Ending on a High Note

December 31, 2011 Leave a comment

Here’s how my first post of 2011 ended:

This should be an exciting year.  I’ve already felt like God is reminding me that I can’t do it alone.  Of course not!  I wasn’t designed that way.  None of us were.  I feel like there will be challenges, but there will also be growth.  I think it will be a year of faith-building.  Furthermore, it will be crucial that I let God be in control.  I’m excited to see what’s next.  I know His love never fails, and He will be with me every step away.  Bring it on, 2011!

About a month after that was written, I received a phone call telling me my mom had stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  About nine months after that was written, I lost my job in a company-wide position elimination.  This year has certainly had its challenges.  I am ending it uninsured.  I am ending it without my friend since fifth grade, my dog, Pebbles.  I am ending it… hopeful.

When visiting my uncle a couple of weeks ago, we took a walk, and he asked me how I was doing after losing my job.  I told him it was hard to be discouraged.  He was surprised by my response.

How can I not be discouraged?  I have every right to be.  The best answer I can come with is God doesn’t let me.

It’s not that I never feel the weight of the world, but that I know who to give it to when I do.  That is, when God even lets me feel it to begin with.  I left my job on a Wednesday and was hired for a seasonal position that Friday.  I watched my mom go through the hardest fight of her life and come out closer to God and healed of cancer!  Throughout the year, we have been blessed with everything from food to money to many words of support, and we have been bathed in prayer.  It’s been a difficult year, but through it, we were taught trust and obedience, our faith was built, and we’ve seen God’s hands at work.

With that, I look at 2011 as a year of triumph.  And it wasn’t all sad beginnings with happy endings.  I’ve got to have some incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like they grow on trees.  It has been a year of celebration with weddings, babies, holidays, and praising God for how awesome He is.  And I end this year on a high note, closer to Him.

I’m heading into 2012 with many unanswered questions.  There is a lot of uncertainty, but like I told my uncle, it’s hard to get discouraged.  My mom is having an excellent recovery.  I’ll begin the year praising and worshiping God with thousands of others.  From there, it’ll be time to go back to work.  And although I don’t know what happens next, God does–and I know God.

Happy New Year, everyone!  May you all trust in Jesus Christ and make this best year you’ve ever had, living for Him!

Mom and I, Thanksgiving Day

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Georgia (Dome) on My Mind

December 29, 2011 Leave a comment

I’ve been ready for next week since January 4 of this year.

As Passion 2011 came to a close, the plans for the following year were laid out.  Rather than having 25,000 students divided between Atlanta, GA’s Philips Arena and Georgia World Congress Center, and rather than having thousands more gather months later in Ft. Worth, TX, it was time for these amazing days together to consolidate in a much bigger venue.

Next week is Passion 2012.  It’s going to be four incredible days featuring the teaching and music of Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, John Piper, David Crowder*Band, Beth Moore, Kristian Stanfill, Lecrae, Christine Cane, Christy Nockels, Charlie Hall, and Hillsong United.  Having been to Passion in ’06, ’07 and last year, I can already tell you there’s nothing like it.

Two big things I’m looking forward to are being there for the final David Crowder*Band show and seeing Hillsong United live for the first time!  (I know.  What took me?  Circumstances beyond my control, I assure you.)

Although the fanfare surrounding who will be at Passion 2012 is huge, that is only a very small part of what’s ahead.  Within seconds of being led by any of these people, the focus comes off of them and is directed to Jesus.

This time of connecting with God is going to be unreal.  It’s something I’m so glad I’m going to do in such a unique setting.

And perhaps the setting is what has me most looking forward to Passion 2012.  While normally held in civic centers, this year, it’s hosted in a bigger home.

For the first time ever, Passion will be in the Georgia Dome!

I think something like half of the Dome will be used for these four days.  That pretty much means tens of thousands of people will gather in one place to get loud and worship God.  I can’t wait to feel that energy and be a part of the experience!

I also can’t wait to partner with all of those attending this conference in raising for both Atlanta-based and international causes for Do Something Now.  Not only will we be arriving with towels and socks to supply area homeless shelters for the entire year, we will also be aiming to put a $1,000,000 dent in slavery around the world.  Watch and read more here.

For these reasons, the Georgia Dome is on my mind.

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The Greatest Gifts

December 28, 2011 Leave a comment

Another Christmas has come and gone.  It’s kind of like breakfast, in a way.  There’s a lot of preparation involved, and then it’s over in an instant and we’re on with our lives.  This Christmas was so special to me, and that’s because of all the great gifts.  I had stockings full of candy and other knick knacks (including instant snow!).  There were gift cards, CDs, DVDs, clothes, and other keepsakes that let me know I was thought of.  I got cards from my parents and a very heartfelt note inside my mom’s.  I even got a Dundie Award from fellow fans of The Office, the Crossans!  As far as physical, material items, you can definitely say I racked up.

