TGP: Day 16

Day 16

Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

 A "typical" Sunday Morning at FBC -
where it all comes together. (from the mezzanine)

I'm grateful that years ago, Larry G. made the decision to offer me a part-time position on the FBC staff. That position evolved over the years, allowing the flexibility to be home with the kids when they were small - and continually changing in a manner consistent with changing family dynamics. Now, with all the children grown, it's a full time role. Few have the privilege of serving alongside such warm and wonderful friends on a daily basis.  Not only were my children raised at FBC - but it's where I've grown up in many ways, as well.

This week will be spent in ardent preparation for medical leave...the last thing I want to do is to leave friends and extended family in a bind, or overburdened. Besides, leaving things in optimum order will clear my mind and allow me to better enjoy all the jello, broth, smoothies, movies and books that are in my immediate future! 

Today, five of my closest friends/pastors gathered around and prayed over me, for the upcoming surgery, my family, the doctor, healing, etc. Since this is a typical occurence on the "second floor", the significance of that sweet time of prayer, could easily be overlooked.  If my office was within a secular company, the odds of that impromptu time of intercession would be minimal to nil. 

 

I'm grateful for the many friends at FBC... for the mentors, my "adopted family", the daily laughter, the occasional heartfelt tears, encouragement and accountability, frequent hugs, prayer - all vital to our authentic community.  We are all very "real" with each other - and it's incredibly refreshing and free to be "who you are" without reservation.

From the beginning, I've never once referred to my role as "work".  To be a part of such an amazing group of people, fulfilling God's mission and call, is an incredible, incredible GIFT. For this ministry and for all the people involved, past and present, I will be eternally grateful. 

Staff Retreat 2005

Many of my closest friends and mentors are in these photos...and while some of the faces have changed over the years, the ones that left are no less dear. They have all left an indelible mark.

Staff Retreat 2009

  

TGP: Day 15

Day 15

Monday, August 15th, 2011

Well, it's quite ironic that this "gratitude journey" began 15 days ago - and there was absolutely no INKLING of what this month would bring.  Focusing on the multiple  gifts within each day has undoubtedly helped improve perspective.  I was reminded too, that God inhabits the praises of His people.  Given the peace experienced thus far, there is no doubt that it's from Him.  Thankfully, I've got many friends and family members who are praying and encouraging me through this little "interruption." 

Don't confuse my outlook with a disingenuous "Pollyanna" attitude. Trust me - if there is ANYONE who would go to great extremes to avoid needle biopsies, blood work and hospitals - it would be ME!  To be clear, I don't "fear" needles/blood/hospitals, etc. I simply possess an incredible aversion to these things, stemming from an insane amount of medical trauma in the teen years - experiences that few could come close to comprehending.  On the other hand, I'm grateful to have "top notch" medical care available.  It's necessary and to avoid care due to psychological scars would be foolish and far more costly in the long run. 

Well, today brought a couple of little "out of the norm" blessings:

•  Meeting with an insurance representative today made me thankful for electing the supplemental cancer policy last year.  (Just in case my result is in that "30%"...)
• Since I've been training for and excited about participating in the Susan G Komen 3-Day "Walk for the Cure" in October,  it was a bit disappointing to learn I'm now ineligible due to surgery.  However, I'm grateful to friends and family who contributed over $1000 for this worthy cause.  That's ultimately what it's all about.   2012's SGK3D will be here before we know it and I'll be enthusiastically "saving the tatas".
• WGH and I took his parents to a Gwinnett Braves game tonight, which proved to be an enjoyable and relaxing end to the day...  Right now, my pillow awaits...I'm grateful in advance for the sleep I will encounter within the next 10 minutes!

TGP: Day 14

Day 14

Sunday, August 14th, 2011

We arrived home late last night, fully exhausted - so this morning, I started the day out, grateful for a full, uninterrupted night of sleep.  Having had recent issues with insomnia - good sleep is cause for gratitude!  TRUST ME!

