Savannah

July 14th 2001 I married the man of my dreams. We had a beautiful beach wedding and honeymoon in Charleston and that was our last vacation alone.. We had plan to go to Charleston the next year for our anniversary but I was pregnant with his little mini me. So for the last 8 years we have not been able to take another anniversary trip until this year. I booked the room back in January but with the economy the way it is Eric lost his job but in the same week he started helping out another guy then we went to WV and came back and he lost that but God is always good and the next week he was working again so up until the week before we didn't know if we were going to be able to go or not. Like I said, God is good!!!!!


My sister lives in Evans, GA which is about 2 1/2 hrs away and her and her family kept Tyler for us and the Ryan & Stephen went to their dads. So after work on Thursday we headed to Evans to drop Tyler off with the Wamack's.. We live in a house where I am the only female he was going to a house for at least a day he was the only male then my brother in law, great nephew and on of the girls boyfriend came and saved the day. I am sure he would have been ok being the only male though, he gets spoil there and he loves it. He got to watch what he wanted to, play his DS, go swimming, eat all he wanted, play with some of the funniest girls and plus Aunt Lisa spoils him. He had such a good time that every time we called him he told us we could call him back on Sunday but we couldn't come and get him until Monday. We picked him up at 4 on Sunday and he was MAD at us and didn't talk to us for an hour on the way home. I have to say he had a good time... Thank you Wamack's!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We got to our hotel about 10:30 on Thursday night after riding some long dessert roads an wondering about gas and food we were ready to settle into our room and sleep that first night. I think that is the earliest I have gone to bed in a long time but I was sick with some stomach bug and he had been the day before. We had a great night sleep..

Friday we got up early and hurry to get ready to see could go and get in line for our reservations for Lady & Son. We finally headed out the door about 9:00, 30 mins later than I wanted to. We didn't know our way around, never been there our hotel was right when we came in so we didn't even know the area what so ever so we were blind leading the blind and we didn't listen great to the directions soooo needless to say we were headed in the wrong direction, headed back in the right to turn around and go back the wrong way until we finally ask somebody so we go to the line at 9:30 and not to many people came behind us so I was worry the whole time we would not get in that day.. We got one of the last 11:00 lunches and it was 10:15 when we got it so we had 30 mins to kill so we decided which trolley tour to take and look in a couple of stores right there. At 10:45 we were back out front like we were told to be and this lady comes out to let us know the food is ready and she bang on the pot yelling "Come and get it". The food was WONDERFUL Eric is still wanting more chicken and the ho cakes were great, the corn, the fish it was allll good... We came out stuff as pigs... For lunch it is like $11.95 for the buffet all you can eat and then a dessert and drink you can't eat that cheap around here for that really and the food be that good...

After lunch we went to take the trolley tour of the city. The guy told us they would send a shuttle bus to come and pick us up and about 5 mins later a white stretch limo pulled up.. That was our shuttle bus we felt high class and got to see the city in a fast way. If you are ever there and see a white limo trust me move out of the way.. The trolley tour was great we got to learn the history about the city, the squares, the didn't houses like Girl Scot and the one from Garden of Evil and the best part we learn where things were including River Street.. After that was over we did the River Boat part of it (we did a combo)and I have to say this was really just break to ride on the boat and here about the ports. I would do the trolley again but not the river boat but we had coupons for both. It was soooooooo HOT that after that was over with we went back to the room and shower and got re ready and headed to Spanky's on River Street to check out their chicken fingers and honey mustard everybody told us about. They lived up to what people said, I am wanting some more of that honey mustard it is more honey than mustard. It was a cool place to we got to seat in the room they were doing karaoke but Eric had a bad headache so we called it a night early again and left and went straight back to the hotel and he went to bed while I read my Twilight book..

