Over the River and Through the Woods

...to grandmother's house we go. A familiar song. A familiar route. One I've taken for 47 years.

Today was the last Thanksgiving we would celebrate in my grandmother's home. She passed away in December 2007 but her sister had remained in the home until recently, when she moved to an assisted living home.

But oh what wonderful memories had been created over the years...

• making mud pies on the back weathered concrete steps (now covered by a deck) for hours on end.

• eating grandmother's fresh coconut cake made just for me (and I don't even like coconut!)

• working alongside my granddaddy in the garden.

• riding with all the cousins in my Uncle Jim's 1970's dune buggy on a homemade route through the backyard brush. We had a blast!
  

• my grandmother taking wonderful care of me when I was sick. She waited on me, never complaining, always concerned.

• being introduced to 70's shows such as Bewitched, Brady Bunch, Petticoat Junction, and the like. And, did I mention the Mallo Cups?

• wonderful meals prepared by grandmother... roast, cornbread, banana pudding made from scratch, as well as egg custard pies.
  

• Granddaddy telling me the story of Little Red Riding Hood in hopes of putting me to sleep at bedtime. Unfortunately for him, I've never nodded off very easily so he would have to repeat it at least twice.
  

• Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations that packed out their cozy home with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lots of laughter bellowed through those rooms... especially when my Uncle Jim would present his annual gag gift to one lucky (and unsuspecting) recipient.

• My grandmother's smile, laughter, and unconditional love for her family, which filled her home every single day.

And now, these memories (and so many more) will always fill my heart.

I expected many tears of sadness as I would drive away this afternoon. But the moment I got in the car, I cranked up my radio, flipped the car visor upwards (to take in the beautiful sky looming above) and sang along with David's Crowder "Oh Praise Him" to the top of my lungs.

I praised God for allowing me to know both sets of my grandparents throughout my life, to be loved by them, and to have wonderful memories as a result.

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house I will always go.

Me enjoying birthday cake at "MaMa's" (my dad's mother) house.

And again at my grandmother's house with my cousin, Lisa, looking on.

One birthday in two very special homes.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Catching Up...

On Tuesday night, Brian and I had the pleasure of going to Southside Christian School's presentation of "The Music Man". We wouldn't have missed it! Yes, it was a great musical, but what made it so special for us was the lead actress, Emily Silvey, and her sister, Taylor, who also had speaking and singing parts in it. They had practiced faithfully for weeks and all their hard work came to fruition this week. We were "WOWED" to say the least.

Of course, Brian and I have been "WOWED" by the Silvey family since first coming to know them earlier this year when they took a giant leap of faith by following us to begin a new group.

When Emily joined them soon afterwards, it didn't take long to recognize that this was a young woman whose heart was truly after His. And her voice? Simply beautiful. Taylor has also attended the group and it's been a pure joy getting to know her better. Her quick smile and warm heart make that both easy and enjoyable. We love the Silveys!

Tuesday night also represented the only evening that Brian was home this past week/weekend. Being an "only" I'm usually not very needy in terms of having to have him home every night -- but with things so hectic right now, I must admit that I look forward to having one evening with no place to go but home. I think that will be Monday. :)

Wedding plans are coming along nicely!

We have much to be thankful for... and we are. :) I hope to catch up with you again real soon!

Is It Obvious?

Zach and Sarah's wedding is just around the corner!

I have a feeling my postings will be far and few between until after the big day. :) I would appreciate your prayers for the bride and groom-to-be to stay healthy, for the plans to fall into place nicely, and for their special day to be incredibly memorable.

I look forward to returning to "normal" postings -- but in the meantime, there's nothing I look forward to more than having sweet Sarah as a daughter-in-law.

Sarah and Megan. Two beautiful answers to prayer.

Thank you Lord!

What Am I Waiting For?

The sky was a bit gloomy through my sunglasses this morning, so off they went... and voila! A whole new world was awaiting.

Goodbye darkness. Hello baby blue sky!
Goodbye dimness. Hello clarity!
Goodbye dull. Hello brightness!

A person whom I've been praying for immediately came to mind. My specific prayer for him? That the spiritual blinders covering his eyes from truth would be removed - done away with - demolished.

Goodbye deceit. Hello everlasting truth!
Goodbye bondage. Hello freedom!
Goodbye confusion. Hello sound mind!

This person was not alone in my thoughts. The countless others I've neglected to pray for in the same regards were also there. Leave it to the Lord to convict this heart of mine in such a tender way.

A whole new world truly does await them.
So, what I am waiting for?

Opposite Direction but Same Destination

On the way to church this morning, I passed my best friend going the opposite direction. She, to her church. Me, to mine.

Outwardly, I smiled as I was reminded of how God was using us both for His glory in our "new" places of worship. It still feels new because she and I had worshipped and served together for almost 20 years up until last Spring. I think our separate church experiences will feel new for quite awhile in that sense.

Inwardly, I was a little sad. I miss worshipping with her (and her family). I miss serving alongside her. I miss catching up with her on Sunday mornings. I miss a lot of things where she is concerned.

While our cars may have been heading in opposite directions this morning, I am confident that our hearts and our purposes will always move towards the same destination -- wherever God wants us to be -- together or not.

Now that makes me smile... both inwardly AND outwardly. :)

It's a Random Kind of Friday

Random thoughts on a Friday night...

This is has been a busy but productive week (hence the lack of blogging posts!)

Let's see... on Tuesday, I got my first pneumonia shot (you don't want to know how many times I washed my hands after leaving the doctor's office). By Wednesday, I had a skin reaction to the shot, and by Thursday, I was back at the doctor (washing my hands again). 

Today, Brian took off work so we could head to the mountains in hopes of catching a glimpse of fall colors -- but there was little to catch, unfortunately. Nevertheless, we had a great time going to the different antique shops in Tryon and Landrum. 

Tonight? Brian is at a wedding gig and Zach and Sarah just returned from the grocery store with cinnamon buns. I'm kissing my "diet" goodbye for the night. :)

Go, Zach!

Saturday began early for the Bakers... but for a very good reason! Zach participated in the half-marathon in downtown Greenville.

He's trained well over the past few months for an upcoming marathon in Atlanta and it showed. The drizzling rain kept things nice and cool -- at least for the runners.

As soon as the running crowd (appx 2100) headed down the street, Sarah, Brian and myself took off to Starbucks and finished just in time to see Zach come through Falls Park. A little while later, we drove over to Cleveland Street and stood by to get another glimpse (and to cheer him on, of course!)

Brian, however, decided to take his "cheering on" to the next level when he recalled having the Olympics theme song on his phone. He walked up ahead of Sarah and I (we texted and told him he looked like a stalker - ha!), got himself in position, and when Zach crested the hill, he discovered Brian running alongside him with his phone near his ear. Oh yes, it was a sight to behold. The funny part? Zach didn't even hear the music because he was listening to his Ipod! ha! But Zach seemed to appreciate the support nonetheless.

I tried to time the picture when Zach was running by. Apparently, my timing was off. :)


It was a rainy but very good day! Go, Zach!