enjoy them as well. I was just in the bathtub soaking while listening to the wonderful Christmas music on our Christian radio station and praying for our family and friends everywhere~~ that you are having a peaceful, loving, and meaningful Christmas Day.

Merry Christmas with Love,
Susan




(SIDE NOTE: If you happen to notice Jaden's change of clothes, here is the scoop on that. Grandpa and I gave him "cammo" pants, sweatshirt, t-shirt, shorts, hat, socks and shoes. That little kid LOVED the clothes (I thought it would be his "worst" gift) and had to put the two different sets during the evening. That was a pleasant suprise. Ha!)