Saturday we got up and walked around the Market to check it out and then we left and drove out to Tybee Island to eat at Crabshack and let me say that place had a great atmosphere we sat out on the patio by the water w/ trees growing up through the deck, cats roaming around, over looking the water and playing Jimmy Buffet music. Everything is boil or steam and they have these huge sampler platters with all kind of seafood on it but we just got shrimp and devil crab and it was great. On our way out we stop off at the alligator farm they had and check them out. With belly's full we took off to the beach. We had brought all of stuff with us to chill out for the rest of the afternoon but with taking our time at the restaurant, trying to find parking and storm look like it was coming in we just walked out to the pier and took in the people fishing and talked to some nice people and then we went for a walk on the beach.. The only draw back to this was I didn't research the lighthouse to much and we pass one coming over the bridge and I thought we had to take a boat tour to it. I didn't find out until we got home and saw Katie Mumpower pictures that you didn't have to take a boat tour it was right there at the other end of the beach that we pass coming in and out (yes, The Mumpowers were there in Savannah same time, same hotel, same floor, only 11 doors down and we NEVER saw each other.. We went a day early so when they were doing Savannah we were in Tybee and when they were in Tybee we were headed home.. I didn't want to intrude on their family time and they didn't want to intrude on our alone time but I do wish we could have met up for at least one meal or something) Anyway, we headed out of Tybee and decided to go to Uncle Bubba's but my GPS took us to some house so we couldn't find it. We went back to Savannah and went back and tour the squares we wanted to see up close after that we went back to the hotel rested and got re ready and went back to Spanky's and afterwards we went shopping at River Street and took in all the local street performers on the river. We were in a store and we kept hearing boom, boom we looked out and it was fireworks so we went out and enjoy them. I love to people watch and I love to be right there at the water so we sat there for a couple of hours and listen to the go playing the sax's while people walk by. He was playing all kind of theme songs from the wedding march, 3 Blind Mice and The Freaks Come Out At Night. It was fun to watch all the peoples reaction.

Sunday we got up and loaded the car and went to another part of Savannah to a place called Byrd Cookie Company that Deb Thompson told me about and said they were famous for their key lime cookies. I love that store with all the platters, gifts, spices, sauces and the best part cookies. They had them all out to taste, my favorite were red velvet and chocolate key lime.. After picking of goodies we headed to Evan's to get our boy and come home..

We had a great time all in all and have our reservations made for February. Can't wait to go back... This time we will see the Lighthouse and I am for sure we will eat at Lady & Sons, Spankey's and Crabshack and maybe this time we will find Uncle Bubba's or make it to Fannie's.. I will definitely be bringing back more cookies..

A little side note, my friend Johnna went the very next Friday to Lady & Son and while they were in line to get there reservations they notice another line and to come find out Paula Dean, Bubba and their boys were there doing a book signing.. She got pictures with them.. I wonder if she ask for the recipe for the chicken and ask where Bubba's restaurant was??

Day6-Youth Students

Both of my boys are in the DAY6 student choir and I have to say this group of kids are amazing. From August until June they practice so much to go out on a choir tour to different places for a week and share their faith through worship, witnessing and working hard. I got the privilege to go a couple of years ago and it was a great trip and last year it seem really great with everything that happen in Washington but this year I was blown away with this group of kids and decidation and the fire I saw come back with them and the unity. They went this year to Cleveland TN to sleep on floors, eat bag lunches, paint houses or put new roofs on them and while they are doing that they are witnessing to the families and others around them, back to shower and eat dinner and then off to go sing at rescue mission places, retirement centers, Church's it is all day affair. Then back at the church at night they had student lead devotions and then they all had a chance to tell everybody what their God moment of the day was (trust me I couldn't get through these w/ out crying). Then when they got back I have been hearing all the kids talk about the trip, seeing their FB status messages and messages to each other, her girls in my Sunday school class saying they can't stand to sit at home and do nothing they want to go out and live that week everyday, seeing students changed by this trip it has been amazing.


We had a homecoming concert the Sunday they came back and they show pictures from the trip and I sat there with tears in my eyes seeing the glow on their faces and tell the hard work they were doing, the praying they were doing together and witnessing to where one group drew out an illustrations for a child to understand. Then when they sing they are just wonderful for youth choir, they bring the worship into a place. Sarabeth was honor for allher dedication to teaching this group of students. It was well deserve. Thanks go out to SB, Bucky and all the other leaders that help make Day6

Rachel one of the girls sum it all up and brought what it all meant.. Phil 2:1-5

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, If any comfort from His love, If any fellowship with the Spirit, If any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interest , but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus...

What if every day we look for God moments and we just jump into them. We don't have to go out of state or country we come in contact every day with people and there are people right under our eyes that need help... God uses this group of teenagers to teach me so often...

