Operation Christmas Child Warehouse

Look at all the setup that goes into this ordeal



Empty boxes soon to be filled with the finished products for shipping.


Taking a break to smile for the camera.

Our boxes that we worked on were going to the Ukraine


Look at all the boxes ready to be delivered to that special girl or boy.


Yesterday was simply amazing. I had the opportunity to go to the Operation Christmas Child Warehouse. It was neat to see how many things go on, and how many boxes they send out. I will post pictures in a bit. I went yesterday morning, and then wrote a little something about my experience, and I loved it so much that I went again last night. It's hard to describe this experience in writing, and I encourage everyone to participate. I was always the one that packed boxes in the past, but never actually seen or understood the entire process. Here is the thing I wrote:

‘Twas the week before Christmas
And all through the warehouse,
Operation Christmas Child boxes were being sent out.

Children, youth, and adults of all ages
Were packing boxes through eyes of a Savior.
Each tiny box wrapped, taped and handled with care
In the hopes that the kids in the Ukraine
Would understand and know someone cares.

Barbie dolls, race cars, puzzles, coloring books and some crayons too,
Trying to squish in the last item or two;
We certainly don’t want a child to be blue
If only they knew

We don’t realize how much we’ve been blessed
Until some of us are put to the test.
Day in and day out Operation Christmas Child workers are always at their best;
Some seem to never take a rest.

So let this be a lesson to all -
Shoe boxes no matter how big or small
Can make some sort of impact
If we just gather up goodies and have ourselves a ball

So think of all the children in our world near and far
Who can catch a glimpse of the Shining Star
Through something so little as an Operation Christmas Child box
So let’s gather our socks, and start a box for next year

I Surrender All

I know most of you have heard this song a zillion times, but it actually clicked this morning during church. Perry spoke on the "Christmas Story," and one of the verses in Luke 2 says "GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST..." this is what our purpose here on earth is to be about. Perry also talked about when Jesus was born the shepherds left their livelihood (which was their sheep.)What "sheep" do you need to leave behind? The song that he challenged us with is the one listed below. I pray that you read over the words, and let them actually soak in. We are to Surrender All, Everything to Him..NOT just the little things. If you would like to watch Perry's message it will be up sometime Tuesday at http://www.newspring.cc/. Hope this sermon rocks your world as much as it did mine. Are you surrendering ALL or just the pieces you are willing to give up?



All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

* Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!

God Speaking

Have you ever heard a love song
That set your spirit free
Have you ever watched a sunrise
And felt you could not breathe
What if it's Him
What if it's God speaking
Have you ever cried a tear that
You could not explain
Have you ever met a stranger
That already knew your name
What if it's Him
What if it's God speaking

Who knows how He'll get a hold of us
Get our attention to prove He is enough
He'll do and He'll use
Whatever He wants to
To tell us I love you

Have you ever lost a loved one
Who you thought should still be here
Do you know what it feels like
To be tangled up in fear
What if He's somehow involved
What if He's speaking through it all

His ways are higher
His ways are better
Though sometimes strange
What could be stranger
Than God in a manger

God is speaking
I love you

I LOVE this entire song, and it always seems to speak to me, but the line or two that has stuck out to me this afternoon has been. "Have you ever lost a loved one. Who you thought should still be here." the reason these stick out are because today is my best friend, Craig Lucas', birthday. His birthday would have been today if he hadn't of passed away 4 years ago in January. Sometimes we don't understand, and there are many many times that I think he should still be here on this earth, but as the song reminds us.."His ways are higher..." Craig and I used to do EVERYTHING together. That's how closer our friendship was. I actually still keep up with his family, and going to have supper with them on Friday. We have many memories together, both happy and sad. So I just wanted to write this, and say Happy Birthday Craig..we think about you often, and you are certainly missed.

Thankful Heart

This past weekend I was working on an Operation Christmas Child Box (Jed get excited), and I got to thinking how much we really do take for granted. It reminded me of the Christmas I spent in China, and that was certainly an eye opener within itself...but probably by far one of the most memorable Christmases I've experienced thus far. I can almost taste the warm, moist turkey right from the oven after being carved. The tart cranberry sauce, the homemade gravy and dressing, amongst many other things that my family will have during this Thanksgiving season. I can't believe it's almost here, but first I will be going to the Trans Siberian Orchestra next Thursday night. Just thought I would blog today, and ask people what they are thankful for. So please respond and tell me a few things you are thankful for.

