hometown billboard

ok, this is a short one. i was driving home this morning after picking up my Christmas contacts, and i saw a billboard i'd not noticed before. I don't remember what all it said, but the really amusing part goes as follows:
(imagine a picture of a proud rooster posing beside these words)

We know our poultry
That's something to crow about
Royston

there's no place like home

I spent the night at my grandparents house last night. At breakfast this morning, i found out that my granddaddy used to make homemade icecream from cows milk after they milked them. how fun!

My Sisters

I've been blessed with two incredible sisters- Also known as super athletes. Throughout high school, my twin sister Kristen dominated in Tennis and Basketball. She played in a lot of USTA big time tennis tournaments and did quite well. Also, she tied our high school 3 point record for a game (7 threes) and broke the career point record, scoring well over 1,000 points. no girl has ever reached 1,000 at our school. And she somehow got on this Junior Nationals basketball team and played in Ohio.

But not only is she athletic, she can draw, paint, pastel, and all that kind of art stuff majorly beautiful. Her work decorates our house and my daddy's office. Some of his patients have mistaken one of her framed works as a photographed picture. She is also musically gifted and really smart. She got all As this past term at Furman, and she has two science major classes. She wants to be a vet. She's gonna be a downright great vet, i have no doubt.

One very special thing about her though, is she is so humble about it all and very sensitive to other people. She loves God and puts Him first in her life. She always tried to encourage me and help me not feel so inferior. I love my sister and am so glad we get to room together in college. yes we have our moments, but we always make up.

Now, Ashley is a freshman in highschool, and her basketball talent is blowing away the whole county. last night, i saw her tie Kristen's three point record. She rung 7 for 9 three pointers, and she is only in the 9th grade. She already averages in the double digits a game. She can play some defense too. Ashley, like me, can get a little bit too aggressive on the court sometimes. I remember well the time i slapped a girl in the face who wouldn't let go of my jersey, so i couldn't help but laugh when ashley slapped a girl who wouldn't let her go.

But ashley follows Kristen's example, and doesn't let sports rule her life. She has great concern for her schoolmates, and especially for those who aren't Christians or are struggling with something. She has a beautiful voice and i love to hear her play the guitar or piano and sing.

Ashley has always said that she wants to go to Furman and play basketball for Georgia. i dont know how she is gonna do that, but we'll see. She has height, unlike Kristen, so I have no doubt she could get a basketball scholarship somewhere good. She is super smart too, she has a bigger vocabulary than i'll probably ever have. She loves to read the big, thick books.

I love my sisters and its so reassuring to know that they love me, even when i've been mean to them, they forgive. Thats my sisters
<><

Rev. Ted Kelley

I've been reminded the Ted Kelley is one of the most saintly people i've ever known. If funerals can be incredible, his definitely was yesterday. It lasted about an hour and a half, but it didn't seem long at all to me. Nothing needed to be removed. It was a service of tears, smiles, memories, laughter, hope, joy, love, and thanksgiving. One of the strangest things was seeing uncle ted laid in the casket, eyes closed, mouth closed, not moving. He was always loud, excited, and on the go. He believed in people and loved people more than anyone ive known. Countless people have said the Uncle Ted lived in a world without strangers. He would talk with anyone, comfort anyone, love anyone, pray with anyone, and hug anyone. Nearly everyone that's lived in this area for any amount of time at least knows him, and many have fond stories of him. His favorite holiday is Christmas, and he got to celebrate Christ's birthday with him in heaven. I guess He liked it that way. Every time we'd see him, he'd ask us about basketball and when we could sing at his church. He encouraged us and believed in us as if he thought we could conquer the world. He didn't have his own home and he worked hard and loved hard. He was a man of faith and loved his family and community. Somehow, he got me to sing the national anthem at a basketball Christmas tournament my ninth grade year. He wasn't easy to say no too. He made you feel adequate for whatever he asked of you. One of the pastors at his funeral said once God made Ted, they threw away the mold. There isn't a person like him. God blessed many through him and didn't waste his 61 years of life.

