warning:  please don’t read this if spiritual stuff offends you~

OK…you are still here.  Some of my facebook friends have the Bible verse of the day app.  Actually didn’t know it existed until a little while ago.  Anyway…I have read these verses a million times but I really think many of us can relate to them on a new level after living through the last year or so.

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. - Philippians 4:12-13 – NIV

Isn’t funny in life how you don’t realize just how blessed you are until you experience a recession or some other challenge in your life? 

With coupons in hand, I go to the grocery store…

With “fuel perks” on my bonus card I go get gas…

Every purchase now is a well thought through decision instead of a daily task.

My prayers keep getting answered, “Daily bread” and faithfully provided it has been.  Thank you for being part of my daily bread!  Surviving cancer was a HUGE blessing for me…but living year after year as an “insurance risk” can be a bit of a curse.  With our healthcare expenses averaging $1900/month now and the recession changing spending across the board, I have learned just how much I have missed boxed macaroni and cheese.  It IS delicious!

My advantage in this recession {coupled with our healthcare expenses) is how poor we were when I was growing up.  Turning on the A/C in the summer was a BIG deal.  In the winter on really cold days, Mom and I would get dressed by the stove after we made our toast in our single-wide trailer.  I realized through the last few months how much of a hoarder I have become.  In the song, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus”, there is a line that says, “and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His Glory and Grace”.  How true that has become.  I hope we all use the recession as an excuse to focus on family and the truly important relationships in life.  It is easier to do on some days than it is on others…I know…but through focusing on the important things we will quickly realize that we are rich beyond measure. 

Don’t believe me…check out this link.  {and it is 8 years old…just imagine the updated info!}

Mrs. Guido passed away last night.  That is probably what has made me think more Heavenward this evening.  Don’t you know she and Dr. G are having the greatest time right now!  He is showing her  the streets of gold and the flowers he was picking for her only a year ago when he was transitioning between this earth and his Heavenly home.  They both lived a life of purpose and we are all just a little bit better because of it.  I know she was welcomed last night by, "Well done, Good and Faithful servant.”

I hope one day I will be too.

Granny Grace (seated) and (on right in 2nd pic), was one of Edie Grace’s namesake GREAT-Grandmothers.  She was my Mom’s mom…my Grandmother.  She never quite forgave me for waiting until after midnight to have my C-section since that made Edie Grace’s birthday the day AFTER hers.  (to my defense…I was trying EVERYTHING to NOT have a C-section so I could get back to work quicker…unfortunately I don’t have sick-leave)

Granny Grace spent about two hours in Hospice yesterday before heading to her Heavenly home.  She was 93.  Ironically, they placed her in the same room that my Grandma Frances passed away in March 11, 2009.  She, too, was only there about two hours.   

Her visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 4th from 6pm – 8pm at Hodges – Moore funeral home here in Statesboro.  The funeral will be at 2pm on Friday, February 5th at the Hodges – Moore chapel. 

Your thoughts and prayers of celebration of a life well-lived are our most precious gift.  Our family has been deeply touched by Hospice and all the blessings it has brought to this community.  Any remembrances of Granny Grace would be most appreciated given in her memory there. 

Ogeechee Area Hospice * 200 Donehoo Street * Statesboro, GA  30458.

Tonight at Imaging USA, the International convention of Professional Photographers of America, Lori received the distinguished International Photographer of the Year Award.

This award is a juried award given based on print performance at State, Regional and International print competitions.  Lori is pictured here with her four images that earned her this distinction. 

It is a great honor to receive such incredible recognition at a conference attended by over 11,000 photographers from throughout the world.

This is the second time Lori received this prestigious award. 

In an industry, where everyone knows someone who is a photographer – it is even more difficult to stand out.  For over two decades, Lori’s work has stood out as her clients have “Experienced her Difference.”

“Being named the best of the best among my peers, is very humbling.  With the increased competition and ease of entry into the photography business, I realize that I have to work even harder now to please my clients.  Obtaining degrees and awards is very fulfilling, however there is nothing more exciting than creating an incredible portrait for a client.  I am judged everyday by my clients.  The greatest award and compliment to me is when my clients are so blown away by their portrait and experience – that they recommend me to their family and friends.”

In the picture with Lori is PPA President Ron Nichols and Louis Tonsmeire, President Elect of PPA.

My generation doesn’t have as many “do you remember where you were when” as my parents or grandparent’s generations do.  In fact, I was born only days after the first Moon Walk and years after JFK’s assassination.  My generation does have, however, two shuttle explosions…hurricane Katrina…and of course….September 11th.  (and others…)

This summer I visited New York City twice for work.  I had not visited the city since September 11th.  New York City is one of those cities you either love or hate…I LOVE it!  I liked it before, but going back this summer I experienced a “new and improved” New York.  Many of you have experienced that too and had shared your thoughts about it with me over the last eight years.  I believe that September 11th was one of those days, as terrible as it was, that helped remind us all that we share this planet and need to work harder to find ways to share it in peace.