It was great to have my Pastor (also my "boss") back in the pulpit today.  Sitting between my baby girl and my wonderful hubby.... was also something that I cannot take for granted.  On the other side of Britt was her "man" , along with his sweet mom and sister... I love it!

We had a very meaningful time of worship and an incredible message on Hell...why would that be cause for thanks?  UH - because I'm very glad I'll not be spending eternity there! I'm BEYOND grateful God made a way for us to spend eternity in Heaven rather than facing eternal judgment - tormented and isolated. 

This evening was capped off with dinner at our dear friends' house - when I say "friends", it grossly undervalues the love we have for them.  They are an extension of our family - theirs is a house where all of my kids feel at home, and theirs are equally comfortable in ours.  The best times we have are typically around the kitchen or dining room table - almost always involving food of some type and perhaps even a glass or two of wine.  We literally can sit and talk about "real life stuff" - which we all have dealt with much.  Just as easily, we can sit and laugh hysterically.  Tonight, a scrumptious dinner (that I didn't have to prepare) with great friends, a little wine, our children, and daughter's boyfriend - who feels equally welcome and at ease - was EXACTLY the perfect ending to a slightly challenging week. 

I'm grateful for such dear friends - the kind that truly know all of your "stuff" and love you in spite.  The kind of friends who will go out of their way for you on a moment's notice. The kind of friends that you can be comfortable around in sweats, a ponytail and no makeup...the kind of friends that your children think of as "second parents"....the kind of friends that you have no reservations about giving access to your security codes, garage door codes, extra keys, etc.  The kind of friends you can cry with just as easily as you laugh with.  I can't imagine life without them - and am very grateful that I'll not have to. These are the friends we'll have til death.  I'm immensely grateful that God caused our lives to intersect many years ago - during an otherwise "unmemorable" season of Little League baseball.  How blessed we are!  (Love you guys...)

Our "Extended Family" - We are so BLESSED by these amazing friends!

TGP: Day 13

Day 13

Saturday, August 13th, 2011

Today was the "Celebration of Life" for Aunt Jodie.  She would have been very honored by the turnout, the tributes, and the incredible amount of love shown not just for her - but for the ones she left behind. 

It seems that Jodie was very consistent with her humorous commentary, her wide smile and boisterous laughter - as these were qualities referenced throughout the Memorial Service and in side bar conversations throughout today's events. How wonderful to have such a "positive" disposition - and to have "positively" affected all those around her.  I'm grateful that her children and grandchildren have memories of her which instantly bring a smile to their face.  This was a gift to her family, that she probably didn't realize she was giving.  Priceless indeed.

Today, at the service, we all found out Aunt Jodie's favorite scripture:

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Philipians 4:8

Aunt Jodie clearly lived out Philipians 4:8 -  her outlook showed in her demeanor, enhanced relationships, and brought joy and encouragement to all she encountered.  I'm reminded again that none of us want to be around a chronic complainer...the person who's glass remains "half empty" on the best of days...the person who compains incessantly about traffic, the economy, the house, their clothes, the car, the weather, the grass, their kids, what's on tv, wait times at restaurants, etc.  Instead of being "Debbie Downers" - they should be "Joyful Jodies". 

I'm grateful for Aunt Jodie's example ....  her life wasn't the easiest, her life wasn't perfect by any means, and her life was not absent of struggles - yet her joyful attitude is what everyone recalls when she comes to mind.   "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."  AMEN!

(A passage quite fitting for the "The Gratitude Project!)

TGP: Day 12

TGP: Day 12

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Twelve days ago, when I decided to journal some of the many reasons for gratitude - there was no inkling of the challenges that would be faced in this month.  This week alone: I found out my much-loved Dad had major surgery, remaining in the hospital for a week (sadly, finding out two weeks after his release); The undesired biopsy report came back; surgery was scheduled; Aunt Jodie unexpectedly left this Earth.  Just this morning, a friend contacted me, requesting prayer for her 15 year old daughter.  She ran away earlier this week and obviously, my friend is distraught. It's been a difficult week - and in spite of the news received - each day has come with many reasons for a grateful heart...some large - some small. 