It's interesting to me how different people react to the "He's dead" news. Some cry until they have no more tears. Some talk about all their memories. Others can't wrap their heads around it. I've been the cry baby of my family when it comes to stupid things, but when the big things come that knock the wind out of your lungs, my family seems to look to me to keep my head and be the strong one. I used to be really good at quickly putting up emotional walls. I dont think that is something to be at all proud of, but that was me. My mama talked to me after Ted died. She believed i could hold back the tears and keep my head. She needed me to make sure my siblings were prepared to sing the two songs we were asked to sing at the funeral. she needed me to do some communicating with family members and think of things she was incapable to think of. I knew she needed me. I didn't tell her that this past year, my ability to enclose myself in secluded barriers has weekened. I really wasn't sure myself how i'd hold up. I prayed, God is good, He helped me. He let me be able to go to bed at 7:30 and stay in bed for 12 hours without having to be anywhere. Even though i haven't been able to eat much or really sleep much, he's given me strength i know he could only give. My mama didn't need me, she needed God, but she needed me to be a walking talking vessel for that stability.
My mama and daddy are at the lake right now. I can just be for a while. I don't really understand it all. I still haven't really cried. Maybe i won't. Sometimes i want to just curl up and cry while someone else sits by me to scratch my back and pray aloud the prayers on my heart. I dont know if this is normal, selfish, or what, but it is just true. How unbelievers get through these times, i can't comprehend. Uncle Ted was always reaching out and helping people he knew couldn't get through without the grace of God. Ted was special, i doubt i could ever have the heart he has, but I wanna hope and pray that God will make me more willing to be more like the selfless, faithful, loving servant that my mama's uncle ted was. I know Ted would believe in me to be so much more than i'd ever believe I could be. He didn't exactly believe in people though, he believed in a powerful and gracious God that could use anyone in a powerful way, no matter what. His faith was made evident in his life. He was always hopeful, pessimistic words weren't apart of his vocabulary. even when he had no home and there was great sickness and discord in his family and church. That's the kind of faith we were created to take hold of. I pray that God will help take steps towards that and not let Ted's spirit of ministry, optimism, encouragement, and faith die with his body.
Some of the funeral songs were Thank You, Let There Be Peace on Earth, I'll Fly Away and Joy To The World. I think Uncle Ted would have liked that. Please keep his family and church in your prayers.
And may God bless you this holiday season to be a blessing to others
<><

