Good ole Montreat and Snow DAys!!

Images of time spent in Montreat run through my mind like a slide show capturing God moments throughout my journey of life! I can remember the first time I came to Montreat with Dahlonega Presbyterian Church! I can remember Frank saying, “Neeleybird, you have got to go to Montreat.” From that day, I haven’t been able to stay away from this holy place! Youth Conferences as a teen, youth conference as a leader for First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville, Youth conferences as a planning team, youth conferences as a Director, Montreat for College Conference, Annual Recreation Workshop, and leading Church retreats…Montreat has molded and shaped my faith in a variety of ways. God has challenged me through innovative worship experiences, dynamic small group conversations, experiential learning, deep theological conversations and questions, and an extended family to affirm my gifts and God’s calling on my life. The spirit of Montreat is a contagious laugh, a hug from a long time friend, a walk around the lake, an auditorium full of young people singing “Glory Alleluia”; Montreat is a place I call home!
Last night while in Montreat, snow started to fall! Snowflakes christened the ground and trees became fluffy white! I cherish snow…the purity of it as it falls and covers the earth. My favorite thing about snow is that it sparks memories of snow days in Dahonega on 45 Highland Road! My sisters and I would tumble down the hill in our back yard while dad videoed us and mom yelled “girls, be careful!” We would make snow angels out front in the yard and eat the snow like it was a “snow cone” (we even put food coloring in the snow one time!!!). One snow was rough in Dahlonega, blizzard of 98, I believe. We, all 6 of us, were stuck in the basement! Nightmare…not quite! I loved it! We cooked on the wood burning stove; we played cards; we laughed; we performed our latest cheerleading routine -- I believe we experienced God in that Sabbath time of being still and totally present with each other. That is what I love about snow! Snow slows us down! God says, “Look around you at the beauty and purity of snowflakes and be still!” I also remember snow days at Presbyterian College! We would play out in front of GDH; we would ice skate on the back of KA fraternity house porch; all precious memories of my PC family laughing and spending time with one another! I can also remember the first snow Robert and I experienced together!! We were in Hartsville and he came over to my place on Barefoot. We laughed and watched Bailey jump around in this foreign white stuff! Bailey put a smile on our face and have no fear we took pictures! Snow is a beautiful thing! Thank you God for the snow I saw falling last night that sparked such sacred memories of God moments in my life today and yesterday and I am excited about the snow to come!

God is good!

Over the past couple of weeks I have discerned the idea of blogging! The idea of sharing our story and how God is at work in and through us! Wow! God said...Neeley go for it! Expose your faith, tell your story, reflect on the beauty of life! So here I am! Ready to tell our story of our beautiful families, our callings, our days as newlyweds (almost one year in two months!!!), and our thoughts!
I am currently in Montreat working on a conference for May! Its amazing how much planning happens for the future and it makes me ponder...am i really living for TODAY!
Nevertheless, the start of 2010 has been full of a plethora of God moments! Robert and I kicked off 2010 in Orlando, Florida in Disney World! I felt like i was 11 again with the fam exploring  Disney(i remember mom having the twins on a leash!!)!! We had a blast! On my way back to Charlote, I was held up at the airport. I was angry, frustrated, and sad. I realized in the airport by myself (not knowing how to be a "stand by" passagenger!!) how much I am so not in control! We struggle to control everything in our lives, at the moment, alone in the airport, I had to take a step back knowing GOD is in control!!! Goodness what a great feeling! Later that same day, I traveled back to home to Hartsville! Talk about experiencing God: lunch date with the one and only Jeri Perkins, afternoon visit with the Timberlakes and the Norwoods, and dinner date with incredible youth of First Presbyterian Church...goodness i miss you all! As I drove to Columbia that night, i couldn't help but thank God for yesterday, today, and tomorrow! Wow! AS i reflect back on 2009 - new home, new calling, newly wed,and all so so fun!God has definately led Robert and me down a beautiful path together!! Speaking of Robert, what an incredible man! i fall more and more in love with him as we learn more about each other through this married life! He has such ambition, a passion for his job, a dedication to his friends, and a love for our families and loves me!! i know i have said this before but Robert reminds me so much of you, Dad!!! I have married my best friend an am grateful!!! I love you Robert Lane!
So cheers to2010 and the journeys ahead of us!Looking forward to: running first 10k with Cara! Celebrating one year with Robert! Brat Pack Reunions! and many more fun times and memories with FAMILY!!
This past Friday i took a group of 20+ youth from Covenant (a place i love and have been able to grow so much!!) snow tubing...our passage for devotions was Ecclesiaties 3:1-8...A time for...and today is a time for reflection, a time for gratitude, a time to celebrate, and a time to be excited about what is to come!!!....So my first blog... a little scattered...i hope to get better at this!!
Pictures above: Us on New Years even and supporting the Charlotte bobcats!! o yes being sporty! Also, a picture of Bailey!!!!