If you really want to talk about what made this a special Christmas, it had little to do with what I got to unwrap.

- The whole weekend was spent with friends and family.
- My mother and father both showed me how much they thought about me.
- A year of family and close friends being there for one another culminated with us enjoying each other’s fellowship on Christmas Day.
- I once again got to experience the joy of giving and seeing others be blessed.
- I got to experience God’s blessings as He worked through others to provide for me.
- The day after Christmas, we spent time with my 88-year-old great aunt, whom I love dearly.
- I watched my mom continue to be blessed abundantly in ways that are nothing short of God working in people’s hearts.
- I spent the evening of the 23rd worshiping and celebrating the birth of Jesus at my church, as well as the evening of Christmas doing the same thing at my mom’s church.
- After weeks of loss and sadness in the lives of those around me, December 25th finally came, and there was nothing stopping the joy.
- My mother was here with us this Christmas, and she’s still cancer-free!
- I was given a new appreciation of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

There truly is no one like our God.  He’s done so much for me that it’s hard to count all the ways and not leave something out.  God is amazing, and He is always on-time.

I loved spending time with so many friends and family this past weekend and over the past few weeks.  I can’t think of a better way to honor Jesus on Christmas than to worship His name and be in the company of those He has placed in my life–giving and showing my appreciation for them, and showing my love with my actions.

All of these things have been my greatest gifts.

I hope you had a blessed Christmas as well.

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Merry Christmas!

December 25, 2011 1 Comment

I hope all of my readers have a wonderful Christmas!  Thank you for reading, sharing, and helping me learn and grow on this journey we’re on together.  I hope you enjoy this Christmas, and know that you’re truly loved by me and by the one we’re celebrating today, Jesus Christ.  Emmanuel.  God with us.

 

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Barely Getting There This Christmas

December 22, 2011 Leave a comment

I have to be honest about something.  As much I’ve been blessed with and have to celebrate this Christmas season, I continue to have the feeling and see so much around me that creates a fight for joy.  More than any other year, I’ve watched tragedy accompany triumph into these days.  While we have a multitude of good things in our lives, there have been so many losses, scares, threats, and just a general feeling that anything can fall apart at any minute.  This has truly been a battle for Christmas.

And as I think about that, I also think about the events that surrounded the birth of Christ.  Herod tried everything in his power to kill the Messiah.  He didn’t want his birth to take place, and that forced Mary and Joseph to head to Bethlehem and give birth in a dirty, filthy manger.

Even leading up to Jesus being born, Joseph was ready to leave Mary because of her pregnancy.  There was family conflict that was only resolved by God Himself through an angel.

The first Christmas was not an easy time, and there were plenty of things in place to make it not happen.  However, God had one good, pleasing and perfect plan, and because of the faith of His people, a way was made and our Lord and Savior came to this Earth to make it possible for us to be with Him for eternity.

Maybe you find yourself barely getting there this Christmas.  For me, it seems like every chance I get to breathe a breath of fresh air, tough decisions are having to be made, people in my life are hurting, and Satan is trying everything in his power to be discouraging.

This most wonderful time of year–and perhaps the most special Christmas in my life–has also been one of the most discouraging.

Are you there?  Can you relate?

Personally, I see December 25, 2011 as a day of celebration forthcoming.  I really can’t wait for it because it seems like the enemy doesn’t want anyone to be happy.  I also can’t wait to be in church tomorrow night, celebrating the birth, life, and Almighty name of Jesus Christ.

I pray Christmas is also a special time for you this year.  God is at work.  He is blessing people and changing lives.  Persevere, and know that He is with us.

I love you all.

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The Big Dose of Christmas Post

December 22, 2011 Leave a comment

I’ve tried so many times to start a Christmas-related post, and each attempt has failed.  I have a variety of thoughts that could have been spread out in multiple posts, but I didn’t want to run with and one thing as an entire subject.  To that regard, I have compiled all of what’s going on in the ol’ noggin for one big post.

I must warn you, though, head on, one of the main reasons I wanted to separate these topics is due to the fluctuation of emotional tone each requires.  What I’ll do instead is place either a “:)” or “:(” at the beginning of each section so you’ll know what to expect.  That way, if you want to skip all the sad stuff, you can.  If you want to only read the sad stuff, well… what the heck???

