BE where you are!

Tap, Tap, Shuffle Shuffle, Tap Tap Stomp! Yes, steps to a new tap dance I started learning last night! Imagine…10 years out of practice, a pair of tap shoes off ebay, and a willingness to dance again! I was thrilled! Yesterday evening I walked in the door of a dance studio ready to embark on my newest adventure of tap dancing after being out of practice for way too long! As the class proceeded I found myself totally immersed in the dance steps, embracing the routine, and letting my inner child dance her heart away. I found myself only thinking about making sure my feet were moving with the beat of the music and I lost myself tap dancing across the floor. I was truly there, truly present.

Today I took my first steps into Jernigan Hall on the campus of Queens University of Charlotte as I journeyed into orientation for fall semester at Union Presbyterian Seminary. Dean Currie elegantly shared that indeed these may have been our first steps in the classroom at Union Presbyterian Seminary ready to achieve a Masters of Divinity -  but they weren’t our first steps along our faith journey. A seasoned student share what all she had learned thus far in Seminary. She simply said, “BE where you are! When you are here studying the History of Christianity…be here! When you are at your child’s soccer game…be there! When you are at your job…be there! When you are catching up with a friend..be there! When you are with your family…be there!” She was saying…be where you are, truly present!

Life moves quickly. Time doesn’t slow down. Each of us has opportunities in our 24 hours of the day to be present: To be present with our vocations, to be present with our families, and to be present with ourselves. If we truly look at who we are and who God is calling us to be, I feel God is inviting us to be authentic, to be where we are, to simply be the child of God where God is calling us to be whether in job, relationship or in the silence. I pray I will practice being where I am in the days to come! From learning dance routines in tap class, facilitating a bible study, spending time with my husband, accompanying young people on their faith journey, enjoying time with loved ones, to reflecting on what it means to be a disciple, loving with my whole heart, and striving to be a servant leader…My prayer is that I am in the moment!

What I learned this Summer!

The Summer of 2010...WOW what a journey! Philly, Yucatan, 4th of July, Montreat, Montreat Middle, Seminary Acceptance, Bahamas Cruise, and relaxing days at the beach! WOW! A summer of beautiful chaos! As I traveled by bus, air, golf cart, car, boat, and foot the past two months I have witness COMMUNITY in many forms. At Broadstreet Ministry God revealed Godself through an inner city mission to share God's love and grace to all in the city of Brotherly Love. Through urban gardening, manna food bank, and various other outreach ministries, God is alive and moving through the streets of Philly! I saw community when people from all walks of life, those dealing with homelessness, young and old, those of power, servants and those needing to be served worshipped together with our youth from Covenant Presbyterian! Community. God revealed a similar community in Piste, Yucatan. Our Mexican brothers and sisters extended radical hospitality to our Covenant youth through smiles, song, food, and the opportunity to work together to build the foundation of their church. The children of Piste elegantly shined the love of God through their curiosity and youthfulness. Community.
Like every July 4th, the family gathered for another year to celebrate our country. We had matching shirts and smiles as we decorated the golf cart for the fourth of July parade! During this time I was touched by the intimate community of family. Community. After a week of playing and laughing with the fam, I packed up and journeyed to Montreat! Talk about community..I felt it as soon as I enter the Montreat gate! Old and New friends worshipping together, God truly reveals Godself throughout the Montreat experience. The community I felt this July with the group from Covenant inMontreat is the same community I was able to experience as a young person going to Montreat for the first time. It was such a gift to share that with such precious young people. Community. After a week, I still hadn't had enough of Montreat...next stop Presbyterian College for Montreat Middle School Conference! You would think by now I would be homesick but in fact I was home! Montreat + PC+ a community of many years...it was amazing! Watching 600 middle school youth worship, dance, engage in conversation around scriptures, and so much more gave me a glimpse of what the kingdom of God looks like here on earth. I strive to see God's kingdom each and every day in new ways, to be touched, challenged, and responsive to God's blessings. Therefore, it is no surprise I applied to seminary this summer. I will be attending seminary starting in September for a Masters of Divinity! Talk about challenge, I am scared out of my mind! Yet... I am looking forward to the community I will be able to experience with other people desiring to know God more, to know who God is calling us to be, and to go out and share that with the world, with our communities! I will still work full time at Covenant and on Saturday I will hit the classroom! A little anxious about being a student again.
So this summer I have had the privilege of living in community in various places full of God's sweet sweet grace! I have learned that community is about relationships, fellowship, servitude, openness, forgiveness, accountability, love, and sharing in each others stories through this so called journey of life!
Thanks be to God for all the communities that taught me so much about living the life of Jesus today!