It's been a very long day. Like every day of this eventful week - today has been full of reasons to be thankful:

• obviously, safe, enjoyable travel - never taken for granted.
• four hours of "margin" in the car was enjoyable - plenty of time for thinking, praying for my sweet friend and her daughter, and for singing at the top of my lungs (with no critics!)
• since my phone charger stopped working today, I stopped by the front desk to see if they had any that had been left behind - otherwise, I'd be buying one because one cannot go for days with a dead cell phone.  Fortunately, the desk clerk pulled one out that fit my phone - no trip to T-Mobile was necessary!
• There was a brief "15 minute" meeting and hug in a Shoney's parking lot. Another of my "Marine Mom" friends lives in Nashville so we were able to connect briefly - share a few words, hug and snap a couple of pictures.  "Lisa" is a sweetheart and one of many special ladies I've connected with and bonded online - since Tyler joined the USMC. It's always a really cool thing to actually "see" face to face my online friends.  Her hugs and sweet words were truly gifts.
• After seeing Lisa for a few minutes, I met my hubby at the Nashville Airport.  While waiting for him to approach the car, it was a bit like our "early days".  He's even better looking now than when "we" began and he's truly my best friend.  Seeing him walking across the parking lot - in my direction, I felt like an excited schoolgirl who was seeing the "man of her dreams" during a locker break. It's especially amazing to be reconnected with him after a long, news-filled, week.  (Not everyone feels this way about their husband, so these feelings - and this man, are an unbelievable gift!)
• After visitation at the funeral home, eight of us went to dinner - we sat and talked for a long time.  Hearing several "family legends" for the first time (for most of us) and reflecting on Jodie's wit, and lively spirit - smiles and laughs were frequent.  Thanks to Aunt Anne and Uncle Tommy - my cheeks are still a bit sore from laughing so hard...I hate that a loss is the cause for this gathering, but am appreciative of moments like this in the midst of it all. 
• After a long day, getting back to the hotel room - I'm thankful for the impulse purchase at Kroger this morning.  The bag of Dove Milk Chocolates on the nightstand was a welcome sight.  I opened one - the wrapper read "Create a Happy Place."  How appropriate for this 31 day endeavor.  Happiness, contentment, gratitude are possible every day...it's not an actual "place", but it's an "attitude of gratitude" we can foster by focusing on life's little gifts. 
• Who am I kidding?  I had a second chocolate - the wrapper on it read "Think of something that makes you smile."  Hmmm....there's a theme here.  (Wow - this wasn't an impulse purchase of milk chocolate, it must have been the leading of the Holy Spirit!)
• Well, I'm going to sleep next to my best friend after a long day...with a smile on my face - because I've just reviewed and recalled today's many gifts. 
• Okay, okay.... the third one read, "Break the Mold".   (I'll have to think about that!)

My "Marine Mom" friend, Lisa....a very sweet, beautiful and PETITE woman -
 at 5'9" I felt like a giant next to her - thus the "squat"!  It was SOOO good to see her in person!

TGP: Day 11

Day 11

Thursday, August 11th, 2011

On August 11th of every year, I am reminded of the most incredible, Godly, joyful, selfless woman I've ever known.  Fortunately for me, she was my grandmother.  500 miles separated us for most of my childhood - yet, we were extremely close.  She made knowing and loving me a priority.  In fact, I often thought she lavished me with more love than I received from others in my "immediate family."  Now, looking back - I know she did.  She was probably keenly aware of odd familial dynamics and tried to compensate. Gone for over twenty years now, I'll never know what it was that she saw in me that caused her to so actively remain connected - but for the rest of my life, gratitude will fill my heart because she did.

While so far from perfect, it's often seemed that some of the "better parts" of me are a  result of her investment - not just the phone chats, handwritten letters (valued posessions today), the cassette tape recordings we'd mail back and forth, the long talks at night during visits - filled with giggles, etc. Her prayers for me probably mattered the most. She was the epitome of a "Proverbs 31" woman.  She faced many challenges, yet walked through those seasons of life with grace and incredible faith.  She also had the best laugh - and she laughed often.  You couldn't be in her presence and not love her immediately!