1. that we have freedom of speech
2. that the King is ENTRHALLED with MY beauty
3. that friends are God's greatest gifts...no matter how close or far away
4. That God doesn't make mistakes, but he certainly left room for lots of improvement
5. That I get to work with college students
6. That I have a roof over my head, food on my table, and a job that pays my bills

This list could continue for a very long time, but the other day I sat down and really thanked God for things I were grateful for..not just the mundane things, but the little things. I see leaves of bright, vast, beautiful beauty, and I'm reminded that God created things that we see on a daily basis.

PS. Jed and Kimmy if you are reading this I tried postingg a comment to your blogs, but it said my password was wrong...funny that's the same password I'm using to post this blog. Oh well I did try though.

Something Fun

The rules of the tag are as follows:1.Post the rules on your blog.2.Write six random things about yourself.3.Tag three people at the end of your post.4. If you are tagged, JUST DO IT, and pass the tag along.

1. I start listening to Christmas music every october 1st.

2. I HATE feet...when I was in college would throw up..they are just gross.

3. My dad coached a softball team when I was younger, and we didn't win any games all season.

4. I have gravel in my knee as well. When I was younger was learning to ride my bike, and the man across the street had a gravel driveway, and I fell. It was either get my knee sanded down and pay a ton or just leave it in there.

5. I have been chased by a moose because I got inbetween a momma and her baby (not a smart idea)

6. I like even numbers, and if this thing had said list 3 or 5 facts probably would have listed an extra to make it even.


I tag Michelle, Leah, and Margaret-Ann

Fall Festivites

Crisp, crunchy, bright colored...these all describe the surroundings I see. I love this time of year when the leaves are changing and it's a little chilly so you can wear a coat. A few weekends ago my friend and I rode up to Hendersonville/Biltmore Estate to enjoy the fall.Then we ate dinner at Bay Breeze (an excellent seafood restaurant). This past weekend was busy to say the least as well. Leah and I went to the Romeo and Juliet play here at NGU...it was set in the 80's but still used Shakesperian language. It was rather interesting..not my favorite, but I thought the acters and actresses did a GREAT job. Then Saturday we came to NGU for the parade, and I was able to see Michelle for a few minutes. I miss that girl like crazy! Leah and I went to a tiny hole in the wall place called The Traveler in TR. The food was good, but the service was a little slow. Then we came back to watch some of the Homecoming Game. I was really surprised that Id didn't see more people I knew from years past. Then we headed to Motlow Creek Baptist Church for a benefit dinner for one of our NGU students who has cancer. They had speghetti and an auction. It was fun. I think this week will be a little more low key. I'm already caught up and ahead of things here at work. So should be interesting what I find to do.

Weekend Review

I meant to write this yesterday, but just got busy and forgot about it. I had a wonderful weekend...slightly busy, but good. I got off of work at 12:00 on Friday, and headed to my parents house. On the way there I saw probably about 20 cop cars every half mile along the interstate. Mind you it's pouring down rain, and they are all standing there in their trench rain coats, and large guns pointed towards the woods. Still don't have a clue what they were doing, but at least I didn't get shot. So I made it home safely, and my parents and I headed to Charleston for the night. We watched the team my brother-in-law coaches play football. They won 51-14. I think Ed was a little upset that it wasn't a shut-out, but hey they still won. We spent the night at their house, and they must keep the air on 50...it was freezing in there. Saturday I went to Rachel Bass (now Rhye's) wedding. It was such a worshipful ceremony. The cake was massive, and delicious. Then we came back home, and picked up my Aunt and niece, and went out to seafood with them. We listened to some college games, and even watched some of TV. Then Sunday my "aunt," mom, and I went to the Panthers vs. Falcons game. We got to ride in her nice convertible to the game, and she has tickets in the end zone. Panthers won 24 to 9. So all that brings me to yesterday. I had gotten up and was driving to work, and a bird flew into my window. The poor thing is now dead, and I felt horrible, but there was nothing I could do. Tomorrow is CHRISTMAS MUSIC LISTENING DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!