I “Googled” peace quotes…to help remind me today (and everyday) the importance of letting peace be something that I CAN still hope and pray for…ultimately it starts in each one of our hearts.  Here is some of what I found:

How blessed is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding… Her [wisdom's] ways are pleasant ways, And all her paths are peace. (Proverbs 3:13, 17)

If man does find the solution for world peace it will be the most revolutionary reversal of his record we have ever known.
–George C. Marshall

If you want peace, stop fighting. If you want peace of mind, stop fighting with your thoughts.
–Peter McWilliams

Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people.
–Jawaharlal Nehru

Peace has never come from dropping bombs. Real peace comes from enlightenment and educating people to behave more in a divine manner.
–Carlos Santana

September 11th changed us all…forever.  It changed me.  As I watched TV that morning and saw the 2nd plane hit the WTC I immediately knew we were under attack.  As a new mother, with a baby that was only four months old at the time, my heart just broke thinking about how different I knew our world was going to be from that point on.  This summer, when I visited Ground Zero twice, I was consumed with the thought, “what have I personally done to try to make a difference since this happened”.  We share this world…it is going to take each and everyone of us to make it better for our children.  Last night, at the Boys and Girls Club dinner, Joe McGlamery said a great quote but I don’t know the author…

"Children represent 20% of our population but 100% of our future” 

One last quote I love:  “You must be the change you want to see in the world”  Mahatma Gandhi 

Call me if you need a kitten. Only two left!  (and one Mama kitty…they were all found in the alley behind us)

p.s.  We do pet portraits!!!

Tomorrow DeWayne and I will celebrate 21 years of marriage.  21 years later, and he still is keeping our life very interesting.  There is never a dull moment with him!  Tonight we had dinner at Dingus Magees.  We always eat there on our anniversary – because that is where we went on our first date.  We are looking forward to taking a day off tomorrow and spending it celebrating our anniversary. 

Maybe we will get a super cool anniversary card with an amazing dessert coupon to Chops??

Last night was the first game of the season for the Harrison High HOYA’s.  My cousin, Garrett Reed was a member of the HOYA’s and he was tragically killed in a car accident on January 24th.  The HOYA’s honored Garrett and his family at the game by presenting his mom,dad and brother with a plaque honoring him.  They also allowed his brother Carter to wear his jersey and made him the honorary captain for the game.  Throughout out the game, fans, players and coaches held up the 11 sign to honor the memory of Garrett.

We traveled up to Powder Springs to attend the game with other family members.  It was a powerful and touching tribute to a wonderful young man.  We miss Garrett deeply and are honored that his memory continues to impact so many lives daily.

Enjoy the video which gives highlights to a very emotional evening.

Thanks to the HARRISSON HIGH HOYA family for reaching your arms around our family and helping us pay tribute to the memory of Garrett.  You help us remember that being a 10 is never good enough – when we can stretch to be an 11.

At sunrise this morning staff, family and friends gathered to say one final goodbye to Dr. Michael Guido.  For months, leaders of the ministry have been trying to determine where to bury him.  They finally decided to place his body in the family plot at a local cemetery.

The service was touching and beautifully done.  Archie Jordan sang some of Dr. Guido’s favorite songs written by Archie for Dr. Guido.  Even in his death – he continues to draw large crowds. 

Shortly after we arrived in New York we noticed LOTS of police around our hotel.  We walked around the city and made it over to Rockefeller Plaza.  I noticed the marquee for the famous Rainbow Room.  We were standing there taking pictures when a secret service agent stepped over and asked us to step across the street.  Moments later we found ourselves in the middle of a flurry of activity.  At first we thought it was the President – but we quickly realized (when he stepped out of the SUV) that it was Prince Harry.  This was so neat.  We had met his mother, Princess Diana, in London on our honeymoon in a similar chance event.  I could not be a paparazzi photographer.  I was so caught up in the moment that I missed several great photographs both times.

We walked a few blocks and saw lots and lots of police – along with barricades.  People were lined up everywhere and it was buzzing that the President was coming.  We walked up to where some news cameras were stationed and at that moment – again we found ourselves in the middle of another flurry of activity.  I turned around and noticed that they had closed the sidewalk a block behind us – but allowed us to stay.  (I guess they noticed my camera and assumed that I was part of the media.)  We heard the roar of the crowd – the cheers and then we saw the limousines.  Again – I missed some great pictures of the President and First Lady.  They were going to see a play.  As they got out of the car – the paused and waved to the crowds.  The street erupted in cheers and excitement.   