Christmas...Where to begin...wow...i can't comprehend the amount of love Christ has for us that He would leave His glorious heavenly home and come live among us depraved people, knowing many would laugh at him, many would spit on him, many would curse him, many would not believe him. he was disowned, hated, beat, and killed, but he loved us anyway. Why? I can't fully understand. He wanted to make a way for us to have a direct relationship with our Creator. he chose to have a relationship with us instead of perfect heavenly beings. how could i ever think i deserve anything at all? He deserves more than i could ever give him, so at least i can do my best to give all that i can, everything of me. why is that so hard? it doesn't make since. i can be so stupid. God's patience amazes me.
Christmas is my favorite time of year. Christmas eve is my favorite day of the year. This Christmas has been very different for me than any other.
Christmas eve morning i woke up before most people, so i watched Merry Christmas Charlie Brown for the second time. after reading a little bit, i attempted for the first time to make a chocolate chip pound cake for Jesus's birthday cake. Mama guided me through most of the steps. Then, mama, kristen, and i spent all morning in the kitchen together cooking food for christmas breakfast and lunch. That harmonious time together was priceless. We all knew this year that santa was our parents, the presents part was not a big part of this Christmas, it was the priceless things that made it so special. This seems fitting, since Christ, the first gift of Christmas, was priceless. after cooking and "straightening up the house" all morning, it was unofficial family exercise time. then time to get ready for our Christmas eve candlelight communion service. my favorite service of the year. my dad sang mary did you know, and my grandparents lit the Christ candle. Then we visited with some church family friends and headed home. once home, i put in The Christmas Box movie, and by the end, all my siblings were watching it with me. Then, what my family treasures, our homemade gift exchange. we drew names at thanksgiving, and we had to make a present for the person we drew. we dont buy gifts for everyone in our 7 people family, we make something for our one person. we like it this way. the picture is of kyle and me. he drew my name and sawed/carved/sanded/and crafted a picture frame for me. He spent so much time on it. I will always treasure it. mama made daddy a desert he really likes with icecream sandwiches and butterfingers. kristen made a pastel picture of a cat for ashley, ashley made a picture collage with a beaded merry christmas for mama, kevin made kristen a fishing rod out of a tree limb, i made kevin a desert treat he really likes and the promise of my time to have our lord of the rings movie marathon he asked to have with me, and daddy made kyle a "mama saver". it was funny. it involed a funnel and a tube set on a stand. guys can use the bathroom without lifting the seat and without splattering on the seat. yeah, thats my dad for ya. gotta love him. the time of being together and seeing the love put into the crafts was so special. kevin read luke 2. then, its early bedtime.
my grandparents arrived at 7:30, granddaddy said Merry Christmas and we all went into the den for gifts. i got a cassete tape with my granddaddy reading Green eggs and ham, we all listened to it. he is the best book reader i know. it's probably his last Christmas. then, my daddy helped mama make homemade buiscuits and we had real grits, breakfast casserole, and buscuits for breakfast. towards the end of breakfast, mama and daddy told us that Uncle Ted died. he is mama's uncle who is really the rest of her dad. he was the one who went to furman to tell my mama that her dad had died. Ted was an incredible man. he was a pastor, sub teacher, paper route guy, and i think something else. he was 61 and died of a heart attack while driving on christmas eve night. he was adored by so many, he loved so many, and always shone with Christ's love. he lived about 30 min. away from us.
then, we went to church. i wish christmas was always on a sunday. kyle, ashley, and i sang a song called "start at the manger and go to the cross". it was a very meaningful service. we ended with my favorite christmas song- go tell it on the mountain. then we visited and came home to cook a little, straighten up, and get ready for company. though there was hurting, we had each other, and were able to laugh and smile. granddaddy led us all in singing happy birthday, and then for the blessing, mama requested that me, kyle, and ashley sing the song we did at church. we couldn't really say no. this is getting long, but its almost over. the family time was great. pictures were constantly being taken. hugs were given. stories were shared. we were together and knew why and who we were celebrating. not every family has this blessing. after daddy's family left, we went to peggy's our "adopted grandma" and exchanged small gifts and had more chocolate chip pound cake (she makes it real good) and hot chocolate. she crochets us little snowflake ornaments every year. they cover our tree. then we came home. prayers would be greatly appreciated. mama just came and asked me to reply to a funeral prep. email with tears in her eyes. the next few days are viewings, funeral, burial stuff. its hard not to ask why? kyle and i were talking. we dont really know what to do. i cant seem to wrap my mind around the dead word. it was so unexpected and doesn't seem real. we've never had a close family member die in our lifetime. i guess that is a blessing right there. we are together though, and Christ is with us. how people get through this stuff without Christ i dont know. Christmas is a day set aside to especially remind us of the immensity of God's inexplainable love.
love you all, and let those you love know it, cause you never know when your last conversation with them will be.
<><
sorry this was a long one