We have another group gone this week to Centrifuge at North Greenville College and the parents were invited come Thursday to share the Lord Supper with them and then after to hear about some of their God moments. Some that stood out to me was Stephanie Simon sharing the gospel when she was at a place they weren't suppose to afterwards hearing that about 8-9 of kids 9 and up coming up and wanting to know more. Also, another bible was giving away at this camp to a little boy that as soon as he got it he went and started reading it. Then kids telling what God is teaching them about their self about witnessing more, doing more, being more thankful, knowing we have a new sister in Christ that gave her life over on Tuesday night cause she wants Jesus in her life... Parents were able to share what we have been learning this summer and from hearing parents can't find their kids cause they are in their room doing a quiet time, off with the church somewhere and hearing former students say they know the works that this group can do, just on and on. Of course I didn't come out of there without tears.. NEVER stop praying, don't ever give up on a student or anybody cause in God's time He will bring all things to light for you and He will answer your prayers.

About the giving of the bible these are not only 2 trips that a bible was given away last year on choir tour another gave hers away, in WV last year at Powerplant another student did. On choir tour an adult gave her bible away that she had forever. Could you do that??? I hope that if that time ever came by that I will have no problem giving mine away. When you know these students are going on a trip if you want to get a pocket size bible and give to them to give away to somebody that doesn't have one, maybe even put a prayer in there for that person.

Get to know these kids and pray for them... By the way, they have been invited to come and sing at the ChoralFestival at First Baptist Spartanburg in August and SB has been ask to led a workshop for doing a student choir.. This is a great honor for both and speak volumes of what this group is..dedicated and ready to share their for the Lord.

Red White & Boom

Ok, I just realize when I went to upload pictures for my 4th of July post I had missed to other post so now I am out of order... Oh well...

Eric and I had never been to Red White & Boom and our friends Kim & Scott invited us to go their style which is go up to the top of the parking deck and watch the fireworks so we took off and went w/ them... It was fun even though I didn't have a chair (yeah wait until you see my chair it will be the little cooler, my husband got everything out of the car for me). I was surprise at all the people up on top of the parking deck there was even one group that had claim a corner and had a picnic table and the whole tail gate style going on.. Need to remember that for next year. Before we went we met up at Monterrey's for dinner and The Darwin's came and met us too. Ginger was not feeling good so they didn't go out to Red White & Boom but we took Jake w/ us and so he could see the fireworks. On the way home Brewster was close and we forgot about DQ so we just ran by Wendy's and got frosty and call it night... Can't wait until next year.. Thanks for the invite Kim, we always have a blast...

July 4th Gaffney Style

Eric & I were trying to decided what to do for the 4th and my wonderful good friend Ginger invited us to her parnets house. Well, as we do every year at Christmas I told her that I didn't want to bust up in her family dinners and like every year at Christmas she reminds me if she didn't want us to be there and they would not invite us... But I was still unsure but my phone rang one night and the only reason why I answer it was cause the boys were at camp and I didn't know maybe they had borrow somebody phone to call home.. but no it was Mrs. Waters... Ginger's mamma... Inviting us to their 4th of July festives... I couldn't tell her no so we happily accept and went.. I even try to make 2 new reciepes Cornbread Salad and a Strawberry Shortcake dessert in a truffle bowl... We spent that morning over at my friend Kim house hanging out in her pool while they were at the beach and then that afternoon the Darwin's came and got us and we went to Gaffney... Now if you remember this is not the time to be around Gaffney cause they had a killer on the loose and Ginger's mom lives within 3 miles of all the kilings so at first I was uneasy but there was so many people there and cops around I didn't think he was coming to the Water's house.. We had tons of good food, great fellowship, lots of laugther (esp when Eric slip fell down the path to the zip line), good times w/ friends of all the ages.. We ate, some of the men played horse shoes, the kids rode around on the golf-cart (or as Tyler says go-cart) w/ Ginger cousin they went and saw the goats and feed them she let them "drive",then we headed to Ginger's brother that has pretty cool woods had a nice path to a zip line the kids went and rode on, then hung out his gargage and Ginger even got up on the stage and dance for us..lol, while some played air hockey. Then we went back to her moms and while we clean up the kids do the pop cap things out in the drive way... It was a fun time and we are glad that we went. We love the Darwin's and Water's family, they have became like family to us... Not sure if we will every get invited over for food again after the MOUNDS of food that Eric ate that night.. Maybe a visit but not sure about food..lol..

