A Truck (and it's not a Toyota!)

It's big, green, old, loud, rusted and has been around my entire life.  It's a truck.  Not just any truck but my daddy's 1978 GMC Sierra Farm truck.  It's amazing.  It's any redneck's dream.  The rust and the exhaust system is amazing. As a kid I could hear when my daddy would turn off of Mary's Grove Church Rd (about half a mile up the road) coming home from a fire or watch it fly up the road with it's red light flashing going to a fire.  Or be excited to see him pick me up from school because riding in the truck was special.  I sat up high, I could see everything and it had those mini side windows that could be opened just a little to allow dust and air to blow in your face at first but then clear for a refreshing breeze.  Or riding in the back letting the wind blow through your hair.  Not to mention the hours sitting on the tail gate shucking corn.  But Saturday I was brought back to my favorite truck memory of all memories; loading up the truck and going to the dump.  I know what you're thinking.  What's so great going to the dump?  Well, let me explain.  There is a recycling bin (where you separate the cans, brown bottles, green bottles, clear class bottles, milk cartons, etc.. but now you can throw it all in one bin and not separate but that's beyond the point) and the entire process of throwing bags of trash into the bigger bin is fun!  Saturday morning my daddy comes driving up in the yard in Big Green.  Going to the dump!  So here we are... Daddy's driving and I'm in the passenger seat and suddenly I feel 10 again.  I feel like a little kid heading to the dump.  Not a care in the world, no worries, no problems, just going to the dump.  I was at a place where everyone I loved was still alive and nothing was out of reach.  One Truck.  It's old.  And sometimes it won't start.  I know this may sound crazy but... it's a part of me.

Easter Intro 2010

I know you are probably tired of the videos I post from church... but they are all so good... i can't help but not share.  This is a video that opened the Easter Service this year!  Powerful... as always

Elevation Easter Experience: Opening Video from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

Summer Book

Last night I had the opportunity to meet with my Costa Rica Momma and Two girls I will be spending the summer with serving missionary teams.  Just from our initial conversations I am extremely excited about what the stories this summer is going to birth.  The changes in our lives are going to be unmeasurable, the conversations with Erin are going to be book worthy, and the jokes will be priceless.  I think the best thing so far is the excitement in Erin's eyes at the mention of a battery powered hairdryer.  Does anyone know where I can get one... is there a such thing?  But I think I will write a daily entry in my journal and then record each day on a separate blog... once I get back to the world of electricity... and then somehow get it printed as a book.  This summer is going to rock my world.... as always... but the best is yet to come!    

Carowinds

Last Friday I was given the opportunity to drive the 8th Grade Band to Carowinds for Music in The Park.  The band played for 10 minutes and rode rides for 5 hours.  Meaning, I listened to the competition for 10 minutes and rode rides for 5 hours too!  The Intimidator is amazing!!!! The best ride at the park.  I lost my gum on it.  So fast, so smooth, and so fun!!    

Growth

The difference a year can make!

The amount of growth that occurs in a year is amazing.  Once we hit a certain age the physical growth stops (well it's supposed to).  But there is some growth that should never stop.. spiritual.  So my question is are you the same as you were a year ago?  Or are you busting out of the hat like Payton?  

P.S... take a look at her right hand.... weird huh?

Watch and Laugh!

Elevation Easter Experience: Announcements from Elevation Church on Vimeo.

Spring Break

The week has come and past which means one thing, summer break is 8 weeks away!!!!!!!! Can you believe it? I can't wait. But I will say this past week was a little difficult. Driving up to my grandpaws and not having Sandra there was a little awkward. Driving up at my parent’s house, seeing the chairs set up in Paw Paw's backyard made me think how his chair will be empty this summer, which brought me to tears. And I really started to think about Maw Maw and Paw Paws house. It’s the same house. The exterior looks the same, the inside looks the same (except cleaner!), and the same chairs in the same spot. But everything is different. The entire atmosphere is different. Which I think goes to prove it's not the physical things that join us together. It's the people and relationships we have in our lives.
On a lighter note, I was over at maw maw's when my aunts were cleaning out the closets and let me tell you... i have never in my life seen so many pairs of new socks in plastic packages. Not even the Wal-Mart shelves have this many socks. It was hilarious!! And Shirts… Holy Moly… At least 25 dress shirts still in the plastic wrap or gift box. Never opened. All of these things were gifts people gave him he never used. I even remember as a kid seeing him open presents on Father's Day, Christmas, and His birthday and his response being... I don't need this. Well, he didn't. But the question is... what to do with all the White Tube socks?

Check IT!!!!