We arrived back home from our adventures around 5:45 p.m. It was a week filled with fun, family and food. Tuesday night, we left home and headed to Pigeon Forge. Wednesday, after Mich got off work and James and Jerrod got out of school, we left for Stedman, NC. A few months ago there was a rock slide on I-40 near Asheville so traffic has been re-routed. So, instead of taking I-40 through North Carolina, we took I-81 and went through Virginia. That was soooo neat!!!
**Side note - this was my second time to go to Virginia. The first was in November, 1999. After Mike finished his weekend drill in Johnson City, TN after the Marine Corp birthday celebration, I asked him if we could cross the state line since we were so close. He agreed so we crossed the VA/TN state line, took the first exit and turned around JUST SO I COULD SAY I HAD BEEN TO VIRGINIA!!! We had so much fun laughing about it. After we passed under the first exit's bridge, I got excited all over again.
We arrived in Stedman around 8:30 local time (I think; I can't remember exactly). The kids had a blast. Hannah played with Ashtyn, Isabelle, and Gabby while Will and Andrew played with them or the other cousins. (Hannah and Ashtyn are the only girls in their respected families. Since they are only two months apart in age, they really enjoy getting together once a year and playing.)
Thursday, we ate, and ate, and ate. Barbara, Sharon and others out-did themselves again. The food was awesome!! Thursday night we had a scare, though. Mike's Uncle Woody had a seizure while we were getting ready to have a Spades tournament. Thank the good Lord above, he is doing fine and is now at home.
Friday, Rich, Mich, their boys and I went to the movies and saw "2012." It was pretty good. The special effects were good. It was sad in parts but was interesting to see how the director and writers depicted their take on the end of the world. As I watched the movie, I kept thinking that I was glad I know the Maker of Heaven and Earth and that He holds me safely in the palm of His hand. Since He is the ONLY one who knows when the end of the world will actually end, I can rest in the fact that He will take care of me until then. After the movies, we went to Joe and Sharon's and joined the rest of the family for dinner. We had Carolina barbeque, baked beans, cole slaw, chicken tenders, and hushpuppies. It was the first time I had Carolina barbeque. It was good. I prefer Memphis barbeque since that is what I grew up with but the vinegar base of theirs was delicious.
Saturday afternoon, we left North Carolina and headed to Pigeon Forge where we spent the night. We got up this morning and left around 9:30 for home. Traffic wasn't too bad at all, not like it has been in the past. We had sunshine most of the way, then a few clouds. We encountered some misting after Nashville for about 20 miles then again once we got closer to home. It started raining after we got the van unloaded and settled in. We had a great time but it is good to be home.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
I know I am a few days early but we are leaving tomorrow to head to North Carolina for the holidays. Since I don't know if I will have access to a computer, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Please remember to thank God for the blessings He has given you so far this year. If you think you have nothing to thank God for, thank Him for waking up each morning and for air to breathe (no matter how stuffed up your nose is - HEHE).
Happy Thanksgiving from the Jinnettes!!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Not Good-bye But Until We Meet Again...
My friend, Courtney Hill, passed away Monday at 30 years of age while lying in her husband's arms. She leaves behind Robert, her husband of eight years, and Madison, their five-year old daughter. Courtney was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 25 and fought long and hard. She was even fighting right up to the end, determined not to let cancer have the upperhand. Unfortuntely, her body was tired and couldn't continue the fight any longer.
One of the verses Courtney clung to was "Yes, may you see your children’s children." (Psalm 128:6, New King James Version). She felt God was telling her she would beat this disease and live to see her grandchildren. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. But, the more I thought about it, I feel like God was telling Courtney that she would see the results of her life and testimony not in flesh-and-blood children but the ones born from her courage, strength and testimony to live and God. Courtney didn't try to hide the fact that she had cancer. She proudly proclaimed the strength of her God to anyone who would listen. She boldly walked around without a scarf or wig on her head after she lost her hair. Courtney would gladly talk to anyone who approached her with questions. I think people will see her strength in troubled times and wonder where it came from and this will lead them to Courtney's God, Jehovah Shalom (God is Peace), Jehovah Rapha (God our healer), and Jehovah Shammah (God is there). Those who come to God through Courtney's testimony and life will become her children in the Lord.