Nannie didn't live long enough to meet my husband or children, yet many times they've heard stories about her.  Often I've thought, "She would really love to be here right now, to see this, to know my husband, to hug my children..."  I know she would.  She has come to mind with each major milestone. How I wish she were still here to see my amazing three cherubs and the lives they are leading. There is no doubt, she would adore them all.

Immediately following the loss of my grandmother, I told my Dad that I'd name a future daughter after her. At some point in the following two years - I changed my mind. As much as this dear woman meant to me, I couldn't bring myself to name my first daughter "Eunice."  With confidence, I can say she would be more honored by the life that this daughter of mine is living, than by a shared name.

Our relationship was an incredible gift - never taken for granted. Today, her memory and her loving ways still linger in my mind, serving as motivation to be the same way with Bryce and future grandchildren. One could live right next door to a grandparent and not be half as close as I was to my precious grandmother. For my friends today who live far from their grandchildren - be encouraged. Neither time nor distance abrogate a Grandma's love. 

Thank you God for giving me four wonderful grandparents - all much loved, but none more special to me than "Nannie."   Thank you for bringing her into this world on this day, almost 100 years ago.  Thank you for her life and her legacy - both having impacted countless people, many of whom she never met. 

Love, 

"Eunice's forever grateful granddaughter"

Nannie - with Grandpa, and her infectious smile.

TGP: Day 10

Day 10

Wednesday, August 10th, 2011

Today has been hard on a couple of fronts.  A new journey begins and another has ended.  Morning came with news that my husband's aunt has passed.  When I went to bed last night - this was not anticipated.  We were receiving updates on her surgery - and the last word was that the valve replacement was taking longer than anticipated, but it was going well.  She leaves behind three adult children, grandchildren and two sisters who adored her. 

Aunt Jodie's voice and laughter could often be heard above the rest and I know her presence will be greatly missed at future family gatherings.  A funny thing about Aunt Jodie, she was known for keeping a blender in her hotel room at family reunions...making it easier and less expensive to keep the "adult beverages" flowing.  Perhaps I'll honor her memory at the next  family event, by doing the same.  

"Aunt Jodie"

Afternoon brought another bit of "less than desirable" news - the biopsy report.  The thyroid biopsy from August 3rd revealed "Follicular Neoplasm with suspicion of Malignancy."  So, within hours - the surgery to remove the right lobe of my thyroid was arranged.  I now know what I'll be doing on August 24th! 

A final pathology report after surgery will determine future treatment. Prayerfully - nothing other than recovery, medication and monitoring.  However, there is a 30% likelihood that a second surgery will be required within weeks - followed by radioactive iodine treatments.  (That sounds worse that what it is - and if correctly understood, there are no needles involved!) 

Aside from the initial shock in the first few minutes following the doctor's call, I've experienced a peace about this entire process.   A few days ago, I wrote that on the most difficult days of all - the reasons we have to be grateful become most obvious. It's easier to see bright lights against a gray canvas, than to see the same bright lights against a brightly colored one.   

Today I'm thankful God orchestrated the following...plus so much more:

• Aunt Jodie is now in Heaven, not in any pain.  She's reunited with her parents, her husband, and Aunt Sara.  (They probably had a blender waiting for her in the new mansion.)
• When my phone rang this afternoon, I just happened to be standing in the kitchen with one of my closest friends. She knew what was going on as soon as I began scribbling notes on a series of post-its, that just happened to be lying on the counter.  She escorted me into my office, closed the door - reviewed the conversation,  gave me prayerful assurance, encouragement, a hug and she made me laugh...a few times. (Thank you Sally)
• After wrestling with whether I should even tell my kids what's going on at this point (not wanting to cause them unnecessary concern).  The decision was made to let them know...they are all adults and the news is best coming from me, than delayed or accidental.  Getting information to all three of them today, given their locations in other states, countries, etc. "same day communication was a gift".
• Hearing from the doctor and seeing (Google, of course) - that in the unlikely diagnosis of Malignancy, there is no impact on mortality and this particular type would be 100% curable...well, that's pretty outstanding information!
• With dear hubby out of town, it was no accident that the ladies from my Community Group already had scheduled a dinner out tonight...it was wonderful to be with close friends who are incredible women of God - who love and encourage well, and who are, of course - incredible prayer warriors.  
• Not to be overlooked, when I arrived at home after dinner - Lily and Bella were here to greet and cuddle...just what I needed.