The Home that Built me!

This morning around 930am I was making my way to work...driving, singing, (not talking on the phone!!), and enjoying another sunny day to live in thanksgiving for God's grace all around me! As I was in my own little world (still recognizing stop lights!) I started to tear up...For some reason unknown to me I started  thinking about Dahlonega...more speficially 45 Highland Road S, Dahlonega, GA! Home of the Rentz's! From the front porch, the basketball goal, the fish pond, the junk drawer, the sun porch, the laundry room, the twins room (that was often a hotel, a resturant, a school room, and much more), our girls bathroom with our pretend slip and slide! Memories kept flashing before me...hitting a soft ball and almost taking out an upstairs window...trampoline routines for mom and dad...planting flowers over and over again in front ofthe garage...fish sticks and shell mac and cheese at the bar...the shelves dad put in the laundry room in attempt to organize all us girls...and so many more! I realized that as I get older I am more grateful for the little things! It is my past that allows me to embrace the present with gratitude! A past that built me, encouraged me...and yes most of it took place on 45 highland road south in good ole sky country! It is true that faith formation starts in the home...life formation starts in the home as well! Goodness I can't believe I am saying that!!!! The more I grow as a person, as a wife, as a friend, as a sister, as a daughter, as a disciple I notice that what I believe, what I hold true, what I aspire to be...it all started with a goodnight kiss from dad, a long laundry room talk with mom, a night of catching fire flies with my sisters....The more I serve in the church and get to know young peoples stories and share in their faith journey, the more my faith journey is made apparent to me! From Ms. Mary in Sunday school, to Frank, to Mrs. Green in 8th grade, Rhubarb, Michelle, Big John all loving me, from my family, my parents, my sisters looking up to me, to Ann Stidham at Presbyterian College and Jeri in Hartsville...My faith journey has been molded by incredible people and it all started in the Home that built me!!!
This past week Robert and I were able to take some time to celebrate our First Anniversary (that was back in March!). We went to Wilson and gathered to break bread around the table with the Lane family! I love seeing the Home that built Robert! His parents who provided a foundation of love and affirmation! What a blessing! Then we journeyed to Morehead City where Robert was able to show me where he spent many days on the beach and the resturants he enjoyed growing up! It was such a gift to hear his stories about memories he carries! We even went fishing with his High school principal!
So the song, "the House that built me," I like it...its a little cheesy..but i do like it...I would just change it up a bit...I am not broken but am constantly being shaped, molded, and reconstructed by The Potter! Thank goodness we are the clay!

May we always remember where we came from, may we always embrace TODAY, may we always pray for our future! Thank you Lord Jesus for the Home that continues to Build me!

Priceless Gifts!

It was on Friday, a simple walk with Angie and Margaret!!! It was on Friday, a simple ice cream date with cousin Edward! It was on Friday, a simple shopping spree with sister Maggie! It was on Friday, a simple conversation with Aunt Ashley! It was on Friday, that I felt many simple but PRICELESS gifts all around me! YET it was on Saturday, a simple note from my sister Bubba to Brooks, a toast by Aunt Linda and Uncle Bob, and a simple letter to my precious cousin from MR. Guy. You see Mr. Guy, before he entered the church triumphant wrote a  letter to cousin Brooks for her graduation day! Memama read his letter to BRooks, it was on a Saturday! Brooks, sweet little babygirl, I pray you had the most perfect day celebrating many years of Hammond!

Brooks' High School Graduation Day!

Bailey pictured above!

Memama reading Mr. Guy's letter to Brooks!

Robert...STATE CHAMPS!!!

Grilling out in our backyard!!!

All the cousins celebrating BRooks!!

It was on a Sunday, a simple Pentecost party at Covenant! It was on a Sunday, a simple picture I took of Bailey! It was on a Sunday, a typical Sunday night at the Lane's home, YET It was on a Sunday, that Robert and I shared an evening together grilling out and enjoying the beautiful weather! It was on Sunday, that Robert won U13 Club state champs! It was on Sunday, that I was so proud that all the sacrifices he had made had paid off! It was THAT Sunday night, Robert stood up in our backyard and said..."I have felt so blessed today...won club, have a good dog :), like my job, grilling out, have a home to come home too, have a wife that loves me, I have felt so blessed today!" Robert, Thank you for your words on Sunday!

All Priceless Gifts indeed!!!

Time is a' Tickin!