One of the reporters walked over to us and interviewed DeWayne.  As usual, he had lots of great things to say.  He told the reporter that you could not beat the price of admission for a show that was more exciting than a Broadway play.  For the next few days – every time we turned on the TV we saw DeWayne.  They also interviewed a very attractive lady standing near us.  She turned out to be Meryl Streep.  Now I am curious who all the other “celebrities” we standing in that area with us?

Walking back down the street we noticed again a flurry of activity.  One of the reporters told us that this evening was the summer solstice.  It is the only night of the year that the sun lines up perfectly with the streets between the buildings in New York.

This all happened within the first few hours we were in the city.  Our friends told us that you never know who you might bump into.  I thought we might see Donald Trump – but never a real Prince and the First Couple.  No matter how you feel about politics or the Royal family – this was a pretty awesome experience.

We would like to start sharing with you letters we receive from clients of ours that are currently living abroad.  Some are teaching – some are missionaries – some are traveling for business interests. 

Daily we all have the opportunity to share or witness to others about God’s incredible love and the amazing power of having Him in our life.  I encourage you to use this blog as inspiration to reach out to your family, friends, coworkers and even your competitors to share with them the word of God.  I have learned that it is often the little things that make the biggest impact. 

Today’s letter is from China.  It is not filled with typos…instead it is typed so that it can make it through the government sensors and be allowed to be sent.  Because of the dangerous nature of their work we are not allowed to share their name or contact information directly.  This family is currently serving in China as missionaries.  Please consider joining with us to lift up these prayer requests and also pray for their safety. 

I read this in my devotional book this week:

“God doesn’t select those who are ready; He makes ready those He selects.  Ordinary people can – and do – change the world each day.”

Here is their letter:

Partners,

I’m hoping that this email will give you more of an idea of what’s going on in our relationships in our neighborhood.  So, first, let me tell you about a few of the women I know…

Faith:  I enjoy being around Faith more than any other local.  She has a very sweet personality, and she’s very patient with me as I struggle to speak and understand the language.  Right now, she’s raising her three children (2 boys and a girl) by herself.  Her husband traveled to Saudi Arabia in order to find a job.  (Sadly, this is a very common thing here in our country due to lack of employment.)  Right now he has no job and is unable to provide for his family.  They’re basically living off the donations of his relatives.  I visit her regularly, usually with another worker.  We have talked with her about Je$u$.  On our last visit, we asked if we could pry for her about employment for her husband, but she declined.  But we told her that we would be prying for her about this issue in the name of Je$u$.  Please pry that G0d would provide work for him and that he would use this provision to draw this family to himself.   

Sandra:  Sandra met some other workers here in our city about five years ago.  They shared the truth of the g0spel with her several times, and at one point she was reading the N.ew Te$t@ment.  But almost every time I see her, she’s been quick to start a discussion (the spirit of it isn’t strong enough to call it an argument) with me about the differences in our religions.  When I was with her last time, I asked myself why she kept bringing this up since she knows where I stand and what I’m going to say.  I feel as though the Spirit spoke to me that she’s looking for reassurance that what she believes is right and true and correct.  I felt as though she wants me to be wrong not because she’s prideful but because she wants security.  I ended this visit with her by saying, “I see your heart.  You want to please God.  You want to know the truth.  Jesus said, ‘I am the truth.’”  Immediately she resorted to the typical Mu$lim reply that our $cr1pture$ have been corrupted.  I talked about this for a minute more before I left.  Please pry that G0d would guide me in my interactions with her.  Pry also that he would reveal to her that security comes through Chr1st alone.

All of you know through previous emails also about how Ju$t1n has now given $cr1pture to three separate men in our neighborhood.  Men, unlike women, typically don’t spend one-on-one time together.  Because of this, Ju$t1n has had a very difficult time connecting with each of them to talk about what they’ve read, what their thoughts are, etc.  Please pry for guidance for Ju$t1n in this.  Ask for divine appointments between him and these men.

I want to also ask for your pryrs for us about decision-making in a few areas.  The first is that our te@am is seeking to send people from our current te@m to another city that is very unreached and has very few workers living in it right now.  Ju$tin and I are prying about this as an option for our family.  Please pry for clear guidance and direction for us about where G0d wants us to live in this country.  The second is that before we came here, Ju$t1n’s plans were to work in the area of community health education.  Now after being here for almost a year, he’s rethinking things and doesn’t know for sure what he wants to do after we complete language school.  Please pry for clarity for us as we put this before G0d and ask him what he wants us to do to serve the people in this country.

Keep prying,