What?

In the twinkling of an eye, it's gone! A glimpse of beautiful scenery, a funny or special moment, a valuable treasure and sometimes...even a life.

On June 4th around 11:15 I got a call that rocked my world. Funny how I even remember the time. My friend and Co-Pastor of my church called me in a frantic message stating that things were "bad" really "bad". At first I thought it was my daughter calling to say she had been in an accident, but when I asked her to slow down and breath, I realized who it was.

The unexpected happened.

My Pastor, for the 13 years I've been in Clarksville, suffered a heart attack and didn't make it.

He was only 53.

While I did sit and wonder what in the world?! I now look back and can reflect on all he's accomplished, and realize just how great and good God is. God knows just what He is doing.

A man after God's own heart, he's laid foundation in this city as a ground breaker and an earth shaker...he marched to the beat of God's vision, no matter WHAT everyone else thought or did.

A pillar in the community, he wore his heart on his sleeve, sometimes taking shots from those who meant to do harm, and from those who didn't quite understand him. But he taught true forgiveness for EVERYONE and really prayed for his enemies. His favorite phrase was "know my heart" and seldom did anyone not.

Pastor Jones &

TN State Rep. Joe Pitts

He was a great family man who cherished his wife dearly

and often let it be known publicly!

Pastor singing
"Always and Forever"
to Co-Pastor
Valentines Day 2008

He showed me what Agape love is. When those who would do me harm try me, he taught by example how to pray for them and I learned to ask the Lord to show me the principalities controlling them, so that I will despise THAT thing and not the person!
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places". Ephesians 6:12










Pastor & Co-Pastor Jones






He taught the Word of God and lived the Word of God, having the love of the community and assisting them, our vision. He died while in the midst of working for God, sending school-age children "Back to School with Jesus on their minds!" His heart spread even wider serving and ministering to two nursing homes in the area-sometimes, sadly, only a few showing up to help. He just kept going for God!





Back to School Bash
book bag giveaway


























Yes, I've grown up spiritually and he has taught me much.
His legacy shall live on!

He was a true spiritual father, God's Pastor, and friend. I will miss you, Pastor Jones, but I receive comfort in knowing that a great man of God has overcome and received his crown of life, Revelations 2:10 and is now, eternally praising our Lord!

Let ETERNAL LIFE inspire YOU!!!

Question Mark & 3Why? by Jesse Edwards for Designer Digital

It's June...Already!

Opryland Hotel Cooling Fountain

And the heat index is rising. My Sissy and new Bubba came to visit Memorial Day weekend. It was their 6 year anniversary of when they first met:

We cooked out on the barbecue and even had "The Great Grill master" rib challenge. I made a certificate for the winner to be passed on after each challenge. Turned out, my DH won! It was really fun and the challenge is ongoing, so if you feel like you make the best ribs...BRING IT ON!!! LOL!

We went to Nashville on Memorial Day Monday and visited Andrew Jackson's home, The Hermitage. It's interesting to take a look back and see how people lived in the past:

Andrew Jackson

Rachel Jackson

The Hermitage (back)

period Costumes & Jackson's Brewster Carriage

Cotton machine and basket

"Stories from the Hermitage Slave Community"
A temporary exhibit running indefinitely. It is funded by the

Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.

Interesting, compelling, and very much need. It should be a permanent tour!

Hannah Jackson

Alfred Jackson

One of various slave dwellings on

the property

inside Hermitage slave quarters

found artifacts excavated from

various slave dwellings

And although it was wet and rainy, we still had a great time:

After we left The Hermitage, it was off to Opryland Hotel. Here, and even at the Hermitage, there are Magnolia trees everywhere! I love the smell this time of year, so fragrant:

Stop to smell the Magnolias!

Opryland Hotel looks New Orleans-like on the inside! Beautiful place and the suites are nice, too. Take a visit sometime:


Meanwhile, in the present...

...DH & I just finished making my craft table while Sissy was here:

I Love it! Gives me more room to spread out and scrap or sew. Now I don't have to kneel on the floor to cut out material when I make banners:

Getting prepared for that day when we all (Mellow, Sissy and Mommy and I) can come and we can just scrap, make cards, eat, watch movies and laugh all day!!! Ah, one day...one day!

And last but certainly not least, I'm now volunteering with the American Red Cross! Really exciting because I'm volunteering with the Army Hospital. Starting tomorrow I'll be doing lab test for the returning/deploying troops from Iraq. I am proud to serve. Hopefully, I can get a position with them, they have several openings-cause as I stated in my last blog entry...a sistah needs a J.O.B.!!!

HAAYYee

LOL!!! But I'm keeping the faith and I'll keep you posted. BTW, thanks for your encouraging comments, blog sisters, they sure help. And welcome back 2 the blog world Liz! Missed Ya!

Haven't done a scrap page in a while, let alone any craft project, but I feel a creative surge coming on...maybe it's that new table calling me to create! Gotta go get some rest, want to be ready for tomorrow. But in the meantime, this month, remember to take a vacation or summer break, enjoy your family and friends, meditate on the goodness of the Lord and as always...

...Let Life Inspire YOU!!!