Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts

Saturday, November 29, 2008

Wendy! It's Your Day!!!


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It was brought to my attention that today is Wendy Bayne's birthday! Wendy lives in North Carolina. She has been reading my blog since about day one! Thank you, Wendy, for faithfully reading what little I have to say here. It was nice to meet you this past summer. I hope you have had a wonderful day and a blessed year!!

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Our Vacation Journal: Part One

Day One July 21: Destination: Knoxville, Tennessee. We cheered when we crossed into Tennessee.We arrived in Knoxville at 8:00 PM, and were exhausted. We had planned to stop on the east side of Knoxville to put us a little closer when we left town. But we couldn't go on.We stopped on the edge of the west side. We were hungry and so tired of sitting. We had driven about ten hours that day. We ate at Shoney's where the server shared some interesting information with us, that caused us to rejoice. She said that a storm had just blown through earlier (we had missed all of that, praise the Lord) and that a huge power line had fallen down on the East side of Knoxville on I-40 stopping the traffic. We thanked the Lord that He had led us off of the Interstate when he did. We missed the rain, and the traffic jam.
Day Two July 22: Destination: Winston-Salem, NC. We head out for the remaining four hour journey at 9:00. The day held a lot of twists and turns as we passed through the edge of the Smokey Mountains, which were gorgeous. We got way too close to some eighteen wheelers, but the Lord kept us safe. Our kids loved the two tunnels we passed through. We finally cheer as we cross into North Carolina! Melanie, Andy [Griffith], here I come! We got to Melanie's house around 2:00 that afternoon. Her house is so beautiful! I can't believe it, but I didn't take any pictures that first day, or the second. I guess we were focused on getting there, and then resting.
Day Three July 23: Terry was scheduled to preach for our friend, Pastor Ben Graham. Terry and I have known him most of our lives. His Dad, Ken Graham, has been my home pastor for over 20 years. We drove two hours to York, SC with Leslie and Laci. Lauren and Mitchell went to church with Melanie and her boys at Gospel Light. My kids were eager to attend Master Clubs, even if it was only for one time. They had a blast! We enjoyed seeing Ben's family. His wife, Candace is very sweet and his boys are adorable. They were kind enough to show us around the property - which is very impressive - and to go out to eat with us. We had a great time laughing and talking over old times. We later went to their home and visited until...uhhum...1:00AM. I told you, they are very nice people! Once again, my camera is MIA. Camera? Yoohoo! Where are you??
Day Four July 24: Travel back to Winston-Salem from York, SC. Then, we played kickball with the kids, ate and sat on Melanie's wonderful screened in porch and relaxed. As I sat there, I felt like I was on an episode of The Andy Griffith Show. Have I told you how I love that show? NO?? Well, let me tell you, I do!
More to come later...and I promise, I do have some pictures! I have to stay in order though! ;]

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Happy Birthday, Amanda!

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I just wanted to wish my very good friend, Amanda Tyler, a wonderful birthday today! She has been an encouragement to me ever since we met in 1993. She has always been someone to listen to my heartaches and disappointments. She has sent me a card or given me a call just when I needed it. She is now a missionary to Brazil and inspires me with her sweet spirit and hard work as she and her hubby and three boys travel from sea to shining sea on deputation. She never complains or gripes about the struggles that surely must await her every time she hits the road. She never whines. She is only happy, kind and loving. She's another one of my friends who only encourages me to go forward in my Christian life. She has a "never give up" attitude even when she's tired, worn out, or lonely. When I feel that way, I only need to give her a ring and before I know it, I'm smiling - or laughing - and ready to go on for a little while longer.

Thank you, Amanda, for being my friend. Thank you for encouraging me by your life to go forward for the Lord. I look forward to seeing you face to face again in a few days (can't get over that I'm gonna see you twice in eight months!! Yes!! Can't wait!!).

Have a wonderful day, and a happy 29th year!

Love,
Valerie