So I am here in Montreat (again!) surrounded by God's creation, sitting on the porch... feeling God's spirit in the wind, seeing God's smile in the curves of the decorated mountains, hearing chatter and laughter of those who serve each day participating in God's ministry in churches from all over. Our theme at Annual Recreation Workshop - "To Know God's contagious JOY, and share it faithfully in the world," is It's About Time! The past four days we have worshipped together, laughted together, danced in our 80s costumes, prayed as a Body, and made friendships deepen old and new! It's About Time...for what, for who, for where....God is calling us to GO, but God is also calling us to BE! One of my favorite songs is David Lamotte's song - No Time like the Present. I have been reminded to embrace each day, hold on to every hug, savor every smell that sparks a memory! I have been refreshed to take hold of life eternal TODAY! Yesterday morning in worship we heard a story about a dad talking about his little girl growing up and how he took pictures of her in her young years of curiosity and wonder! How he watched his little girl grow up in time..how he was the one saying STOP growing.... instead of WOW embrace this time, the seconds, the hours, the days, the years that she is growing....growing into the beautiful young lady God is molding her to be! So ofcourse I cried tears of thanksgiving as I reflected on the little girls in my life I have watched grow...first and foremost my sisters, and then my cousins! Goodness God is so so good! then I think of the little girls from Dahlonega that are now graduating highschool that used to come and watch me get ready for a football game when i was cheering, the little girls at thornwell home for children that gave me so much hope while at PC, the little girls at FPC Hartsville that have just been confirmed! Then we watched the opening clip to the movie "Up!" (It was a scene of a couple who met, married, and grew together...go watch it!)  and we watched a scene from "The Bucket List" (two men who are battling cancer BUT don't let that stop time!)  Time flies! Time is a gift! The good news...is that its all GOD's TIME not ours!!!! Our time is measured, God's time is eternal! WOW! So I sit here in Montreat, praying, smiling and saying thank you Jesus! I pray that i spend my time letting my sweet husband know that I love him to the moon and back! I pray that I spend my time every minute of the day worshipping our God through relationships with people near and far! I pray that I spend my time...DANCING! Dance then WHEREVER you may be, I AM the Lord of the DANCE said HE!
I pray the prayer my parents taught me to pray...Make me be a sweet little girl and keep me safe through the night! Amen

(David Lamotte song lyrics below!)

He's got a meeting at six-thirty, so he won't have time to stay

For dinner with his darling and his daughter on the way

He's fighting down the freeway, sewing up that dotted line

There's no time like the present and there's no present like time

The little one gets presents for a little consolation

He gives her her own telephone but not much conversation

She asks him for a moment like a beggar for a dime

There's no time like the present and there's no present like time

Model student in her high school, does her homework every night

Sends her mortarboard flying with her future looking bright

Hangs the tassel from the mirror of the present parked outside

There's no time like the present and there's no present like time

Now there's a husband and a daughter and a lot of bills to pay

Everyone needs something from her and they all need it today

But she can't be omnipresent when she's working overtime

There's no time like the present and there's no present like time

While thinking about David Lamotte, I thought i would share my other favorite song by him!

"We are each others Angels"

Well I hope I see you later

'Cause it's time for me to go

Someone just pulled over

Sure was good to know you

Go answer your calling

Go and fill somebody's cup

And if you see an angel falling

Won't you stop and help them up

'Cause we are each other's angels

And we meet when it is time

We keep each other going

And we show each other signs

Sometimes you will stumble

Sometimes you might fall down

Sometimes you will get lonely

With all these people around

You might shiver when the wind blows

And you might get blown away

You might even lose your colors

But don't you ever lose your faith

we are each other's angels

And we meet when it is time

We keep each other going

And we show each other signs

Thank you for the water

I thought I was gonna die out here in the desert

But you quenched my thirst

Let's break a little bread together

I've got a little manna

It was a gift

From somebody who was passing by

And offered me a lift

Now go answer your calling

Go and fill somebody's cup

And if you see an angel falling

Won't you stop and help them up

We are each other's angels

And we meet when it is time

We keep each other going

And we show each other signs

A Family Tradition!