One of the verses Courtney clung to was "Yes, may you see your children’s children." (Psalm 128:6, New King James Version). She felt God was telling her she would beat this disease and live to see her grandchildren. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. But, the more I thought about it, I feel like God was telling Courtney that she would see the results of her life and testimony not in flesh-and-blood children but the ones born from her courage, strength and testimony to live and God. Courtney didn't try to hide the fact that she had cancer. She proudly proclaimed the strength of her God to anyone who would listen. She boldly walked around without a scarf or wig on her head after she lost her hair. Courtney would gladly talk to anyone who approached her with questions. I think people will see her strength in troubled times and wonder where it came from and this will lead them to Courtney's God, Jehovah Shalom (God is Peace), Jehovah Rapha (God our healer), and Jehovah Shammah (God is there). Those who come to God through Courtney's testimony and life will become her children in the Lord.
This is a picture of Courtney giving her testimony in May at our MOPS group.
Courtney and her daughter Madison greet Maria at one of our MOPS meetings. Even as sick as she was, Courtney was determined to get out and live instead of sitting at home mourning.
Rest in Peace Courtney. Enjoy the presence of your God and rest in His arms. We will see you again on the other side.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
My New 'Do
Tired of the same old haircut, I went to a new place called High Maintenance and had my hair done. I LOVE IT!!! After getting my hair cut for Locks of Love about a year and a half ago, I've kept it shoulder length. It's been okay but I was ready for a change. You can't see it in this picture but my hair is REALLY short in the back. It will take a little maintenance to keep it looking this nice but it may be worth getting up a few minutes earlier each morning to take care of it. Jennifer even teased my hair at the crown. I've never had my hair teased before. Shocking, I know. I've never been one for big hair but I guess I'm due. I can't wait for everyone to see it in person. Now, if I can get it to look this good tomorrow for our family pictures, I will be doing awesome!!!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Operation Christmas Child
Today while at Chick-fil-a, Hannah picked up an Operation Christmas Child box. We decided to fill one then decided to do two. If you have never heard of Operation Christmas Child, you can go to Samaritan's Purse and get details. The programs was started by Franklin Graham, son of evangelist Billy Graham. This organization collects shoe boxes filled with items and gifts for a needy child. They offer some suggestions and have a small list of items not allowed but leave it up to the giver as to what to put in their box.
Hannah filled her box with items for a girl between the ages of 5-9, and Will did the same for a boy of the same age group. They had a blast picking out items at Dollar Tree. Hannah purchased a doll, an outfit for the doll, socks, hair clips, comb and mirror set, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tissues, coloring book, paints, socks, a pink pig puppet and some candy. Will has a sun catcher for the child to paint, coloring book, socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tissues, paints, a brown bear puppet, playdough, and some candy. I plan to get a small box of crayons for each box either tomorrow or Monday. The boxes have to be turned in this week so Operation Christmas Child can get them to the children by Christmas. Hannah and Will both want to include letters and their addresses so the recipient can write to them.
This is the first year we've done it and it has been fun. We may have to make this an annual event. I took some pictures of the kids and their boxes but will have to post them later.
Hannah filled her box with items for a girl between the ages of 5-9, and Will did the same for a boy of the same age group. They had a blast picking out items at Dollar Tree. Hannah purchased a doll, an outfit for the doll, socks, hair clips, comb and mirror set, lip balm, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tissues, coloring book, paints, socks, a pink pig puppet and some candy. Will has a sun catcher for the child to paint, coloring book, socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tissues, paints, a brown bear puppet, playdough, and some candy. I plan to get a small box of crayons for each box either tomorrow or Monday. The boxes have to be turned in this week so Operation Christmas Child can get them to the children by Christmas. Hannah and Will both want to include letters and their addresses so the recipient can write to them.
This is the first year we've done it and it has been fun. We may have to make this an annual event. I took some pictures of the kids and their boxes but will have to post them later.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veteran's Day
Today is the day we set aside to remember those who have served, those who are currently serving, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in one of the fine branches of the United States military. Thank you for everything. The sacrifices you made makes it possible for me and my family to enjoy the freedoms we hold so precious and dear. THANK YOU!!
On that note, if any of my readers are currently in the military or have served in our fine armed forces, go by Applebee's restaurants for either lunch or dinner. Applebee's is giving our veterans and servicemen a free meal. You get to pick one of nine choices and a drink. You must show some sort of proof that you served or are serving to get your meal. If you go to http://www.applebees.com/, you will find a list of the proof they will accept (even a picture of you in uniform) and what meals you can choose from. They did this last year at a few select Applebee's. The response they received was so overwhelming that they decided to offer it nationwide.
