Freedom Isn't Free

What do you do when you are asked to photograph a funeral? How are you supposed to feel knowing that it's a military funeral on top of that? How do you know what's tacky...and what isn't? These were the questions that I faced last week.

On June 22, "GB" died during a training mission in Utah. His family went to my church. I go to a fairly large church, so I didn't know them. I still haven't met the family. But yesterday during the service...we were all family. I watched as hundreds of people came to honor our fallen hero, and I heard their sobs. I saw their tears, and most of all, I saw a hundred people standing outside holding American flags in the pouring rain. I saw the tears mixed in with the rain. Overhead four f16 jets circled, waiting til the time to do the Lost Man Formation. I stood by during the 21 gun salute, and I jumped out of my skin everytime. The sound of the double taps sent shivers down my spine, along with the flag folding.

Never forget that freedom isn't free.

a wonderful letter

Thursday I had surgery. I won't go into any details because...I'm okay. Ms. Lavonia sent me a letter that I wanted to share. I typed the verses out so it would be easier to read.

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Dear Abby,

Just wanted you to know that I prayed for you. I began praying for you at 6:39.

Here are some of the scriptures that I claimed for you.


Psalms 34:7 (safety; that Jesus would protect you in your surgery).
The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Philippians 4:7 (peace).
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

James 1:5 (wisdom for the doctors in your surgery).
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Isaiah 26:3 (peace).
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Isaiah 41:10 (quick recovery).
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Jeremiah 17:14 (healing).
Heal me, O LORD, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for thou art my praise.

Psalms 30:2 (healing).
O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.

Hebrews 13:5 (you'd be surrounded by Jesus' presence).
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

Philippians 4:13 (the doctor would do a good surgery).
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Isaiah 41:13 (peace).
For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.

I prayed that each nurse; each technician; doctor; and anyone else in the medical field would show you gentleness; kindness and love. They would get you an ice chip; pain medication; a warm blanket or whatever you need while you are there in the hospital. I prayed they would allow Jesus to work through them, to minister to you.

Psalms 105:1 (I thanked Jesus for taking care of you in your surgery).
O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.

Abby, if I can do anything for you, please, call me. I have always admired and respected you so much. I don't want to see you sick but enjoying life.

Jesus is our Healer,
Lavonia 

 

the last night

Yesterday was the last night of the tent. Oh how I will miss it so. There have been so many great people, food, and fellowship. I southern baptist, I am. Each night there were over a thousand...reaching up to two thousand some nights. And you probably thought it was a tiny tent...it's actually the size of a football field. no joke.

The rain had poured earlier, it hailed, and the tent flooded. But so many people came to hear. Greg Bentley wrote on his facebook status:

"I am amazed this morning looking back at the Tent Meeting last night in Marion. With storms, flash flooding and all, to see about 1500 people waiting in their cars for almost an hour, eager to get under the tent to see what the Lord is going to do was humbling! Thank the Lord for the break in the weather so the meeting could go on."

I'll be posting about the tent, and all the goodness. But I wanted to share with you how the tent looked last night as we ended.





no color alterations. zip. nope. nadda.

Corey and Rachel's Wedding Invitation

I just had to share this. It's the cutest thing I've seen in awhile. I hope that it makes your day!

And no... I don't them. But I bet they are pretty cool!

Vay-cay pt. 2

I have to say that the SC Aquarium is a favorite place of mine. I know that it's small, and there's not much to do...but I think it's great. (Go there on a rainy day.) The in-behind the scenes tour was short (just because it was my sweetheart and I) but we enjoyed it the most. If you are there, deff. take the tour.

Did you know that all the divers are volunteers? We saw them going in for the tank show. It's so neat seeing the tank from above.

I did say DUUUUDE when I saw him. haha.