       If you know my dad, you know he is in a tie day in and day out as he scrurries around the halls of the middle schools he has served for years. However, if you know my dad, you know that when he is home on Saturdays cleaning out the latest junk drawer, rearranging a closet, cutting grass, getting the boat ready... he is in a t-shirt...usually the same t-shirt...an ARCHIE shirt! You see, especially when Dad has a week off, he doesn't pack a plethora of clothes...he has his grey shorts, khaki shorts, a plain red golf shirt, and his archie t-shirt! In fact, Dad wore/wears it so much my uncles started making fun of him! Well dad got the last laugh one Christmas when he gave everyone an ARCHIE's shirt! Then several years later on the night Robert proposed, Uncle Bob gave us a toast...and Robert his ARCHIE shirt!
               Family Traditions are blessings! Even the smallest traditions carry much joy and celebration! Robert and I have the same advent wreath mom put on the table in dahlonega (and the same leaves catch on fire every year!)! Thanksgiving outside at uncle ron's house in Florida every year and the traditions of going to Bamma's house to gather to break bread with Robert's family! Traditions carry a story! The Bible is full of traditions and lessons that we carry out today...breaking bread together, oral stories passed down from generation to generation, love kindess, and servant leadership!
           Two days ago, I celebrated year 26! goodness, 30 is WAY to close! Nevertheless, my birthday present from Robert is a continuation of a new tradition! You see, my great grandmother, Kathleen Neeley, with whom I am named after, had a farm...a beautiful farm, that my mom grew up on! My mom, Debra Kathleen, would play at her grandmothers home, watch her cook, watch her care for her home and grandchildren, and her 5 boys...my great grandmother had a home, not a house. Momma  always says there is a difference adn "Momma knows!!" (love you mom!). Well, my great grandmothers farm is being surrounded by roads and growth. My uncle alfred has lived his life's journey in this home, caring for it. Side note: one of the best complements my Papa has ever given me is that I am like his mother, my great grandmother, Kathleen Neeley! Anyway, back on track. Momma asked Dad to go to "the farm" and use some of the wood to make momma a mailbox! So like my wonderful dad, Dad made momma a mailbox out of wood from "the burnside farm"! That mailbox welcomed our family home in Dahlonega for a couple of years and now welcomes them home in St. Simons. Well, robert and I have a home now and I wanted a sentimental mailbox!!! AND DID I GET ONE!! For my 26th birthday Robert gave me our first mailbox! A mailbox that represents us; a mailbox that day in and day out will welcome us home! You see, traditions tell a story! Robert, I hope you know how much having "our mailbox" means to me! We have the best mailbox in Charlotte Mecklenburg County that is for sure!! Momma and Dad, thank you for the traditions you gave me! The Lanes, thank you for the traditions you have welcomed me in to! Great Grandmother, Kathleen Neeley, thank you for leaving your mark on my momma to spark such a tradition! Precious Jesus, thank you for your journey so we may share your story and pass on the Christian tradition!

Pictures include: the FIRST Archie Shirt pass down at Memama's home! and Robert's Archie initiation on the 4th of July!

Pictures include: the mailbox Robert made me!

Lift High the Cross: Easter and the Pelican Perch

Wow! The sun was shining, smiles a glowing! Robert and I were worshipping in Hartsville with my three little sisters! We were home! We worshipped with the family that nourished us in our early days of dating and celebrated with us upon our engagement! Jeri in the pulpit, Anna directing the choir, children giggling, youth passing notes...we were home! During "Lift High the Cross" I looked around the sanctuary in Hartsville...all the faces that nurtured Robert and me for 3 years! I looked down the pew at my sisters singing "Jesus Christ is Risen today" and my heart melted! What a beautiful celebration indeed! After worship and a delightful meal wtih the Perkins, Robert and I loaded up and headed to the beach..to the Pelican Perch! Once we got there, it hit me... this is another place i call home! The Pelican Perch, for 15 years, as been the hub of family memories! Birthdays, 4 of July parade and fireworks, spring breaks growing up, girls reunions, family time, our engagement, making family videos, and so much more! Robert and I immediately went to walk on the beach...the same beach he proposed on, the same beach my sisters and cousins first played on, the beach of the annual bacce ball tournament, the beach that at 5 oclock during the summer we covered with boiled peanuts and laughter, the beach that for 15 years has brought much happiness to our lives! The breeze and rays of sun were refreshing! That next morning, when i woke, after a yummy breakfast at eggs up and sending robert off to play golf with some good buddies, I sat on the back porch with the sun in my face reflecting on life spent at the Pelican Perch! The beautiful memories it holds...the voices that echo through the bedrooms and living room, the meals that have been blessed around the table, mr. guy dancing last year when we had "Club Chub" (Chub is memama's nickname) during the 4th of July celebration! What a great way that morning to reflect on Easter! Robert and I were Home in so many ways this past weekend! Last night we went to purchase plantation blinds for our home in charlotte as we start leaving our handprints on the walls of our first home! We are making another home, another place that holds a cherished spot in our lives together! Spring is here! Jesus Christ has Risen Indeed! May today we celebrated the "places" God has blessed us with to make precious memories and New Life to come!

Spring at the Lane's!

Bubba and I baking Easter desserts!

Showing off our Easter Cake and Cupcakes!!! So festive!

Easter Morning with Maggie and Robbie!

EASTER SUNDAY 2010

THE PELICAN PERCH!!