Thank you God for the many seemingly insignificant "divine appointments" today.  Your hand has been easily seen throughout and there is great comfort and a peace that truly surpasses understanding.  I am blessed - and no less today than the other days. 

(L-R) Aunt Sara, Aunt Jodie, Aunt Ginny, & Sue - my dear Mother-in-law
Four Incredible Women - Four tightly knit Sisters
Aunt Sara and Aunt Jodie were reunited today
Please pray for Aunt Ginny & Sue as they grieve the loss of their second "baby sister"



TGP: Day 9

Day 9

Tuesday, August 9th, 2011

This morning, my "baby girl" (almost 20) left with her boyfriend's family for a week of fun and relaxation in South Carolina. 

While saying "goodbye" to her for a few days, I was comforted by the fact that she has a wonderful boyfriend, from a delightful, Godly family.  Not only do we love this particular young man, but his mom has become a dear friend over the course of their relationship. 

There is a greater level of trust, and of comfort in knowing she's in truly "good company" for the week.  I'm grateful that she's able to go and have a wonderful time....a great way to cap off the summer before school resumes next week.  She's surrounded by people who hold the same values and beliefs...and above all, they love my baby girl. 

For moms, seeing our children truly happy - and truly loved, is one of the best gifts of all.  For that reason today, I'm extremely grateful. 

My beautiful Baby Girl...and her "Man"



TGP: Day 8

Day 8

August 8, 2011

Today is a Monday....if I had to list the days of the week in order of preference, Monday would be number seven.  However, today hasn't been bad at all.  Being able to wrap up a "ministry day" at 5pm is wonderful - especially, when not too long ago - I found myself still at the office until midnight.  Shutting down at 5pm leaves several good, quality hours full of opportunity. 

In fact, during those hours between 5 and midnight today, there were two meaningful phone calls (very odd for phone calls to be significant two days in a row.)  Additionally, there was time for reading, reflection and research.  Granted, I probably allowed "google" to occupy more time than was optimal. 

When something is weighing on my mind:   Too often, my default is to study and determine every possible direction a particular catalyst may lead.  Too often, these possibilities become bigger in my mind that they need to be. Too often, more time is spent learning and understanding possible eventualities than praying about them.  Ironically, the outcomes will remain the same regardless of my understanding or knowledge - yet, outcomes can be vastly impacted through the power of prayer.

So, beyond being thankful for meaningful, Monday evening phone chats - I'm infinitely grateful for a significant reminder today.  A reminder that our God is sovereign and no matter what's coming next - HE is in control.  That's a point we should all be grateful for. 

"Be Still and know that He is God" - not "fret and Google." 

This reminder faces my desk - yet I too often forget!

(Psalm 46:10)

TGP: Day 7

Day 7

August 7th, 2011

Because so much of my time is spent on the phone during weekdays,  seldom do I engage in lengthy chats during evening or weekend hours.  Those closest to me know that I don't fit the stereotype of the "woman who stays on the phone - gabbing for hours at a time." 

Today was an exception, bringing with the unexpected call, a long overdue phone chat with one of my most favorite people on Earth - someone I have loved and adored my entire life.  We've not spoken in almost a year (not my choice.) 

It was great to hear the familiar voice of someone special and very much loved....it was comforting to get a health and "life" update when there have been many questions concerning both. 

So, while I'm not a big fan of phone conversations - today is an exception.  For today's particular call, I am both encouraged and extremely grateful.