recap

ok, wow, thats over and im home. craziness. my last exam this morning was challenging, but its in the past and now its Christmas time in Royston! since i've had a lot of quiet, relaxed time this past week, ive had tons of time to reflect. It's been kinda nice. I've been thinking how i've really enjoyed this term and i've learned a lot, even though some weeks i wanted to crawl into a whole.
from an academic side, my physics class taught me how to do a back flip on the ground, and my paul class taught me tons of insightful and useful things about way back when and how to apply it to today. that class taught me how to think for myself and helped me realize that i do have a brain that i should use more often. i've learned that confidence levels really affect performance. if i believe im a loser, i act like a loser. if i believe i can succeed and am determined, then it takes a lot to bash me to the ground. i learned that im so much like a sheep (this could make for a whole article), and i like being like sheep. its humbling and comforting. i've learned how to trust other females and the importance of investing in others lives. i've learned how to better work with others and depend on others for some things. independence isn't always best. we were made for community and need that. i've gotten to experience the amazingness of growing close with my college christian family, and i'm beginning to realize how much more effort i need to put forth in developing relationships with my blood family and Christian family, and reaching out to non-Christians.
The value of a smile, encouraging word, letter, and a hug is basically priceless
football is the best sport ever!
wearing closetoed shoes and socks in 30 degrees is not a sin
im a fan of movies and reading, when the books and movies are actually well done
hot chocolate with marshmallows, cool whip, chocolate kisses, and sprinkles are some of the best inventions ever!
I've been able to watch the amazingness other peoples lives develop and mature, and realize that i too am changing. i've become less afraid of change, and actually learned to embrace it with excitement.
openmindedness will take you far, but some things never need to change
i have a lot to learn, and being able to be totally open and honest with true friends is one of the biggest blessings ever! knowing i have friends who love me and dont cry when i talk to them, even though i can say some of the dumbest things ever, is immensly comforting.
im so glad i never have to be a high schooler again in my life!
ive learned that im longwinded and should stop writing for now.
merry christmas and till next time,
and oh yeah, my view on Christmas this year is a bit different and im still wrangling with it, and im glad its altering
wanna know something crazy? santa and satan are spelled with the same letters and both are associated with red. interesting huh?
ok, im done now
have a great one, and treasure life's secrets
<><

what to do

so yeah, its been awhile since ive written, this is nothing significant, my clothes are almost dry, and then im gonna go eat some dh grits, but i needed something to do in between. i woke up at 5 this morning, not that i even needed to wake up at all except to do the book drive at 11, but i woke up just the same. i guess this waking up early thing will come in handy next term with my 8:00 class. im excited, because ill be done with class every day at 10:40. wow, simply amazing! and, they'll probably get cancelled alot because of ice and snow, and blizzards that are so common in these greenville parts. haha. i had 2 exams on friday, neither were bad, and i have one tomorrow, i dont know what to expect, but there isn't much more preparing i feel i should do except create a cheat index card. (honest cheating, dont worry). so, that leaves most of a day to be creative. i may end up writing a lot on here, i still have 5 other family members to write about. wether anyone cares to read my posts or not, its beneficial for me to reflect. i have fun board games and a glow in the dark frisbee, but most people are either going home or studying or taking tests. im definitely a rare case at furman this week. its been my most relaxed week yet. i went to boone saturday, sad that we lost, but still exciting. football games are just exciting. i watched lion, witch, and wardrobe- and fell in love with lucy. and i watched part of two towers- im a fan of the talking trees. hung out with some friends, great fun. yesterday, i was in the DH from 6-7:40, talking with hilary and michael reddish. that was some good times. during exam week, about the only place you can find a lot of people out of book/notes world is in the dh at meal times. so why not just hang out in there? i guess i could cook some more, or write a song, or play guitar, or read another book. but goodness, ive already read 2 cronicles of narnia books since friday, plus a bunch more, thats a lot of reading. at times i wish i had a tv and some good dvds- like aladdin or lion king or good black and white shows, but id probably waste too much time and just get annoyed after a while, so i guess its good i dont have a tv taking up room and brain space. whatever, maybe it'll snow, that could be fun! ok, i think my clothes are done, and im ready for some grits. if anyone reads this, im sorry. i hope you are a fast reader so you dont feel as if you've wasted your time. have a great day, and ill try to make future posts more entertaining.
yay for chocolate!
<><