Whoa, my toes hurt BAD!!!!

Well, my devotion this morning really step all over my toes or should I say my whole feet and not just little baby steps but big elephant steps... After I read this I thought of myself and how true this was and but how much I want to be like in Nehemiah and read His word for a quarter of day and then worship Him for another quarter. Why, can't I? Well probably cause I am on Facebook, watching TV, reading my Karen Kingsbury books or smut magazine (yes, I am guilty I read InTouch, US Weekly and People BUT I am better than I use to be I use to buy all 3 every week and now I might get 1 every so often more so when I travel than anything else).. Our computer has been down for the past week (the reason for no posting of the West Virgina trip or July 4th)and I have read entire Karen Kingsbury book, cleaned the house and kept it clean (all except the bedrooms)and flip channel after channel cause there is only so much Micheal Jackson that you can watch (one hour was enough for me).. So instead of doing all of that this would be the perfect time to get into the habit of reading my Faithbook, I am sure there are alot of good postings in there. After you read this let me know if this also step all over your toes.. Maybe we could start reading our Faithbook and post on Facebook our favorite verse, what we learn, what we are reading, whatever jumps out or you want to share...I pray for my days to also include networking w/ God cause He is BFF. My post today will be going to read Psalm 119


Faith Book
8 Jul 2009
Susanne Scheppmann

"They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God." Nehemiah 9:3 (NIV)

A new addiction slipped into my life recently - Facebook. Internet social networking slid in quietly and unobtrusively. Each day I found myself reading and posting a bit more. I learned how to create my visual bookshelf, so my "friends" could check out what I was reading. I linked my blog. My time seeped into Facebook like grains of sand slide through the hourglass.

My addiction soon took a turn for the worst. I began to put off my personal quiet time with God until after I had Facebooked. Sadly, scripture seemed boring next to my friend s' postings. Strangely, the mundane posts intrigued me. I had fallen under the spell of social networking.

Then one day, I dragged myself away from my laptop. I had Bible study that night and needed to finish my lesson. The lesson pointed us to the book of Nehemiah. I read, "They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day, and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God." (Nehemiah 9:3, NIV).

Yikes! They read God's Word for a quarter of the day, then spent another quarter of the day in confession and worshiping? These words haunted me the rest of the afternoon. When was the last time I spent that much time with God? How much time did I spend on the Internet? I felt a deep conviction about my Facebook addiction.

I determined that day to read my Bible, my FaithBook, before I turned on my computer each day. I would network with God, before networking with my friends. When I made this decision, I saw scripture jump back to life. God's Word spoke to me with a freshness that seemed as if He had just posted it Himself.

The addiction stopped. Oh, I still enjoy Facebook and other social networks, but I have learned to keep them in proper perspective. Psalm 119:59-60 sums up my new intent: "I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands" (NLT).

Will you join me in the commitment to spending time in God's Word before time spent on Facebook?

Dear Lord, I recognize that I spend too much time on the computer. Forgive my inattention to Your Word. Help me each day to place You first in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Listen to Today's Radio Show for more about spending time with God.

Pierced by the Word by John Piper

Birds in My Mustard Tree: How to Grow Your Faith by Susanne Scheppmann

For more from Susanne, visit her blog as well as her resource page

Application Steps:
Today, take notice of how much time you spend on the computer for personal enjoyment. Decide to make your quiet time with God a priority. Read Psalm 119 and then ponder the benefits of time spent in God's Word.

Reflections:
Do I put off my quiet time with God in lieu of "social networking?"

Am I willing to commit more time to reading the Bible?

How can I begin to keep my life in a healthy balance?

Power Verses:
Exodus 24:7, "Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, 'We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.'" (NIV)

Romans 10:17, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is hear d through the word of Christ." (NIV)

Joshua 1:8, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (NIV)

© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

Hidden Treasures

Hidden Treasures
25 Jun 2009
Susanne Scheppmann

"And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name." Isaiah 45:3 (NLT)

Secrets. Riches. Mysteries. Treasures. These words bring spine-tingling excitement. Around the world, Pirates of the Caribbean became an unexpected blockbuster movie. The Indiana Jones DVD series, after over twenty years, sells consistently as a top gift item. Adventure novels prevail in the bestselling book lists. The hope of finding treasure enthralls us.