On that note, if any of my readers are currently in the military or have served in our fine armed forces, go by Applebee's restaurants for either lunch or dinner. Applebee's is giving our veterans and servicemen a free meal. You get to pick one of nine choices and a drink. You must show some sort of proof that you served or are serving to get your meal. If you go to http://www.applebees.com/, you will find a list of the proof they will accept (even a picture of you in uniform) and what meals you can choose from. They did this last year at a few select Applebee's. The response they received was so overwhelming that they decided to offer it nationwide.
God Knows Our Hearts and Will Provide
I thought I had posted this story previously, but looking back over my blog, I don't see where I did.
About a month ago, Beth Moore came to the Memphis area to hold a Living Proof Live event. Tickets were $60 each. The day before the event, we were discussing Beth Moore's visit during a bible study and asked who was going. A few girls at our table raised their hand but my friend Shawn didn't. When asked why, she said she couldn't afford a ticket but if God wanted her to go He would provide one for her.
I remembered that before an event like this one, Beth would post on her blog an offer of free tickets to anyone who needed them. When I got home, I checked Beth's blog, http://www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com/, and saw her post for tickets. Since the post had been made earlier that morning, I called Shawn right away, told her about it and gave her the number to call. Shawn called and got an automated service. Since all she had was the first names of the two ladies to ask for, Shawn prayed that if it was God's will He would have to get her to the right person. There was a pause online then the call was transferred to Susan's voicemail (one of the ladies Beth had said to call). Shawn left her information and what it was about. About an hour later, Susan called her back. She offered Shawn two tickets even though she only wanted one. When Shawn asked her about the call transfer, Susan said she wasn't usually the one to get the calls.
Shawn called me, told me what had happened and asked if I knew anyone needing a ticket. Since we couldn't think of anyone, she called Leslie, our bible study leader, and asked her. She knew Marva, another lady in BS wanted to go but was in the same situation as Shawn. So, Shawn and Marva got to go to the event after all.
A few days later, I checked Beth's blog and saw where she had posted pictures from the event. Lo and behold, I saw a picture of Shawn and Marva worshipping God there in the post. It was awesome!! God had totally worked out all the details and let two wonderful women of God come and hear a word meant just for them.
If you would like to see some pictures from the event, click on this link. It will take you to Beth Moore's blog and the post with the pictures. Shawn, Marva and Cheryl (another lady in the group) are 2 minutes and 18 seconds into the video.
About a month ago, Beth Moore came to the Memphis area to hold a Living Proof Live event. Tickets were $60 each. The day before the event, we were discussing Beth Moore's visit during a bible study and asked who was going. A few girls at our table raised their hand but my friend Shawn didn't. When asked why, she said she couldn't afford a ticket but if God wanted her to go He would provide one for her.
I remembered that before an event like this one, Beth would post on her blog an offer of free tickets to anyone who needed them. When I got home, I checked Beth's blog, http://www.livingproofministries.blogspot.com/, and saw her post for tickets. Since the post had been made earlier that morning, I called Shawn right away, told her about it and gave her the number to call. Shawn called and got an automated service. Since all she had was the first names of the two ladies to ask for, Shawn prayed that if it was God's will He would have to get her to the right person. There was a pause online then the call was transferred to Susan's voicemail (one of the ladies Beth had said to call). Shawn left her information and what it was about. About an hour later, Susan called her back. She offered Shawn two tickets even though she only wanted one. When Shawn asked her about the call transfer, Susan said she wasn't usually the one to get the calls.
Shawn called me, told me what had happened and asked if I knew anyone needing a ticket. Since we couldn't think of anyone, she called Leslie, our bible study leader, and asked her. She knew Marva, another lady in BS wanted to go but was in the same situation as Shawn. So, Shawn and Marva got to go to the event after all.
A few days later, I checked Beth's blog and saw where she had posted pictures from the event. Lo and behold, I saw a picture of Shawn and Marva worshipping God there in the post. It was awesome!! God had totally worked out all the details and let two wonderful women of God come and hear a word meant just for them.
If you would like to see some pictures from the event, click on this link. It will take you to Beth Moore's blog and the post with the pictures. Shawn, Marva and Cheryl (another lady in the group) are 2 minutes and 18 seconds into the video.
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