Here goes…

:( Pebbles.  Monday was an especially sad day for me as I had to say “goodbye” to my dog since childhood, Pebbles.  She lived a great life of 16 years, and had given the family plenty of wonderful memories.  As she got older, leg problems and other pain really began to set in.  This wasn’t going to be an easy decision, but having to make it so close to Christmas also was challenging.  You always wonder if you’re doing the right thing.  I felt we were, for her sake.  I find comfort in knowing she isn’t suffering anymore, but I do miss seeing her everyday.

}:< Wrapping gifts.  Okay.  I apologize for throwing a knew emoticon into the mix like that.  For the past couple of years, I’ve been teaching myself how to wrap my own gifts.  Some people make it look so easy.  I’m slowly learning that it may always be frustrating and there will always be those who can do it better than me.  Perhaps I’m too much of a perfectionist for paper.

:) Done.  On a related note to wrapping gifts, I’m done.   The Christmas shopping is complete.  Everything’s ready to be opened.  Life is good.  Okay, so there always seems to be one more thing.  Regardless, the main stuff is done.

:) God provides.  This Christmas season, I’ve watched God come through and make things happen in some incredible ways.  Financial blessings.  Family togetherness.  A genuine spirit of love.  I’m so thankful for all He’s done to make things come together this Christmas.

:) / :( but mostly :D God heals.  I heard my mom say this Christmas is really special to her because she’s here for it.  That’s because at the beginning of this year, she was diagnosed with stage IV non-Hodgkin lymphoma.  This whole year has revolved around that pretty much.  And after five chemo treatments (with a sixth to boot), God brought her through cancer and she is still in remission!  My mom was given a second chance at life here, and I love watching what she’s doing with it.

Even most recently, a good friend who is slightly younger than me had a heart attack.  He is now home from the hospital with his wife and four-month-old daughter.  Praise God!

I hope when you read this you know what an incredible and awesome God I serve in Jesus Christ.  This Christmas, I have a new appreciation for His birth.  The celebration of this time of year is for His leaving Heaven and taking the most innocent and helpless form as He came to Earth to make a way for all of us.  He began His ministry as a baby, and His coming was a holy time in which the angels declared, “glory to God in the highest.”  It was during this time that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords came to us.

Thank you, Jesus, for the gift you gave us on the first Christmas.  It’s one I’m still unwrapping today.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

P.S. Regarding my mom’s survival, I am forever thankful to the American Cancer Society for all they did in providing money for her treatments.  I encourage anyone to give what you can to the organization that gave so much to her.  My mom still being here is my favorite present this Christmas.

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A Worthy Cause for Christmas

December 7, 2011 Leave a comment

It was this time last year that I really got into the Christmas spirit, and it was thanks to an annual event centered around making life better for patients and their families at the Georgia Health Sciences (formerly MCG) Children’s Medical Center in Augusta, GA.  Once again, it’s that time of year, time for the Cares for Kids Radiothon.

For the next three days, mornings and afternoons on the radio will be filled with stories, interviews, and on-air personalities telling you more about the needs of the medical center, and more importantly, how easily you can help.  Volunteers will occupy the phone banks on-hand, happily taking your calls and cheering for you as you make the decision to contribute to the well-being of children who are spending their holidays in hospital beds, incubators, getting frequent treatments, and living out a childhood where all of this is “business as usual.”

The purpose of the radiothon is for you to help provide the best care possible and also make life as normal as possible.  You will not only be giving these children hope, but also enjoyment.

Any amount (ANY) you give to Geogria Health Sciences Children’s Medical Center–one-time or recurring–will be completely worth it.

For more on this cause, and to make a donation, click here.

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The Other Side of the Radio

December 5, 2011 4 Comments

It’s been over a month since I was last employed in the radio industry, and today began a new venture: my first-ever job schedule that saw me getting off work at the same time as everyone else (at least the multitude of cars would have me believe it).

From Evans, GA to North Augusta, SC, I made my way home in five o’clock traffic.

Today was a full day of orientation for a seasonal position.

A lot of information was absorbed.

There’s four days of orientation left.

And twenty minutes into my commute home, I found myself grasping what it was like being on the other side of the radio.

I am now working in a customer service position for a financial services company.  And after starting today, I officially felt separated from my previous endeavors.

I am now a radio listener.  An audience member.  An individual in a demographic.  Someone who is hearing the music without seeing it on a playlist.

And I still love it.

No matter what side of the radio I’m on (and I’ll never be fully disconnected from it), I still love it.

I was entertained by the music.

I relied on my presets to accompany me on the ride home.

Radio is great.

I’m glad it’s there… even when my new job doesn’t allow listening to it versus my old job where listening was a priority.  I only wanted it more.

What a ride home.  What a ride!

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