This applies to followers of Christ as well. We read in Matthew 13:44, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hi d it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field" (NLT). When I read this verse, it makes me ponder the last time I felt excitement over the kingdom of God. To be truthful, my excitement is usually based on the "performance" of God in answering my prayers.

However, the Lord doesn't promise to answer every one of our prayers as we expect. But He does promise to reveal treasures hidden in darkness. Sometimes our seemingly unanswered prayers are the secret riches that God wants to reveal to us. It reminds me of lines from the old Garth Brooks' song, Unanswered Prayers. "Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers…Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers."

Instead of acknowledging this truth about prayer, I find myself waiting and watching for the expected results of my prayers. What I should be doing is seeking God for who He is. God told the patriarch Abram, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very gre at reward" (Genesis 15:1, NIV, emphasis added). So God, Himself, is the great treasure that I need to unearth. He has promised we will find Him when we search for him with an intentional attitude. "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" (Jeremiah 29:13, NIV).

Today I desire to change my shallow-hearted expectations of God. I want to seek Him and His Kingdom as if I am an explorer on a treasure hunt. Right now, I choose to know God, seek Him, and treasure Him.

Dear Lord, teach me to search for the hidden riches of Your Kingdom. Help me to seek You with an excited heart. Remind me that the answers to my prayers are only the beginning of a relationship with You --You are the treasure! In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
Birds in My Mustard Tree by Susanne Scheppmann

The Character of God: Understanding His Heart for Us by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

For more from Susanne, visit her blog as well as her resource page.

Application Steps:
Today when you pray, intentionally ask God to reveal Himself to you in a new way. Ask Him to reveal to you "treasures hidden in the darkness—secret riches." Begin a journal of God's revelations of Himself to you.

Reflections:
Am I disappointed when my prayers are not answered in the way I expect?

How can I better search for the secrets and treasures of God's Kingdom?

Do I believe that the Lord is the greatest treasure?

Power Verses:
Colossians, 2:2-3, "My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (NIV)

Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (NIV)

Philippians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

© 2009 by Susanne Scheppmann. All rights reserved.

Truly Blessed WV Style

For the past 2 years Eric has gone to Montana with a group of men and ladies to help frame a church through CACB. The group is put together by Johnye Horton and another guy name Glenn and Scott Payne at our church has gather the men and women for the last 3 years to join these Alabama people. I have always wanted to go but have not been able to in the pass. So last year they said this year they were going to West Virginia and Eric invited us to go with him. I said yes from the get go but I have to admit as time got closer and rather or not he had a job or not I started thinking about not going. I could while he was gone redo our bedroom and surprise him when he got back but with my luck as it has happen in the last 2 years our AC would have gone out and I would be in a sauna (by the way I kidded him and told him that is why I wanted to go so I could have AC). Also, I question rather to go cause Scott & Allison were not going and there kids would not be there to hang out with my boys and there are such veterans of this I needed some kind of leadership of what to do from somebody I knew. But Shannan & Johnn were going so I had a friend with me and the boys could hang out with there kids even though they are opposite sex or not the same age they will adjust so I was like ok I will go... Then the big surprise was that Steve and Vickie West were coming too and spending until Thursday with us and I was excited to spend a half a week with them so I was game and we will let God work out the job thing. So last Saturday June 13th we take off to church to meet 4 other families to caravan. With a busy week of VBS and work I was totally surprise we were able to meet them at 8am. So with a stop for gas and then almost 1hr 1/2 stop at McDonald's (we had 10 kids under the age of 8 and they needed to play) through the 3 toll booths and the fancy tunnells we finally made it to our hotel about 4. Now remember I work for a company I get good discounts with Marriott and Hilton hotels so when we walk into Stone Lodge I was a little in awe for moment. It was clean but just old and out dated and at first they put us down on the first floor (the lobby and the main part of the hotel was on the 2nd). When we walked down the steps I felt like I was in a dungeon and our room was all the way down the hall with them remodeling, not the greatest smell and dark I just told Eric I can't stay down there for a week so requested to be moved up to the 2nd level and whatever old smell it had in it they cover up with some kind of orange air freshener and a lot of it. We met up with everybody else that had came and that night we went to Susannah Baptist Church in Ona West Virginia to hear DJ preach. It was an old church I think built back in 1893 and was different than our new church.. Julie & Frank sang for us that night and these people did not clap their hands like we do I don't think I even saw a head bobbing it was nothing like our worship service. DJ did a great job preaching as usual and we got to meet their preacher Tracy and he did a call to the altar to pray and almost all the people from their church went up and then preacher Tracy ask another guy to start off in prayer and another to end it well I thought just the 2 of them were going to pray boy was I wrong. I think they did what you called corporate prayer well that one starts and then everybody prays OUT LOUD and it goes on for like 10 mins and then the guy that ends it closes it all up. I have to admit I had a hard time praying cause it was new to me and I was distracted. I honestly thought at one moment maybe staying home and redoing our bedroom sounded good this is not Anderson Mill Road and this is not even Sunday service what is going to go on tomorrow. Afterwards we had a informational meeting and then my family along with the West and the Manely took off to Steak & Shake to eat supper along with half of the AL folks... We got back to the hotel and said our good nights and plan to meet in the lobby at 10:30 to go to church.

Sunday service was a HUGE turning point for me... There choir loft was full and as much as I love our choir those people had passion durning singing they just didn't raise a hand they said out loud Amen, not just grown women shedding tears but also grown men. The songs they were singing with passion was bringing to life the grace we have that our Jesus died on the cross for everyone of us, He died for our sins they brought to life the grace that we have. These were not like what we sing these were the old hymnals songs with just a piano and guitar. There was even a couple of them that gave testimony in between the songs. I don't know these people just meet them but let me tell ya I was crying and thanking God the whole time for who He is and what He did for a sinner like me. There time to shake hands they called it fellowship and the choir sang and there were several people that walked around and shook EVERYONE including the kids hands, there were smiles on there faces. I felt the presence of the Lord all in that church. It was truly amazing. DJ did a wonderful job as usual and he even told us that we would hear the same sermon the next Sunday but he brought to life the scripture for what fitted their church and he brought to what fit our church. I love our church but I got to experience a small faith, family church and it was amazing. I knew then why God brought me here... Sunday after church we went to Sonic to have lunch and catch up with Vickie and enjoy fellow shipping. We didn' have much time afterwards cause the church was hosting a picnic for us at park at 5... If you are ever in Barbarasville, West Virginia you have to go to the park. I think I would move just so I could go everyday.. It is down this road and off the beaten path there were ball fields, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts picnic shelters and the one we had had the most beautiful view of a lake w/ a fountain in the middle and the it surrounded by beautiful green mtns there was a walking trail around it, benches, swings it was soooooooo peaceful. On the other side was woods with trails for bike riding or walking we even saw a deer up in there (we saw alot on the side of the roads or up on train tracks). The park was just BEAUTIFUL and to see God creation in that beauty was amazing. The folks at the church pulled together and brought in all kind of side dishes and desserts, made hamburger and hotdogs they even had tubs of homemade ice cream and I have to say the banana was WONDERFUL! They all put it together, serve and clean it up and socialize with all of us. I just smile thinking of that day. We had a good time fellowship, the kids played, The Stribling, Nicholason and Lancaster families fish, Reed caught a turtle. I hate that it started raining cause I could have literally stayed there all day and night. We left and went back to the hotel and the kids swam in the rain and me, Shannan,Vickie went and hung out for a little bit in Julie and Peggy room as Asheton called it we were having a hen party but we were really deciding our day out for Monday and how we were getting to the church since Eric was taking my van and taking a load of men... We got it all settle and went to bed and ready for a busy work week...

What did we do for the week... The men frame the church, hung drywall built a porch, help with electrical all kind of things. Some were out of their element but they were on top of that hill serving the Lord and not complaining at all. Us women we cooked and clean the kitchen the whole week. We had to have lunch done by 12 and dinner by 5:30 every night and we took turns doing it. I learn how to make meatloaf and pinto beans and how to work a grill. We all pitch in even when it was not our turn. The ladies from AL they did our breakfast every morning so if you sign up for lunch you had lunch and dinner. These were not meals that were frozen, they are good homemade meals. I have to admit on my day of lunch they got feed at 12:30 instead of 12 cause of the great onion rings we made and the gas going out of the gas grill and had to wait for more.. Which leads me to Mr. BIlly FLoyd if you don't know him you need to get to know him. He is truly a wonderful man. He loves to tell strangers about God and he is the biggest help. He went walking and flag us down somebody with a gas grill so we could grill the hamburger. He was a great big help. Kitchen duty was great felt humble to be in there crying over onions, eyes burning cause of gas ovens, my feet hurting or should I say my dogs barking, I was way out of my element cooking for that many and cooking meals the way they wanted them but when those men and ladies came in there from being on top of that hill I was honor to serve them..

The kids everyday looked for roly polys, went on hikes, played outside, played DS and watch movies and then everyday April, Amber & Tammy took all the little kids and Stephen and whoever else wanted to swimming at the house that DJ parents were staying at. It was so nice of them also including Tyler and taking him with them even when they just want back to where DJ and Laurel were staying to just watch a movie and chill out. While the kids were off us ladies had a Bible study time with Julie leading it and it was great and she did a wonderful job of allowing God to speak through her. After that we went up the job site and saw the progress and past out Popsicles to the men and took pictures so that is why it looks like they are not working cause I took them at break time..

For night time fun we took the kids to the cold pool at the hotel while we sat around and caught up on the day, Us, the Manley's, the West and Richard went to Billybob's Wonderland one night to play arcade games, laser tag and ride go carts,the church invited the kids to come bowling one night (there youth is kids of all ages). We had a great time that night getting to know the people from the church and the kids. Of course we had another Steak and Shake night for shakes. The older kids met every night in the breakfast room and played Uno and cards. They were together from 8am until 11pm everyday different ages and sex but had fun together.

Thursday night the ladies of the church cook for us again and gave all of us ladies a night off. Of course it was wonderful food again (I would gain so much weight if I lived there). Then afterwards we went to the closing service with DJ dad Johnye preaching and he is good as DJ and the lady that DJ parents stayed with she is in a gospel bluegrass band and they came and played for us it was really good even though that is not the music I listen to alot they were great. After the service we had a moment to share and as much as I wanted to say something I couldn't cause I was crying and I couldn't stop so I knew that I wouldn't be able to say 2 words so I just shook my head yes alot. The guys work Friday until 12 and they got done what they wanted too and after we ate leftovers for the week us ladies stayed and help pack and clean up and getting our home away from home back in order.

So why did I called this truly blessed???

1. God made the way for me to go
2. I got to spend time w/ 2 of my boys and watch my husband do what he loves
3. The people there were so thankful that we were there but I was truly honor that they allow us to come into their world for a week. These people would give you the shirt off their back for you. So, I was the one that was blessed
4. I got to see what it means to say God, family come before everything else. This community loves the Lord ad they loved each other.
5. Julie bible study time
6. Really getting to know Tammy, April, Amber and Laurel feel like they are new friends.
7. Spending the week with Vickie & Steve and the rest of the ladies
8. Spending time and watching the kids play and seeing them laugh and getting to know them was great
9. Have I said that I was truly blessed to meet the folks in West Virgina and from AL
10. To see who God is and serving His people and the beautiful things that he created. Gods grace it amazing.
11. And lastly, what started out about me and turn into about Him and His people.

I will have to say me and Tyler would move to Huntington in a heartbeat and call Susannah Baptist church our church home but since we can't do that I think I have the itch in me move to the country (a little area called Goucher that is between Pacolet and Gaffney). I miss that small close knit group and helping out each other. Even if cell phones were non existence out there in Ona it was well worth not having service to all week except at night.

Continue to pray for the building process of Susannah Baptist and that it will be a building that will bring in lost people and come to know who Jesus is, that lost souls would be saved, for CACB and all the ladies and men that are associated with them. Pray that you will pray about rather to go next year and to be a part of this group, it doesn't matter if you can't build anyting or cook there is something we can find for you. Bring your kids with you and let them help out with building or cleaning up at the site or even in the kitchen. Let them see what it is to serve God. It was a great and awesome experience I can't wait to go next year...